July 26, 2013

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

The Jewish Omaha Film Festival

July 26, 2013 19 Av 5773 Vol. 93 | No. 45

This Week

Aaron Kurtzman receives Schreibman Scholarship by STAN MALISZEWSKI Jake J. Schreibman Foundation The Jake J. Schreibman Foundation is pleased to announce that Aaron Kurtzman has been selected as the winner for the 2013-

An American in Montescot Page 6

Maccabiah bar mitzvah ceremony proves games are more than sports Page 7

by MARK KIRCHHOFF Administrative Assistant, The Center for Jewish Life The 12th annual Omaha Jewish Film Festival begins Aug. 11 with the traditional deli dinner at 6 p.m. followed by the movie at 7 p.m. The dinner has proven to be a great time for people to socialize and enjoy the meal prepared under the supervision of Chef Mike Aparo in the kosher kitchen of the Star Deli. The menu will feature turkey, corned beef, and pastrami sandwiches plus coleslaw, chips, dessert and drinks. Dinner will be served in the Social Hall. At 7 p.m. the feature film The Ballad of the Weeping Spring, will be shown in the JCC Theater. Cost for the deli meal is $12 and a movie ticket is $8. You may attend either or both of these events.

Advanced reservations are required for the dinner. To make your reservations, call or email Mark Kirchhoff, 402.334.6463 or mkirchhoff@jewish omaha.org by noon on Aug. 9. The festival will continue on Thursday, Aug. 18, Sunday, Aug. 21, and Thursday Aug. 25. All films will be shown at 7 p.m. in the JCC Theater. The Ballad of the Weeping Spring, a 2012 Israeli film in Hebrew with English subtitles will be shown at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 11. This film is not the typical political film out of Israel that frequently makes it to America. It is a film with a goal of bringing issues to light, and informing the world about what is happening in and around Israel. In that sense, it is a breath of fresh air. The Ballad of Weeping Spring is about a

young man trying to grant his father’s dying wish – for his son to play one last song for him. The son sets out to find his father’s old band mates to join him in fulfilling this wish. Throughout his travels, he becomes acquainted with an interesting and distinct cast of characters that agree to help him put on this final performance for his father. As the film continues, questions are answered and backstories are revealed which thicken the plot. The film runs for 106 minutes. Aug. 18 will feature the film The Other Son, which was released in France in 2012. The movie is in French with English subtitles and runs 105 minutes. The story is that of two babies who are born at about the Continued on page 2

Come home to Tifereth Israel @100 Beersheva is hoping to bloom Page 12

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memorium

Next Week Health and Wellness See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press

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by BRENDA F. INGRAHAM President, Tifereth Israel Synagogue A large cornerstone near the entrance to Lincoln’s Tifereth Israel Synagogue proclaims the founding date of the synagogue: 5673. One hundred years later, on the weekend of Aug. 2-4 [26-27 Av], almost 150 congregants and former congregants from all over America, along with three former rabbis and their families, and two chazzanim -- will join together to observe this centennial birthday with a gala Homecoming. Those attending will greet Rabbi Mark and Fredda Bisman of Arizona, Rabbi Ian and Suri Jacknis of New York, and Rabbi Stanley Rosenbaum of Iowa. We will be uplifted by the chanting of native sons, Cantor Mark Kushner of Pennsylvania and Daniel Neiden of New York. We will share reminiscences, Shabbat services and meals, Havdalah, and great joy together. Marcia Kushner and Joyce David-

son, co-chairs of this milestone reunion, have spent the past year working and planning, along with a stellar committee of supporters. Together

tell as we reminisce with each other. These shared stories will be preserved in a memory book that will be made available at our Homecoming.”

they have planned a Homecoming weekend for all of us to remember. In addition to Erev Shabbat and Shabbat morning services in our lovely sanctuary, we will enjoy an elegant Shabbat dinner on Friday evening, a full kiddush luncheon after Shabbat services on Saturday, Havdalah, and a gala Wine and Cheese reception Saturday evening... all capped off with a poolside Farewell Brunch on Sunday morning. The highlight of this weekend will certainly be the shared stories and reminiscences. Co-chair Marcia Kushner observes, “At this landmark in our congregation’s history, we really want to capture our impressive past through the stories that we will

Judging from the memories that have been recorded and sent in thus far, the minds and hearts of the almost150 attendees will be well-rewarded. Native son Morris Allen, the founding rabbi at Beth Jacob Synagogue in Minneapolis, remembers that “the shul was not simply a place to daven; it was the center of our lives and the means by which we lived full and meaningful Jewish lives.” Many such reminiscences, both humorous and poignant, have already been recorded on the Homecoming website at www.tiferethisrael100.org. These memories are rich and varied. Co-chair Joyce Davidson recalls that her family laid firm roots in Continued on page 3

Aaron Kurtzman 2014 academic year. Jake J. Schreibman Freshman Year Scholarship has been awarded to Jewish students residing in the Omaha community since 1997. The award is based on student need and was designed to aid those students who were accepted to schools the cost of which would be a burden on the student’s family. The award amount is partly based on student need and may be up to $10,000. All Jewish high school seniors attending any high school in the greater Omaha metropolitan area are eligible to apply. The Schreibman scholarship was established in honor of Jake J. Schreibman who was born in Omaha, March 6, 1911. He graduated from Omaha Central High School in 1927, was a member of the Jewish Community Center where he won several awards as an athlete, and during World War II, he served as a medic in the Pacific Theater. After a lifetime “hobby” of financial investing, he died in 1994, and the Jake J. Schreibman Foundation was established to serve the Omaha Jewish Community. What better way to accomplish this objective than to focus on the education of the young people who were about to enter college. To this end, the Jake J. Schreibman Freshman Year Scholarship has helped provide funding for the past two decades enabling students to attend the school of his or her choice. Selection criteria includes resiliency with overcoming obstacles to academic success, grades and participation in rigorous courses; letters of recommendation; Continued on page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | July 26, 2013

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What do you do all summer? by PAM COHN Principal, Friedel Jewish Academy I can’t tell you how many people ask me that question. They just assume if you are an educator that you have the summer months off. But if that were really the case, how would the preparations for the next school year get done? As you are aware, Friedel is just wrapping up a major expansion project that added a full service kitchen, two additional classrooms, an expanded office and commons area, a teacher workroom, health room, additional restroom and a Board meeting room. As I write this article, workers are busy working on outside landscaping and each of the existing classrooms is having the original carpet replaced. Friedel is buzzing with activity in anticipation of the stu-

dents arriving for their first day of school on Aug. 14. This all could not have happened without the generous support of our many capital campaign donors. A small token of our appreciation is their recognition on our new donor wall. As you walk into the canteen of the JCC, the donor wall can be seen directly on the right. Friedel Jewish Academy is truly a gem of the Jewish Community of Omaha. We would like to share our special space with you. Please consider having your next event or meeting at our newly remodeled building, better yet, come for a tour when school is in session to see the wonders of Friedel with your own eyes. Thanks to our donors, Friedel Jewish Academy is a school that will continue to be a source of pride to the Omaha Jewish Community.

The Jewish Omaha Film Festival Continued from page 1 same time in an Israeli hospital. One is Israeli, the other is Palestinian. They’re evacuated during a missile attack, accidentally switched and raised by each other’s families for the next 18 years. The intrigue grows when the mistake is discovered and the reactions of the families are revealed. What will be most disturbing: that their sons have been raised by the enemy or that their sons have been raised in another religion? What difference did the switch make, really? On the outside they both look either Arab or Jewish depending on how you wish to think of them. How do they feel about themselves? How do family members react to them? This intriguing film by co-writer and director Lorraine Levy received three and one half stars on Roger Ebert’s four-star scale. Do you think you have heard all you wish to hear about the song Hava Nagilia? Have you heard it sung so many times you are uncertain if you love it or hate it? Well, take a look at this film being shown on Aug. 21 and you will realize that you have only scratched the surface. Hava Nagilia – The Movie is a 75-minute American film in English. The song has been likened to “a portal into a century-and-a-half of Jewish history”. Director Roberta Grossman embarks on a global “Hava quest” to find out how this song went from the Ukraine where it began as a wordless prayer to YouTube. So brace yourself for a Hava-palooza. Grossman unearths a dizzying array of clips from films and TV shows in which Hava Nagila has been featured. Private Benjamin, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Wedding Crashers, Daddy Day Care, The Danny Kay Show, The Ed Sullivan Show, and The Simpsons and a host of others have all featured Hava Nagilia. There is also an impressive array of performers who have added the song to their repertoires – among them: Bruce Springsteen, Glen Campbell, Chubby Checker, Lena Horne, Bob Dylan. What? Bob Dylan? Well, no one said the performers were always well-suited to the song. This movie is a celebration unto itself – with some educational value as well. As with all the Film Festival films, it will be screened at 7 p.m. in the JCC Theater. Up the Wrong Tree is the third full-length feature film by

screenwriter and director Gur Bentvich, acclaimed by Haaretz.com as the film that has now placed Bentvich among the top Israeli directors. The film completes this year’s Omaha Jewish Film Festival on Thursday, Aug. 25, once again in the JCC Theater at 7 p.m. At first glance the film seems light and amusing, but at its core it is a work connected to issues of personal and public responsibility and commitment. It is the story of Nits, a restless bum and a hopeless cynic as he returns from his journey with an obsessive intention of bringing back his ex-girlfriend and their beloved dog. She, however, throws him down the drain and so he finds himself, contrary to his anti-political and antieverything attitude, stuck on top of a tree overlooking his beloved’s apartment fearlessly leading an environmental battle against real estate sharks. For once in his life, he finds some comfort by staying put. He refuses to come down even when the bulldozers charge in. Perhaps it’s because he’s had enough time on the road and finally understands there’s nowhere to run to, and perhaps because he can’t remember what he’s doing up that tree in the first place. Up the Wrong Tree will prove to be both provocative and entertaining. It is in Hebrew with English subtitles and runs 90 minutes. All movies will be shown in the JCC Theater beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 per person and may be purchased at the door. Dinner reservations for Aug. 11 must be made in advance by contacting Mark Kirchhoff, 402.334.6464 or mkirchhoff@jewishomaha.org. The cost for dinner is $12. Many thanks to Film Festival Committee members Eunice Denenberg, Renee Kasner, Eadie Tsabari, Jill Erman, and Douglas Benn for their work in selecting this year’s films. The Jewish Film Festival is presented by The Center for Jewish Life as part of its mission to maximize involvement of Omaha’s Jewish community in imaginative, compelling and meaningful Jewish experiences. The Film Festival is generously sponsored by the Todd and Betiana Simon Foundation with additional support from the Henry Monsky Lodge of B’nai B’rith and the Avy L. and Roberta L. Miller Foundation by Lindsey Miller-Lerman. For more information, please call 402.334.6463.

