Vol. LXXXIII No. 48 Omaha, NE
JCC Hosts “3-on-3” Basketball Challenge This Sunday by BOB FRANZESE JCC Athletic Director It’s too late to put together a team, but not too late to watch the competition! The JCC Eddie Belgrade Memorial Threeon-Three Basketball Challenge returns to the Jewish Community Center’s indoor and outdoor basketball courts this Sunday, Aug. 1, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Players of all skill levels will be playing in this fun-filled day of basketball tournaments. Along with the exciting basketball action, this day will also feature a DJ on the outdoor courts, pizza from Valentino’s, and other refreshments. Eddie Belgrade, who died in 1998, was a long-time member of the JCC, an avid athlete and supporter of many of the J’s activities. The Belgrade Company is the title sponsor of this Basketball Challenge as a tribute to his memory. Please be sure to come out to the Center and support your favorite teams!
Celebrating 83 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
12 Av, 5764 July 30, 2004
To Give Israeli Olympians an Edge, ‘Brain Coach’ Helps Athletes Prepare by DINA KRAFT nect mind and WINGATE SPORTS body while CENTER, Israel, (JTA)-reducing physioBoris Blumenstein slaps logical tensions. the shoulder and pulls at One of the steps the black belt of a memin the program, ber of Israel’s Olympic for example, judo team, whose eyes trains athletes in are fixed on a computer how to talk to screen. themselves durBlumenstein, 58, is trying competition. ing to distract Yoel Sometimes the Razvozov, who is playathletes Blumening a computer game stein works with aimed at improving his come to his decision making and office, but he ability to compete under also accompapressure. The physical nies them in distraction and the din of their training, a judo match on an adjaoften hooking cent television are Boris Blumenstein,the Israeli Olympic team’s psychologist, pulls at the black belt of a mem- them up to his intended to simulate the ber of Israel’s Olympic judo team, Yoel Razvozov, as he plays a computer game, June 24, at laptop computer stresses of competition. the Wingate Sports Center, aimed at improving his decision making and ability to compete after they finish The game is one of the under pressure. The physical distraction and the din of a judo match being played at full vol- their days of tools used by ume on an adjacent television set are intended to simulate the stress of competition. back flips or Credit: Brian Hendler/JTA sprints. Blumenstein, the Israeli Olympic team's psychologist, to help his years in Israel at the Wingate There are few world-class athletes in a Israeli athletes mentally prepare for com- Institute, Israel’s premier sports training country as small as Israel, says center, for making him the scientist he is Blumenstein, a cheerful man with an petition. “What is the most important thing? today. easy smile, so each one must be trained It was at the Ribstein Center for Sports with special care and attention. That there is always a result,” said Blumenstein, motioning towards the Medical Sciences on Wingate’s leafy He says that part of the fun of workreadout from Razvozov’s computer campus near the coastal city of Netanya ing in Israel is that, unlike in large coungame. Blumenstein, jokingly referred to that he learned how to do research tries where sports psychologists focus by some members of the Olympic team according to American-style methodolo- exclusively on one sport, here he gets to as the “brain coach,” is a key figure in gy and statistics. work with all the athletes. And it was here that he helped build the Israeli Olympic delegation to the “For me it is especially fun because I a biofeedback lab as part of a mental have to know different sports and the Athens games, which begin Aug. 13. Like many of the athletes he works preparation program for Israeli athletes. personalities and different situations,” he When an athlete presses a finger to an said. with and most of the delegation’s medical staff, he is an immigrant from the input device, Blumenstein can measure On a recent day in his office, physiological responses to competition Razvozov, who recently took second former Soviet Union. The staffers gained much of their such as stress and concentration. He and place in the European championships in expertise and know-how through years a team of researchers have developed a his weight range, brings Blumenstein a of working with top Soviet athletes. But unique program that uses biofeedback to video of his recent matches so they can the Ukranian-born Blumenstein credits help athletes increase their ability to con- Continued on page 11
New Library of Congress Exhibit to Examine 350 Years of U.S. Jewry by JUSTIN BOSCH WASHINGTON (JTA)--An extensive Library of Congress exhibit scheduled to open in September will launch a series of events celebrating 350 years of American Jewish life. “From Haven to Home,” the lead-in to a yearlong celebration of American Jewish life organized by The Commission for Commemorating 350 years of American Jewish History, will cover Jews' immigration and integration in this country. The commission--comprised of the Library of Congress, the American Jewish Historical Society, the American Jewish Archives and the National Archives-sponsored a three-day conference this week related to the celebration, featuring lectures on an array of Jewish historical subjects. The exhibit to open in September will include hundreds of Jewish artifacts, including books, manuscripts,
Left: This image is titled ‘Jacob Barsimson and Asser Levy plead.’ While the specifics of this image are unknown, it likely depicts Barsimson, at left, and Levy during one of their appeals to New Amsterdam’s leaders for citizenship rights for Jews during the 1650s. Credit: American Jewish Archives, Cincinnati, OH.
Inside
This Week: Monthly Calendar: Pages 6-7 The Strength to Continue: A Survivor’s Story: Pages 2-3
Lines from the Library, More Books for 350th Celebration: Page 4
films and newsreels. The complete series of events for the celebrations will run all year and span the nation, said Larry Rubin, Executive Director of “Celebrate 350: Jewish Life in America 1654-2004,” a New York-based organization that is a clearinghouse for the celebrations. Throughout, parts of the Library of Congress exhibit will be ferried to Los Angeles, Cincinnati and New York for display. The commemorations will trace the Jewish presence in America back to the settlement in New Amsterdam, now New York City, of two dozen Jews seeking to escape persecution in Brazil. The group established the nation’s first Jewish congregation, Shearith Israel, which will honor its founders with a special commemorative service. Rather than waiting until September, the commission has planned a number of preliminary events to augment and introduce the celebration to the public. In one series of lectures, academics revisited the role of Rabbi Stephen Wise, president of the American Jewish Congress in the World War II era, as well as the political activity of Jews during the Roosevelt administration and anti-Semitism in the 1940s. Continued on page 4
Coming Next Week: Simchas Issue on Aug. 6 Two Views on the 2004 Presidential Race: Page 9
Omaha Scouts Meet Israeli Tzofim: Page 12
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 30, 2004
Mention this Jewish Press ad and receive a 5% Discount OIL CHAN BILE GE
MO
ELLIOTT MOORE
Sundown Landscape Lighting
ENTERPRISES
330-9595
MAKE YOUR PICK
THE BEST PICK...
WISE BUYS Direct From Chrysler Resale Centers
2004 Dodge Stratus/ Chrysler Sebring Sedans
0 Down 219 Month*
$ $ Balance of 3/36 Bumper to Bumper Warranty. Take you pick. Auto, A/C, Tilt, Cruise, Power Windows and Locks.
11,890
$ From
170 Used Vehicles To Select From * All payments 72 mos. 7.9% W.A.C. $0 down. Tax, title extra.
JIM’S
DODGE
COUNTRY “THE RIGHT CHOICEâ€? 54th & L St. • 1-800-735-5402 • 734-5402 • www.jimsdodgecountry.com
Beware of Low-Yielding CDs! Most people do not associate CDs with risk. After all, they offer guaranteed income and are FDIC-insured up to $100,000 per financial institution. But CDs can become risky if you depend too much on them to reach your long-term financial goals. When you’re planning for retirement or saving for your children’s education, you may have to look elsewhere for the growth you need. Before your CDs automatically roll over, call me to find out about alternatives—such as tax-deferred annuities—that may help you make progress toward long-term goals. Annuities have limitations and withdrawl charges.
