July 29, 2005

Vol. LXXXIV No. 46 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 84 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

Chabad to Honor Two Couples at Chai Anniversary Event by CAROL HUTCHISON for Chabad of Nebraska Chabad of Nebraska is planning an elegant evening of celebration and tribute to mark the 18th anniversary of Omaha’s Chabad House. The event--on Wednesday, Sept. 14--will honor two special couples who are com-

22 Tamuz, 5765 July 29, 2005

Most Jewish Groups Watching, Waiting to See Where Bush’s Court Nominee Stands

where none existed. Activists such as the Goldsteins helped turn international attention on this quiet, desperate problem. Today over one million Soviet Jews have immigrated to Israel where they can practice their religion in freedom and fulfillment. Chabad’s relationship with the Goldsteins goes back many years.

by MATTHEW E. BERGER WASHINGTON (JTA)--The nomination of Judge John Roberts to the U.S. Supreme Court Inaugural Cardozo Society Event may motivate some to Feature Former American Nebraska Supreme Court Justice liberal Jewish organizations Norman M. Krivosha to work against his at a luncheon confirmation, but it at the Jewish Community Center will take time for Monday Aug. 22, 11:30 a.m. many to determine See full story on page 2 where Roberts stands on issues such as reproductive rights and the separation of church and state. President Bush nominated Roberts, a judge on the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals, as a Supreme Court associate justice Tuesday night, saying he “has earned the respect of people from both political parties.” Continued on page 2

Chabad honorees Beverly and Dr. Harold Maurer, left, and Leonard and Shirley Goldstein mitted to the ideals which Chabad represents. Dr. Harold Maurer, Chancellor of the UNMC and his wife Beverly will be the recipients of the “Chai Leadership Award”. Leonard and Shirley Goldstein will be the recipients of the “My Brother’s Keeper Award”. “Dr. and Mrs. Maurer are great visionaries,” said Rabbi Mendel Katzman, founder and spiritual leader of Chabad of Nebraska. “They have given of their heart and soul to improve the quality of life of countless individuals, both physically and spiritually. We share a personal comradeship, as well as professional solidarity.” Dr. Maurer has helped to build a great institution that seeks to cure illness and improve the quality of life for millions. Beverly has given selflessly to the community with her volunteer work with a plethora of institutions here in Nebraska. In a troubled time of Jewish history, Leonard and Shirley Goldstein understood the meaning of taking action. Their persistent, intelligent, committed work on behalf of our oppressed brothers in the former Soviet Union gave hope

“The Goldsteins were the first to welcome Chabad to Omaha 18 years ago,” Rabbi Katzman added. “It is our privilege to honor these unique individuals. Each couple in their own way has put Nebraska on the international map!” The event, chaired by Tom and Darlynn Fellman and Joe and Maxine Kirshenbaum, promises to be an unforgettable gala and will showcase the numerous ways which Chabad has enhanced and strengthened our community. Chabad of Nebraska helps strengthen our Jewish Community by nurturing the relationship of Jews and G-d in ways that are fresh, fun, relevant and educational. Chabad sponsors celebrations of Jewish holidays such as the Shofar Factory, the Model Matza Bakery, Hanukkah on the Malls and provides Jewish learning for all from toddlers to teens to adults and seniors. There are many ways to participate and assist in this event honoring the Maurers and the Goldsteins. To send congratulatory greetings in the banquet journal, Continued on page 4

President Bush stands with Supreme Court nominee Judge John Roberts on July 20 at the White House. Credit: Eric Draper/White House

JCC Maccabi Games to Begin Sunday Disengagement protesters Standoff by RACHEL BLUM Israel, Mexico, and Vancouver. JCC Program Director This year, Omaha is once again partici- with Police at Gaza Moshav This Sunday 36 Jewish teens from Omaha and three teens from Israel will travel to Dallas, TX, to compete in the 2005 JCC Maccabi Games, a week-long

pating in the Maccabi Sister City program, which enables us to bring three Israeli teens from our Partnership with Israel to Omaha the week before the Games. The Israeli teens arrived in Omaha on Monday, July 25, and have spent the week with our Maccabi athletes practicing their sport, getting to know the members of Team Omaha, and learning about Jewish Omaha by visiting the three local synagogues and meeting with the rabbis. They also spent time Members of the Omaha JCC Maccabi basketball team (in black talking with the teens in shirts), Dylan Saferstein, #10, left, and Danny Raznick, #15, BBYO about their lives as practiced with varsity players, mostly from Millard North, prior Jewish teens in Israel. to leaving for the JCC Maccabi Games in Dallas. Following their visit in sporting event for Jewish teens, ages 13- Omaha, the Israeli teens become a part of 16, which incorporates community serv- Team Omaha and travel with us to the ice projects, Judaic education activities, Games. It’s an incredible opportunity for and social programming. Our teens will everyone involved, and the experience of spend a week with their peers from across our local teens meeting Israeli North America, as well as those from Continued on page 12

Inside Opinion Page see page 8

Anti-disengagement protesters continued their standoff with security forces at Kfar Maimon, a moshav some eight kilometers east of the Gaza border. On its third day, the standoff appears to be collapsing as many thousands of protesters have given up trying to get into Gush Katif and are making their way back to the center of the country. Police allowed dozens of buses to enter the moshav to take the protesters home. At its peak, some 20,000 police and soldiers were surrounding Kfar Maimon preventing the protesters from infiltrating into Gaza. Police Commissioner Moshe Karadi has said that when the disengagement comes Copyright: ISRANET about next month the roads to the area will be closed.

This Week: Monthly Calendar: Pages 6-7 Inaugral Cardozo Event to Feature Norman Krivosha: Page 2

YJO Sponsors Family Pool Party: Page 3

Coming Next Month: Fall Home & Garden Special Issue Britain’s Chief Rabbi Calls for Courage: Page 9

Beth El and Temple Face Off on the Diamond: Page 12

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

July 29, 2005

Inaugural Cardozo Event to Feature Judge Norman Krivosha 15394 Nicholas Street • $180,000 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, vinyl siding and sprinkler system. One mile to synagogue. Call 498-9877 or 639-3313. Tour online at www.fsbolocator.com/3399.

Hi, Looking for a used auto to buy or lease? I can help you find that special car. Have a car to sell? I can help you with that also. Just call Tom Bernstein for your auto needs.

Call me at 250-9094.

Looking forward to speaking with you.

Tom BEST CUSTOM HOME VALUE ~ SERVING 8 STATES FOR 39 YEARS!

of service to the state. The entire by MAGGIE GERBER Jewish community is invited to JELS Programming Coordinator attend. The newly formed Cardozo Benjamin Cardozo, selected by Society, an organization for Jewish President Hoover, was the second legal professionals, will honor former Jew appointed to the Supreme Nebraska Supreme Court Justice Court. During his distinguished Norman M. Krivosha, at a luncheon career, Judge Cardozo was influenced at the Jewish Community Center on by his background as a Sephardic Jew. Monday Aug. 22, 11:30 a.m. He is remembered as an outstanding Judge Krivosha is currently of judicial stylist and is still recognized counsel for the law firm Kutak Rock. as the great interpreter of the comHe was the Executive Vice mon law. President, Secretary and Corporate Reservations are $10 and can be General Counsel of Ameritas Life made via e-mail to me at: mgerInsurance Corporation. From 1978 to 1987 Judge Krivosha served as ber@jewishomaha.org. For inforNorman M. Krivosha Chief Justice of Nebraska and is mation about the event or the regarded as one of the most outstanding jurists to serve Cardozo Society please visit the Jewish Federation webon the Nebraska bench. He has been an active member site at www.jewishomaha.org and click on “Cardozo of the Lincoln Jewish community and has served on Society.� national and local boards of many prominent Jewish The Cardozo Society is an affinity group of the Jewish organizations, including Israel Bonds and the Jewish Federation of Omaha. The society sponsors programs Theological Seminary. that integrate Jewish and legal concerns and provides The Krivoshas will be leaving Nebraska soon to enjoy educational, leadership, social, and networking opporturetired life in Naples, FL. The event will pay tribute to nities for lawyers, judges and law students. the former Supreme Court Chief Justice and his legacy For more information, please contact me at 334.6462.

Where Bush’s Court Nominee Stands

Help keep siblings together!

CALL 1-800-7-PARENT

Gary Kuklin A REALTORŽ for all YOUR Real Estate needs! Buying YOUR dream home • Selling your home New Construction • Lots • Acreages • Investments Free Market Analysis Licensed in Nebraska & Iowa

402.880.1887 800.876.2088 gary@garykuklin.info

WHY NOT DO IT THE EASY WAY?

NORM’S

DOOR SERVICE GARAGE DOOR SPECIALISTS SALES AND SERVICE COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL

6200 South 90TH St. at 90th & Washington

Omaha, Nebraska

402/331-8920

Continued from page 1 “He has profound respect for the rule of law and for the liberties guaranteed to every citizen,� Bush said in a prime-time announcement. “He will strictly apply the Constitution and laws, not legislate from the bench.� While much attention will focus on Roberts’ views on abortion, his confirmation also could have a profound effect on church-state issues. Marc Stern, general counsel for the American Jewish Congress, said Roberts writings suggest that coercion is the necessary standard to show a violation of the First Amendment prohibition on government establishment of religion. If that is indeed the case, Stern said, Roberts likely would vote to allow prayer in public schools and the public display of the Ten Commandments. “But there are a lot of leaps there,� Stern said. Roberts, 50, is seen as more conservative than several other potential nominees whose names were floated in recent weeks, including U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. At the same time, however, he arrives without a long judicial track record and is not a legal scholar with a hefty body of published work. Therefore, analysts say, it’s hard to gauge whether he will be a strict conservative jurist or will move toward the center. Roberts--who once clerked for Chief Justice William Rehnquist when Rehnquist was an associate justice on the Supreme Court--worked as deputy solicitor general from 1989-1993, in the administration of Presiden George H.W. Bush. At the time, he advocated for the overturn of Roe v. Wade, the landmark ruling legalizing abortion. In 1991, he co-authored a brief for the government in Lee v. Weisman that supported prayer at public-school graduation ceremonies. The Supreme Court ruled against the government in that case, outlawing graduation prayer. The court’s position was backed by a large number of American Jewish groups, but was opposed by several Orthodox organizations. It’s unclear whether those positions represent Roberts’ personal views or those of his client at the time, the federal government. But those views are expected to frustrate liberal Jewish groups, who sought a moderate nominee in line with Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, whom Roberts would replace if confirmed. The National Council of Jewish Women already has announced that it will oppose Roberts’ nomination because of his ostensible views on abortion. The group