Aaron Kurtzman Continued from page 1 employment experience; active participation in athletics, band, cheerleading, DECA, and/or other extracurricular activity leadership positions; essay composition; and a personal interview. This year’s recipient, Aaron Kurtzman, graduated in May from Burke High School and will attend Yeshiva University in New York City. Aaron has a deep interest in government and plans to major in political science. An observant Jew, he is also excited to attend YU. In his application essay Aaron wrote: “At Yeshiva University, I will be able to fully and comfortably embrace my Jewish heritage... I believe that at Yeshiva University, I will continue to grow into a strong, committed Jewish man and leader.” Marlene Bernstein, who is Schreibman’s niece, is the Executive Director of the Schreibman Foundation. “Our focus has always been to support those students who have overcome with integrity some obstacle in their lives and

those who have worked not only at school but also have worked to contribute financially for college.” Bernstein looks forward to the personal interviews each year. “It is a pleasure to spend time with the students and hear directly of the plans and goals each one has set for themselves.” She finished saying, “the decision of choosing the recipient of the scholarship is typically quite difficult, but interviewing each one in person has given us the opportunity to discover something that sets the chosen recipient apart from the others. It is usually that intangible something that doesn’t appear in their scores, grades, recommendations, or personal essays.” Application information for the Scriebman scholarship is available in January of each year from area high school counseling offices and on the Center for Jewish Life scholarship section at www.jewishomaha.org. The application deadline is typically mid-February. For additional information, please email sjmalisz@u.arizona.edu or call 520.360.7476.

July 26, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 3

Come home to Tifereth Israel Continued from page 1 Lincoln even before 1913. “My paternal great-grandfather, Soulle Gordon, served as the shul ‘functionary’ in the late 1880’s. In this capacity, he performed marriages, served as shochet, taught boys for their Bar Mitzvah ceremonies, and conducted Shabbat and High Holy Day services. His grandson, my father Bill Davidson, was born in 1912. He went on to serve as President of the congregation from 1962-1966.” The legacy continues. Lincoln’s Tifereth Israel has produced a surprising number of notable men and women. Marcia points out that “out of our relatively small synagogue, we have had many congregants who have achieved on a national scale in a variety of professions and activities.” Their numbers have included four rabbis -Daniel Allen, Morris Allen, Michael Graetz, Joshua Coren; one Cantor-- Mark Kushner; a former Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court -- Norman Krivosha; a President of the University of Nebraska -- Joseph Soshnik; Professor and Chair of the UNL Department of Music -- Emanuel Wishnow, civic leader and guiding force behind our current synagogue building -- Leo Hill; and Lincoln City Council Member and Election Commissioner -- Bill Davidson, among many others. We also boast World War II veterans: Max Neiden, who was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the late Ruth Levinson who joined the American Red Cross in World War II, serving in England, France and Luxembourg. Our late member, Sally Gordon, was recognized nationally for her incredibly long service to the Nebraska

Tifereth Israel State Legislature, as was the late Selma Bernstien, who served on the national Board

of Hadassah. We are proud that Tifereth Israel has played and continues to play a vital and spiritually nourishing role in the lives of its members and its community. Our superb Lay Spiritual Leader, Nancy Coren, defines us well. ‘’Some communities pride themselves on their size. I have been known to call Tifereth Israel our Little Shul on the Prairie. Perhaps it is because of its relative lack of size that we are able to understand that if Conservative Jewish values are to be lived out to their fullest extent, then it must, by necessity, require active involvement on the part of all. Some of us give of our time by preparing meals, some by calling other congregants to

check on their well-being, some by preparing bodies for burial or sitting through the night as shomrim, some by reading Torah and Haftorah, some by opening our homes to guests at holiday times. The list could go on and on. The bottom line is that at Tifereth Israel our small size does not prevent us from having big hearts or deep pockets. We maintain our presence because we are committed to Jewish life in Lincoln and worldwide. Happy are we that this Little Shul on the Prairie is not just a shul, but a home for us, a place where we can love one another in our pursuit of connecting with G-d.” And that is why, dear Reader, we will Come Home next week to TI@100.

Judy Brookstein honored by LOVE by OZZIE NOGG Long-time volunteer Judy Brookstein was recently honored for her service as Past-president of L.O.V.E. (League Offering Volunteers for the Elderly). Brookstein has been a member of the organization’s Board since 1997. Current L.O.V.E. President, Jim Wax, presented Brookstein with a contemporary desk clock inscribed with the words, ‘In appreciation of your deep commitment and service to L.O.V.E. and the residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home’ -- an appropriate gift that represents the time Brookstein devoted, and continues to devote, to the organization and its work. Even though she no longer has official duties, you’ll still find Judy at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home every Wednesday afternoon. “She visits with residents, helps in the Gift Shop and works on other L.O.V.E. projects,” said Lois Wine, Director of Volunteer Services for the RBJH.

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In accepting the award, Brookstein said, “During my time on the L.O.V.E. board, I have served in many different positions. I’ve seen the Home reopen in all its new splendor, celebrated the 40th anniversary of L.O.V.E., and seen our auxiliary raise large sums of money to benefit the men and women who call the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home ‘their home’. It is our responsibility to ensure and conJudy Brookstein and Jim Wax tinue the purpose of “Judaism teaches that the elderly be held in L.O.V.E., which is to take care of those who the highest regard and that our responsibil- have taken care of us. It has been my honor ity is to show them special treatment. Judy and passion to be a small part of this wonBrookstein does exactly that.” derful organization.”

RBJH Admissions Coordinator The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home is looking for that special person to be our new Admissions Coordinator. Embrace our customer service approach in the preadmission, admission and follow-up process. Qualifications: • Baccalaureate Degree in Social Work or • related field • Geriatrics experience preferred • Comfortable with Microsoft Office • products For more information contact Shelly Fox at sfox@rbjh.com.

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Jessie Wees | 402.334.6559 | jwees@jewishomaha.org

4 | The Jewish Press | July 26, 2013

How Taglit-Birthright confirmed my personal identity as a Jew by NATHAN WOLF In Hebrew, the word Taglit means “discovery”, which is the perfect way to describe what my experience on my TaglitBirthright trip was like. I spent 10 days with 39 other young Jews, along with four staff members – two of which were former Birthrighters, the other two being our Israeli medic and tour guide. We also had the privilege of getting to know eight IDF soldiers for five days of the trip. They lived with us, and experienced what we were experiencing, making their own discoveries along the way. The trip I attended was the Young Judaea Family and Friends trip. I thought the name meant that I was going to make lots of friends that would become family, which I did, but in reality, the trip was meant for people to discover Israel with their relatives or close friends. A few of us were there on our own, but everyone quickly became close, and I now feel like I met a new family of 50 or so people from all over the place. It’s a cliché to say, but it is true that we formed bonds that will last a lifetime. Our trip was jam-packed full of activities. In just 10 short days, we spent time on several kibbutzim, visited the Golan Heights, took a tour of street art in Tel Aviv, did several hikes, saw the sunrise on Mount Masada, swam in the Dead Sea, as well as lots of other fun activities. In addition to the fun, we had several deep, emotional learning experiences. One morning, we went to Mt. Herzl, which is the site of the Israeli national cemetery.

There, we learned various personal stories of people that are buried there and became closer as a group through emotion. The next day, we visited Yad Vashem, and our extremely knowledgeable tour guide taught us things we never would have learned on our own in the museum. All in all, I feel that Taglit-Birthright is a wonderful opportunity for young Jews to understand Israel, Zionism, and their own Judaism. Thanks to this trip and these activities, I now understand my Judaism more than ever before. In the past, I didn’t quite understand the differences between being an observant Jew versus being culturally Jewish. I learned and I now understand that I am just culturally Jewish, and that I don’t need to be observant for that to be the case. I now feel a strong personal connection to the land of Israel. So my thanks goes out to Young Judaea for organizing my trip, to the Taglit-Birthright organization for sponsoring the trip, to Charles Bronfman and Michael Steinhardt for founding the organization, to all the private philanthropists for their donations to Birthright, and to the Israeli government for allowing thousands of young Jews from around the world to enter Israel on Birthright every year. Nathan Wolf graduated from the University of Iowa in May, 2013, with a degree in Mathematics. He will be moving to Chengdu, China in September, 2013, to teach English.