Joseph M John, CLU, ChFC Financial Planner Pruco Securities Registered Representative 440 Regency Pkwy., Suite 150 Omaha, NE 68114 402/926-2850
Annuities ARE NOT INSURED BY FDIC OR ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
MAY LOSE VALUE
ARE NOT A DEPOSIT OF OR GUARANTEED BY ANY BANK OR ANY BANK AFFILIATE
Annuities issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, 751 Broadstreet, Newark, NJ 07102-3777, and its affiliates. The Prudential Insurance Company of America and its affiliates are Prudential Financial Companies. Each company is solely responsible for its respective financial condition and contractual obligations. Guarantees are based in the claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Prudential Financial is a service mark of The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Newark, NJ and its affiliates. IFS-A078727 Ed. 3/2003
('8&$7,21 7+$7 :25.6 7LPH WR HQUROO IRU )DOO &ODVVHV EHJLQ 6HSWHPEHU WK
&DOO RU WROO IUHH ZZZ PFFQHE HGX
The Strength to Continue by MAGGIE FRIED remembers, “a kid hearing adult talk about it was like (Editor’s note: Maggie Fried, daughter of former it was another planet.� Even when Sam’s brother Omahans Sandi and Ed Fried, is the granddaughter of moved away after hearing that “Jews were being Sam Fried, a survivor of the Auschwitz concentration burned� in parts of Europe, Sam’s family believed that camp. Maggie, who will be a junior in high school in because they “[lived] in a small town no one would hurt Overland Park, KS, wrote this [them].� One day, Sam rode his essay for her class. The photos bicycle to a neighboring town are courtesy of Sam Fried.) and saw Nazis gathering Jews in The afternoon light pours into order to send them to camps. A a gracious, orderly office and policeman in town who was a illuminates the soft, time worn friend of Sam’s family, told him face of Sam Fried as he leans “on Wednesday they were comback against the leather office ing to gather Jews in [his] town.’’ chair His tan offsets a glowing When Sam returned to his halo of white hair and green hometown and told the pharmaeyes that search through the cist what he had heard, he was empty air for a place to begin. told not to worry. Despite this, His eyes rest on a neat pile of Sam was persistent and went to photos lying on the desk, pho“every Jewish house on the way tos of family members long home and they all said not to dead, loved ones that vanished worry.� instantly. He starts to speak and Contrary to the actions of memories of the people and Sam’s parents: Nathan Leopold and Frannie Fried everyone else, Sam decided that places of the past flood over he did not want to be around him as he begins. “I don’t live in the following Wednesday. So, my memories of the past. I have when a gentile friend “told [him] to search through my memories to take his ID papers� he and there’s some things I don’t devised a plan to go live with like to remember.� his brother who lived 150 miles There are some memories, away. On Tuesday night, he though, that over seventy years decided to return home, but he later can still make Sam smile. hid outside his home to see if Born in Rakosine, Czechoslothe policeman’s story was true. vakia, Sam’s parents had him The following morning, he very late in life, so as the “saw them marching [his] paryoungest child he was “treated ents away.� After 10 minutes, he like a grandchild� and was so saw the towns’ people that had spoiled that he “had his mother been his neighbors and friends trained� to his beck and call. He ransacking his home. chuckles as he recalls: “I used Anger flashes across Sam’s Sam’s brother & sister-in-law: to get paid to eat, it was a regface as he whispers sternly, “I Mordechai and Leah Fried ular routine. My mom had to saw there was no hope from the give me the equivalent of a people in the town, so I threw quarter to eat...until one day, out my papers and turned when she said, ‘If you don’t eat myself in.� I’ll tell your father.’ He came in Sam’s choice to dispose of his and said, ‘Are you disobeying papers forever changed his life. your mother?’ and I said, ‘Yes.’ His decision took him to Then I expected him to say, ‘So Auschwitz, and as he describes what do you want?’ But instead his arrival there, the sound of he gave it to me on my tush. screams and the smell of burn“I looked up at him and said, ing flesh fills his nostrils. He ‘That didn’t hurt.’ Well, that was begins expressionlessly: “The the wrong thing to say. That doors opened and we saw peowas the last day I ever got paid ple with black stripes saying to to eat.� leave our stuff in the cars and Sam’s stubborn disobedience tell them that we were older. as a child slowly faded away to “People were so frightened perseverance as he grew older. and confused. People were so Sam’s niece: Miriam He was very bright and “always scared, you just couldn’t follow wanted to get ahead in school.� Outside of school, he directions.� would put his knowledge and skills to the test by helpThere were two barns and Sam was taken to one ing out others. When he was 12 years old, there was a where he was forced to shower and shave. It was at this church in his town that had little money and therefore point that Sam Fried was left behind and was replaced could not afford electricity. He was friends with the with “A-5053�--no longer a person, but a number. priest’s son and he told them that he would put in the To a teenager, these events would be traumatizing, electricity; they just had to buy the materials. He yet nothing could prepare him for what was to come. “rounded up about a dozen kids� to help him with the Following his already trying ordeal he “found out that project. Although the task would have seemed daunt- in the other showers there was gas instead of water.� ing to most 12-year-olds, Sam persevered. Sam describes his sudden transformation, his eyes still The project took a year to complete because off in a distant place and time: “Instantly all the kids European churches of that time had three-foot thick became adults. I was an orphan. It was instant reducstone walls. Also, the church did not want any of their tion, from a human level to just worrying about surpaintings ruined, so the kids maneuvered around them. vival.� The church oven had a light fixture with 108 candles Sam’s perseverance and quick thinking kept hin from that Sam wired himself. When the project was com- suffering the horrendous fate of his family members. pleted, the church held a dedication ceremony for the Living only on boiled potato peelings, it is understandlights. No one believed it would work because he “was able that the average person didn’t last for more than a just a kid, [he] didn’t even have a license. month. Despite continuous beatings, starvation and Traveling back in time, Sam looks beyond the of emotional degradation, Sam found the strength to live office cabinet as if to see the church congregation star- from one day to the next. ing back at him as he recalls: “I saw nothing but white When the Russians started advancing, the Nazi’s did eye balls staring back at me. I was terrified, I really was. not want to be caught with thousands of people teeWhat was I going to do if it didn’t work? When they tering on the brink of life and death. Therefore, the flipped on the lights, I thought I was Jesus for a Nazis led their prisoners out of Auschwitz and on a moment. The people were crossing themselves and death march. Sam grimly recalls the inhumane tactics praying. There was not a single light bulb that didn’t the Nazis used on their captives: “Every so often they work. I was the biggest hero for a week.� took machine guns and started thinning the lines out. Sam’s face begins to darken as the blissful childhood You couldn’t stop if you had to go to the bathroom, memories are replaced by ones of fear and torture. “I you did it while you walked.� remember listening to BBC radio about Hitler,� Sam Continued on page 3
July 30, 2004
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
Strength to Continue Soft, time worn face With the exceptional crevices That whisper of times past A healthy tan offsets Twinkling green eyes The window to his memories Memories that flood in Like rushing water over rapids Memories of a face A person A time So unlike today Pale, grey face Skin clinging to the skull Like vines clinging to a wall Sunken, green eyes A child’s face That witnesses horrors beyond the imagination How can you imagine hunger Unless you have felt it? How can you smell burning flesh Unless you have smelled it? This face has witnessed it all The green eyes have watched as family Was led to their deaths The prominent nose has smelled burning flesh The kind, pink mouth has yearned for the sweet taste of food The delicate ears have heard screams of mothers Being tom from their children Pale, grey face of a child Soft, timeworn face of an aging man They are one in the same I don’t live in the past The past lives in me
Continued from page 2 One night, Sam decided that he could not go on living under such atrocious conditions anymore. When they stopped in a camp called Lechemer to pick up more prisoners, he hid under a bunk bed in the barracks. Sam explains, “It was animal instinct, I was ready to give up.” Although the Nazis Sam Fried in 1944. attempted to kill anyone in the barracks by randomly shooting with their machine guns, at barely 80 pounds, Sam’s emaciated frame was was not hit by the bullets. “Soon there was silence,” Sam recalls, “then I crawled out and I looked around. I saw it was empty.” Sam pauses for a moment, as if to replay the sight that greeted him as he finally escaped from his captors and the hell they created. In a fairytale book, the story would end there and everyone would live happily ever after, but for Sam, the nightmare was not yet over. He describes his physical and emotional state after escaping: I could only think of survival minute to minute. I could hardly walk, I weighed 80 pounds; I was a skeleton. I had no clothes and was only wearing sandals with cement paper for socks. I was told I am free, but I have no family, no clothes, nowhere to go, not even a name, only A-5053. That’s when I thought, “Why go on?” After all he had been through, Sam’s determination finally began to waiver.
He explains, “I could have dug a hole and went to sleep, but then I rationalized and said ‘No, as long as they haven’t destroyed me they haven’t destroyed my heritage.’ That was the turning point, everything after that is a whole other story in itself.” Sam’s eyes slowly start to focus as the images of a tattered world are replaced with the comforting surroundings of his office. He glanced up from the pictures lying on the desk, pictures of people who are no
longer there for him to hold and love, and across the room. There sits one of his sons, a living monument to his determination throughout his time in Auschwitz. His son is the reason why he persevered; Hitler did not succeed as long as he could pass down his heritage. Sam gently scoops up the photographs of his past and places them in the desk drawer. His eyes now rest on the pictures of his children and grandchildren as he concludes, “I don’t live in the past, the past lives in me.” At left: The Fried family, from the top: Ed Fried, Josh Fried, Maggie Fried, Andrew and Kimberly Robinson and Brenna Robinson, Sandi Fried, Susan Fried, Frances Fried, Mark and Paula Robinson, Jim Fried, Ian and Zane Fried, Nancy Rech, Jim’s fiancee Julie Sherrets, Ariel Fried, Gabby Fried, Sam Fried, Eli Fried, Sydney Robinson, Brett and Ava Robinson and Brigette Rech.
Send Rosh Hashanah Greetings with one of these personal ads
Rosh Hashanah Greetings Your names go here
A
35.00
This year you can send your greetings through these very special ads that will run in our annual Rosh Hashanah issue. Each ad can be personalized with your name, the names of your children or your grandchildren.
B
Just fill out the form below and send or bring it to the Jewish Press office. But hurry these ads will only be accepted through August 23, 2004.
from
$
Rosh Hashanah Greetings from Your names go here
46.00
$
Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah Greetings Form Name ____________________________________________________________________________
Greetings
Address __________________________________________________________________________ City ____________________________________________ State _________ Zip ________________ Check the size of ad you would like: ❏ A ❏ B ❏ C Use the lines below to list your family members names you would like on your Rosh Hashanah ad.