2005 FALL LEAGUES INSTRUCTIONAL - Ages 7-9/10-12 COMPETITIVE - Ages 9-10/11-12/13-14/15-16 WOOD BAT LEAGUE - Ages 16-up MACK’S MITES - AGES 4-6

For more information Call (402) 398-1238 Leagues Fill Up Fast! www.strikezoneomaha.com

also opposed Roberts’ 2003 nomination to the appeals court. “We felt his record showed him as someone who failed to defend constitutional rights, including reproductive rights,� NCJW President Phyllis Snyder said. But others want to wait, unsure where Roberts stands. Some suggest that Roberts’ boss at the solicitor general’s office, Kenneth Starr, may have heavily influenced his writings there. “It requires a little bit more research to determine whether he was being a lawyer in those cases, or to what extent he played a lead role in shaping what the positions were,� said David Saperstein, Director of the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism. Saperstein, whose group advocates for abortion rights and strict separation of church and state, said Roberts’ writings clearly are at odds with those of a majority of the American Jewish community. Many Orthodox Jews, however, take a politically more conservative view on separation of church and state and other contentious issues. Abba Cohen, Washington Director and Counsel of the fervently Orthodox Agudath Israel of America, said his organization generally doesn’t endorse or oppose nominees, but may be forced to publicly back Roberts if he faces ideological attacks. “To the extent this becomes a largely ideological debate, that may be a factor for us when we decide how involved we will get in the process itself,� Cohen said. Several other Jewish groups also have expressed a desire not to weigh in unless the candidate is considered extreme. Groups like the American Jewish Committee and AntiDefamation League are expected to vet the candidate, but not to take a formal position on his nomination. Roberts’ record would have to rise to the level of concern that those groups had with Robert Bork, a staunchly conservative Supreme Court nominee in 1987, sources told JTA, and there is little to warrant that yet. Marshall Breger, a professor at Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law, said Jewish groups should not approach the debate from a political perspective. “There are a lot of interest groups that have no choice but to throw down the gauntlet and go to battle,�said Breger, who served as White House liaison to the Jewish community in the Reagan administration. “But it would be a denial of their past� for Jewish groups to “now approach this nomination from a political perspective,� he said. Continued on page 3

SDUH IRU D FDUHHU LQ (OHFWULFDO ,QGXVWU\ W¡V (OHFWULFDO &RQVWUXFWLRQ &RQWURO ZLOO SUHSDUH \RX IRU D UHZDUGLQJ FDUHHU GIN IN !UGUST OR COLLEGE COM

July 29, 2005

Where Bush’s Court Nominee Stands Continued from page 2 The Republican Jewish Coalition noted that Roberts received support from prominent Jewish Democratic lawyers, including former White House counsel Lloyd Cutler and former solicitor general Seth Waxman, when he was nominated for the circuit court in 2003. The National Jewish Democratic Council circulated an e-mail Tuesday, authored by Harvard Law School Professor Alan Dershowitz, suggesting that Jews’ status as a religious minority could be threatened if Bush names a conservative jurist. Roberts was part of the Bush campaign’s legal team during the Florida presidential recount in 2000. Numerous interfaith groups asked Bush earlier this month to consult Democrats before making his selection. Bush said Tuesday that he met with more than 70 senators before choosing Roberts. “He clearly had a number of conversations with members of the Senate, which is good,” said Saperstein, whose group organized the interfaith letter. “To what extent he actually aimed at getting consensus, we shall see.” It’s unclear how Roberts would change the high court, analysts said. If he becomes a reliable conservative vote, numerous cases that hinged on O’Connor’s moderate voice could be altered. Nathan Lewin, a prominent Orthodox attorney, said he believed Roberts would be a strong supporter of religious liberty,

and could move the court further toward placing a higher value on religious activity, compared to other interests. “I think he is more receptive to religious liberties than other people that might have been appointed,” Lewin said. Analysts said much will hinge on Roberts’ view of “stare decisis,” the principle of following precedent decisions. If Roberts believes jurists should not revisit issues that already have been decided, the church-state cases that already are law may stand. “The first question is, does he start from ground zero or does he respect where the court is?” Stern said. Roberts hinted in his 2003 confirmation hearings that he would support existing precedents. “There’s no role for advocacy with respect to personal beliefs or views on the part of a judge,” he said. “The judge is bound to follow the Supreme Court precedent, whether he agrees with it or disagrees with it, and bound to apply the rule of law in cases whether there’s applicable Supreme Court precedent or not. Personal views, personal ideology, those have no role to play whatever.” Barring unforeseen developments, analysts largely believe Roberts will be confirmed. Bush wants Roberts confirmed before the court reconvenes in October. Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) said last week that he viewed Roberts as “in the ballpark” of confirmable nominees. The Senate Judiciary Committee, led by Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA), is expected to begin hearings later this summer.

Beth El’s Upcoming “What’s Jewish About Summer?” Sure to Delight Community’s Preschoolers by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Mark Friday, Aug. 12, 10 a.m. to noon, on your calendar and come to Beth El for a fun-filled educational activity geared to all Jewish parents and their preschoolers throughout our community. “What’s Jewish About Summer?” a creative program led by Helen and Tuffy Epstein and Cantor Gastón Bogomolni, will offer children ages two to five the opportunity to create art projects and sing along with Jewish songs in a kidsized, kid-friendly atmosphere! Hands-on activities during the program will include painting ceramic mezzuzot and other Judaica items, making challah, crafting musical instruments and creating a Judaica collage. “I got the idea of ‘What’s Jewish about Summer?’ from a book I have by Maxine

Handleman entitled What’s Jewish about Butterflies? a book which ties Jewish learning into everyday subjects,” Helen Epstein explained. “In addition to all of our great hands-on activities, I’m hoping that everyone will learn some new Hebrew words which relate to summer, and we’ll all have a great time!” Epstein noted that there is a need for parents to help run the various activity centers during the morning; anyone interested in helping out is encouraged to contact Beth El Program Director Harriet Einziger at 492.8550. She also said that while the program has been planned for preschoolers, younger siblings are more than welcome to attend. “What’s Jewish About Summer?” is sponsored by Beth El’s Parent and Child Meaningful Activity Network (PACMAN).

Executive Perks Corporate Gifts Gift Cards & Baskets Spa Services for Working Men & Women

NEW LOCATION TO SERVE YOU B 169TH &

ETTER

Page 3

YJO’s Casino Night Pays Off Big for Community’s Seniors YJO member, came up with the idea when he was looking for more sophisticated, adult-only social programs for the Home’s residents. “The majority of social interaction at the Blumkin Home naturally centers around family, which of course includes children,” explained Silverman. “But let’s not forget that adults-only interaction is also a very important piece of adult life for everyone, including the elderly.” YJO members became Julius Frohm, left, and Julius Bernstein take their chances at blackjack dealers, game a game of blackjack with Mike Silverman, an active YJO managers and personal valets member who volunteered to be a dealer for Casino Night. To for the 60 or more Jewish see more photos, please go to www.jewishomaha.org. seniors who attended Casino The auditorium at the Jewish Night. At the evening’s close, “tokens” Community Center was transformed into a were exchanged for prizes and gifts. But glitzy Las Vegas casino for the Residents of the most important exchange during the Blumkin Home thanks to the efforts of Casino Night was between people. As Jenn Kirshenbaum put it, more than 20 Young Jewish Omaha (YJO) members. Mike Silverman, Director of “Everybody had fun; I think the volunJewish Senior Services and the Rose teers got just as much out of being there Blumkin Jewish Home, as well as an active as the residents did!” by PAM MONSKY Federation Communications Director

YJO Family Pool Party Will be a Splash by PAM MONSKY Federation Communications Director Young Jewish Omaha (YJO) members and their families are invited to a pool party on Sunday, July 31, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center. Pizza will be served in the Pavillion (across the street from the Child Development Center) from 11-11:30. Swimming in the outdoor pool will last until 2 p.m. Following all the hot fun in the sun, the day will end back in the

Pavillion with some cool ice cream. In the event of rain, all activities will be at the indoor pool. Reservations are necessary and can be made by e-mailing Jill Simon, YJO Program Coordinator, jsimon1123@cox.net or Sharon Kirshenbaum, Federation Young Leadership/Campaign Director, skirshenbaum@jewishomaha.org. YJO is a social group for members of the community, ages 25-45, and is ponsored by the Jewish Federation.

Pick up your kids in one of these and they may admit they actually know you. $

367*/mo 2005 BMW X3 3.0 • Automatic • Premium Package • Heated Seats • Privacy Glass

#I57810 M.S.R.P. $40,322 YOUR PRICE $38,322 YOUR SAVINGS $$2,000

454*/mo

$

We cater to executives and professionals for all occasions. • • • •

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

2005 BMW X5 3.0 • Automatic • Premium Package • Cold Weather Package • Rear Climate Package #I57810 M.S.R.P. $48,997 YOUR PRICE $45,997 YOUR SAVINGS $$3,000

BMW of Lincoln 6701 Telluride Dr. Lincoln, NE 68521

More about BMW 2005 X3 3.0 2005 X5 3.0

www.bmwusa.com

The Ultimate Driving Machine®

HARRISON IN HARRISON VILLAGE

1-800-876-1598 HARRISON VILLAGE 884-8752 VILLAGE POINTE 991-2227 REGENCY COURT 391-2333 OAK VIEW MALL 333-5600 EAGLE RUN 445-9260

*39 mos, 10,000 mi/year lease, $3,000 cash/trade down + 1st mo pymt & sec dep due at signing. Taxes, title, license extra. WAC

Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

July 29, 2005

IN THE NEWS

MARRIAGE

Bruce Shackman hit his first ever hole-in-one on July 14, using a seven iron on the second hole at Ironwood Country Club. “We’re calling him ‘Tiger’ now!” said Bruce Friedlander, who witnessed the shot. Michelle Applebaum of Dallas, TX, recently donated 12 inches of her hair to Locks of Love, a nonprofit organization that provides hairpieces to children who lost their hair from medical illness. It took two and a half years for the high school sophomore to reach the minimim 10 inches required for a donation. She is the greatgranddaughter of Frieda Krizelman. The Park Inn Regency Lodge, 909 So. 107 Ave., has joined World Hotels, a group of more than 500 independently owned hotels and resorts in more than 250 locations in 70 countries world-wide. The Park Inn’s name will now be known as Regency Lodge, according to Gil Cohen, General Manager. For reservation information, call 397.8000 locally or 1.800.617.8310. Former Omahan Jonathan Duitch was featured in the Canadian Jewish News last month for his expertise as a tour guide in Israel. He sees himself as a little bit of a “Deadhead”, a lifelong fan of the band, the Grateful Dead, according to the article. The band was his early passion; now his passion is taking tourists all over Israel, where he’s been a tour guide since 1993. A year later, he was asked to serve as a guide for March of the Living groups, something he’s done every year since. Duitch has a BA from Columbia University and made aliyah in 1979, where he first owned a popcorn stand. He played the guitar for shekels and even made guitars for a living, giving one to Eric Clapton. He also was the co-creator of an Israeli comic book. Duitch is the son of Jean Duitch and the late Jack Duitch; he lives in Jerusalem with his wife, Laurie, and their three children, Merav, 16, Nadiv, 13, and Naomi, 11.