Mainstreeters in August by OZZIE NOGG August Mainstreeters programs promise music, a picnic and a great feature film, so put these dates on your calendar. Keefer Peterson: A Musical Journey Around the World. Monday, Aug. 19, 12:15 p.m. Lunch in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Auditorium. Please note the earlier time. With over 25 years of experience as a pianist and music director, Keefer has created stellar productions and been nominated for numerous Theater Arts Guild awards in musical direction. He is also a certified yoga instructor and the pianist at the Blumkin Home Tuesday sing-alongs. Don’t miss this performance by an RBJH favorite. For your entree, choose either Chicken Chow Mein or Vegetable Chow Mein, both served with egg drop soup, rice, crunchy noodles, fortune cookies and beverages. Cost is $11.50 per plate. Make checks payable to Jewish Social Services and send full payment to: Mainstreeters c/o Maggie Conti, 323 So. 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. Reservations are appreciated by Monday, Aug. 12. For information and transportation, call Linda Abrams Tederman at 402.468.4939. Mainstreeters Annual Summer Picnic: Sunday, Aug. 25, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Chalco Hills Recreation Area Nature Resources Center. Come enjoy the food and fun. Cost is $6.00 per person. Tim Javorsky, saxophone and vocalist, will provide entertainment. Tim has always had a passion for entertaining people. While in college studying classical sax and voice, Tim began a DJ service that delighted people at school functions, weddings and more. After leaving school for the “real world” Tim started a pep band. Thanks to the encouragement of his wife, Dorothy, Tim continues to wow audiences of all ages through his involvement with the Pinewood Bowl Pit Orchestra, the Lincoln Civic Orchestra and the Lincoln Community Concert Band. He’ll wow you, too. Boston Market rotisserie chicken and beverages will be provided. Please bring a side dish to share with the group. If your last name begins with A through G, bring something sweet. If your last name begins with H through Z, please bring a salad. Make checks payable to Jewish Social Services and send reservation with full payment to: Mainstreeters c/o Maggie Conti, 323 So. 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. Reservations are appreciated by Monday, Aug. 19. Call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521 with questions. Join Us at the Movies: 42. The True Story of an American Legend. Friday, Aug. 30, 1 p.m. in the JCC Theater. No

charge for the film or for unlimited bags of warm, delicious popcorn. No reservations necessary. Invite a friend. 42 tells the story of the great Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) and legendary Brooklyn Dodgers General Manager Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford) whose brave stand against prejudice forever changed the world by changing the game of baseball. But the deal put both Robinson and Rickey in the firing line of the public, the press, and even other players. Facing racism from every side, Robinson was forced to demonstrate tremendous courage and restraint by not reacting in kind, knowing that any incident could destroy his and Rickey’s hopes. Have lunch on your own before the movie at the Star Deli in the RBJH Auditorium. The Deli opens for business at 11:30 a.m. Call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521 with questions or to reserve a table. Mainstreeters welcomes all Jewish residents of the Omaha area age 60 plus. “Tell your friends and join us for all our programs,” said Maggie Conti, Director of Activities and Outreach Programs at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. “Monthly luncheons, live theater, all kinds of classes, movies, and the summer picnic are just a few of our diverse activities.” Mainstreeters is partially funded by a grant from the United Way of the Midlands.

In the news Theodore “Ted” M. Seldin, chairman of Omaha-based Seldin Company, received the University of Iowa’s Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award, the University of Iowa Alumni Association’s highest honor. Seldin received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1953 and Juris Doctorate in 1955 from the University of Iowa’s College of Law. Immediately after graduation, he began active duty as a staff judge advocate in the U.S. Air Force. He joined his family’s real estate and construction company in 1957 and co-founded Seldin Company in the 1980s. He still serves as the company’s chairman.

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July 26, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 5

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Community Calendar FRIDAY, JULY 26 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Temple Israel Shabbbat Comes to you at the Rose Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. SATURDAY, JULY 27 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, JULY 28 Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Parenting the Love and Logic Way, 1 p.m. at Legacy Pilates, Yoga and more TUESDAY, JULY 30 Sisterhood Bingo and Lunch, 11:30 a.m. at Beth Israel BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Women’s Study Group, 6:30 p.m. at Kathy Weiner’s home FRIDAY, AUGUST 2 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Beth El Women Rosh Hodesh meeting: Meet me at the Deli, noon at RBJH First Friday Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel Congregational Dinner, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, AUGUST 3 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, AUGUST 4 Kids and Adults Triathlon, 7:30 a.m. Kripke Library “Adopt a Book” Event, 9 a.m. Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Parenting the Love and Logic Way, 1 p.m. at Legacy Pilates, Yoga and more A Movie and Minyan, 3:30 p.m. at Beth El MONDAY, AUGUST 5 Daf Yomi: Week in Review, 7:45 a.m. Kripke Library “Adopt a Book” Event, 9 a.m. TUESDAY, AUGUST 6 Kripke Library “Adopt a Book” Event, 9 a.m. Rabbi Abraham Weekly class, 10 a.m. at Beth El BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Women’s Study Group, 6:30 p.m. at Kathy Weiner’s home WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7 Coffee and your Jewish news, 7:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Kripke Library “Adopt a Book” Event, 9 a.m. Rabbi Weiss’ Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, AUGUST 8 Kripke Library “Adopt a Book” Event, 9 a.m. Sacred Grounds, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel An open conversation about Obama Care, 7 p.m. at Beth El FRIDAY, AUGUST 9 Torah at your Shabbat table, 7:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Kripke Library “Adopt a Book” Event, 9 a.m. Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Shabbat Comes to you at Remington Heights, 4 p.m. Tot Shabbat Sing-along and dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El SATURDAY, AUGUST 10 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El 12th Annual Jewish Omaha Film Festival, 6 p.m. MONDAY, AUGUST 12 Daf Yomi: Week in Review, 7:45 a.m. Kripke Library “Adopt a Book” Event, 9 a.m. Friedel Ice Cream Social, 6 p.m. TUESDAY, AUGUST 13 Rabbi Abraham Weekly class, 10 a.m. at Beth El Jewish Medical Ethics, noon at Med Center BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Women’s Study Group, 6:30 p.m. at Kathy Weiner’s home WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14 Coffee and your Jewish news, 7:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Friedel first day of school Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Beth Israel “New Trends in Israeli Medical Sciences,” 7 p.m. Rabbi Weiss’ Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, AUGUST 15 Sacred Grounds, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 16 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Rabbi Michael Broyde Lunch and Learn, 11:45 a.m. Orthodox Women’s Rabbis with Rabbi Broyde and dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth Israel SATURDAY, AUGUST 17 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Women of the Wall with Rabbi Broyde, noon at Beth Israel Arm chair discussion with Rabbi Broyde, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel SUNDAY, AUGUST 18 Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Mainstreeters Brownville Concert Series, noon Jewish Social Services Volunteer Recognition, 1:30 p.m. NE Jewish Historical Society Genealogy Club, 1:30 p.m. BILU USY Sushi Dinner, 5 p.m. at Beth El 12th Annual Jewish Omaha Film Festival, 7 p.m. MONDAY, AUGUST 19 Daf Yomi: Week in Review, 7:45 a.m. Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at Friedel TUESDAY, AUGUST 20 Sisterhood Bingo and Lunch, 11:30 a.m. at Beth Israel The Ethics of Our Fathers, 2 p.m. at Remington Heights JCC Training Company Auditions, 4 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Women’s Study Group, 6:30 p.m. at Kathy Weiner’s home WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21 Coffee and your Jewish news, 7:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Kindergarten Curriculum Night, 6:30 p.m. at Friedel 12th Annual Jewish Omaha Film Festival, 7 p.m. Rabbi Weiss’ Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, AUGUST 22 Sacred Grounds, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, AUGUST 23 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Beth El Brings Shabbat to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 29 Sacred Grounds, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel High Holiday University, 7 p.m. at Beth El FRIDAY, AUGUST 30 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH SATURDAY, AUGUST 31 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Build-a-Prayer Workshop & Selichot Services, 7:45 p.m. at Beth El All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Pat Anson at 402.334.8200. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the above events.

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 25 Red Cross Blood Drive, 8 a.m. at Beth El BESTT – Opening Day & Waffle Welcome Breakfast, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Temple Israel Walking the Torahs to Sterling Ridge Drive, 10 a.m. BESSTT Kibbutz Chaverim Lunch and Swimming at the JCC, 12:15 p.m. Mainstreeters Summer Picnic, 1 p.m. at Chalco Hills Recreation Area Muscial Theater Auditions for Fiddler on the Roof, 3 p.m. 12th Annual Jewish Omaha Film Festival, 7 p.m.