from
_________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________
Your names go here
C
68.00
$
_________________________________________________________________________________
Please send a check for the amount listed along side the different sized ads or you can drop the form and payment off at the Jewish Press office in the JCC. Jewish Press, 333 South 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154
Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 30, 2004
Nebraskans Come Together to Warn Neo-Nazis: This Is “No Place for Hate” by SHARON BRODKEY for the Anti-Defamation League While a handful of neoNazis held a “White Unity Rally” on the steps of the state capitol on June 17 burdening law enforcement, costing taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars in police protection and deeply upsetting Nebraskans, nearly 1,500 Capitol city residents and The large crowd at Pioneers Park watch as members of citizens from other comLincoln's Asian Community and Cultural Center perform the munities came together to ancient Chinese Lion Dance. ADL Executive Director Bob celebrate diversity in Wolfson and Amir Azimi of Mayor Seng's Commission on MultiLincoln and send a mescultural Affair, co-emceed the event. sage loud and clear, they were to be congratulated for mak“Nebraska is no place for hate.” Mayor Coleen Seng was joined by the ing the event such a resounding success. “It demonstrates several things,” ADL, YWCA of Lincoln, CARD (Citizens for the Alleviation of Racism and Wolfson explained, “People who proDiscrimination), NAACP, the League of mote hate and bigotry do not define us Women Voters and a host of other com- or our communities. It’s not about them munity organizations at the “No Place for ...it’s about us.” The afternoon featured multicultural Hate-Nebraskans Celebrate Diversity” family picnic and counter demonstration speakers: African-American, Asian, Near in Pioneers Park. Proclaiming that day as Eastern, Native American and the “No Place for Hate Day” in Lincoln, the Hispanic communities. Jews, Muslims, Mayor was lauded for her leadership and Christians, Buddhists and other faiths were well represented. Immigrants pulling together the community. “It was important to provide con- spoke of their deep and abiding apprecerned citizens with a positive and safe ciation for Democracy in this country venue and experience,” said Susan Scott, and the oppressive regimes or conditions they fled. The League of Women Executive Director of Lincoln’s YWCA. Hispanic Center Director Holly Burns Voters was also on hand to provide voter agreed, adding, “This afternoon was all registration and information. The event was highlighted by music about embracing Lincoln’s rich cultural diversity and making new friends. I think and dance, including a performance of we sent a strong message to the haters, the Chinese Lion Dancers by Lincoln’s but an even stronger message to our Asian Cultural Center, folk and children's community. We all have a responsibility music and activities for families. to reject messages of hate, to reach out Concerns that some of the neo-Nazis’ to one another and to respond when supporters would appear at Pioneers Park proved to be unwarranted. Organizers of others seek to divide us.” ADL Plains States Region Executive the event met in Lincoln last week to disDirector Bob Wolfson told the crowd cuss making it an annual affair.
Great Gift Specials Going On Now At Lakeside Dental •Supreme Crest Whitestrips Whitens at least 88% better than in store items 14% Hydrogen Peroxide $50 after mail in rebate and Buy 1 get the other 1/2 off
•Adult Braun Oral-B 3D Excel Professional Model $Just
69 Professional Model includes: 2 handles, 2 Flexisoft brushheads, 4-brush storage tower and travel case 2 interspace brushheads [designed for braces] •Oral-B Advance Power Kids Electric Toothbrush
2505 South 174th Plaza Omaha, NE 68130 697-3838 Fax: 697-3888
One minute EZtimer desined to help children brush longer and better Available in Disney Characters
•New Patient Specials
$
Just
$
32
Just
1
Nite White Excel 3 Bleaching Kit 75 Upper and Lower mouth trays, 6 filled whitening gel syringes 1 sodium flouride toothpaste, 1 travel case
BERNINA Skilled staff are at your disposal in both Bernina stores. They are ready to discuss and demonstrate all that is new from Bernina
BERNINA 180
Library of Congress Exhibit Continued from page 1 Some have criticized Wise for not pressing Roosevelt strongly enough to intervene on behalf of Jews in Nazi Europe. “You have to be proud of what you are,” Ofer Shiff of Ben Gurion University of the Negev said during that discussion. “If the price of being an American is to be ashamed of who you are, then the
price is too great, because you are alien again.” Though much of the celebration will be retrospective, the commemorations will not anchor the commemoration in the past. “Our intention is not only to look back at 350 years of American Jewish history, but also to look forward,” Rubin said.
LINES FROM THE LIBRARY by GARY KATZ Administrator, Kripke Jewish Federation Library Happy Anniversary! This year we mark the 350th anniversary of the first Jewish community in the United States. Celebrate this special milestone with a year-long reading fest. I will share books to guide your romp through our history as Jewish Americans, starting from the top. Last month we began in 17th century New Amsterdam. We continue in the 18th century English colonies headed for Revolution.
All That Glitters is NOT Gold by ELLEN G. COLE Librarian, Levine Library, Temple Isaiah, Los Angeles, CA Move over Paul Revere. I am ready to ride and spread the news about Myer Myers, Jewish Silversmith in Colonial New York by David Barquist. This museum catalog preserves the dynamo contents of past Skirball and Yale exhibitions as it captures colonial New York, its Jewish life, silversmithing as art and commerce, and the biography of the talented man and dedicated Jew whose life integrates all of the above. A paean to the power of a free society, scholarly (art, economics, history), and gossipy (patrons, kin), it is an educating mindful and a glorious eyeful. Myers was the ‘most significant silversmith of his generation in New York’ who created some of the ‘most extraordinary’ silver objects in Colonial America. This book showcases the man in the context of his world. Introductory essays by professors Jon Butler (Yale) and Jonathan Sarna (Brandeis) background Barquist’s thorough exposition of Myers’ life and superb detection of the silver works. These objects speak for themselves and their creator because scant record of Myers secular career survives. His life’s paper trail is found in synagogue documents. Butler’s pithy lesson on New York captures the city’s tolerance and economic energy, crucial factors that make a Myers possible. Sarna plays the Jews on Butler’s stage, detailing how they relished and manipulated the broader free-
doms possible in the colonies, but not in England itself. These essays develop themes about Jews in a pluralistic society entering the consumer revolution. Barquist’s Myers polishes your Jewish pride as it rehearses successful firsts. Myers was a first generation Jew, born in New York in 1723. A colonial, he could apprentice in precious metal, prohibited to European Jews because of the antiSemitic slur of usury. His gorgeous work attracted patrons from the colony’s who’s-who and a privateer or two. Jewish kin and community created a second network of sales and financial support; his work for them was less showy, revealing a Jewish practice of living quietly. Myers supported the patriots despite his loyalist patrons; he spent the war years as a refugee. His mastery of three different styles over his lifetime (Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical), accommodated swings in taste from luxurious refinement to egalitarian democracy. We learn the economics of his workshops (rich wives helped), financial dabbling in a mine (oops!), his role models and competition (no, Revere wasn’t a competitor; retail crafts were local--when Myers’ sister and her husband moved to Boston, they became Revere customers.) The prolific Myers (13 children) and countless silver pieces (380 still exist) filled specifically Jewish commissions; the catalog reveals his magnificent Torah finials. The observant Myers was an innovative businessman as well as cutting edge artist. In his synagogue offices, he navigated the mix of Sephardic and Ashkenazic, a congregation without a rabbi and the translation of Hebrew into English (rabbis prohibited this in London). Myers proclaimed his Jewish identity and his equality. His mark, prominently displayed, used his full surname, revealing his pride in his talent, his product and his connections. The catalog delivers him through strong narrative, photographs of stunning silver, handsome portraits by renowned painters, and reproductions of rare documents. Don’t miss the copy, colonized in the Library.
for the Creative Sewing Enthusiast Now available with Artlink/CPS Software Computer Hookup at no cost. • LCD Touchscreen • 250 Stitches, 45 CPS Stitches • Maximum stitch width 9/45mm • Maximum stitch length 5mm • 7 alphabets
NO INTEREST NO PAYMENT FOR 6 MONTHS WITH APPROVED CREDIT
BERNINA SEWING CENTERS 3407 S. 84th
(Westgate Plaza) 392-0430 • 10144 Maple (Maple Village) Mon & Thur: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. • Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
572-1212
Spend “Happy Hour” with Beth El’s Synergy Group by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publcity Director Synergy, a Beth El-sponsored group for members of the Jewish community ages 22-35, will meet for “Happy Hour” on Saturday, Aug. 14, 9 p.m., at Fox and Hound English Pub & Grill, 510 No. 120 St.
Spend a relaxing evening with old and new friends, playing billiards, shuffle board and ping pong! A vegetarian menu will be provided. Reservations are needed by Aug.6, and may be made by calling Debbie Kricsfeld, 393.2714, or Andreea Shnayder, 884.3776.
July 30, 2004
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
ORGANIZATIONS
K A N D Y LA N D
G N SI
JT’S KANDYLAND EXPRESS & KRAFT KABOOSE
K A N D Y LA N D
S O R C
Hand Dipped Chocolates from the Heart of the Heartland
Specialty chocolates and candies for every occasion! Weddings • Anniversaries • Bar/Bat Mitzvahs • Holidays Birthdays • Bridal/Baby Showers • Gift Baskets
402/933-3393
G N SI
K A N D Y LA N D
K A N D Y LA N D
10729 Mockingbird Dr. • Omaha, NE 68127 info@jtskandylandexpress.com • www.jtskandylandexpress.com Marilyn Tipp, Co-Owner
S O R C
by SHARON BRODKEY Co-Vice-president of Public Relations NCJW, Omaha Section NCJW’s Omaha Section Board members will have the opportunity to benefit from the expertise and high energy of national board member Ricki Kline who has been training for the National Council of Jewish Women for 15 years. Kline's training workshops are positive learning environments for all who participate. On Sunday morning, Aug. 8, Omaha Section's full board will meet for training at 8:30 a.m. at the Jewish Community Center. Brunch will be served and training concludes at noon. Kline will cover such diverse topics as: effective Ricki Kline communication including sharing responsibility, the business of a Board and an analysis of the Section leading to goal setting for the immediate future. Kline currently serves as NCJW board volunteer chair of Yad B’Yad, NCJW's grass roots literacy program in Israel, and was chair of the Israel Plenary for Washington Institute ’04. She is currently a Section consultant and was Vice-chairman of the 2002 National Convention in Los Angeles. “I’ve known Ricki since we were section presidents together,” said Carol Katzman, who served as Omaha section President from 1986-88. “Ricki and I served on the National Board together and acted as trainers together at national conventions and Leaders’ Institutes. She’s upbeat and personal and makes learning fun. It’s amazing how many skills a participant can learn from someone as energetic and knowledgeable as Ricki!” A deeply committed Life Member for the past 25 years and past-president of the Birmingham Section, Kline chaired the Strategic Planning Committee for her Section. She is the treasurer of Planned Parenthood of Alabama and serves on the Endowment and Development Committees for that organization. For five years, Kline was a member of the Institute for Jewish Community Learning and has been an active Docent at the Birmingham Museum of Art for 20 years. She is also a Board Member of the Birmingham Jewish Foundation and has been a member of the board, Executive and Job Placement Committees of Jewish Family Services. Kline received a BA from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada and her professional teaching degree from the University of British Columbia. She went on to be certified in Remedial Reading from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec and continued studying toward a Masters Degree in Education at the University of Alabama. For more information and to RSVP to the Sunday morning board training, please call Omaha Section President Kate Kirshenbaum, at: 334.8541.