2006 BMW325i

Former Omahan Tony Okun has directed his first film, The Park, a documentary about urban parks. What’s different about this film, he noted, is that it was shot using a digital video camera and edited on Okun’s own Macintosh laptop. Okun graduated from Westside and University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1991 with a bachelors degree in Journalism in Advertising from the school of Journalism. He spent two years in San Diego, then 10 years in Los Angeles before returning to San Diego. He just finished cutting a nine minute short film for the PBS series, “Natural Heroes”, featuring Richard Davis, the gardner from The Park. The Park will have a benefit opening in September at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Rachel Jacobson, daughter of David and Nancy Jacobson, recently moved back to Omaha from New York City, to become the founder and director of Film Streams, Inc., part of the $10 million Saddle Creek Records project in north Omaha near Creighton University. In New York, she worked in non-profit fundraising at a small, off-Broadway theater, in distribution at Miramax for a year, and two years as a fundraiser at WNYC, the National Public Radio station. Until the Film Streams facility opens in the spring or summer of 2006, viewers can log onto a temporary website up at: www.filmstreams.org. diCoppia, long recognized as one of the finest restaurants in Omaha, is moving to a new location in Linden Market, at 132nd and Dodge. The restaurant will open on or before Aug. 15. The restaurant remains open through July 30 in Regency Court. Owners John and Diane Halligan are thrilled about diCoppia’s new home, which will feature an expanded lounge area with plenty of seating, a private party room that seats up to 25, full patio service and a gorgeous dining room that will provide the ideal enviroment for a gourmet experience. John Halligan, who also serves as Executive Chef, promises a new menu that will feature specials for lunch or dinner.

Chabad Honors Two Couples Continued from page 1 contribute to the silent auction, help with decorations or with any of the myriad tasks involved, please contact Carol at Chabad House at 330.1800 or Debbie Denenberg at Debbiedenenberg@cox.net. Chabad of Nebraska welcomes everyone to come celebrate our anniversary and honor the Maurers and the Goldsteins. Tickets are available by calling 330.1800 or visiting our website: www.nebraskajudaism.com. Volunteers are encouraged to contact Shani Katzman at 330.1800 or shanikatzman@aol.com.

Where Great Cars and Great People Come Together.

2005 BMW525xi

List Price $35,515 Sale Price $34,995

Now In All Wheel Drive! List Price $48,720 Sale Price $47,975

Lease for $ 46 /mo*

Lease for $ 80 /mo*

442

MOSENKIS/VINOKUROV Florina Yuz Mosenkis and Oleg Vinokurov were married on Jan. 23 in Las Vegas, NV. The ceremony at the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino was followed by a reception at Eliseevsky Russian Restaurant. The bride is the daughter of Anna and Igor Mosenkis and the granddaughter of late Yevgenia the Tsarevskaya and Raphael Yuz and the late Volko and Fanya Mosenkis. She graduated summa cum laude from Washington University in St. Louis, MO, with a BSBA in finance and accounting and a master’s in accounting. She passed the Certified Public Accountant examination in 2002, earning a distinction for achieving the fourth highest score in the state of Missouri. She is a senior associate auditor at KPMG LLP. The groom is the son of Raisa and Yan Vinokurov. His grandparents are the late Elizabeth and Naum Bukengoltz and the late Raisa and Zinovy Vinokurov. He is a graduate of the University of NebraskaOmaha, where he earned a bachelors degree in computer science. He is employed as a software engineer. The couple resides in Omaha.

643

markel BMW

2005 BMWX5

MSRP. $44,645 Our Price $43,595 You Save $1,050

462

#1771

Lease for $ 57 /mo*

Special Lease and Finance Rates Available Through BMW Financial Services *39 month, 10,000 mi/year lease, $2500 cash/trade down plus 1st month payment and security deposit due at signing. Taxes, title, license extra. WAC.

Westroads • 716 N. 102nd • 393-9700 • 800-593-6060 • www.markelbmw.com Mon - Thur: 8:30-8 • Fri & Sat: 8:30-6

325i 525xi X5 www.markelbmw.com Tel. 402-393-9700 Fax 402-255-3403

The Ultimate Driving Machine®

July 29, 2005

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

L’Dor v’ Dor

BERT’S EYE VIEW by BERT LEWIS There was a lengthy article in the paper recently about the way we’ve divided ourselves into generations. No, wait a minute--that isn’t what it meant. We’ve always been a part of a particular generation, but I don’t remember when each of those groups had a special name or designation. For example, my grandparents generation when I was a kid, was just that--the grandfathers and grandmothers and great aunts and uncles. etc. Maybe some with poor manners called them “the old folks” or “our elders”, which shouldn’t have sounded insulting but probably was to some. The time came when “Golden Agers” was used, but many found that distasteful. The youngest generation was referred to just that way --youngest, or maybe the kids. Those were the ones who couldn’t wait for the next birthday, to “grow up”. And the ones in between were our parents, known by many, if not most, as “the grown ups”. Remember all that? Okay, let’s get back to the original idea of dividing the groups in a different way. The maven who figured all this out believes we need to start with those who were born between 1901-26 and call them “The G.I. Generation”. The folks who were presented with the big Depression, World War II and post war prosperity. Of course that war was one in which those who served took great pride,

unlike some which have followed. People were said to be courageous, sacrificing, assertive and visionary. The next bunch was named “The Silent Generation” and they were born from 1927 to 1945. They were called that because they came of age during a time when folks tried to conform, tried not to “make waves”. A group that tried to mind their own business and just make a living. I think “Silent” is probably an apt word for them. Between 1946 and 1964 came the Americans known as “the baby Boomers”, and lots of us participated in that population explosion. The boys were home from war and people were putting their lives back together and starting their families. A phrase called “social activisim” became familiar, as did “career women”. A very different and new look was being seen and heard. The times were changing drastically. The next group were those born from 1965 to 1981 and were said to be “the least nurtured and least supervised” of all. Many were raised by single parents and the argument persists today whether that made them stronger or more dependent. They were named Generation X and it’s not unusual to hear “you have to depend on yourself--to take charge and make things happen as you want. Don’t wait for somebody else to do it for you.” The final group covered are the “Millennials, 1982 to present”. That’s easy, given the new millenium within that time frame but what of the people? It’s said their one big event was 9/11, which has made them a patriotic bunch, optimistic about the future. And no matter to which generation we belong, we want to also

feel that optimism. Those are the titles and groups listed by whomever thought this was an interesting subject to pursue. Is it? Does it matter if we have a particular designation which (among other things) gives away our age? It seems to me I’ve heard most about the Baby Boomers and Generation X, but for what reasons? About the Boomers--because I contributed four of them to the total of 80 million? About Generation X, because they’re the ones who followed my kids in the scheme of things? I’m not sure why these two groups are the most familiar for conversation. Why do we have all those pompous titles anyway? What difference does it make? Mostly the year of birth is used for identification, like when you want some information from your doctor’s office. Before they relate any personal information, you’re likely to hear: “date of birth please?” Or when a young person is trying to buy beer or something else forbidden by law...that’s when the year of birth becomes really important. Well, Here’s a little bit of news. I’m not going to tell you which generation is mine. If you know me, you can no doubt guess correctly and if you don’t, well, who cares? In fact, the whole thing is much ado about nothing, except for the guy who wrote the article. He’s the one who had to come up with something to write about. I’ll bet if somebody asks him in which group he belongs, he says “none of your business”. As for me, I really don’t care...I was just looking for something to write about, too!

ship, compassion and/or service impacting the history of the Jewish people in Nebraska and Western Iowa. The first recipient of this award is Frances Batt, a longtime NJHS supporter. A dessert reception will follow these events that are open to the entire community.

a.m., in the Blumkin Home conference room. The Visions Summer Picnic is Sunday, Aug. 21, 12:30-4:30 p.m., at Chalco Hills Recreation Area. Terry Edwards will perform. Space is limited. Cost is $7 per person. Make check payable to Visions. Send reservations to: Ethel Goldston, 1108 No. 92 St., #101, Omaha, NE 68114, by Aug. 12. For information, call Jean Elkon at 551.6656. The Visions Annual Baseball and Dinner is Monday, Aug. 29. Dinner is on your own at the Stadium View Club at 6 p.m. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. Cost is $5 per person. Send reservations to: Harry Alloy, 11317 Harney Plaza Circle, Omaha, NE 68154, by Aug. 15. Make check payable to Visions. Don’t miss the trip to Branson on Sept. 19-23! Send reservations to: Anne Skolkin, 1010 Regency Parkway, #302, Omaha, NE 68114.

Bert Lewis can be reached at: BertLewis39@aol.com.

ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Rachel Jacobson will be the guest speaker at B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Aug. 3, noon, at Regency Lodge, according to Gary Javitch, chairman. Jacobson recently moved back to Omaha to start up Omaha’s first non-profit cinema which will be part of the Saddle Creek records development north of Downtown. A two-screen movie theater will play new independent, foreign and documentary films, run “retro” series of older films, and host special screenings for local filmmakers and other film professionals. Cost is $11 for a full lunch and $2 for beverage service only. NEBRASKA JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY The NJHS annual meeting will be held on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2 p.m., in the JCC theater. New officers and board members will be installed and a collection of Dr. Ben Nachman’s oral history interviews will be presented in a new documentary. Also this year, an award has been created in honor of Mary Fellman, NJHS founder. The Mary Fellman Award will be presented yearly, to an individual or group in the community who has shown multifaceted leader-

THE GREEK ISLANDS 3821 CENTER • 346-1528 Greek Specials Daily Greek Beer & Wine Homemade Pastries Dine In/Carry Out Party Room We Cater Too! Full Service Bar Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

eli D e h T at

Spirit World 7517 Pacific Omaha, NE 68114 391-8680

Bring in this ad and receive a

% discount

20

on your deli purchase Eat in only

THE YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Join us at the JCC on Monday as the one-man band Derek Ventura entertains us with all golden oldies tunes. Come try your luck at bingo with Eileen Remer, senior exercise at 10:30 a.m. and the discussion group at 11 a.m. Lunch will be served at noon at $6 per person. Call Maggie Conti for reservations at 334.6521 for the following events: Moyer’s Magic Show is on Aug. 8; be prepared for an event full of comedy, music, magic and fun. Magical Mystery Tour on Aug. 11; cost is $3 for transportation. Bluffs Run Casino is Aug. 25; cost is $5 per person. Stepping Lively with the Omaha Country Kickers is on Aug. 29. For transportation, call Dee Dee at 330.4272.

Out

Dining

VISIONS Reminder: Board Meeting is Friday, Aug. 5, 9:30

When you patronize these fine establishments, tell them you saw their ad in the Jewish Press.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638 for more information.

Page 6

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

July 29, 2005

Your Look... Your Lifestyle

July 29, 2005

EL ALAMO

& Climate ControlAirHeating Conditioning

“Best Mexican Food”

AIR CONDITIONER SPECIAL OFFER

SAVE UP TO 40% ON COOLING COSTS The pharmacy that specializes in home delivery!

Hairstyling Manicuring Pedicuring Waxing

A Full Service Salon for Men+Women

Countryside Village Pacific at 87th | 392-2039

• Mention this ad and get $100 off any heating and air conditioning system installation,or • Call us and have one of our factory trained service technicians tuneup your central air conditioning system to get the maximum efficiency for just $59.95.

• North Omaha • South Omaha • Council Bluffs • • City-wide Delivery • Discount Prices • Nachos • Guacamole • Tacos • Fajitas Burritos • Shrimp • Enchiladas Combination Dinners Carnitas • Tostadas Tamales • Arroz Con Pollo • Machaca MEXICAN BEER Corona • XX • Bohemia • Tecate • Carta Blanca Open for Lunch and Dinner 11 a.m.-9 p.m. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

4917 South 24th St. • 731-8969

• Discount prices, both charged and delivered • Medicines, Herbals and Natural Vitamins • Accepting HMO & Insurance Cards

10% to 40% based on comparison of the climate control Save advertisers Manfacturer system with a typical 8HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING

BRUCE GOLDBERG, Pharmacist

10 year old system using Department of Energy test procedures. Actual savings may vary.

Call Today For A FREE No Obligation Estimate on New Equipment

Serving Our Community

COMFORT WITH CONFIDENCE

For Home Delivery, call

Metro area: 733-3216 • www.phexpress.com

Financing Available

334-1818 West Omaha 558-1555

invitations collectibles and gifts unique gift baskets

Stationery B’nai Mitzvah & Weddings Anniversaries & Special Occasions

Page 7

“Pst. Have you heard? There’s a new dentist in town.”

Kirk J. Davis D.D.S., P.C. 15615 W. Dodge Rd. • Omaha, NE (Southwest Corner of West Dodge Road)

12039 Blondo • Omaha, NE • 402/498-9770

Central

*Financing Available

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

402/614-WEST (9378) MENTION THIS AD FOR A FREE APPETIZER WITH THE PURCHASE OF AN ENTREE.*

for RELIABLE & RESPONSIBLE FABRICARE 5213 Leavenworth

2301 Lincoln Rd.

4963 So. 155th St.

214 N. 114th St.

8728 Pacific

4028 N. 132nd St.

10910 ‘Q’ St.

2214 N. 90th St.

1810 N. 144th St.

108th & Center

5624 Ames

2541 S. 174th Plz. 5102 N. 156th St.

14430 W. Center Rd.

August

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

www.martinizing.com/omaha

Get Comfort Plus Style ARAVON“ANN”

Available in widths from AA to EE

Comfortplus

SHOE CENTER

FRIDAY, JULY 29 JELS - Introduction to Rabbinic Literature, 11 a.m. SUNDAY, JULY 31 YJO Party, 11 a.m.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9 “The Guy & Bob Show”, noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Kripke Library Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10 Hazak Installation, 6 p.m. at Beth El Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel

MONDAY, AUGUST 1 Artza Committee Meeting, 8 a.m. JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. TUESDAY, AUGUST 2 “The Guy & Bob Show”, noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m. JELS Conversational Hebrew Class Level 1, 7 p.m. and Level 2, 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19 YU Torah Tours Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth Israel Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Jewish Federation Pre-Mission Class, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 Shabbat Lunch with YU Torah Tours, 11:30 a.m. at Beth Israel

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12 PACMAN, 10 a.m. at Beth El

Certified Pedorthists On Staff

1010 S.74th Plaza Omaha • 392-2952 On the North Side of Pacific at 74th

6450 O Street Lincoln • 466-7463

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3 Beth El Hazak Meeting, 9:30 a.m.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 Intergenerational Shabbat, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. JELS Conversational Hebrew Class Level 1, 7 p.m. and Level 2, 8 p.m.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 JCC OPEN -- TISHA B’AV Visions Brownville Concert, noon

North Side of O Street

Monday-Friday 9-6 • Saturday 9-4:30 • Phone orders welcome

Proudly Serving:

The Georgetowne Club - 2240 S. 141st Cir. W.H. Thompson Alumni Center - 6705 Dodge St. Livestock Exchange Building - 4920 South 30th St. Country Oaks - 9809 M Street Lauritzen Gardens - 100 Bancroft St. Homes, Offices and Other Desired Locations Available!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 7 Bible Study, 9 a.m. at Beth El Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 10 a.m. at Beth El Yachad Craft/Music Event, 12:30 p.m. at VSP Club Nebraska Jewish Historical Society Annual Meeting, 2 p.m. MONDAY, AUGUST 8 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. Beth El Rosh Chodesh Group, 7 p.m. Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m. at Friedel Jewish Academy

MONDAY, AUGUST 15 Hadassah Board Meeting, 1 p.m. BEAM, 7 p.m. at Beth El Youth Commission Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth El TUESDAY, AUGUST 16 “The Guy & Bob Show”, noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m. B’nai B’rith Banquet Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17 Temple Israel Interfaith Pavilion & Pool Party, 5:30 p.m. Temple Israel Interfaith Pool Party, 6:30 p.m.

Call one of our professional event planners today

(402) 334-5446 • www.brandeiscatering.com. “YOUR EVENT IS OUR NEXT SUCCESS!”

This spot could have your name on it. Call Allan Handleman to see how easy it can be.

334-6451

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21 Teacher Orientation, 9 a.m. at Temple Israel “Living Hebrew” Class with Susy Levin, 10 a.m. at Beth El Bible Study with Leonard Greenspoon, 10 a.m. at Beth El BESTT Teacher Orientation, 10 a.m. Jewish Potpouri with Susy Levin, 11 a.m. at Beth El Visions Summer Picnic, noon at Chalco Hills BBYO Council BBQ and Swim Party, 5 p.m. Beth El Community Jewish Singles Minature Golf Event, 7 p.m. at Boulder Creek Amusement MONDAY, AUGUST 22 Cardozo Society Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. Jewish Press Meeting, 7:30 p.m. TUESDAY, AUGUST 23 “The Guy & Bob Show”, noon Federation Executive Committee Meeting, 5:30 p.m. ADL Institute for Holocaust Education, 5:30 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Federation Board Meeting. 7 p.m. THURSDAY, AUGUST 25 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Jewish Federation Pre-Mission Class, 7 p.m.

ENTERTAIN

OMAHA’S REAL ESTATE EXPERTS

That Potter y Place

FIRST CLASS

Residential • Relocation • Investment Self Employed • Commercial

of fering an assor tment of Judaica Potter y

WITH

HONEYMAN RENT-ALL The Party Place FOR THE FINEST IN ENTERTAINING ACCESSORIES, HOW CAN YOU THROW A PARTY AND NOT INVITE US? • Tables • Chairs • Linens • Skirting • China • Glassware • Champaign Fountains • Chafing Dishes • Party Canopies • Wedding & Church Displays • Dance Floors • BBQ Grills • Coat Racks • Candelabras • Margarita Machines • Chocolate Fountains

Our Visit room w o h S

11226 Wright Circle (1 Block South of 114th & Center)

333-2882

Wed Di ding & S splays upp lies

their needs

402/926-3334 x15 402/612-1751 Mike Storrs mike@teamkomor.com dan@dankomor.com Dan Komor www.teamkomor.com

*ONE PER TABLE.

FOR A

Dundeal Call

Dundee Realty Co.

SALES • RENTALS • MANAGEMENT Listing and Selling–Omaha and surrounding areas

Residential and Commercial Real Estate

Howard Weiner Dik Weiner 4645 Dodge • 553-2121

CELEBRATIONS ARE OUR BUSINESS We believe that special occasions deserve special attention. Count on us for memorable events that exceed expectations

TUESDAY, AUG 30 “The Guy & Bob Show”, noon First Day of Midweek Classes Grades 5 and 6, 4 p.m. at Beth El ADL Institute for Holocaust Education, 5:30 p.m. BBYO Fall Kick Off, 6 p.m.

• Weddings • Anniversaries • Bar/Bat Mitzvahs • 12,000 sq. ft. of flexible event space accommodates up to 250 guests

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31 PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Rabbis and Presidents Meeting, 11:30 a.m. NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m. First Day of Beth El Synagogue High School, 7 p.m.

• On-site planning and catering professionals For information, Call the sales department at 402/496-0850 ext. 143

Crowne Plaza® Omaha Old Mill 655 North 108th Avenue Omaha, NE 68154

MXcgXb b ;\c`m\ij :ljkfd\ij% ;\c`m\ij :ljkfd\ij%

PRIVATE PARTY ROOMS AVAILABLE

Protect & Serve My Oath to You!