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by COURTNEY BIERMAN Montescot. Previously nameIntern, Jewish Press less, the campaign was aimed Strangely enough, this story at giving the school a new starts with 9/11. name: The Lea and Elisabeth After the tragedy, xenophoSchnitzler School. Their cambia was on a rampage. Hate paign was successful. crimes against Muslims Enter Dr. Marvin Bittner. Dr. increased and unnecessary Bittner is a doctor of infectious suspicion skyrocketed. disease and internal medicine Enter Catherine Hody, at the U.S. Department of director of a school in the Veteran Affairs in Omaha. In small French town of 1995, on a trip to Israel, he met Montescot. One day, Hody Above: Marvin Bittner stands in front of the school named for Hezy Schnitzler, a man whom received a letter. The letter his cousins. Below: Suzy Schnitzler (Hezy’s wife), left, Hezy Bittner was related to through was sent by a woman who Schnitzler, Marvin Bittner, Catherine Hody stand in front of his grandmother. Hezy is a relworked for Serge Klarsfeld, a the building occupied by the Schnitzler family during the war. ative of Elizabeth and Lea; their Holocaust survivor and grandfathers were brothers, activist. The woman told making Dr. Bittner a cousin of Hody about two young sisthe two Schnitzler girls. ters, former residents of Twelve years after his trip to Montescot, who were victims Israel, Bittner was contacted by of the Holocaust. The girls’ Hezy. It was then that Bittner names were included on a list learned of Elisabeth and Lea. made by l’Association des Fils After it was announced that et Filles des Déportés Juifs de the school was to be awarded France (Association of the the Corrin prize, a search was Sons and Daughters of Jews launched to find any living relDeported from France), and atives of the girls. This search the organization was making led them to Hezy. He was told an attempt to gather informaof the awards ceremony for the tion about them. The girls were Lea and Elisabeth prize being held in Paris. Unfortunately, Dr. Bittner was Schnitzler, ages three and eight respectively at their deaths. unable to attend due to the short notice with which he was The letter, coupled with the similarities she saw in the xeno- told of the event. But, in November of 2009, Dr. Bittner was a phobia present before the Holocaust and the xenophobia pres- passenger on a cruise that docked at Barcelona. As it turns out, ent after 9/11, inspired Hody. So much so that she assigned Barcelona is quite close to Montescot, 118.6 miles to be exact. her students, ages 7 to 9, to research the two girls. The stu- He saw an opportunity to learn more about his past. Before dents examined old documents and interviewed the girls’ the trip, he contacted Catherine Hody about the possibility of playmates, family friends, anyone who might have knowledge a visit. She was quite insistent that he come to visit and generof Elizabeth and Lea. Through their research, Hody’s students ously offered the home she shared with her husband as a place unveiled the lives of the Schnitzler sisters; part of a small to stay. Her invitation was accepted. Jewish family in Montescot, their mother, Blima, tried to During the three days he spent in Montescot, Dr. Bittner escape with her daughters across the nearby Spanish border, was given an extensive tour of the town and met many peobut failed. The girls, along with their mother, were captured ple who had helped with the research effort. and sent to the death camp Sobibor. All three were extermiFour years later, Bittner returned to the little town for the nated. The Schnitzler girls’ father, Adalbert, was a tailor. He tenth anniversary of the school being named in the girls’ survived the war, remarried, and acquired a stepson. honor. At the ceremony, he witnessed skits put on by the stuFor the most part, it appeared that the residents of dents following the theme of “all different, all the same.” The Montescot were kind to the Schnitzlers. When word of a day after the celebration, he was introduced to a few of the raid came to the ears of Montescot’s non-Jewish residents, girls’ former friends. the family was warned and hidden. However, it is possible “I’d known that many members of my family had died in that the cause of the girls’ capture was a resident of the city the Holocaust, but this was a big surprise, “Bittner said. “I ratting them out to the German forces. It is not entirely didn’t realize I had cousins who had been in France, and I known how they came to be captured. Another theory is had no idea that people in their community had taken an that their Jewish identities were discovered at a checkpoint interest in their deaths to the point where they would name during their attempt to escape to Spain. a school after them.” Eventually, Hody’s students compiled all of the information He is glad that somebody took up the responsibility of they had collected into an exhibit of large posters that was put looking into the lives of Elisabeth and Lea and into the great on display for the public. The exhibit went on to win awards, injustice done to the two little girls and their family. including the Annie and Charles Corrin Fund, a prestigious “I feel very grateful that they thought so much about my annual prize given for educational work on the Holocaust. cousins, and I was personally grateful for the warm welcome In 2003, a campaign was launched by the school in I received when I visited the community.”

A vigorous kind of study by DAVID GOLBITZ Temple Israel Staf Writer In the first Rabbinic Torah Study Seminar since the passing of its founder, Rabbi David Hartman, the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem dedicated this year’s lecture series to his teachings and philosophies. Rabbi Hartman, who died in February at age 81, focused much of his writing on the Covenant between God and the Jewish people. With lectures titled like “How David Hartman Taught Me to Read a Page of Talmud” and “Radically Claimed and Radically Free: David Hartman’s Theology of Covenant, Commandment and Community,” the two-week seminar celebrated and debated the legacy Rabbi Hartman left behind. “It was extremely stimulating,” Rabbi Aryeh Azriel said. “To be able to completely separate from everything else and be immersed in study for two weeks, without phone calls, without emails, allows for a vigorous kind of study that opens your mind to new philosophies, new theologies, new encounters. You also get the chance to study with colleagues, which is always very powerful and moving.” About 175 rabbis and educators from around the world attended this year’s seminar, entitled “A Living Covenant: Confronting and Rethinking the Teachings of David Hartman.” “There aren’t a lot of Nebraska colleagues,” Rabbi Azriel said, “so, from time to time, to be parachuting into the midst

of hundreds of rabbis who have all come together for a specific purpose, to study together, it’s invigorating.” Each day of the seminar began with an introduction to that day’s main lecture, after which the rabbis split up into groups no larger than four to read and discuss the study materials. Then all the groups would come back together for a lecture and question-and-answer session with the instructor. “It was a yeshiva style of learning, which I love because it can be so powerful,” Rabbi Azriel said. There was a large focus this year on a video lecture series created by the Hartman Institute called iEngage, which is a teaching aide for a variety of Jewish topics, including Jewish identity, morality and human rights. Rabbi Azriel hopes to bring iEngage to the congregation at Temple Israel to help educate and facilitate discussion about Israel and Judaism’s role in the 21st century. “It’s a very organized, very well-put-together series of videos and texts that I think can bring Israel to the American public in a more sophisticated, more adult way,” he said. “It’s a more serious way of studying about Israel, similar to what we do at Hartman.” In addition to waking up early, many of the seminar attendees stay up talking about the day’s lectures and comparing notes on each others’ congregations.. “We go to sleep so late at night, but it was worthwhile,” Rabbi Azriel said. “I’’m really thankful to the congregation for allowing me to do this.”

July 26, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 7

Maccabiah bar mitzvah ceremony proves games are about more that sports by HILLEL KUTTLER NEVE ILAN, Israel (JTA) -- Luke Rosener removed his orange T-shirt, changed into a white dress shirt and alighted from a chartered bus. The garb was a far cry from the uniform Rosener will wear while playing for the U.S. volleyball team at the Maccabiah Games, the 78-nation sports competition that began last week in Israel. The attire was more befitting a religious ceremony -- in this case, his bar mitzvah. Rosener, 22, of Cupertino, Calif., had never had a bar mitzvah, owing to his family’s financial situation and his early struggles with dyslexia. But as part of the 1,200-member U.S. Maccabiah delegation, Rosener encountered a ready-made opportunity to become a bar mitzvah alongside scores of new friends also celebrating the traditional rite of passage. That’s because Maccabi USA brings participants to Israel a week before the competition for a mandatory program of touring and discussions rich in Jewish content. In recent years the program, known as Israel Connect, has featured a mass bar mitzvah ceremony for participants who never had one. “There’s so much more to this than playing sports,” said Jeffrey Bukantz, Maccabi USA’s general chairman and a former fencing Olympian. “We really do consider it the flagship of the program. It’s to the point that Israel Connect is more important than the actual sports. The kids are really impacted by the program.” This year’s ceremony coincided with Tisha b’Av, the 25hour fast commemorating the destruction of both ancient Temples -- a day on which celebrations are frowned upon. But as he prepared to chant the Torah portion designated for the closing hours of many fast days, Daniel Greyber, the delegation’s official rabbi, offered a fresh perspective.

“The afternoon of Tisha b’Av is a time of rebuilding, of looking forward,” Greyber said. “The b’nai mitzvah ceremony connects us to the Jewish people -- not only in this world

US delegation (1,200 participants) entering the arena in Teddy Stadium at the Maccabiah opening ceremony. Credit: ASHERNET at this time but for all of history. In that regard, it requires celebrating.” Dave Blackburn, a standout softball pitcher who has competed in six Maccabiah Games, recited the Birkat Hagomel traditionally recited by those who have escaped harm. In 2009, Blackburn was nearly killed in a car crash, an accident that claimed his right leg below the knee and broke 27 bones. “I’ve lived to share this Maccabiah experience with you, my extended family,” Blackburn said from his wheelchair. Greyber called the Maccabiah participants to the Torah in three groups, and as the last one ascended the podium, he called for attention. “Everyone,” he said, “look at the miracle that is happening

Beth El invites all to “Movie and Minyan” by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Beth El’s social hall will be transformed into a movie theater on Sunday, Aug. 4, 3:30 p.m., as the synagogue presents The Jewish Americans, the PBS documentary which chronicles the history of the Jewish experience in this country. (This showing will feature the segment documenting 1945 - present.) Free popcorn and beverages will be

provided. Following the film, attendees are invited to stay for minyan at 5:30 p.m. The Jewish Americans DVD was donated to Beth El by congregant Alan “Buddy” Goodman. A former teacher at Metropolitan Community College, Goodman said when he sees a television show with interesting Jewish content, he likes to order the DVD and gives it to the synagogue. “I know from my [teaching]experience that visual items like movies are great resources,” he said, adding that the information in The Jewish Americans is beneficial for people of all ages. There is no charge to attend, and everyone in the Jewish community is welcome to attend. For more information, contact the synagogue office, 402.492.8550, or email programming@bethel-omaha.org.