VISIONS Reminder: Visions Board Meeting is Friday, Aug. 6, 9:30 a.m. in the conference room of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.
Letterhead • Brochures • Newsletters Business Cards • Mailers • Postcards
G N SI
NCJW National Board Member to Train Omaha Section Leaders
LOMIR REDN YIDDISH We are playing Yiddish Bingo--Oivai. It's fun! It’s educational! Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. It’s guaranteed to enhance your Yiddish! Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638 for information.
3706 South 132nd Street • 402/330-5050
S O R C
YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS All seniors are welcome to join us on Monday for a Spanish Fiesta at the JCC. At noon, a delicious Mediterranean meal will be served in the auditorium. Following lunch, you’ll be stepping lively with La Tamara as she performs Flamenco Dancing in full costume. Play bingo with Eileen Remer at 10 a.m. in the
auditorium; exercise at 10:30 a.m. in the social hall; the discussion group will meet at 11 a.m. For transportation call Dee Dee at 330.4272. For reservations for all events call Maggie Conti at 334.6521. Monday, Aug. 16, join us for a Las Vegas Style Show with Karen and Terry Edwards; the deadline for reservations is Aug. 9; Monday, Aug. 30: Mike Conner will entertain us with humor and banjo music while he talks on senior safety; the deadline is Aug. 23. Catch the bus to sophisticated Omaha as we tour the new Riverfront on Thursday, Aug. 12; we will have lunch at Tish’s Restaurant in Council Bluffs. The deadline for reservations is Aug. 5. Deadline for Bluffs Run Casino on Thursday, Aug. 26 is Aug. 19.
G N SI
B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Don Smithy will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Aug. 4, noon, at the Park Inn Regency, according to Marty Ricks, August Chairman. Smithy, Executive Director of Eppley Airfield, returns to describe airport growth, security and terrorism in the 21st century. Cost is $10 for lunch and $2 for beverage service only. Breadbreakers is open to the community.
PRINTING, COPYING and DIGITAL NETWORK
S O R C
TORAH LEARNING CENTER Rabbi Tuvia Hoffman will teach the following classes: on Tuesdays, 7 p.m.--Jewish Philosophy--ongoing discussions on self-growth, and on Wednesdays, noon-”Down to Earth Jewish Philosophy” in the Omaha Room of the Jewish Community Center. New home-study groups and classes and individual study sessions are available. Please call me at 981.0569 for more information.
Page 5
IN THE NEWS Naomi Shira Katskee, daughter of Sindie and Jerry Katskee, graduated in June from the Art Institute of Colorado with an Associates Degree of Applied Science in Photography. She is presently associated with MOTOPHOTO in Denver in personal and business photography, digital restoration, and photo finishing and has developed a website at www.naomishiraphotography.com. Aaron Passer, the 15-year-old son of Dr. Jeff and Sandy Passer, is working on a unique Eagle Scout project. A member of Troop #552, Aaron is trying to raise money to replace the old, worn headstones of the graves of deceased babies in the Temple Israel Cemetery. The new bronze plaques will state the baby’s name, birth and death dates. Aaron will also be cleaning up the special section of the cemetery as well as carrying out a burial of Jewish books. Aaron will be a sophomore at Brownell-Talbot next month, where he holds a 3.7 GPA. He plays on the football, basketball and golf teams there and is a member of the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra, for which he plays trumpet. A scout for five years, Aaron has held the position of patrol leader and troop scribe. He attended the National Scout Jamboree. Next month, he will visit Shikuoka, Japan, with the Venture Scouts Crew #2003. With 15 headstones to replace at a cost of $150 each, Aaron is looking to raise $2250 to cover the cost of his Eagle Scout project. Labor will be donated by his fellow scouts and other interested adults. To assist Aaron with this project, send checks, made out to Temple Israel, to: Aaron Passer’s Eagle Scout Project, Temple Israel, 7023 Cass, Omaha, NE 68132. For more information, e-mail him at: aapasser@brownell.edu.
Enjoy a Grand Slam of an Afternoon with Beth El Men’s Club and Hazak by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Step up to the plate and join Beth El’s Men’s Club and Hazak group on Sunday, Aug. 15, for lunch at the synagogue, then on to Rosenblatt Stadium as the Omaha Royals battle the Colorado Springs Rockies! In true baseball style, the 11 a.m. lunch will include hotdogs, hamburgers, potato salad, cole slaw, chips, pickle and drink. Game start time is 1:35 p.m.; carpools to the ballpark will be available upon request. Cost of the afternoon is $12.25; $10.75 for children under 12. Reservations are needed by Aug. 9, and may be made by sending a check to Gloria Goodman, 1636 Holling Drive, Omaha NE, 68144. For more information, contact Natalie Rubin at 334.5893.
Used Book Sale Sponsored by the Women of Reform Judaism
Temple Israel 7023 Cass Street
August 1-4 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday
8/1 8/2 8/3 8/4
1 p.m. - 4 p.m. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Noon - 7 p.m. Noon - 5 p.m.
Great Savings! Book Preview (first pick of the books) Sunday, August 1 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Preview Admission $15 Questions? Wendy Goldberg 393-6391 Stacey Rockman 397-7930
Page 6
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 30, 2004
July 30, 2004
• HAIRSTYLING • MANICURING
• PEDICURING • WAXING
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! Call one of our professional event planners today
(402) 334-5446 • www.brandeiscatering.com. “YOUR EVENT IS OUR NEXT SUCCESS!â€?
COME IN FOR FREE PROFESSIONAL SHOE FITTING ARAVON JAMIE
SEMI ANNUAL SALE 1/3 OFF SELECTED STYLES
Comfortplus
SHOE CENTER
SPECIALIZING IN HARD TO FIT SIZES
1010 S.74th Plaza Omaha • 392-2952
6450 O Street Lincoln • 466-7463
On the North Side of Pacific at 74th
We believe that special occasions deserve special attention. Count on us for memorable events that exceed expectations
for RELIABLE & RESPONSIBLE FABRICARE 5213 Leavenworth
8728 Pacific
14430 W. Center Rd.
214 N. 114th St.
2214 N. 90th St.
4963 So. 155th St.
10910 ‘Q’ St.
2909 N. 108th St.
4028 N. 132nd St.
108th & Center
5624 Ames
1810 N. 144th St.
2301 Lincoln Rd.
2541 S. 174th Plz.
invitations collectibles and gifts unique gift baskets
• Weddings • Anniversaries • Bar/Bat Mitzvahs • 12,000 sq. ft. of flexible event space accommodates up to 250 guests • On-site planning and catering professionals
Stationery B’nai Mitzvah & Weddings Anniversaries & Special Occasions 12039 Blondo • Omaha, NE • 402/498-9770
www.martinizing.com/omaha
Community Calendar
All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the above events.
Dundeal Call
SUNDAY, AUGUST 1 Basketball 3 on 3 Challange in the Gym and Outdoor Courts, 8 a.m. LOVE Pan Tournament, 12:30 p.m. WRJ Used Book Sale, 1 p.m. at Temple Israel MONDAY, AUGUST 2 ADL/CRC Teacher Training, 9 a.m. WRJ Used Book Sale, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m.
Dundee Realty Co.
SALES • RENTALS • MANAGEMENT Residential and Commercial Real Estate Listing and Selling–Omaha and surrounding areas
Howard Weiner Dik Weiner 4645 Dodge • 553-2121
TUESDAY, AUGUST 3 Lunch & Learn “The Guy and Bob Show�, noon WRJ Used Book Sale, noon at Temple Israel “Let’s Eat� Class, 5:30 p.m. at Beth El BBYO Night, 6 p.m. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4 “Down to Earth Jewish Philosophy� Class, noon WRJ Used Book Sale, noon at Temple Israel THURSDAY, AUGUST 5 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. NCJW Bookclub, 7 p.m.
Margarite and Mary Goodenow PRIVATE PARTY ROOMS AVAILABLE
SERVING THE ENTIRE METRO AREA
INDIVIDUALIZED CATERING
FRIDAY, AUGUST 6 Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY, AUGUST 8 NCJW Board Training, 8:30 a.m. Visions Brownville Concert, 2 p.m.
FOR ALL OCCASIONS
TUESDAY, AUGUST 10 Temple Israel OTYG NFTY Summer Institute, Aug. 10th thru 15th Lunch & Learn “The Guy and Bob Show�, noon “Let’s Eat� Class, 5:30 p.m. at Beth El BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El Board Of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m. at Friedel Jewish Academy WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11 “Down to Earth Jewish Philosophy� Class, noon New Federation Board Orientation, noon THURSDAY, AUGUST 12 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. FRIDAY, AUGUST 13 Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, AUGUST 15 Beth El Hazak - Men’s Club Brunch and Baseball Day, 11 a.m. MONDAY, AUGUST 16 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. TUESDAY, AUGUST 17 YU Torah Tours Breakfast, 8 a.m. at Beth Israel Lunch & Learn “The Guy and Bob Show�, noon Visions River Cruise, 6 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Board of Trustees Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel
CALL
FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
328-8251
This spot could have your name on it. Call Allan Handleman to see how easy it can be.