MONDAY, AUGUST 29 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. JSS Senior Exercise, 10 a.m. First Day of Midweek Classes Grades 3, 4, and 7, 4 p.m. at Beth El Visions Baseball Game, 5:30 p.m. at Rosenblatt Stadium NCJW Book Club, 7 p.m.

FREE PARKING RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET.

i\cp fe k_\ ]Xd`c`Xi i\cp fe k_\ ]Xd`c`Xi

Margarite and Mary Goodenow

Work with Dan and Mike on the sale or purchase of your home and they will give back up to $300 to the Jewish Family Services. my clients

SUNDAY, AUGUST 28 BBYO Trip to Worlds of Fun, 7 a.m. Bible Study with Leonard Greenspoon, 10 a.m. at Beth El Men’s Club Meeting, 10 a.m. at Beth El First Day of Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah Classes, 10 a.m. Jewish Potpouri with Susie Levin, 11 a.m. at Beth El Yachad Family Fun Day, 1 p.m. at Joslyn Museum Beyt Shalom, 3 p.m. The Guy & Bob Show Presents “The Control Room”, 7 p.m.

342-4010

8Zk`m\ Zfejld\ij

GO WITH A TEAM YOU CAN TRUST

‘Your Personal Mortgage Consultant’

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26 Beth El USY Leadership Training Institute Weekend, Aug. 26-28

1207 HARNEY ST. • OMAHA, NE

This paint your own pottery and mosaics studio specializes in unique gifts made by you! Select from over 100 items including several Judaica pieces! A great place for birthday, group, or no-occasion parties!

7828 Dodge St. 402-392-1166

14450 Eagle Run Drive 402-408-2529

Ycl\ MXcgXb

SERVING THE ENTIRE METRO AREA

\em\cfg\ ]fi mXcl\j \em\cfg\ ]fi mXcl\j

INDIVIDUALIZED CATERING

k_Xk dXb\ c`]\ \Xj`\i Æ Xe[ dfi\ ]le Æ Xe[ dfi\ ]le

FOR ALL OCCASIONS

CALL

328-8251 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

KD

:Xcc MXcgXb Xk +') **'$',.. ]fi [`i\Zk dXib\k`e^ jfclk`fej

Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

July 29, 2005

(Founded in 1920)

The West Doesn’t Get It Secretary of State Condaleeza Rice was in Israel last week in a replay of the shuttle diplomacy seen so often during the Clinton years. Alarmed at the internecine fighting between the Palestinian Authority security forces and the terrorists of Islamic Jihad, Rice attempted to quiet the situation with laudatory words. According to coverage from IMRA, Independent Media Review and Analysis, Rice said, “I want to take this opportunity to commend President Abbas and his leadership as well as that of his government for their ongoing efforts to enforce the rule of law in the West Bank and Gaza. These efforts demonstrate the Palestinian leadership’s commitment to ensuring security and cracking down on those who perpetrate violent attacks that only delay the achievement of a Palestinian State. President Abbas has taken actions with the active support of all those in the region and the international community to support a future of peace.” How unfortunate. Now, of course, Abbas and the PA can pat themselves on their backs for appearing to be statesmen while using these photo ops and press conferences to continue to condemn Israel for “not doing enough.” Not doing enough? Some 10,000 Jews who live in Gaza are abandoning their homes, their synagogues, their businesses, their productive farms and greenhouses. Israeli troops may be forced to physically remove some of them, unwilling to leave, though the vast majority are going quietly--victims of successive Israeli governments, both Labor and Likud, who tempted them with tax breaks and cash payments to settle in Gaza--for the sake of Israeli

security. As Israeli security forces prepare for disengagement, it only heightens the Palestinian claim that Israel is leaving because of terrorism. The Palestinians may be jumping for joy now, but despite Secretary of State Rice’s admonition not to seal the border of Gaza, “with the Palestinian people closed in after that withdrawal,” Israel will do what it needs to protect Israeli citizens and visitors. Abbas doesn’t seem to be able to do anything about terrorist groups like Islamic Jihad and others associated with the Palestinians’ ruling Fatah movement, according to JTA. They aren’t part of the cease-fire deal and both claimed responsibility for last Saturday night’s shooting of an Israeli couple near the Gush Katif junction in the Gaza Strip--Abbas lukewarm condemnation, not withstanding. Does anyone think that’s going to change once Gaza is Judenrein? If anything, according to Israeli military analysts, things will get worse. Again, according to IMRA, the PA has hired 350 members of Hamas to join its security forces. Hundreds of Palestinian collaborators have been killed in recent years, while sympathetic Western groups include others killed in criminal actions in their count of Palestinians murdered because of “Israeli occupation.” Abbas hasn’t

required a change in any school or mosque inciting violence and just last week, Belgian leaders praised the PA after reviewing textbooks, finding no anti-Semitism! Once the Israelis leave, Abbas himself has invited Palestinians now living in other Arab countries to rejoin their brothers in Gaza. Perhaps he hopes they’ll bring their weapons with them, too. After all, who will stop them? Following Tisha b’Av--no coincidence there-be prepared for increased terror attacks against Israel. As Jews leave Gaza, Palestinians will feel emboldened to break the hudna, the ceasefire, which, by the way, is backed by Islamic law as an allowable period of calm with the “enemy” (that’s us--in Israel and elsewhere in the West) before “resistance” again rears its ugly head. What will it take for us to “get it”?

But the cat was out of the bag. By now, 350 websites have repeated the falsehood that I want American Muslims in concentration camps. A cartoon even appeared in Islamist publications that has a caricature of me advocating “Muslim internment camps in the USA (the sooner the better).” From endorsing concentration camps, it was but a short step to portraying me as an advocate of mass murder. Wahida Valiante of the Canadian Islamic Congress, an Ontario-based group, took this step on April 29, 2005, writing in her organization’s weekly bulletin that I am a follower of Hitler, that I use the tactics of Hitler, and that I want “to ethnically cleanse

demeaning and surely futile steps, I took a different route. Backed by the Heenan Blaikie law firm of Toronto and the CanWest Global Communications Corporation, Stan Fisher of Heenan Blaikie sent a libel notice in early May to each of Valiante, the CIC, and CIC chair Mohamed Elmasry. On June 10, the CIC published an apology and retraction: “The Canadian Islamic Congress and Ms. Valiante apologize without reservation and retract remarks in the column that suggest that Dr. Daniel Pipes is a follower of Hitler or that he uses the tactics of Hitler or that he wants to ethnically cleanse America of its Muslim presence.” The CIC also sent funds for my legal expenses and made a donation in my honor to a Canadian charity. The CIC’s action is, to the best of my knowledge, without precedent. Western Islamist organizations until now have relentlessly attacked, successfully extracting apologies from media figures like Paul Harvey and Mortimer Zuckerman, from businesses like Amazon and Nike, from pastors, columnists, and even from state politicians, a top U.S. general, and the president of the United States. Never before have they apologized for having libeled a person. The CIC retraction breaks the Islamists’ spell of privilege and their miasma of immunity. It establishes, at least in Canada and at present, that Islamist groups do not have impunity to fabricate lies about their opponents. The rule of law does prevail and it applies even to them. For those who fear the growth of radical Islam, this episode offers encouragement that its forces can be contained and defeated. I hope others will join me in standing up to the new totalitarianism. Daniel Pipes is Director of the Middle East Forum and author of Miniatures (Transaction Publishers) and can be reached at: www.DanielPipes.org.

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press the Jewish Committee, Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

An Islamist Apology

BEHIND THE H EADLINES by DANIEL PIPES Something possibly unprecedented has occurred in the battle with radical Islam. A leading Islamist organization has retracted its slurs against me and issued a public apology. This offers a small but important step in blocking the advance of Islamic extremism. The imbroglio began over two years ago, when George W. Bush nominated me for a position in the U.S. federal government. Leftists and Islamists opposed my appointment; one tactic they used was to try to get me to say things that would get me into trouble. And so it was that I was asked in April 2003 if I support the internment of JapaneseAmericans during World War II. I avoided the question, saying I lacked the knowledge to reply. My curiosity was roused, though, so I read Michelle Malkin’s book, In Defense of Internment (Regnery) and wrote about it in late 2004, concluding that given what was known (and not known) in the early 1940s, FDR’s internment decision was “correct and sensible.” Juan Cole of the University of Michigan then seized upon this assessment and distorted it, alleging that I have “fond visions of rounding up Muslim Americans and putting them in concentration camps.” To this inaccuracy, I immediately replied : “I am not calling for the internment of Muslims. I am calling for an ideological war on radical Islam and the understanding that Islamists are our enemy. I see anti-Islamist Muslims as critical to the war on radical Islam and far from wanting them interned, see their active participation as critical to winning the conflict.”

The CIC retraction breaks the Islamists’ spell of privilege and their miasma of immunity. It establishes, at least in Canada and at present, that Islamist groups do not have impunity to fabricate lies about their opponents. America of its Muslim presence.” Did I really need to point out that this representation of me is, in the words of a National Post editorial , “a vicious calumny that Ms. Valiante plucked from thin air”? Must I insist that I really do execrate Hitler? Aver my horror of genocide? Protest that I never espoused expelling or murdering Muslim Americans? I thought not. Rather than take these

Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Amanda Marcuccio Sales & Marketing Intern Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Jamie Meyerson; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joe Shyken; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; Dorothy Spizman; and Melany Weinstine. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a constitutional committee of the Jewish Federation.