as the sun goes down over Jerusalem, as this group that has never been to Israel and never had a bar or bat mitzvah is having an aliyah for the first time.” Then Blackburn’s nephew Landon stepped forward. “My uncle,” he began, struggling through tears to get the words out, “is keeping me alive, and that’s all that matters.” Landon Blackburn, a wrestler, said later that his uncle’s participation in the games is his most cherished aspect of the trip. His own father would not have permitted him to participate without his uncle’s influence, he said. A native of La Porte, Ind., Landon, 18, said he grew up celebrating Jewish holidays, but as a rebellious child opted not to have a bar mitzvah. “But all that did was make my life harder, that the weight of the world was on my shoulders,” he said. “I didn’t have anything to help me cope with the hardships of life.” The final blessing chanted, Greyber led the singing of “Siman Tov” as candies were tossed onto the podium and participants wiped tears. Members of the two rugby teams leapt from their front-row chairs and posed near the stone wall overlooking the hills. Some did a jig in the seating area. Greyber offered another song, and then another. Tisha b’Av was just about over, but the celebration wasn’t. Athletes jumped onto the podium to pose with their rabbi, who offered one last thought to those milling about. “We are blessed to be here together,” Greyber said. “I have no idea what great and amazing things will come from this moment, but I am sure that within you is the infinity of God’s goodness.”

Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Amy Miller, the legal director for the ACLU, will discuss the organization’s efforts to get Nebraska to allow gays and lesbians to become foster parents. Wednesday, July 31, noon, at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $11; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@ jewishomaha.org. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish is very much alive, with Webster’s Third International Dictionary listing more than 500 Yiddish words. It is now presented in transliterated form using the Roman alphabet, so that everyone can become a maven instantly. If you want to “jazz up” your conversation, throw in a few Yiddish words. One word in Yiddish has more meaning than a dozen words in any other language. So be a mentsh and zog a por verter, (say a few words). We meet every Thursday from 1-3 p.m., in the boardroom of the Rose Blumkin Home. For information, please call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638.

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8 | The Jewish Press | July 26, 2013

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

The Jewish life by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor We use the word “Jewish” often in this paper. We talk about Jewish people, and Jewish books, movies and events. We talk about Jewish politicians, and clergy, and education; angles and interpretations and simchas, fears and concerns. We discuss “what this means for the Jewish people,” and what’s Jewishly ethical and relevant. The Jewish view, it’s everywhere. What we don’t address as often is what it really means to be Jewish. Because there are so many different answers, it’s just a little too close to the “who is a Jew” debate, which few people like to touch. However, at the same time we all have a personal conviction of what it means to be a Jew; I’d be surprised if any two of us would come up with exactly the same answer. We sort of agree with each other on many things, but the ability to simultaneously disagree is to most of us just as vital. Being Jewish is personal. It doesn’t always come easy, it involves the tough questions, and it’s often a work in progress. That’s right, I used the word “work.” Because being Jewish is an active thing; it’s a commitment, much more than background noise. At least, it is to me. Like I said: personal. It’s also fluid: as life changes us, it changes what we see as important. Being a Jewish parent is different than being a Jewish single 18-year-old, and it comes with different responsibilities. I am not convinced those responsibilities necessarily get bigger as we grow up; I just think we change our focus. Take shopping for groceries, for instance. Bacon is not just there to be ignored; it’s a teaching opportunity. There’s a reason I expect my kids home on Friday night, rather than busy with extra-curricular activities. I don’t want my children to do homework on Saturday, so I don’t do it either. Allowance means allowance with built-in Tzedakah. Before I’m willing

to sign my daughter up for soccer somewhere else, I plan to inquire as to whether the J will offer it this year (how about it, Mark?). When we watch the news, it comes with a running commentary on my part about “what it means for Israel.” My children attend a Jewish school, a Bat Mitzvah is coming next year, and they attend Jewish summer camps and extra curricular activities at the J. They are immersed in learning about Judaism every day, and right now, that is the most important part of what it means to be Jewish: teaching my kids, giving them a platform, and providing them with resources. I imagine when my daughter gets a little older (30 or so) and starts dating, I’ll get to agonize over who she brings home, but it’s a little early to start worrying now. Now, I mostly get to worry about her going off to public school and keeping her Jewishness intact. Not much, because she’s very prepared, but you know how it is. We definitely won’t be signing her up for any cheeseburger and porkchop school lunches. And what about school related activities on Friday night? What if Prom is on a Friday? What about Homecoming? So here’s the question: being Jewish used to refer to me, and me alone. Nowadays, it doesn’t; it has become all about the children. In focusing so much on their needs, do I forget myself? Do I still grow Jewishly while fretting over whether my children get everything they need? That question is very uncomfortable (I’m very tempted to erase the last

paragraph), which possibly means the answer is ‘no.’ So now what? To be honest, I’m not quite sure. How do other parents deal with this? Is anyone else out there asking him - or herself the same question? And those who don’t struggle with this, how do they do it? Maybe, being Jewish, at this stage, simply means asking the tough questions—without always having an immediate answer. And then deciding to be okay with that. Maybe getting a grip on what it means to be a Jewish parent is growing Jewishly. Of course, that means when they grow up and leave the nest we’ll have issues. But since that is pretty much a given for any parent who watches their chilren grow up, we’ll just try not to think about that too much.

Jewish leaders must be vocal in backing Kerry’s mission

Behind the headlines EPHRAIM SNEH and ROBERT K. LIFTON (JTA) -- Secretary of State John Kerry’s recent four days of meetings in Jerusalem and Amman yielded no breakthrough and no Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. One hurdle he must overcome: 42 of the 120 members of the Israeli Knesset vehemently oppose a two-state solution. Though those 42 members comprise only one-third of the Knesset, they hold nearly every important position in the government and the Knesset, and have a stranglehold on the actions of the government. They are strongly committed to settlements and occupation. (Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not included in this list, according to his own statements.) On the other hand, the center-left half of the Knesset has not been able to focus public attention on the major issue: Will Israel survive as a Jewish and democratic state? As a result, the current Israeli government is unwilling to take the actions needed to attain a two-state solution, the only way to secure Israel’s survival as a democratic homeland for the Jewish people. Yet two-thirds of the Israeli public support a two-state solution, according to most of the reliable polls, including one released this month, and 51 percent believe that the settlements are the main obstacle to a two-state solution. On the Palestinian side, where 53 percent support a twostate solution, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is still committed to a negotiated solution. But he is struggling to maintain the dominance of his Fatah movement against its archrival Hamas, which vehemently opposes a two-state solution.

(Founded in 1920) Andrew Ruback President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Jessie Wees Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper

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Kerry’s commendable efforts in the region can change this gloomy reality and overcome the prevailing pessimism, but mainstream voices in the American Jewish community must actively support his initiatives. American Jewish leaders and organizations need to urge the Obama administration to bolster Kerry’s mission and transform it into a much more proactive one. For example, he should present both Israeli and Palestinian leadership with a made-in-America, “take it or leave it” offer. If it is based on the fall 2008 understandings between then-Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Abbas, the gap between the parties is bridgeable. One of the main reasons the administration has not been tough or more proactive is the perception that doing so would harm President Obama politically. Obama’s political opponents have succeeded in portraying the Jewish community as staunch supporters not only of Netanyahu, but also of the 42 ultra-right-wing Knesset members of the Likud and Naftali Bennett’s parties who shape Israel’s policies. This perception is mistaken. But it is causing Kerry to operate with one hand tied behind his back. It is the timid behavior of the mainstream American Jewish community that is allowing this to happen. With only a few exceptions, community leaders and organizations have not publicly supported Kerry’s efforts; they have not condemned the expansion of settlements or the soft treatment of settlers’ violence against Palestinians; they have not called on Netanyahu to repudiate statements by his own ministers that undermine the two-state solution. American Jews can no longer be the silent majority. This is a critical moment for the viability of the two-state solution. A detailed offer now from Kerry will compel the Israeli public to decide whether or not it wants an agreement with

the Palestinians -- a clear choice they have not been given since May 1992, when Yitzhak Rabin ran against and defeated Likud leader Yitzhak Shamir. The late Rabin believed that the Oslo Agreement was a strategic imperative for Israel in order to face its most dangerous foe, Iran. To be able to confront Iran, he believed, Israel must make peace with its immediate neighbors. The expanding sectarian conflict in the Middle East between Sunni and Shia adherents, the upheavals in Syria and Egypt, and the recent softening of the Arab Peace Initiative present an opportunity to the United States and Israel to address the Palestinian and Iranian issues and advance important American and Israeli interests. The U.S. can build a new regional axis to confront Iran and the radical Islamists. It should be based on the Gulf states -- Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates -- plus Jordan, Israel and Palestine. The new axis would provide an alternative model to the bloody chaos and economic incompetence of radical Islam, and would draw a clear line on the region’s map that Iran’s expansion cannot cross. Senior Saudi officials in 2008 and Jordan’s King Abdullah in 2012 told the American author of this article that if Israel would end the conflict with the Palestinians, their countries would welcome the opportunity to join with Israel against Iran’s aggression. Israeli-Palestinian peace is indispensable for the formation of this new alliance. It is also necessary to prevent the disappearance of the democratic Jewish state that Israelis fought for and American Jews cherish. True, the fate of Israel is the responsibility of its citizens and the final decisions lie with them. But those in America Continued on page 9

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July 26, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 9

Iran-Argentina pact erases idea of justice for AMIA victims

Focus on issues EDUARDO KOHN (JTA) -- On July 18, the victims of the AMIA bombing were killed again. Their families felt the chilly winter and the cold reality of the chain of agreements made between Iran and Argentina that has erased the remote illusion of a true and honest effort to prosecute the perpetrators. The July 18, 1994 terror attack on the the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association building -- the heart of the Argentinian Jewish community -- killed 85 and wounded 300. No one has been brought to justice, though Iran’s ties to the attack are well known. In a 2006 report, Argentinian prosecutor Alberto Nisman detailed how top Iranian leaders -- including Hashemi Rafsanjani, Iran’s president at the time, and Ahmad Vahidi, who later became minister of defense -- ordered Hezbollah to kill Jews in Buenos Aires. Interpol has requested that Iran turn over the officials responsible for the worst terrorist attack ever in Latin America. No arrests have been made. The latest assault on the victims started last year on Yom Kippur, the most sacred day for the Jewish people, when the foreign ministers of Iran and Argentina announced in New York that the two countries had agreed “to investigate together” the AMIA bombing. And to deepen the affront, on Jan. 27 -- the United Nations’ Holocaust Remembrance Day -- Iran and Argentina signed the “agreement” publicly.