334-6451
For information, Call the sales department at 402/496-0850 ext. 143
Crowne PlazaÂŽ Omaha Old Mill 655 North 108th Avenue Omaha, NE 68154
August
North Side of O Street
Monday-Friday 9-6 • Saturday 9-4:30 • Phone orders welcome
FOR A
Page 7
CELEBRATIONS ARE OUR BUSINESS
A FULL SERVICE SALON FOR MEN AND WOMEN
COUNTRYSIDE VILLAGE PACIFIC AT 87TH
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18 YU Torah Tours, 8 a.m. at Beth Israel Hadassah Board Meeting, 10 a.m. YU Torah Tours Lunch and Learns, noon (call for locations) “Down to Earth Jewish Philosophy� Class, noon Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth El THURSDAY, AUGUST 19 YU Torah Tours Breakfast, 8 a.m. at Beth Israel Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. YU Torah Tours Lunch and Learns, noon at Beth Israel Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Italian Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth Israel “Legacy of Our Ancestors� Video Premiere, 7 p.m. at Beth El FRIDAY, AUGUST 20 YU Torah Tours Breakfast, 8 a.m. at Beth Israel Shabbat Services and Picnic, 5:30 p.m. at Temple Israel YU Torah Tours Shabbat Dinner, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel SATURDAY, AUGUST 21 USY Chapter Membership Training (21 & 22), 9 a.m. at Beth El YU Torah Tours Shabbat Lunch, noon at Beth Israel SUNDAY, AUGUST 22 Teacher-in-Service with Rabbi Sam Joseph, 9 a.m. at Temple Israel Religious School Steering Committee Meeting, 9 a.m. at Temple Israel Bible Study Group, 11 a.m. at Beth El Beth El BEAM at Stephens Center, 1:30 p.m. Bernie Dean stars in “The Rothchilds�, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel
That Pottery Place
MONDAY, AUGUST 23 JELS Teacher Training, 7 p.m.
offering an assortment of Judaica Pottery
TUESDAY, AUGUST 24 BBYO Council Kickoff, 6 p.m. JELS Class “War & Peace�, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25 PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El “Down to Earth Jewish Philosophy� Class, noon Hazak Installation Dinner, 7 p.m. at Beth El NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m. First Day of School, 8:30 a.m. at Friedel Jewish Academy THURSDAY, AUGUST 26 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Jewish Women International Pot Luck Dinner, 6 p.m. at Corrine Levins
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
SUNDAY, AUGUST 29 Adult Education, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Temple Israel Family Mini-Golf Outing, 4 p.m.
The pharmacy that specializes in home delivery!
MONDAY, AUGUST 30 Temple Israel Annual Golf Outing, noon JELS Teacher Training, 7 p.m.
• North Omaha • South Omaha • Council Bluffs • • City-wide Delivery • Discount Prices •
TUESDAY, AUGUST 31 BBYO Council Meetings/Chapter Photos, 6 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Federation Executive Committee Meeting, 6 p.m. JELS Class “War & Peace�, 7 p.m. Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
• Discount prices, both charged and delivered • Medicines, Herbals and Natural Vitamins • Accepting HMO & Insurance Cards BRUCE GOLDBERG, Pharmacist Serving Our Community
For Home Delivery, call
Metro area: 733-3216 • www.phexpress.com & Climate ControlAirHeating Conditioning
AUTO BODY INC.
PRE-SEASON AIR CONDITIONER SPECIAL OFFER
You BEND ’em we MEND ’em
SAVE UP TO 40% ON COOLING COSTS
• Collision Specialists • Hail Repair • Windshield & Glass Replacement • Work with all Insurance • Companies
Family Owned Since 1955
• 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.
climate control HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
FIRST CLASS
COMFORT WITH CONFIDENCE Financing Available
*Financing Available
334-1818 West Omaha 558-1555 Central
;4
XXX IDY DPN
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
Call Today For A FREE No Obligation Estimate on New Equipment
1010 Bert Murphy Blvd. • Bellevue, NE 68005
402/291-2762
Save 10% to 40% based on comparison of the advertisers Manfacturer system with a typical 810 year old system using Department of Energy test procedures. Actual savings may vary.
ENTERTAIN
Our Visit room w o h S
11226 Wright Circle (1 Block South of 114th & Center)
333-2882
We Disp dding Sup lays & plies
Genuine New York Style Pizza
Buy any large pizza pie and get a 1 topping medium FREE *Not to be used with any other offer.
132nd & Dodge Streets Westridge Shopping Plaza 493-0404 • Fax 493-2994
FREE DELIVERY
0BLWJFX )BMMPX Â… 4PVUI UI 4USFFU Â… (SFZIBXL 7JMMBHF Â… 8FTU .BQMF 3PBE Â…
PGG BOZ DPMPS TFSWJDF
/PU UP CF VTFE XJUI BOZ PUIFS PGGFS 7BMJE 4VOEBZ 8FEOFTEBZ 0OMZ
Page 8
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 30, 2004
Opinion Where Were You? If you’re older than 40, you know where you were 35 years ago last week--July 20-when Neil Armstrong stepped out of a space capsule and walked on the moon. If you’re older than 65, you can recall another major anniversary--June 4, 1944--the Allied invasion of Europe--D-Day, which brought about the end of World War II. And, sadly, we can all recall where we were when the terrorists flew commercial American jets into the World Trade Centers on Sept. 11, 2001. So where were you this week when the Democrats met in Boston? And where will you be at the end of next month, when the Republicans gather in New York City? Will you be watching the candidates and weighing each word? Or will you ignore them, gleaning only soundbites from the political pundits who are only too happy to interpret policy points for you? We’ve become a nation of adults with Attention Deficit Disorder. Or as the comedian Ellen Degeneres put it, “We say we have ADD or OCD because our attention spans are so short we can’t even take the time to say what the letters stand for!” We expect Bill O’Reilly or Chris Matthews to tell us how to think...and then we’re surprised by the outcomes. Is it too much trouble to pick up a Wall Street Journal or a New York Times (or even a Jewish Press) to read real news, in-depth analyses and varying points of view? Do we have to learn everything from here-today, gone-tomorrow pretty faces on “the box”? It’s time we took a good look at the decreasing level of involvement by the Jewish community in the political process. In the 1950s, ’60s and even ’70s, Jews voted in a higher percentage than any other minority group. But that’s changed. Ask your 20something children and grandchildren if they voted in the last election. You’ll be surprised at how many are not even registered. Jews--whose percentage of the U.S. population is now just below two percent (in the
(Founded in 1920)
1950s, the Jewish community was nearly three percent of the American population)-only have an impact in a few states, and even then, only in a few areas. Omaha--with only 6000 Jews--has to try harder. Several organizations do bring the political process to its members--notably the AntiDefamation League and the National Council of Jewish Women. The two have collaborated on a Campaign Guide every election cycle and plan to do so again in time for this fall’s general election. But they--and we--can do more. We’d like to suggest the following: • a voter registration drive at the Jewish Community Center during high-peak traffic hours (morning drop-off at the Child Development Center and late-day workouts at the Fitness Center); • presentations by representatives of both
the Republican and Democratic parties to our teens--with an opportunity for them to get involved in local campaigns and for 18-yearolds to register to vote (adults--feel free to listen in!); and • pre- and post-election coverage by local experts from Creighton University and University of Nebraska-Omaha to inform voters on local, state and national issues. The Jewish Press does not endorse political parties or candidates, but considers education about important issues to the Jewish community to be high on its agenda. We don’t care which party or which candidate you choose to support, but choose and support you must. We have the privilege and right to vote in this country, but governance is too important to ignore...it’s time to get involved again. Two more questions--are you registered to vote--and where will you be on Nov. 2?
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.
Technion’s Pride in Space OUR MAN IN ISRAEL by CARL ALPERT Haifa - It was back in the early 1980s when a professor at Technion's Faculty of Aeronautical Engineering proposed a theoretical class project--to design and “launch” a satellite to outer space, which would periodically report its findings to a monitoring station at the Mt. Carmel campus of the Israel Institute of Technology. The class set to work with vigor. They were at once discouraged by the proportions required and the costs (even theoretical), running into many millions of dollars. Then a novel idea was proposed: Instead of trying to compete with the space agencies of the world’s powers, why not plan a microsatellite, which might actually be launched into space? The idea, initiated by Prof. Giora Shavit and Prof. Haim Eshed, was enthusiastically received. It was a splendid class project, and the students learned a great deal about all the elements involved. Gradually, over a period of several years, the idea began to take physical form. A small box was built on the table in the laboratory. All the theories were studied and put into application. Antennae protruded. Statistical possibilities were analyzed. It was a great class project, but the finished project was no longer theory. It was ready for launching, and arrangements were made with
Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Ray Pred Account Executive Timothy J. Ketelsen Bookkeeper Lori Kooper-Schwarz Production Assistant Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; and Melanie Weinstein. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press and the Foundation are constutional committees of the Jewish Federation. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.
a Russian agency to include Israel’s little box together with big power satellites of other nations that were about to be sent into space. Unfortunately, the Russian launcher exploded, and all was lost. Despite this, succeeding classes at the Technion undertook to renew the project, benefiting from experience and aided by immigrant space scientists from the Soviet Union. A generous sponsor, Joseph Gurwin, of New York, renewed his support.