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

Nebraska Press Association

National Newspaper Association

July 29, 2005

Instead Choose Courage and Life

BEHIND THE HEADLINES by RABBI JONATHAN SACKS LONDON, (JTA)--As if mocking the scenes of jubilation at London’s successful 2012 Olympics bid, the terrorist explosions that came the next day left devastation in their wake. In all our synagogues, British Jews are joining our prayers with those of others, grieving for the dead, praying for the injured, and sharing our tears with those of the bereaved. Terror has become the scourge of our age, and it will take all our inner strength to cope with it. I have met far too many victims of terror: survivors of the Istanbul synagogue bombing in 2003; of the 1994 terrorist attack on the Jewish community center in Buenos Aires; in Israel, where almost everyone knows someone who has been affected; as well as survivors of the massacres in Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda and Kosovo. Like others, I have wept for the broken families and shattered lives and the injuries, physical and psychological, that may never heal. But I have wept also at the courage of the victims. Each year, I go with a group to perform concerts for people who have suffered terrorist attacks. One we met was an 11-year-old boy who had lost his mother, father and three other members of his family in a suicide bombing. He himself had lost his sight. In the hospital ward, the boy sang with the choir a hauntingly beautiful religious song. We had gone to give him strength; instead, he gave us strength. Terror fails and will always fail because it arouses in us a profound instinct for life. Will we ever forget the heroism of the New York firefighters on Sept. 11, or the courage of the passengers on United Airlines Flight 93, or the kindness of strangers who brought comfort to the traumatized survivors? Terror makes us vigilant in defense of what we otherwise take for granted: the sanctity of life, the importance of freedom, and the countless natural restraints that allow us to live together in safety and trust. Free societies are always stronger than their enemies take them to be. Enemies of the West mistake its openness for vulnerability, its tolerance for decadence, its respect for differences for a lack of moral conviction. Britain has exceptionally strong links of friendship among its different faiths and ethnic communities. That is a vital source of stability when nerves are frayed and

fears aroused. London itself has a long history of courage. That too was evident in the calm that prevailed on July 7. The best response to terror is not anger but the quiet strength to carry on, not giving way to fear. I think of Judea Pearl, the father of the murdered Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, who has become a campaigner for deeper understanding between Islam and the West. When I asked him what motivated him, he replied, “Hate killed my son, and you cannot defeat hate by hate.” I think of one of the most promising young men our community has produced, Yoni Jesner, who was killed at age 19 in a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv. His family, out of deep religious conviction, donated his organs to save lives--among them a seven-year-old Palestinian girl who had waited two years for a kidney transplant. Michael Walzer, a leading American political theorist, has written, “Terrorists are like killers on a rampage, except that their rampage is not just expressive of rage or madness; the rage is purposeful and programmatic.” Its victims, deliberately, are the innocent and the uninvolved: workers in an office, passengers on a train, passersby on a pavement. Its aim is fear. It advances no interest. It has no conceivable claim to justice. It dishonors any cause it claims to represent. The real answer to terror was enacted in London and elsewhere five days before. Millions of people took to the streets and parks to demonstrate their solidarity with the victims of poverty in Africa. Their methods were peaceful, their weapons were song and celebration, and their greatest strength was the justice of their cause. The people with whom they were identifying--the hundreds of millions of children who lack food, shelter, clean water and medical facilities, sustenance and hope--have never resorted to terror to bring their plight to the attention of the world, nor did they need to. The choice humanity faces was set out long ago by Moses: “I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Therefore choose life, so that you and your children may live.” The strongest answer to the forces of death is a renewed commitment to the sanctity of life. Sir Jonathan Sacks is the United Kingdom’s Orthodox chief rabbi. This column first ran in the Times of London on July 9, 2005.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

Israel’s Critics Ignore Indoctrination

FOCUS ON ISSUES by KENNTH LEVIN Imagine if someone were to claim that the lynchings of blacks in America in the early decades of the last century had been triggered by black provocations. What if this someone insisted that to think otherwise was racist and offered the following rationale: Either you viewed those who had carried out the lynchings as acting in response to black conduct or you saw the lynchers as inherently predisposed to killing blacks, the latter view being racist. Almost certainly you would regard such thinking as bizarre and bigoted. You would likely also know that the suggestion ignores the major source of group hatred--indoctrination. Yet, like our imagined bigot, many in the West choose to ignore the indoctrination to Jewhatred and to pursuit of Israel’s annihilation--standard fare in Palestinian media, mosques and schools, indeed has been standard fare in the Arab world since Israel’s creation. Rather, they insist that the terror war against the Jewish state is simply a response to Israeli provocations. (Of course, some in the West choose to see Israel’s creation as itself provocative. But in doing so they ignore that hate indoctrination in the Arab world is directed against all minorities--religious and ethnic--in its midst. It has figured in, for example, genocidal campaigns against the Christian and animist blacks of southern Sudan, the Muslim but non-Arab Kurds of Iraq, and most recently the Muslim but black residents of Darfur, none of whom had states of their own to which the Arabs took umbrage.) This Western blindness to incitement and indoctrination against Israel is often simply straightforward anti-Jewish bigotry, and today is ominously a feature of “liberal” elites: Academics, elite churches, elite media, cultural elites. In a recent sermon delivered by a religious leader in the employ of President Mahmoud Abbas‚ Palestinian Authority and broadcast on official PA television, the speaker declared: “We have ruled the world before, and by Allah, the day will come when we will rule the entire world again... We will rule America... [and] Britain and the entire world--except for the Jews. The Jews will not enjoy a life of tranquility under our rule... The Prophet Mohammed tells you about the end that awaits Jews. The stones and trees will want the Muslims to finish off every Jew.” Only shortly afterwards, leaders in both the Anglican Church and the United Church of Christ recommended divestment

from Israel because, they asserted, the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis was due to Israeli provocations. In their divestment proposals, neither church gave even mention to passing Palestinian incitement to Jew-hatred and genocide. The media, particularly the elite media, for the most part likewise ignored this recent episode of incitement. The New York Times, for all its extensive coverage of Israel, has consistently refused to cover anti-Israel hate indoctrination and has even ridiculed Israeli complaints about it. It did mention this sermon, but only in the context of trumpeting a Palestinian Authority official’s criticism of it. Sadly, even Israelis and other Jews are guilty of this bigotry of discounting antiIsrael hate indoctrination and putting the blame for Arab hatred on supposed Israeli provocations, doing so at times in words that virtually mimic our imagined antiblack bigot. The acclaimed Israeli novelist David Grossman, in an op-ed published by the New York Times in October, 2002, in the midst of Arafat’s terror onslaught, asserted that the terror was due to “Israeli provocation” and that to deny this is to endorse the racist view that the Palestinians are violent “by their nature.” Why would an Israeli subscribe to this anti-Israel bias? Unfortunately, it is common for some among peoples subjected to chronic besiegement--whether minorities marginalized, denigrated and attacked by the surrounding society or small nations besieged by their neighbors--to blame their own community. They do so because they want to believe that embracing the enemy’s hostile indictments and reforming accordingly will win peace. This has been a recurrent phenomenon in Jewish communities throughout the history of the Diaspora and it has been common in Israel. To acknowledge the role of Palestinian indoctrination and incitement, with their promotion of Israeli’s annihilation, indeed of genocide, is to recognize that the hatred is beyond Israel’s control; whereas to blame Israeli “provocation” supports the delusion that Israeli “reform” will end the hatred. The allure of self-blame has driven many Israelis to level distorted charges against their nation, and critics of Israel in Europe and America eagerly cite such voices to bolster their own attacks on the Jewish state. There are Israelis who share these critics‚ bias does not render the latter any less guilty of anti-Israel, and anti-Jewish, bigotry. Kenneth Levin’s book The Oslo Syndrome: Delusions of a People Under Siege, was recently published by Smith and Kraus Global. He can be reached at: levinkenneth@yahoo.com.

Contact us at 330-4272, info@rbjh.com. or http://www.rbjh.com

Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

July 29, 2005

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

Synagogue Listings

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

B’nai Israel Synagogue

FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.

618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Beth El; Evening Service, 8:40 p.m. Sitter Service is available during Friday night and Saturday morning services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Weekdays, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. BIBLE STUDY CLASS: Sundays, 10 a.m., led by Prof. Leonard Greenspoon; in the synagogue library. WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH GROUP: The month of Av will be welcomed by the Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh group on Monday, Aug. 8 at the home of Joye Wees, 12605 Lafayette Circle; Sherry Shapiro will serve as co-host. Social hour, 7 p.m., formal meeting, 7:30 p.m. Attendees will discuss the holiday of Tisha B’Av and will explore the past and future of American Judaism. For reservations contact Wees at 498.0812 or via e-mail at sjwees@cox.net; or Shapiro at sheshap1@aol.com. HAZAK INSTALLATION: Our “seasoned and spicy” Hazak group will install officers and board members for the upcoming year at their annual installation dinner, to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 6:30 p.m. at the synagogue. Rabbi Levin will lead the installation, and entertainment will be provided by singer John Rathsam and pianist Esther Wax. Cost of the dinner is $12.50; reservations are needed by Aug. 3 and may be made by sending a check to Natalie Rubin, 2004 So. 138 Ave. Cir., Omaha, NE 68144. For more information, contact Gloria Goodman at 333.3351. PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAM, “WHAT’S JEWISH ABOUT SUMMER?” On Friday, Aug. 12, 10 a.m. to noon, Beth El will present

“What’s Jewish About Summer?” a creative, educational activity geared to Jewish parents and their preschoolers throughout our community, led by Helen and Tuffy Epstein and Cantor Gastón Bogomolni. (see article on page 3.) “GENERATIONS OF BETH EL FAMILIES” SHABBAT: On Saturday, Aug. 13, this special Shabbat service will recognize the congregation’s 170 multigenerational families–those who have belonged to Beth El for 50 years or more. Congregants of all ages will help lead the service, which will be followed by special Kiddush luncheon sponsored by the synagogue. The entire community is invited to attend. (see article on this page.)

a study group for Jewish physicians to learn and discuss various interesting aspects, 9:30 a.m.; Camp Gan Israel Weekend Retreat, 50 miles north of Omaha. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Halacha, 7 p.m.; Camp Gan Israel Weekend Retreat, 50 miles north of Omaha. TUESDAY:Torah for Teens, 4:15 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah (a 7-week course), 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought class, 12:45 p.m. Programs are open to the community. For information or to register, call the office or visit: www.nebraskajudaism.com.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN

Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free Babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Harry Wolfson in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Cleo Wolfson; Mincha, 8:30 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:31 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Contact the synagogue office for Mincha/Ma’ariv time. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Contact the synagogue office for Mincha/Ma’ariv time.

BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m.; Camp Gan Israel Weekend Retreat-50 miles north of Omaha. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Services, 9:30 a.m., followed by a Kiddush luncheon. Camp Gan Israel Weekend Retreat, 50 miles north of Omaha. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. Mishneh class, 9:30 a.m.; Medicine in The Jewish Tradition,

Congregation B’nai Jeshurun welcomes Rabbi Ilan Emanuel starting Aug. 1. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m., led by Sarah Kelen, with oneg following. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. led by Deborah Swearingen. THURSDAY: Choir practice, 7 p.m. Throughout the month of August, the Social Action Committee will be collecting school supplies to donate to Saratoga School. For the next few weeks, please make a point of picking up some extra school supplies whenever you’re out shopping. Anything elementary school students use would be helpful: pencils (a dollar a pack), notebooks (10 cents each at various places), folders (5 or 10 cents on sale), boxes of crayons (about a quarter), washable markers (a dollar or two), erasers (10 cents), washable glue (a quarter), and others. For just a couple of dollars, each of us can help ensure that kids in our neighborhood have all the materials they need for the school year. Next week a box will be set up in the Social Hall to collect contributions, and we’ll deliver the donations to Saratoga by the start of the school year.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9 a.m. led by Steve Riekes.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. Summer worship-study discussion: “Praying in the 21st Century.” SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. SITTER SERVICE will not be available during summer worship times. Check the Temple website, www.templeisrael-ne.org, for the fall schedule. SHABBAT UNDER THE STARS: Friday, August 12, 6 p.m. at the J.C.C. Frohm Pavilion. The Kabbalat Shabbat will be preceded by a bring-yourown picnic dinner. Cantor Wendy Shermet will lead the service. A 6 p.m. service will also be held at Temple Israel in the Livingston Chapel.

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Kabbalas Shabbos, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharis, 9 a.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley Rosenbaum. Minyan, MONDAY & THURSDAY, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066. Israel’s #1 box office smash Nina’s Tragedies, is showing at the Ross Theater from July 22Aug. 4. Tickets are $8 for general admission, $6 for Friends of the Ross and for everyone before 6 p.m.

The Neighborhood Minyan 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609

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

Stone Setting for Leona Eveloff is Sunday, July 31, 11 a.m. in Council Bluffs at Bikhor Cholom Cemetery.

In Honor of Beth El’s 75th Anniversary “Generations of Beth El Families” Shabbat To Recognize Longtime Synagogue Members by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Speakers and songs, shows and shpiels...after a year of celebration marking Beth El Synagogue’s 75th anniversary, the festivities will be capped off by recognizing the congregation’s 170 multi-generational families--those who have belonged to Beth El for 50 years or more-during a special “Generations of Beth El Families” Shabbat on Saturday, Aug. 13. Congregants of all ages will help lead the 9:30 a.m. service, to be followed by a special Kiddush luncheon sponsored by the synagogue.

Joanie Jacobson, who has served as general co-chairman of the 75th anniversary events along with Jim Fried, noted that from the initial planning stages, organizers wanted to incorporate several special Shabbat celebrations. “We decided to honor the newest members of Beth El with a Newcomers’ Shabbat, and it was only natural to also honor our longest-standing members–some whose families have belonged to the synagogue since it was established in 1929,” Jacobson said. “Longevity and continuity are so important to the life and culture

of a synagogue. We’re lucky to have a rich history and years of tradition established by thousands of Beth El families for the last 75 years. That’s worth celebrating!” “Bringing the generations together for this type of service is very unique, and assembling so many multi-generational families together is a rare thing,” said “Generations” Chairwoman M’Lee Hasslinger. “We gather our own families for simchas, so for Beth El’s 75th anniversary, we couldn’t think of a more special way to bring everyone together.” Planning committee member

Judy Tully, who compiled the names of longtime family members along with her sister Caryl Greenberg, said she’s received enthusiastic feedback about the upcoming service. “Members are thrilled to be included in this service,” Tully said. “It speaks volumes for our synagogue that so many families have remained here, and I am excited to see the turnout for this Shabbat and look forward to seeing many old Beth El friends.” The entire community is invited to join in this special Shabbat celebration.

Pulverente MONUMENT CO.

July 29, 2005

The Holiness of a Pledge

SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Mattot The emphasis in our Sidra is the sacredness of a pledge. We are warned that something we have promised must be delivered. We must not break a promise. The famous 19th century commentary Hirsch called this “self-imposed legislation.� There is now an astonishingly long discussion on the vows of a woman. The vows are subjected to her father or her husband. And it depends a great deal on whether the father or husband agrees with what the woman has promised. We are then obliged to turn our attention to international problems. The Lord commands Moses to avenge Israel on the Midianites, since it was Midianite women who seduced the Israelite men at Baal-Peor. Then, Moses is commanded to mount the heights and die. We are not allowed to be privy to Moses’ thoughts about the Midianites. These were the very people to whom he escaped when he had to flee Egypt. These were the people who received him, and from whom he took a wife. And now he is commanded to wipe them out. A thousand men from each tribe (or perhaps it was only “a division� from each tribe) were chosen for the campaign against the Midianites, which turned out to be very successful. Nevertheless, Moses was angry that they allowed the women to live. He indeed commands that all the males must be killed and all the women who have “known a man.� There is a long inventory of the booty taken from the Midianites. It was decreed that only half should remain with the community; the other half should go directly to the combatants. There was a levy on both the community and the fighters, for the Lord, that is to say, for the religious establishment. The levy for the community was to be larger than that from the fighters. They’re coming now to the actual invasion of the Promised Land. The tribes of Reuben and Gad and half the tribe of Menasseh are permitted at their request to stay east of the Jordan River, with the requirement that they offer to be, as it were, shock troops, for their brothers in the campaign west of the Jordan. This they agree to do, to join with the other tribes and take the Land west of the Jordan, the Land to be Eretz Yisrael, the Land of Israel, before they return to the highlands east of the Jordan. Thus, undramatically, the 40 years of delay in the wilderness are brought to an end. The promise of the Promised Land has been delivered.

JTA NEWS BRIEFS • The Episcopal Diocese of New York condemned recent calls by the Anglican Communion to divest from Israel. At a news conference July 20 in Manhattan, Episcopal Bishop Mark Sisk joined Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Executive Vice President of the New York Board of Rabbis, in calling “to invest, not divest.â€? “Now is the time to invest both in Israel and Palestine, not only our capital, but also programmatic funding to end the familiar and deeply embedded pattern of violence,â€? Sisk said. The Anglican Consultative Council recently called for members of the Anglican Communion, which includes the Episcopal Diocese of New York and the Episcopal Church USA, “to take appropriate action where it finds that its corporate investments support the occupation of Palestinian lands or violence against innocent Israelis, and commends such a process to other provinces having such investments, to be considered in line with their adopted ethical investment strategies.â€? • Intel is planning to build a plant in Israel. Reuters reported Monday that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon told Cabinet ministers on Sunday that the computer company’s chairman, Craig Barrett, said the company would build the plant in Kiryat Gat, in southern Israel, for some $4 billion. Sharon also said the government would provide Intel with a grant of some $525 million to support the facility’s construction. • Israeli athletes won the largest number of medals at the 17th Maccabiah Games. Athletes representing the Jewish state won 381 medals, including 146 golds, in the open competition at the games, which ended July 21. The U.S. team finished with 156 medals. Russia finished third with 48 medals, and Canada fourth with 28. • Israel got its first double-decker bus. The $110,000, London-style red bus, its second floor open to allow for sightseeing, was to be inaugurated Monday in a ceremony at Jerusalem’s City Hall. Starting Tuesday, it will run along a route popular with tourists. City officials said the national Egged bus company would guarantee high security standards on the line.

Nebraska 2x2 Display Ad Network Climb On Board For Great Savings! Place your 2x2 display ad in over 170 Nebraska newspapers and get your message to over 900,000 readers. Statewide coverage for less than $4.40 per publication. Contact this newspaper for more information or call 1-800-369-2850. *Statewide coverage for less than $4.40 per publication. Regional ads also available in Central, Northeast, Southeast or Western Nebraska.

60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials

Page 11

1439 So. 13th 341-2452

Frank L. Ciciulla, Jr.

Excalibur Realty

Jennifer R. Kully, ABR REALTORÂŽ

15160 N. Hayden Rd., Ste. 100 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Office: 480/483-333 Direct: 480/346-5351 Cell: 602/619-1184 Fax: 408/483-6438 E-Mail:jkully@remax.net

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE REALTORÂŽ

MLS

ÂŽ

Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

Mention this Jewish Press ad and receive a 5% Discount LE OIL CHANG OBI E

M

ELLIOTT MOORE

Sundown Landscape Lighting

330-9595

ENTERPRISES

Statewide Classified ATTENTION ADVERTISERS! For $185/25 word classified you can advertise in over 170 Nebraska newspapers. For more information contact your the Jewish Press at 402334-6451 or call 1-800-369-2850. BANKRUPTCY: ACT now to file under the old rules. Fast relief from creditors. Statewide filing. Affordable rates. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-872-8327.

• Two El Al planes bearing 300 Jews from Paris and Marseille landed at Ben-Gurion Airport on Monday as part of a Jewish Agency for Israel operation to encourage French immigration. In the first half of 2005 there was a 30% rise in immigration from France, compared to the same period last year.

CORRECTION In last week’s “In the News� article about Rabbi Daniel Fellman, the name of his late grandfather should have read, Leon Fellman. The Jewish Press regrets the error.

Beth El’s Hazak Group Receives National Award by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Beth El Synagogue’s L’Chaim chapter of Hazak has been selected to receive the Solomon Schechter Award for Excellence in Synagogue Programming. This award is presented to congregations affiliated with the United Synagogue that have distinguished themselves during the preceding two years in aspects of congregational life. For the past 55 years, the Schecter Awards, named after the founder of the United Synagogue, have been presented to organizations which show imaginative and creative use of resources, as well as a positive impact on the congregation’s membership. Hazak, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism’s organization for Jews ages 55 and up, was established to provide programming for and

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

address the needs of senior citizens who are members of congregations affiliated with USCJ. Hazak affirms the traditional Jewish view that mature adults should have the opportunity to continue to learn and be active in their congregations, their communities and among themselves. Since its establishment several years ago, Beth El’s Hazak chapter has served a vital role at the synagogue, sponsoring a variety of creative programs that include study, prayer, entertainment and socialization. The Solomon Schechter Awards will be presented at the USCJ International Biennial Convention, to be held this December in Boston.