On July 18, when the attack survivors and the victims’ families listened to the siren marking the moment of the bombing, anguish and frustration grew -- if there was any more space for so much pain. Many observers have expressed deep skepticism about the pact between Argentina and Iran to form a “truth commission,” wondering about its true motives. What is clear is that the pact is a sham with no hope of ever bringing to justice the perpetrators. Here are some points to consider: • Iran has yet to send the Argentinian Foreign Ministry the note of ratification of the agreement signed on Jan. 27. • The Argentinian media have reported -- and nobody has denied the information -- that the Argentinian government has accepted the newly elected president of Iran, Hasan Rohani, as a “moderate.” What is “moderation” in a theocratic regime that has been accused of violating human rights and where the last word in every decision is not of the “president” but rather the “Supreme leader of the revolution”? • La Nacion columnist Martin Dinatale, writing in the July 3 edition of the daily Argentinian paper, pointed out that a spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry said that “foreign and Zionist agents are behind the AMIA bombing.” Nisman has issued a legal report accusing Iran of creating an intelligence network to prepare attacks in Latin America. Dinatale also wrote that on July 1, there were clear signs undermining Nisman from the Argentinian government: Attorney General Alejandra Gils Carbo denied permission for the prosecutor to travel to Washington to explain before

Countering anti-Semitism in the month of Ramadan

Focus on issues RASHAD HUSSAIN WASHINGTON (JTA) -- During Ramadan, Muslim communities around the world experience a month of fasting, devotion and increased consciousness of their faith. They also remember those who are suffering around the world and seek an end to the forces of hatred that lead to violence against people of all faiths. The spirit of Ramadan, which lasts this year through Aug. 7, can serve as a positive force to bring people together and a powerful reminder of the common humanity that all people share. Muslim communities collect donations to aid those in need around the world. Campus groups at universities in the United States hold “fast-athons” in which students of all faiths fast together to raise money for charity. In recent years, as Muslim communities have dealt with hateful depictions and inflammatory actions, American interfaith coalitions have come together to strongly reject such bigotry. It is this backdrop that makes the reported Ramadan release of the television drama Khaiber in some Muslim-majority countries particularly disturbing. The new drama purports to provide a historical account of the Prophet Muhammad and the Arabian-Jewish town of Khaiber. But its producer has said that “the goal of the series is to expose the naked truth about the Jews and stress that they cannot be trusted.” The series also will reportedly focus “on the social, economic and religious characteristics of the Jews, including politics and conspiracies and how they dominate and control tribes.” Rather than emphasizing Muhammad’s efforts to establish peaceful relations among religious communities, “Khaiber” does just the opposite. And it does so at a time when a number of religious groups, including Christians, face discrimination and violence in countries where the series will air. Communities that were outraged at negative depictions of Islam must condemn this divisive and anti-Semitic effort. They should also understand that in many ways, this type of programming is also a disservice to Muslims and the legacy of the prophet. While censorship is not the answer, commu-

nities must come forward to counter such depictions with more informed views to prevent the spread of stereotypes and hatred that can dehumanize entire groups of people. In May, I joined imams from around the world on a visit to the Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration and death camps. As we toured the area in shock of the horrors that we saw, one imam commented, “Whether in Europe today or in the Muslim world, my call to humanity: End racism for God’s sake, end sexism for God’s sake. Enough is enough.” Addressing Holocaust denial is an important step, and I raise this issue when I travel to meet government and civil society leaders in Muslim countries. Efforts also must be made to ensure that textbooks and television programming in the Muslim world are free from the types of dehumanizing ideas and images that breed intolerance and hate. In doing so, honest and courageous voices must step forward, particularly during Ramadan, to condemn not only negative depictions of the Prophet Muhammad, but also a television series that uses a slanted historical narrative of his life as a facade for sowing discord, division and hatred. Rashad Hussain is the U.S. special envoy to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Kerry’s mission Continued from page 8 who cherish the Zionist dream owe it to their commitment as Zionists to vigorously support Kerry’s mission and strong, decisive policy by Washington that will ensure Israel’s survival as a Jewish and democratic state. Ephraim Sneh, a fellow at the Israel Policy Forum, twice served as Israel’s deputy minister of defense and is chairman of the S. Daniel Abraham Center for Strategic Dialogue at Netanya Academic College. Robert K. Lifton was president of the American Jewish Congress, a founder and president of the Israel Policy Forum and cochair of the Middle East Project of the Council on Foreign Relations. His memoirs, titled An Entrepreneur’s Journey: Stories From A Life In Business And Personal Diplomacy, have been published by AuthorHouse.

British MP calls Israel an ‘apartheid state’ by JTA NEWS STAFF (JNS.org) British Member of Parliament David Ward was suspended by his Liberal Democrat party on Thursday over a recent message on Twitter calling Israel an apartheid state. “Am I wrong or are am I right? At long last the #Zionists are losing the battle -- how long can the #apartheid State of #Israel last?” Ward tweeted last Saturday. Ward refused to apologize for the tweet, Reuters reported. In January, Ward said he was he was “saddened that the Jews, who suffered unbelievable levels of persecution during the Holocaust, could within a few years of liberation from the death camps be inflicting atrocities on Palestinians in the new State of Israel and continue to do so on a daily basis in the West Bank and Gaza.”

Suspended by his party until Sept. 13, Ward, until, then will sit in the parliament as an independent. “[Ward’s] use of anti-Semitic language veiled in anti-Israel rhetoric has finally been dealt with by his party,” Paul Charney, chairman of Zionist Federation UK, said in a statement. “I applaud Lib Dem Chief Whip Alistair Carmichael MP and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg MP for taking this necessary action. Should Mr. Ward continue to abuse his position by using it as a platform to broadcast his prejudice against Jews and Israel, then his party should withdraw the whip permanently. This action sends a clear message that racially prejudiced language will not be tolerated in our society.”

the U.S. Congress the results of his investigation. It must be added, he wrote, that the Iranians have not yet helped Nisman in his investigation. According to Dinatale, since the signing of the pact, commerce between Argentina and Iran has skyrocketed. In all of 2012, exports from Argentina to Iran were $52.1 million. In only the first three months of 2013, they exploded to $76.4 million. Dinatale noted, too, that the prestigious International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance has asked Argentina to distance itself from the organization in light of the pact with Iran. Though half the country opposed the pact with Iran, Argentina lawmakers still pushed through the deal. In the long run, the lawmakers will have to respond to the people for their decision. Nineteen years after the AMIA bombing, the survivors and the families of those who perished only know about promises made by the Argentinian government to catch and convict those responsible and the seemingly endless impunity of those responsible. On July 18, just before 10 a.m. -- when the siren marking the AMIA blast sounded -- we remembered the victims and realized that their memory continues to be insulted by a pact whose sole purpose is to keep the existing obstacles to justice in place. Eduardo Kohn is the director of Latin America affairs for B’nai B’rith International.

Community involvement

From our intern COURTNEY BIERMAN Jewish teens who are regularly present at synagogue know how much their older counterparts want them involved in the Jewish community. We are no strangers to youth group advisors, mail advertising upcoming conclaves and conventions, or the occasional call from an enthusiastic member of OTYG encouraging us to sign up. Human beings are social creatures. This is obvious when we have the opportunity to interact with others who share our interests. We like people who are similar to us; we feel comfortable interacting with them. This is especially true with teens. We are at that cliché rebellious age where friends become more important to us than family. Finding similarities in another person makes it easier to confide in them; you feel less alone. That’s how friendships are spawned. For observant Jewish teens, involvement in their Jewish communities can lead to lasting friendships. Because religion can be so personal to people, finding someone who shares yours can be grounds to form a deep bond. Meeting other kids in community activities means you already have something in common. The ice is already broken. This rule does not just apply to religious groups; it applies to just about any extracurricular activity developed around a common characteristic. Common traits breed affection. Youth groups offer an excellent opportunity to make lasting friendships. They are probably the most popular option for kids wanting to get involved; they’re a fun, inexpensive way to meet new people and travel to new places. Jewish summer camps offer a uniquely Jewish experience similar to the one received in a youth group, but in a more concentrated dose. I met most of my Jewish friends at religious school, which I consider the best place for befriending Jewish kids one’s own age. There’s something about students suffering through Hebrew lessons together that really strengthens the connections between them. Omaha has a relatively small Jewish community. Many kids who go to public schools are the only Jewish students there. This can be hard. I am an example of this. I am one of very few Jewish kids at Millard South High School. When I was in middle school, my sister and I were often the subject of stereotyping and insensitive jokes about Judaism. There wasn’t all that much either of us could do about it; if we fought back, they would only be encouraged to keep doing it. For me, this happens much less now that I am in high school, but that is mostly due to the fact that I tell fewer people that I’m Jewish. If they don’t know, I won’t have to deal with frustrated teenage boys trying to fit in at the expense of others’ self-esteem. Kids who are singled out at school because of their faith can find refuge in a group of kids who suffer similar mistreatment. Anyone who is a member of a minority group knows what it’s like to feel left out sometimes. We Jews ‘gotta stick together.’