Had (the satellite) remained in space for three months, its initiators would have been pleased. The months went by, and then the years. This year marks seven years in space. Again a box took shape on the table. It was a cube, measuring 16 inches by 16 inches by 16 inches, and weighed 106 pounds. It was packed with scientific equipment, all reduced in size. Truly a midget compared to the huge satellites, costing millions of dollars, which were attracting world wide attention. Again a Russian launcher seemed to be the cheapest and most convenient, and in June, 1998, Gurwin TechSat II was propelled into space. It orbits the earth twelve times a day and is in touch with its monitoring station at Technion City. Had it remained in space for three months,
its initiators would have been pleased. The months went by, and then the years. This year marks seven years in space. Prof. Moshe Guelman, head of the Asher Space Research Institute, notes that during this time Israel’s baby has lost very little of its altitude. “At this rate,” he says, “the Technion satellite will remain in space for hundreds of years.” Its solar panel system still provides sufficient energy to keep its equipment operating. Of course this will be subject to possible cosmic accidents and radiation. The experiments and tests and observations with which it was entrusted continue to function, as its periodic reports indicate. It is testing superconductivity materials in space, detects ozone content of the earth’s atmosphere among other projects, and provides services to radio amateur operators. One day I sat in as the satellite passed quickly overhead and the local staff recorded the latest information. The day-to-day operations are being executed by undergraduate students, providing them with practical experience. Several local high schools have also added contact with “the new bird” as part of their technological education. Little Israel, which has its own government satellites as well, is one of only nine countries in the world which have their own representatives in space. And in the United States, only two universities have their own satellites. Carl Alpert can be reached alpert@techunix.technion.ac.il
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.
at: Nebraska Press Association
National Newspaper Association
July 30, 2004
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 9
America and Israel Need a President of Vision and Courage: John Kerry
AMERICA DECIDES 2004 by MENACHEM Z. ROSENSAFT NEW YORK (JTA)--With President Bush’s approval ratings in free-fall, Republicans are reverting once again to negative campaigning. Among their tactics is a deliberate effort to disparage and distort the unambiguously pro-Israel record of Sen. John Kerry (D-MA). According to one prominent Republican apparatchik, “Throughout his political career, Sen. Kerry has never been a leader in support of Israel.” Nothing could be further from the truth. As an American Jew and lifelong Zionist, I enthusiastically support Kerry in this year’s presidential election. To be sure, the American Jewish community is not and should never be a single-issue constituency. We care deeply about social issues. We are dismayed by the appointment of federal judges who believe the United States is a Christian nation, or who would abrogate a woman’s right to an abortion even if her life were in danger. We care deeply about civil and human rights, at home and abroad. And we believe that our society bears the responsibility to help rather than jettison the less fortunate among us. On all of these issues, Kerry's views are in harmony with those held by the overwhelming majority of American Jews. Nevertheless, the issue that is and should be of greatest concern to American Jews is the safety and security
of the State of Israel. Having followed Kerry's career for the past two decades, I know that Israel does not have and could not have a stronger or more reliable ally. All too frequently, American political figures begin to utter pro-Israel sentiments only as they embark on a national campaign for public office. Not so Kerry. As he told the Anti-Defamation League's national leadership conference earlier this year, “For the entire 20 years that I have been in the United States Senate, I’m proud that my commitment to a secure Jewish state has been unwavering; not even by one vote or one letter or one resolution has it wavered. And as president, I can guarantee you that that support and that effort for our ally, a vibrant democracy, will continue.” Kerry expressed the same resolute support for Israel when he addressed the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s annual policy conference more than seven years ago, April 7, 1997. “As Americans,” he said, “we owe it to our Israeli partners to stand with them so that they can negotiate from greater strength, to be an ally beside them, not an ally that undermines them.” Moreover, Kerry not only understood the dire threat of terrorism long before the Sept. 11 attacks made it an American priority, but he steadfastly has rejected any justification for murderous Palestinian attacks on Israeli civilians. “Terrorism,” he declared in his AIPAC speech, “is an incontrovertible evil and an unjustified response, and the idea that every bitter dispute between Israel and
the Palestinians can somehow justify Palestinian violence or justify” Palestinian Authority President Yasser “Arafat’s winking at it or should warrant the release of yet more Hamas leaders or could excuse the PLO’s failure to rewrite its covenant--all of this reflects a moral blindness, a failure of courage that only encourages the cowards, the haters and the killers.” One clear difference between the Bush administration and Kerry is their reactions to Saudi Arabian anti-Semitism. After terrorists went on a deadly rampage in the Saudi city of Yanbu on May 1, Crown Prince Abdullah announced on Saudi TV that “Zionism is behind terrorist actions in the Kingdom ...I am 95 percent sure of that.” At the same time, Prince Naif, the Saudi interior minister, Menachem Rosensaft blamed AlQaida for the attack. Asked about this apparent inconsistency, Prince Naif explained, “I don't see any contradiction in the two statements, because Al-Qaida is backed by Israel and Zionism.” The Saudi government, one of the Bush administration’s closest allies in the Middle East, regularly blames Israel and Zionism for all the world’s evils, including terrorism. The same Prince Naif also has declared that he believes Zionists to be behind the Sept. 11 attacks, and the Saudi press prints the most vicious anti-
Semitic diatribes as a matter of course. One looks in vain for a public condemnation of Abdullah’s offensive remarks by President Bush or his senior officials, a reticence that may well be the result of the Bush family’s long and intimate relationship with the Saudi royal family. To be sure, the U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia politely discussed the Crown Prince’s comments with the Saudi foreign minister, but that was about it. In contrast, Kerry unequivocally denounced Abdullah’s “outrageous antiSemitic comments” and correctly pointed out that they raise “serious questions about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to combating terrorism.” Kerry understands that Israel is more than just another country. “I think it is fair to say,” he said in his 1997 AIPAC speech, “that the ashes of the Holocaust victims were scattered on the wind, but that wind also carries on it their prayers and purpose--above mountains and sea, across thousands of miles, so that the pain of history is redeemed in the Land of Israel. It is a sacred place-for them, for their people who live there and for all the world.” Both the United States and Israel need an American president of vision, moral courage and intellectual depth who thoroughly understands the imperatives of history. Kerry is that man, and for the sake of both nations, we must elect him in November. Menachem Z. Rosensaft, an attorney, is founding chairman of the International Network of Children of Jewish Holocaust Survivors and a former national president of the Labor Zionist Alliance.
A Democrat for Bush? The Fight Against Terrorism Outweighs All Else do work. Al-Qaida also intends to destroy moderate Muslim governments that want to live in peace with countries by EDWARD I. KOCH that are not Islamic. Shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Bush NEW YORK (JTA)--I support the reannounced his commitment to the struggle election of President George W. Bush. Why? Because I believe one issue over- against Islamic fanatics who believe they whelms all others: the president’s strong can destroy the values of Western civilizacommitment to fight the forces of inter- tion and democratic governments everywhere. national terrorism, regardOn entering this war less of how much it costs or against terrorism, Bush said, how long it takes to achieve “We shall go after the terrorvictory. ists and the countries that I do not agree with harbor them.” President Bush on a single This Bush Doctrine rivals major domestic issue, but in in importance the Monroe my view those pale in comDoctrine, which limited the parison with the threat of colonization efforts of foreign international terrorism. powers in the Western hemiOsama bin Laden and sphere, and the Truman Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the Doctrine, which contained evil poster boys of mass Former New York City the spread of communism. murder, are revered and Mayor Ed Koch Bush has proven that he is supported by millions of Muslims throughout the world. The stat- prepared to keep to his commitment to ed goal of Al-Qaida and its supporters is fight terrorism. If Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) were to win to kill or convert every infidel--and that means Jews, Christians, Buddhists and this presidential election, would he stand anyone else who will not accept Islam’s up to terrorism to the same extent as George Bush? I don’t think so. supremacy. Regrettably, my party, the Democratic These terrorists are convinced that non-Islamic nations do not have the will Party, now has a strong radical left wing or courage to persevere in this struggle, whose members often dominate the which could last for decades. They party primaries. Those same left-wing believe democracies are weak-willed radicals have an anti-Israel philosophy, and ultimately will yield to whatever reviling a democratic state that shares the values held by most Americans. demands are made on them. Kerry is a patriot who performed heroicalBy withdrawing their troops from Iraq in response to terrorist attacks or the threat of ly in the Vietnam War. Regrettably, he surviolence, Spain and the Philippines already rendered his philosophical independence to have shown that, tragically, terror tactics-- the left wing in the recent Democratic priincluding suicide attacks, car bombings maries to prevail over the original darling of and the beheading of innocent civilians-- the radicals, Howard Dean.
AMERICA DECIDES 2004
Kerry owes his nomination in large part to those Dean supporters and to the support of Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA). Kennedy sadly demonstrated his loss of any sense of decency with crude attacks on Bush using unacceptable, abusive language. The hatred deliberately stirred by Kennedy against Bush is contemptible and dangerous; it encourages the terrorists with whom we are at war and it incites the crazies in our own country. On July 9, a Kerry/Edwards fund-raising concert was held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. During the concert, comedian Whoopi Goldberg engaged in unprintable, despicable sexual references to Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, playing on the anatomical symbolism of their names. Even worse was Kerry’s “thank you” from the stage to all of the performers, saying that they conveyed “the heart and soul of our country.” Shameful. Now a comment about the war in Iraq. Most Americans understand that few, if any, wars go smoothly. Cast your mind back to the Revolutionary War, during which New York City was occupied by enemy forces for seven years, or the Civil War, in which Confederate armies won victory after victory on the battlefield, or even World War II, in which the Nazi menace was defeated at an enormous cost in human lives. Should we have gone to war with Iraq? I believe the answer is yes. During a daily briefing after Sept. 11, then-CIA Director George Tenet told the president that Iraq had the ability to wage chemical and biological war on the United States. He called the case for Iraq’s possession of weapons of mass destruction a “slam dunk.” Had the president not launched a preemptive war against Saddam, and if this madman subsequently had released bio-
logical agents in the United States or used poison gas, as he did against the Kurds and Iran, does anyone doubt Bush would have been impeached? The security agencies of nearly every democratic nation provided their president or prime minister the same description of Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction capability. The U.S. Congress had the same information and concurred with the president’s decision, and the U.N. Security Council unanimously concurred, passing Resolution 1441. But it was Bush who had the courage to take up arms in defense of the United States and our allies. That’s what leadership is all about. A poll released last Wednesday by the Washington Post showed that 55 percent of Americans “approve of the way Bush is handling the campaign against terrorism,” and 51 percent said they “trust Bush more than Kerry to deal with terrorism, while 42 percent prefer the Democrat.” We also should not forget that Bush, in my opinion, has been the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House. At the U.N.’s Security Council and General Assembly, allies of the United States and others who are indifferent or hostile to our country have conveyed the view that if we end our alliance with Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East, they would welcome the United States back into their circle. But Bush has refused to abandon Israel. This November, we American Jews should remember our friends. We should thank Bush for his courage in the war against terrorism and for his strong and consistent support for Israel and democracy. Edward I. Koch was mayor of New York City from 1978 to 1989.