'RQ¡W OHW RSSRUWXQLW\ SDVV \RX E\ 352)(66,21$/ 758&. '5,9,1* 75$,1,1* /HDUQ WKH IXQGDPHQWDOV RI WUXFN RSHUDWLRQ VDIHW\ DQG JRYHUQPHQW UHJXODWLRQV DQG QHFHVVDU\ UHFRUG NHHSLQJ 7KLV SURJUDP LV DSSURYHG IRU WKH WUDLQLQJ RI YHWHUDQV ,QTXLUH DERXW ÀQDQFLDO DVVLVWDQFH LQFOXGHV ERRNV DQG IXHO QRUWKHDVWFROOHJH FRP &DOO H[W

ABSOLUTE AUCTION, August 18, 2005. Call Agri Affiliates, 308-534-9240; www.agriaffiliates.com; 6 parcels CRP and dry cropland northwest of Ogallala, south of Lake McConaughy. ALL CASH candy route. Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local candy route. Includes 30 machines and candy all for $9,995. 1-800-814-6040. $$CASH$$ IMMEDIATE cash for structured settlements, annuities, law suit inheritances, mortgage notes & cash flows. J.G. Wentworth - #1 1-800-794-7310. CHILDREN’S DANCETEAM program: Just For Kix looking for energetic/motivated/organized individual to develop program. Background in danceteam required. Choreography provided. Excellent income opportunity. 218-829-7107. 1997 CHEVY Conversion Waldoch van with wheelchair, lift and all options, 45K. $14,500. 402-649-4990 or 402-329-4421 after 5 pm. 2002 RASCAL wheelchair with lift, $1,950. 2003 Jazzy wheelchair with lift, $2,650. 402-649-4990, or 402-329-4421 after 5 pm. HOT TUBS, save $1,500 - $2,000. Hot weather prices now in effect, 50 in stock, $2,495 - $5,195. Video, price list, 1-800-869-0406. goodlifespa.com. FREE DIRECTV Satellite for 4 rooms. Add TiVo/DVR/HDTV. 220 channels + locals. $29.99/month. First 500 orders get free DVD player. 800-360-9901, Promo #14700. MEAT CUTTER/Butcher wanted in small custom meat-processing plant, Southwest Nebraska. Experience helpful, not necessary. Resume: Dundy County Processors, 70388 Highway 61, Benkelman, NE 69021. INSTALLERS FOR DirecTV HSP has FT positions for satellite installations. We need for individuals who work with a sense of urgency and a strong focus on customer service & safety. Earn top wages. Paid training, no experience needed. Apply: 1-866-739-7737 EOE. GET PAID to shop! Join the world's largest mystery shopping company today! Flexible, fun & free to join. Apply now at: www.gapbuster.com/xec. AERIAL PHOTO company looking for contract sales agents to sell farm photos within 300 mile radius of home. Proven earnings of $1,500-$2,000 per week average. Must have own vehicle. Commission sales. 800-332-0085. CASE IH dealership looking to fill 2 service technician and service clerk positions. Competitive wages, benefits. Resume to Fairbanks International, PO Box 571, Lexington, NE 68850. THE HOLTON Recorder, a semi-weekly in northeast Kansas, has an opening for a sports editor. Prior experience in sports writing, photography and page design preferred. Health insurance provided. Send clips and resume to Holton Recorder, c/o David Rowls, editor, PO Box 311, Holton, KS 66436-0311. For additional information, 785-364-3141 or send e-mail to: holtonrecorder@earthlink.net. TRIPLE S Trucking, $1,000 sign on bonus, looking for company drivers. Late model flatbed equipment. Minimum 2 years flatbed OTR. Greg or Misty, 888-454-5766, Lexington, NE. www.triplestrucking.com. DRIVERS: RUN Midwest to Southeast, out 5-7 days, 2800-3200 miles per week, no touch freight, 2005 Peterbuilts. Call today! 1-800-383-5515, www.nebraskacoasttrucking.com. DRIVER: COVENANT Transport. Excellent pay & benefits for experienced drivers, O/O, solos, teams & graduate students. Bonuses available. Refrigerated now available. 1-888MORE PAY (1-888-667-3729).

Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

July 29, 2005

Beth El and Temple to Face Off on the Diamond by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator For the first time ever (as far as anyone can remember), the Men’s Clubs of Temple Israel and Beth El Synagogue will engage in some friendly competition on the diamond. baseball from both Teams groups will meet on Sunday, Aug. 7, 9 a.m., on the field behind the Jewish Community Center for a softball game. Hoping that this game will be the first of a series of games with other synagogues, Mike Silverman, President of Temple Men’s Club, said he doesn’t expect the game to be “overly Adam Ailloni practices his swing competitive. It’s an game on Sunday, Aug. 7. opportunity to meet up with friends and keep everybody connected,� he explained. “Families are welcome to watch the game and root for

their team -all in the spirit of friendly competition,� he added. He suggested that families make plans to go to the pool together after the game or enjoy a picnic afterwards. Scott Simon, a Beth El Synagogue member, encouraged younger families to get involved. However, “anyone of any age (or ability) can play.� He looks forward to this event being the start of more exciting events for the Beth El Men’s Club. “This is a great way to kick off the year.� Temple members who are interested in playing can contact Silverman at 334.6512, 740.2200, or at msilverman@rbjh. com. Beth El members for the “intra-synagogue league� can call Simon at 934.2076. And don‘t forget, “There are a lot of bragging rights at stake here,� mentioned Silverman.

JCC Maccabi Games Continued from page 1 teens is exciting because of the common heritage which Jewish teens from around the world share. The Maccabi Sister City Program is funded in part by the Esther K. Newman/Carolyn Kully Newman Memorial Fund and a Special Donor-Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. This year, Team Omaha consists of a boys’ basketball team, a dance team, a girls soccer mixed team, as well as athletes competing in the individual sports of bowling, golf, swimming, table tennis, and tennis. Team Omaha athletes are as follows: Boys Basketball: Alex Epstein, Brad Frank, Spencer Gallner, Nimrod Ginsburg, Justin Jacobson, Max Katz, Aaron Murow, Danny Raznick, and Dylan Saferstein. Bowling: Arielle Pilley, Josh Pilley, Zach Spooner, and Dylan Wertheim. Dance: Becca Gordon, Rachel Gordon, Barr Kolakofsky, Sarah Spooner, Talia Tene, and Effie Tsabari. Golf: Dan Canfield, Ben Gordon, Steven Meyer, and Aaron Passer. Girls Soccer (mixed team): Eliza Cowan, Jackie Neesman, and Libby Singer. Swimming: Caroline Juster, Alyssa Morris, David Trubnikov, and Carmel Yaari. Table Tennis: Daniel Grossman, Jeff Malashock, and Rachel Martin. Tennis: Michelle Elkin, Olga Elkin, Michael Friedman, Lauren Josephson, Daniel Rahmani, and Mitchell Sanford. For more information about the JCC Maccabi Games, please contact me at 334.6404.

Beth Israel Provides Friedel Tuition Subsidy to Members by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue The Beth Israel Board of Commissioners has approved a motion to continue subsidizing one-half of the tuition at Friedel Jewish Academy for the 2005-06 school year, for children whose family’s primary membership is at Beth Israel. Friedel is an accredited elementary school that provides general and Jewish studies to children in kindergarten through sixth grade. According to Beth Israel’s President, Dr. Bonnie Bloch, the tuition subsidy is evaluated on a yearly basis. “Beth Israel is proud to support our families who wish to enroll their children at Friedel,� said Bloch. “As a parent and educator, one with personal experiences on the importance of a Jewish day school for the community, I’m pleased that we’re continuing the Friedel tuition subsidy program. Our rich Jewish heritage, our values, our sense of difference and uniqueness, and being a proud and knowledgeable Jew are all fostered at Friedel.� A number of Beth Israel families have taken advantage of the opportunity to receive the tuition subsidy. Alan and Debbie Kricsfeld’s son, Sam, went to Friedel last year and will start 1st grade there this fall. “Friedel has

been an amazing experience for our son,� said Debbie Kricsfeld. “Sam was able to read at the second grade level when he began Kindergarten. Instead of being bored, he was encouraged and excelled.� Kricsfeld also praised Sam’s teachers, and is happy with the Hebrew education he receives. A child’s Jewish education takes place at home, in synagogue, and can be further cultivated at a Jewish day school. “Friedel Jewish Academy is an essential Jewish institution in Omaha,� explained Rabbi Jonathan Gross. “Support of Friedel is an investment toward ensuring a future for Jewish Omaha.� Kricsfeld is pleased that Rabbi Gross and the Beth Israel Board are involved with Friedel. “Their involvement is so encouraging. And I think it’s great that the students know Rabbi Gross; they know who he is. Sam will see the Rabbi and walk over to talk to him. While he respects Rabbi Gross, he also is comfortable around him. That’s another benefit of Sam going to Friedel.� As for the fact that Beth Israel pays for half of Sam’s Friedel tuition, Kricsfeld stated, “We actually didn’t know about the subsidy when we rejoined Beth Israel. After we found out about it, it was just an added

bonus.� The Kricsfeld’s would send their son to Friedel even without the subsidy, but are appreciative of the financial assistance provided by their synagogue. Beth Israel continues to offer religious school programming for all member families who wish to participate, whether or not their children attend Friedel. The religious school program includes one hour per week of individual or small-group learning for each child enrolled, plus a weekly Junior Congregation program for children ages 5 to Bar/Bat Mitzvah age and a weekly high school class taught by Rabbi Gross. In addition to formal educational programs, Beth Israel also offers a number of informal learning opportunities for children, including the synagogue’s NCSY youth group for children in 6th - 12th grades, weekly Parsha class, kids’ kiddush, and trope class. “We also hold family and children’s programs throughout the year,� said Bloch. “And we’re making plans to offer a Hebrew club starting this fall. Beth Israel is committed to making Jewish education a priority in our children’s lives.� For more information about Beth Israel religious school programming and the Friedel tuition subsidy for member families, contact the office at 556.6288.

Lead the BMW drive to find a cure for breast cancer. It’s easy - all you have to do is get behind the wheel of your favorite new BMW and drive. For every mile you drive, BMW of North America will donate $1 to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to help fund research, education, screening, treatment and outreach programs.

ÂŽ The Ultimate Drive for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

Call 1-877-4-A-DRIVE or visit bmwusa.com/theultimatedrive Reserve your spot today for the fun at BMW of Lincoln!

August 6, 2005 • 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • BMW of Lincoln 6701 Teluride Drive • 27th & I-80 • Lincoln, NE

$ GHJUHH LQ &RPSXWHU 3URJUDPPLQJ ZLOO RSHQ WKH GRRUV WR DQ H[FLWLQJ FDUHHU ZLWK JRRG ZDJHV &DOO WR OHDUQ WKH ODQJXDJH RI VXFFHVV

%SFBN #JH

-JWF 4NBSU

OPSUIFBTUDPMMFHF DPN