10 | The Jewish Press | July 26, 2013

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 | 712.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com For information on our historic synagogue – dates and times for Friday night services, call 712.323.8885.

Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:15 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Parsha Class with Rabbi Neustadt, 7:15 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:15 p.m. followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 9:53 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. TUESDAY: Sisterhood Luncheon and Bingo, 11:30 a.m.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. FRIDAY: Lunch at Nebraska AIDS Project, 11:30 a.m. Join us to prepare and serve lunch at the center. For more information or to volunteer and/or provide baked goods for dessert, contact Joan at hmarcom@juno.com; Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:45 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Torah Study Group, 10 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 p.m. in the chapel. Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group, Friday, Aug. 2, 11:30 a.m. We will meet at the Blumkin Home’s Star Deli. For more information or to RSVP, contact Sherry Taxman, tax man@cox.net, or 402.397.5816. Movie and Minyan, Sunday, Aug. 4, 3:30 p.m., come to Beth El watch the PBS documentary, The Jewish Americans. No charge to attend; free popcorn and beverages will be provided. Afterward, stay for 5:30 p.m. minyan. (see full story on page 7.) Wrestling with the Rabbis of the Talmud, popular weekly adult-education class led by Rabbi Abraham returns on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 10 a.m. No charge to attend; everyone is welcome. Community Conversation about the Affordable Care Act, Thursday, Aug. 8, 7 p.m., Juliana Reno, will present an overview of the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as ‘Obamacare.’ The entire community is welcome, no charge. Shabbat Sing-a-long, Aug. 9, 6 p.m., for children through first grade and their favorite adults. This lively sing-along, led by Patty Nogg, will begin with a kid-friendly dinner. Cost: $5 for Beth El members, $7.50 for non-members. No charge for children ages six and younger. RSVPs required by Monday, Aug. 5. Visit www.bethel-omaha.org to register. All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.

Bar Mitzvah Nehemiah Maximilian “Max” Kohll, son of Janet and David Kohll, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Aug. 3, at Beth Israel Synagogue. Max will be a seventh-grade student this fall at Beveridge Magnet School. His interests include partcipating in baseball, basketball, football and swim teams. He also has a keen interest in NCAA basketball brackets, which once landed him on Jimmy Kimmel Live. For his mitzvah project, Max is sharing his love of sports by donating sports equipment to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Omaha. He has a sister, Anna, and three brothers, Sam, Jack and Leo. Grandparents are Sandra and Marvin Kohll, and Chester Stefanski and the late Virginia Stefanski.

To Submit 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.’ Submit other announcements -- births engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha. org, click on ‘Jewish Press,’ scroll down to ‘Submit Announcements, complete form and click on “submit.”

Candlelighting Friday, July 26, 8:29 p.m.

will be served at 9 p.m. This event is co-sponsored by the Niagara Foundation and the South Street Temple. Please RSVP to Jean in the office at 402.435.8004 or office@south streettemple.org. THURSDAY: High Holiday Day Choir Rehearsal, 7:30-9 p.m. Be Present with the Prez, Eleanor Shirley-Kirkland, Sunday, Aug. 11, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Sessions are 15-20 minutes at a time and first come, first served.

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

CHABAD CENTER

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME

An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street | Omaha, NE 68144-1646 | 402.330.1800 www.OChabad.com | email: chabad@aol.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush lunch is sponsored in honor of Shabbat Nachamu, 11:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Minyan, 8:30 a.m.; Breakfast Bonanza, 9:30 a.m. This week our breakfast is in honor of Rachel Rosenberg to commemorate her special birthday. WEEKDAYS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m. TUESDAY: Dynamic Discovery with Shani Katzman, 10:15 a.m. A class for women based on traditional texts with practical insights and application. RSVP by calling the office. WEDNESDAY: Personal Parsha class, 10 a.m. with Rochi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office; The Development of the Oral Tradition, 7 p.m. with Rabbi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office. THURSDAY: Women’s Study at UNMC with Shani Katzman, noon. Contact Marlene Cohen at mzcohen@ unmc.edu to receive updates. All programs are open to the entire community.

323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Renee and Mark Kazor. 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 http://templeisraelomaha.com FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Brown and Cantor Shermet; Summer Speaker: Aaron Sasson “While I was Sleeping...” SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Torah and Haftarah Reader: Miles Remer. Summer First Friday on the Green, Friday, Aug. 2, 6 p.m. followed by dinner. Come for the Shabbat service and stay for an outdoor (weather permitting) potluck dinner. Temple Israel will provide the main course. Families with last names A-L are asked to provide side dishes and M-Z are asked to bring a dessert. Reservations required. Temple Israel First Fridays are sponsored by Bob and Elly Gordman, Andie Gordman and Dan Fitzgerald, and Lindsey Thomas, in memory of Brandon Thomas.

TIFERETH ISRAEL CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN South Street Temple | Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street | Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 | 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. with oneg following hosted by the Murray family in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Jared Murray. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 10 a.m. celebrating the Bar Mitzvah of Jared Murray, with Kiddush Luncheon to follow. SUNDAY: Ramadan Dinnerwith our Muslim friends, 8 p.m. in the SST Social Hall for a learning session and dinner

Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. FRIDAY: Shabbat Services, 7:45 p.m. followed by a discussion of timely news topics pertaining to the Jewish world. SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a Kiddush luncheon prepared by and sponsored by Charla and Bob Hutkins; Lunch and Learn following morning services. Led by Robert Hutkins titled “From Eve’s apple to grandma’s tzimmes: reflections on Jewish food, cuisine and culture.”

For everything there is a time by RABBI MORDECHAI LEVIN share bar mitzvahs, and a time to share weddings. A time I feel privileged to have known and shared many to pray together, and a time to learn. A time to help the moments with so many wonderful people in this commu- needy and those who suffer, and a time to improve our nity. Many of you have invited me to participate in your world. For me, it is time to move to serve another congregation in a suburb of Chicago. lives -- to share moments of joy and sorrow, I want to thank all the Jewish organizabirths and deaths, marriages, birthdays and tions for opening their doors for my paranniversaries. At this time, I also remember ticipation in different capacities. I thank, friends who are no longer with us; some of as well, all the rabbis of this community them were your spouses, your parents, or and Christian clergy from different other loved ones. I would like to mention denominations, for their friendship. I everyone individually, but after making a list, I thank all the churches, high schools, and realized that it is made up of hundreds of colleges who gave me the opportunity to names. I thank all of you for everything you teach Judaism to their groups. I thank the have given me and my family over the years. Jewish Press, and for the past six years, the It is written in the Hebrew Bible Omaha World-Herald, for allowing me to (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8): “For everything there is a share something of the wisdom and beauseason, and a time for every matter under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die. ty of Judaism. I thank the many nonRabbi Mordechai Levin A time to kill, and a time to heal. A time to Jewish readers of my World-Herald weep, and a time to laugh. A time to mourn, and a time to columns for the kind words they sent me regarding my dance. A time to seek, and a time to lose. A time to keep short messages. silence, and a time to speak. A time to love, and a time to To my many friends at Beth El, the Jewish community hate. A time for war, and a time for peace.” and the wider community: My family and I thank you for For everything. there is a season and a time, for every 11 wonderful years of friendship. May God bless you with matter, in my 11 years at Beth El Synagogue and Omaha. many blessings. We had a time to share joys and a time to share sorrows. A You can contact me at rabbilevin@hotmail.com and time to share births, and a time to share funerals. A time to www.rabbilevin.net.

Pulverent e

July 26, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 11

Archaeology and the Bible

In memoriam ELAINE HONIGBLUM KAUFMAN

Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Eikev Casual readers sometimes ask: “Does archaeology prove the truth of the Bible?” Unless the question is sharply defined, it approaches being meaningless; as it stands, it cannot be answered. If, for Jews and Christians, the question means: “is my particular faith the true faith,” the answer is no, archaeology proves nothing. Biblical insights about man’s relationship to his God are in the realm of theology; these do not yield to factual verification. If we find no mention outside the Bible of our Abraham and our Moses, we have not found that they never lived. Nor, if we do find Mesopotamian documents with the name Abraham, or Abaamrama, or Abramu, can we assume one of them refers to Abraham. All we can do is note that the name was not uncommon. But this helps us to define the question: does archaeology help us to put the Bible narrative, with its personages, its events, way of life, social institutions and religious practices into a framework of history? Yes; it does. How relevant is this to our Sidrah? I was taken by two descriptions of the Promised Land: “a rich land, a land of streams, of springs and underground waters gushing out in hill and valley, a land of wheat and barley, of vines, fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olives, oil and honey.” An Egyptian story of about 2000 B.C.E describes SyriaPalestine as “a good land.” Figs were in it and grapes. Plentiful was its honey, abundant its olives. Every kind of fruit was there. Barley was there, and emmer, and no limit of cattle.” It is obvious that the Egyptian account adds nothing to our Bible description. But the discovery of the Egyptian narrative allows us to see the Land of Israel through Egyptian eyes, as well as through Hebrew eyes.