Page 10
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 jewishnebraska.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
The Neighborhood Minyan Torah Learning Center 1313 No. 58 St. Omaha, NE 68132 553.5397
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org
If you’re looking at this space, so are others! YOUR AD CAN GO HERE...
to reserve space, call Allan Handleman, 334-6451, or Ray Pred, 334-6559.
July 30, 2004
Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY, July 30 & Aug. 13: No Services FRIDAY, Aug. 6: Services followed by Oneg in honor of the marriage of Naomi and Ruvane Kurland, 7:30 p.m.
of honey accompanied by a special New Year’s greeting? Support Beth El Sisterhood’s annual honey sale! Place your orders by Aug. 6; order forms will be sent in the mid-month mailing and are also available in the synagogue office.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Services, 9:30 a.m., Kiddush sponsored by Gloria and Alan Goodman in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary. K’tantan Plus (K-7), activities will include exploring the Siddur in an age appropriate fashion, 10:45 a.m.; Evening Services, 8:40 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Weekdays, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. SITTER SERVICE During Friday night and Saturday mornings services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge. SPECIAL PROGRAMS COME & DANCE! Israeli Dance Lessons Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. with Cheryl Lerner and Ophir Palmon. For information, contact Cheryl, 334.8430 or cldancer@ aol.com. “LET’S EAT,” TUESDAY, Aug. 3 and 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Children ages 10 and older will learn the art of Jewish cooking with teacher Howard Shandell. Cost is $10 per session; for more information, contact Harriet Einziger at 492.8550. TOT SHABBAT, FRIDAY, Aug. 13, 6 p.m.: Led by Patty Nogg, this delightful service includes prayers and songs geared toward our youngest congregants. Following the service, you’re invited to enjoy an Oneg Shabbat of juice and cookies. HONEY FOR THE HOLIDAYS: What better way to wish loved ones a sweet New Year than through a festively-wrapped six-ounce bottle
Office Hours: MondayThursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m-2 p.m.. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Services, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Services, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by the Sisterhood. Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Mincha, 8:15 p.m. and Havdalah, 9:29 p.m. SUNDAY: Morning Service, 9 a.m.; Evening Service, 7 p.m. Weekday Morning Service, 7 a.m.; Weekday Evening Service, 7 p.m.. Yeshiva University Summer Torah tours returns to Omaha for the fourth year. This year’s Torah Tour will be Aug. 17-21. The exceptional staff will be offering Lunch and Learns, giving shiurim, and leading a festive and insightful Shabbat program. See the YU Torah Tours brochure or contact the synagogue office for more information.
BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. MONDAY-FRIDAY, Morning services, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Mamarim class, 9 a.m.; Services, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. Mishneh class, 9:30 a.m. MONDAY Halacha Intermediate level, 7 p.m.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in the office Tuesdays and Thurs-
Beth El’s Joyful Tot Shabbat to Resume Next Month by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator If you’re less than four feet tall and looking for some action once a month on Friday nights, then Beth El is definitely the place for you. Starting August 13, at 6 p.m., the synagogue’s wildly popular Tot Shabbat service will resume, led by longtime earlychildhood educator Patty Nogg. For the past year, celebrating Shabbat with the synagogue’s smallest members has taken on joyful and massive proportions, Nogg said. “We initially held Tot Shabbat services in a meeting room and then moved it to a larger area off
the sanctuary,” she said. “After quickly outgrowing that space, we’re now holding the service in the West Court, to accommodate our growing number of children, parents and grandparents!” The service, which is open to families in the entire community, features age-appropriate prayers and singing, and is always followed by a tasty Oneg Shabbat with juice and cookies. Nogg said she’s looking forward to leading services again this year, and encourages the community to “bring along family, friends and kids of all ages, and experience the spirit of Shabbat, Beth El-style!”
PERSONALS I wish to thank everyone for their good wishes, contributions and gifts for my recovery. Barry Belmont A big thank you to everyone who remembered me with cards, donations and flowers in honor of my 80th birthday. Betty Sanford
days, all day. You may reach her 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays at 416.2321 (local for Lincoln), or at rabstiel@aol.com. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. Led by Amy Zlotsky with Oneg to follow. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. THURSDAY: Choir Practice, 7 p.m. SATURDAY, AUG. 14, 1:30 p.m: An organizational meeting for the Temple Social Action Committee will be held at the Temple for those interested in developing our congregation’s program for social justice. Tikkun Olam is a central focus of Reform Judaism and gives meaning to religion for many of us. Those of you who are interested in creating a social justice program--please attend the meeting and contribute your ideas and energy to this project. To attend or for more information, contact Barb Straus at 476.1070 or e-mail: jebs@navix.net ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS: Beginning Hebrew Prayers, using the book Hineini, on Aug. 15 and Aug. 29, 9 a.m.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; led by Rabbi Maximo.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 6 p.m. Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate and give the sermon exploring Leon Wieseltier’s works. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. SITTER SERVICE During the months of July and Aug., sitter service will be available at each Friday evening service. Please make a reservation
Candlelighting Friday, July 30, 8:24 p.m. through the Temple office. Cost is $2 per family. Sorry, there are no facilities for infants. SUMMER SERVICE TIMES Continuing through Aug. 27, all Friday evening services will begin at 6 p.m. in the Livingston Chapel. Saturday morning services remain at 10:30 a.m. NOURISH THE SOUL NOURISH THE BODY Part II of a two-part Shabbat series Friday, Aug. 6, 6 p.m. Rabbi Craig Marantz will give the second sermon exploring Wieseltier’s works. The discussion will continue at a no-host dinner at Pasta Amore (108th and Center) immediately following the service. Call the Temple office, 556.6536, to reserve your spot at the table. WRJ-O BOOK SALE Temple Women of Reform Judaism-Omaha sale of nearly new and used book begins Sunday, Aug. 1 at Temple Israel through Wednesday, Aug. 4 in the Friedman Social Hall. The sale will include hardcover, paperbacks, novels, cookbooks, children’s books and much more.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN AT TLC FRIDAY: Kaballat Shabbat services, 7 p.m., . SATURDAY: Shabbat services, followed by a festive kiddush, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:20 p.m., followed by Havdalah.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, MONDAY AND THURSDAY, 7:15 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. WEDNESDAY: The Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. If you do not receive a call, contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066.
TV Actor Visits Israel to Launch Cosmetic Line
Actor Chris Noth visited the Kotel, (Western Wall) last week Known for his part in the television series ‘Sex in the City’ and ‘Law and Order’, The trip was organized by the Tourism Ministry as part of an effort to get American celebrities to visit Israel in a show of solidarity. Past
visitors have included film star Christopher Reeve, musician Whitney Houston and actor Eric Braeden of ‘The Young and the Restless.’ Noth is in Israel for a 10day stay to participate in the launch of a new Israeli cosmetic product. Copyright: ISRANET
July 30, 2004
When We Remember
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI CRAIG MARANTZ Parashat Ve’ethanan/Nahamu Parashat Ve’ethanan is especially significant to us because it houses the hallowed words of the Shema, the central statement of Jewish faith. Because the Shema is front and center, this Shabbat offers us a special opportunity to pore over the sacred nature of this prayer and reflect upon its deeper meanings. During Shacharit (morning prayer), the Shema is preceded by words like v’yached l’va’veinu l’ahavah ul’yirah et sh’mekha: May God inspire in our hearts a love and fear (or reverence) for Your Name. Thus, as we prepare to say the most important prayer in our liturgy, we place our spiritual focus (or kavannah) on two emotions, love and fear, which serve as the basis of our faith in God. In the words of contemporary Rabbis Kushner and Olitzky, we consider love and fear--and the tension that exists between them--as the primary motivations for serving God. Let’s concentrate for a moment on what it means to love God (For the sake of brevity, I will save discussion on Yirat Shamayim, the fear of God, for my upcoming High Holiday teaching.) In our Shacharit service, the Ahavah Rabbah, the prayer which immediately precedes the Shema, reveals the abundance of God’s love for us, symbolized by the gift of Torah and its teachings. The Shema then commands us to love God with every fiber of our heart, soul and might. So, from a traditional standpoint, the love between God and human beings is really quite mutual. There are ample examples throughout our heritage of God’s loving ways. Although we have been a stubborn bunch over the years, the Holy One’s love for us seems to come easi-
ly. And yet for us, to love God remains no small task. This is because it is not always so clear as to how we go about loving God. I think it has something to do with how we love each other. This is implied in the following teaching by the great modern sage Rav Abraham Isaac Kook: “The heart must be filled with love for all...The love for creation comes first, then comes love for all humankind, and then follows the love for the Jewish people, in which all other loves are included, since it is the destiny of the Jews to serve toward the perfection of all things. All these loves are to be expressed in practical action, by pursuing the welfare of those we are bidden to love and to seek their advancement. But the highest of all loves is the love of God, which is love in its fullest maturing.” As the highest kind of love, our love for God evolves from our love of other things, most notably life and people. When we say we are created betzelem Elokim (in God’s image), that doesn’t mean we look like God so much as we act like God acts. It follows then that we begin to love like God loves when we love others, when we “pursue the welfare of those we are bidden to love,”just as God lovingly tends to our own wellbeing.” And it also follows that when we respect life, care for the earth, are kind to animals--when we love our neighbors, show kavod (respect) to the elders of our community, feed the hungry, comfort mourners, show compassion for widows and orphans. When we remember that we, too, were strangers in the land of Egypt and God rescued us from our spiritual exile, we begin to understand what it means to love God because these are ways that God shows love for us. Each time we show our love for God through these mitzvot and others, we bear further witness to the truth that God is one, the essence of the Shema. May our love for God last always and forever as an enduring commitment to God’s oneness in the world. Shema Yisrael, Adonai Elokeinu, Adonai Echad. Shabbat shalom!
Israeli ‘Brain Coach’ Helps Athletes Prepare Continued from page 1 video of his recent matches so they can review his performance. Also in Razvozov’s hand is a photograph of him on the winner’s platform at the European Judo championships. The photo will be the 18th on Blumenstein’s wall of Israeli athletes he has trained that have gone on to succeed at international championships. Razvozov, a sandy haired 24-year-old, has just had his best year, is not shy about crediting Blumenstein. “Ninety percent of my improvement in the last year has been psychological, so I can thank Boris,” he said.
“I am now more focused mentally during competition. Before I would lose focus, now I don’t.” At this level, mental preparation, Blumenstein said, “is the difference between first place and tenth place.” Blumenstein, whose interests in sports began when he ran track as a child in Ukraine, said he is thankful to Israel for letting him blossom professionally. “What Israel gave me personally, I want to be able to give back,” he said. “I have been here 14 years and within that time, I have published dozens of research articles and papers, one book, and another on its way. I have gone to conferences all around the world.”
Kosher Soldiers Can Now Enjoy Deliciously Different Meals by MEYER FUTERSAK Director of Marketing for Labriute Meals If the old saying that “an army runs on its stomach” is true, then The Jewish Soldier Foundation and Lakewood, New Jersey-based La Briute Meals have recently teamed up to provide some much-needed “nutritional support” for Jewish members of the United States armed forces in Iraq who, despite continually challenging conditions, have maintained their commitment to keeping a religious diet. La Briute is innovator of the world's first self-heating, self-contained, single-portion, “go wherever” multicourse kosher meals--thanks to the efforts of Spc. Joe Kashnow, a Cavalry Scout formerly with the Fourth Infantry Division. Working on behalf of the Jewish Soldier Foundation, he has shipped hundreds of these nutritious and delicious meals to soldiers stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. CPT Moses Scheinfeld, currently serving in Iraq, praised the meals as “a godsend. The meals are so tasty that I would eat them (the meatballs and spaghetti) when I get back to the U.S. and I can have any food I want. That’s how good this meal is! I also like the beef stew and the chicken meal.” La Briute (which means “to your health” ) comes equipped with a water-activated “flameless” self-heater that warms up a hot nutritious meal in mere minutes. Six meals are currently available: Beef Stew Vegetables, Chicken Primavera with Noodles, Turkey and Mashed Potatoes and gravy, Cheese Ravioli in Italian Tomato Sauce, Meatballs and Spaghetti, and Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage in sweet raisin tomato sauce.
All meals include a soup and snack as well all necessary utensils and condiments--tray, fork, napkin--even salt and pepper. All meals are certified kosher by the nationally respected Kof-K certifying agency. United States Air Force Co. Capt. Menashe P. Miller wrote a note of thanks directly to La Briute Meals creator Abe Halberstam, stating, “Finally someone stepped forward to create new kosher MREs (Meals REady to Eat) that taste like real food! Your talented chefs did a superb job on the meals. I would not have made it through my mock deployment at Commissioned Officer school if not for your great-tasting energy-fortified special meals.” “It’s very gratifying to be able to be able to help our soldiers who keep kosher have a little more variety and pleasure in their meals,” said Halberstam. “After all, being deployed overseas requires all sorts of sacrifice, hardship, and inconvenience--keeping kosher shouldn’t have to be one of them.” He will continue to make La Briute meals available to military personnel at a “substantially subsidized” cost through the Jewish Soldier Foundation for “as long as we reasonably can.” He is also pursuing various efforts to have La Briute meals distributed more widely and regularly to military bases worldwide. Anyone who would like to send La Briute Meals to a son, daughter, or family member in the armed forces, or to sample one personally, may order them at the company’s website at: www.labriutemeals.com--or by contacting the Jewish Soldier Foundation at: www.jewishsoldier.org or at P.O. Box 65216, Baltimore, MD 21209
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
CORRECTION Due to a production error, it was mistakenly reported in Jan Goldstein’s July 16 article about her recent trip to Israel that Omaha’s allocation to the Israel Terror Relief Campaign was only $18,000; in fact it was $180,000. The Press regrets the error.
Page 11
Pulverent e MONUMENT CO.
Frank L. Ciciulla Jr. 60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials
1439 So. 13th
341-2452
College Students
Receive the Jewish Press for FREE! Just fill out the form below and return it to us.
Name ________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________ City, State, Zip ___________________________________________ New Phone _____________________________________________ Effective Date ____________________________________________ Mail this coupon to:
The Jewish Press 333 South 132nd Street Omaha, NE 68154 or see bottom of page 8 for email address and Fax number
Residential Mortgage Services, Inc.
Take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates! • Consolidate Debts • We’ll make getting your mortgage “pointless.” • Apply for your mortgage and check rates at: www.residentialmortgages.com Omaha Bellevue Council Bluffs Lincoln
333-7900 292-7900 322-7900 423-8885
Temple Israel Executive Director Full-Time Position Do you deal warmly with people--with respect, honesty and confidentiality? Can you demonstrate supervisory, delegating, organizational and decision making skills? Do you have budget experience? Are you computer literate? Do you have 2-5 years experience in non-profit organizations? Do you have experience in and love for Jewish organizational life? Salary and benefits commensurate with experience. Contact: Michael Walts, Search Committee Chairman C/o Temple Israel 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132
Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 30, 2004
Omaha Scouts Find Opportunity to Meet Tzofim--Scouting Counterparts from Israel by BOB KAHN Camporee in Little Sioux, Iowa. for Troop #218, BSA The Scouts watched as the Raptor The Israeli Scouts sang and Recovery Society, released an danced their way into the hearts of American Bald Eagle, injured and the young boys and girls who were nursed back to health, during the at their performance last week at Lewis and Clark Camporee, along the Jewish Community Center. The the banks of the Missouri River, JCC Boy Scout Troop #218 enjoyed where Meriwether Lewis and Capt. the visit from our brothers and sis- William Clark also camped some ters, the Israeli Scouts who shared 200 years ago. stories about how Scouting is both This summer the boys enjoyed a similar and different with the Israeli bike ride along the Historical Wabash Scouts. The Scouts from both Cub Trace bike trail where they encounScout Pack 218 and Boy Scout tered numerous deer, raccoons, and Troop 218 expressed to me that the wild turkey along the ride. Israeli Scouts had fabulous experiThe Scouts also attended Boy ences about their troops and com- Scout Summer Camp--one week of munities. Many of the Israeli Scouts were impressed that so many of the Boy Scouts in Troop 218 have achieved their Eagle Scout award. Our troop has more Eagle Scout per-capita, than almost any other troop in the United States! Troop 218 has had a busy year. The Scouts this year had a Winter Campout, where inidividual Scouts can receive the Polar Bear Badge for two consecutive overnight camp out in below freezing weather. And they endured the wettest spring camp out on record, during the Members of Troop #218 chat with the Israeli Tzofim, annual Jewish Scouting the Jewish community Center.
Jewish Dems Hear from Party Leaders & Israel Project
Scouting fun at the Mid-America Scout Camp. Additionally, the JCC Boy Scout Troop #218 provided an Honor Guard Flag Ceremony, during the Jewish Community’s celebration of Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day festivities at the JCC. These are some of the many funfilled events and programming that the JCC Boy Scouts Troop #218 has participated in during the first half of 2004. Boys, ages six to18-yearsold, are eligible to join JCC Boy Scout Troop 218. To learn more, please contact me at 493.4551. Happy Scouting!
by Jewish Press News Service (JTA)--Sen. Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut, accompanied by his wife Hadassah, addresses 2,500 Jewish delegates, activists and others gathered Sunday, July 25, in Boston on the eve of the Democratic National Convention. The event was sponsored by United Jewish Communities, The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston, Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston, and the National Jewish Democratic Council. Credit: Robert A. Cumins
the Scouts who performed last week at
Three television commercials saturated the airwaves in the days leading up to and during the week of the Democratic National Convention, according to Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, president of the Israel Project, the nonpartisan and non-pofit organization launching and financing the $500,000 campaign.
333 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE | 68154-2198 | Fax 402/334-5422
Coming this September
New Year s p e c i a l
i s s u e
Second Time Around featuring Jewish men and women who have changed careers
SpecialEdition Publishes September 10 Space Reservations August 9 Camera Ready Ads August 16
To be included in these special editions, Call Advertising Manager, Allan Handleman at 334-6451 or Account Executive, Ray Pred at 334-6559.