Coming this August to the JCC Gallery by LYNN BATTEN Jewish Federation of Omaha Gallery Manager Local artist Connie Stillwell presents selections from her collection of work including assemblances, resins, pastels and acrylics. Stillwell is an accomplished painter who has exhibited her work nationally. Stillwell typically works in a mixture of acrylic or watercolor paints, pastels, crayons, chalk and graphite and her subject matter ranges from stilllife renderings, portraits, landscapes and nature imagery. This exhibit will run Aug. 1 - 31 and is sure to have something for everyone. The public is invited to attend the opening reception on Sunday, Aug. 4 from 2 – 4 p.m. at the JCC Gallery. The Jewish Community Center Gallery is open Monday – Thursdays from 8 a.m.– 9 p.m., Fridays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information contact Lynn Batten, Gallery Manager, at 402.334.6564 or visit the JCC website at www.jccomaha.org.

Elaine Honigblum Kaufman passed away on June 26 at age 81. Services were held on June 28 at Temple Beth-El and interment in Beth El Memorial Park in San Antonio. She was preceded in death by her first husband of 49 years, Jay S. Honigblum and her parents, Rose and Sam Weinstein, and brothers, Bernard and Robert Weinstein. She is survived by her husband Tom Kaufman, son David Honigblum; sons and daughters-in-law, Steven and Patricia Honigblum, Tom and Alane Honigblum, Gregg and Shannon Honigblum; and stepson and partner, Warren Kaufman and Brian Allen; grandchildren: Amanda Honigblum, Zachary Honigblum, Samuel Honigblum, Zoe Honigblum, Jack Honigblum and Leo Honigblum; sistersin-law, Phyllis Weinstein and Estelle “Prissy” Kaufman; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Joan and Charles Way; and her nieces and nephews, Fay Honigblum Seeman, Al Honigblum, Carrie Honigblum, Michael Weinstein, Anne Leslie Joseph and Edward Weinstein. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association or Las Casas Scholarship fund.

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HYMAN POLSKY Hyman Polsky passed away on July 22 at age 96 from natural causes. Services were held July 25 at The Bet Olam Cemetery in Beachwood, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents, Isadore and Cecelia Polsky; sister, Faye Unger and brother, Max Polsky. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty (Rosenberg); son, Alan Polsky; daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Dale Bass; grandchildren: Ben Polsky, Joshua, Jeremy and Marla Bass and Mitchell Bass; great-grandchildren: Nathan and Lilah Bass. Hyman attended the University of Nebraska, where he graduated with a law degree in 1940. As WWII commenced, he joined the army, where he served for 5 1/2 years, first as a soldier in the Philippines and then back in the States as a Judge Advocate General’s Corp attorney. After the war, Hyman returned to Lincoln to enter private practice. He was a lifetime member of Tifereth Israel Synagogue, the Jewish Federation of Lincoln, B’nai Brith, the Nebraska State Bar Association and the Lancaster County Bar Association. Memorials may be made to Tifereth Israel Synagogue, 3219 Sheridan Blvd, Lincoln, NE 68502

He’s a Supermensch by JILLIAN SCHEINFELD Sadly, there is no 4th Austin Powers due out in the near future, although it has been labeled as “in development” on the film database website IMBD. Austin, played by Mike Myers, will hopefully make a comeback, but for now we can look forward to the arrival of his directorial debut wonderfully titled, Supermensch. The film will focus on the career of talent manager Shep Gordon. Gordon caught the interest of Myers while he was on the set of 90’s classic, Wayne’s World. After some Mike Myers begging and pleading to Shep, Myers got the rights to use Alice Cooper’s song, Feed my Frankenstein in the film, as well as an appearance by Cooper himself. Myers and Shep have been friends ever since. Mike Myers told Deadline, “I met Shep Gordon in 1991 on the set of Wayne’s World. I thought he was a perfect combination of Brian Epstein, Marshall McLuhan and Mr Magoo. I’ve been trying to get Shep to agree to let me make a movie about him for 10 years,” Myers said in a statement. “Last year he finally he said yes. I loved him like a brother before we started making this film and now having sifted through his life and his legacy, I love him even more.” Shep spearheaded the careers of legends such as Alice Cooper, Luther Vandross, and Raquel Welch.

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12 | The Jewish Press | July 26, 2013

Beersheva is hoping to bloom in the Negev by BEN SALES dized by the school, and in return they give eight hours per Nefesh B’Nefesh also has offered incentives to families who BEERSHEVA, Israel (JTA) - In four years, it’s slated to be week to their community in the form of volunteer programs. move to Israel’s South. bigger than New York’s Central Park and consist of open University officials hope to engage the students in the city -In past decades, “the state took initiative, but now, as we fields, a sports complex, and a lake and a river filled with and keep them there after they graduate. see on Facebook, innovation comes from the people and the recycled water. “The university was created with a mandate to bring young generation,” said Roni Flamer, CEO of the Or Now, though, Beersheva River Park looks like much of Movement. “If you know how to create a good model, the the area surrounding the desert city of Beersheva: a state will see it.” panorama of sand and dirt, with a bit of trash and, on a To attract residents to Beersheva, the government is good day, some dirty water trickling through a gorge. improving its connections to Tel Aviv. A new train track In one patch of empty space, workers in hard hats walk will carry passengers between the cities in 50 minutes, and up and down rows of stadium seats covered in plastic. At the Negev Development Authority is pushing to build the bottom is a round stage with the foundations of a back Israel’s second international airport in the area even wall that is scheduled to open in October as a 12,000-seat though Beersheva has few hotels. amphitheater -- Israel’s largest. The cost is $16 million. The 10-suburb plan has its critics. Ronit Ze’evi, Alongside the park, Beersheva looks like one large conBeersheva’s district manager for the Society for the struction zone. Cranes towering above rising skyscrapers Protection of Nature in Israel, says she’d prefer that neighdot the sky. Museums and restaurants are popping up near borhoods be added instead to nearby depressed towns. a formerly dilapidated central district. Ten new upscale The new suburbs, she said, will separate the upper and suburbs are in the works north of the city. The Israeli lower classes while costing the government more money in Defense Force is building a massive training complex with infrastructure development. seven bases next door. “They’ll hurt the existing towns,” Ze’evi said. “If you have On Sunday, the Israeli government announced a fivecommunities of villas, the well-off population will leave Patrons eating lunch in a row of recently opened restaurants on year initiative to invest nearly $140 million into bringing the city and go to these villas. It’s less socially equitable.” the ground floor of public housing in central Beersheva. new residents and businesses to the Negev Desert. Fifty families -- a progressive Orthodox community equal Credit: Ben Sales/JTA parts immigrant and native-born Israeli -- has settled in “The city is waking up,” says Natan Jibli, CEO of Israel’s Negev Development Authority. “There’s culture and things development to the region,” said Faye Bittker, director of the the heart of Beersheva. Since arriving in 2010, they’ve tried to do and students and artists.” university’s department of publications and media relations. to boost the district socially and religiously, volunteering in Israelis long have viewed Beersheva as the country’s “We want to build an ecosystem. You have academia, the immigrant absorption centers, hosting lectures and social largest “development town,” the first and sometimes only army, high-tech and a hospital.” events, and founding a liberal Orthodox prayer group. stop for immigrants from Morocco, Ethiopia, India or The university boasts a well-regarded computer engineerBeersheva’s biggest boost may come from the new IDF Russia. Squat brown public housing known simply as “resi- ing program and is pinning its hopes on a new high-tech training base complex, which is set to arrive by 2015, along dences” crowd neighborhoods devoid of names and identi- park next door. The first of the park’s 20 planned buildings with the army’s computer unit. The army estimates that this fied only by a series of letters. opened this month and houses seven companies along with will streamline its operations and create 10,000 jobs. In its outer districts, though, Beersheva features rolling two incubators for early-stage startups. When completed, Ben-Gurion University plans to collaborate with the army green hills -- even in July -- trees, single-family homes and the park will house up to 60 companies, bringing 10,000 jobs on research and courses, and will encourage soldiers to find traffic circles anchored by central fountains. to the area. jobs here after their discharge. In its Old City, which dates back to 19th-century Turkish The center also hopes to attract large communications and As with many projects, Beersheva residents will have to rule, dilapidated buildings are now buffeted by sleek apart- electric companies to Beersheva and create a commercial wait and see what happens. But for Flamer, who noted that ments and trendy restaurants opening on the ground levels district in the Old City. the Negev Desert covers most of Israel, a new and improved of many peeling residences. Some of the apartments house The Jewish National Fund in the past 10 years has invest- city is just on the horizon. students at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, a bustling ed $40 million into attracting half a million Israelis here “We’re talking about the state’s biggest dream,” Flamer campus in northern Beersheva. within two decades, working alongside the Or Movement, said, “to affect the whole population, to take 60 percent of More than 100 of the students live in apartments subsi- which shares that goal. The Israeli immigration organization Israel and make it 100 percent of its future.”

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