Vol. LXXXIX No. 46 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 89 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
26 Av 5770
August 6, 2010
A Night to Remember!!! by EMILY GILLER The lights were dimmed and the music was turned up. Team Omaha marched out into the arena of the Ryan Center at Creighton University throwing fake money into the air and waving to all 29 other delegations that were here in Omaha for the 2010 JCC Maccabi Games. Opening Ceremonies were held on Sunday Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. The night was filled with music, drummers, pin trading and of course, “boomwackers.” The night started off by having all 30 delegations, including Omaha, walk into the arena to be introduced to all the spectators. The Maccabi torch was then carried in by Jack Schrager in honor of his father, the late Phil Schrager and Lindsey The 2010 JCC Maccabi Games are here! Thomas in honor of her the Munich Olympic Games. Then the brother, the late Brandon Thomas. Israeli partnership athletes lit candles in The procession was then followed by a honor of the 11 athletes that were killed video, which introduced the Omaha JCC at Munich. staff and welcomed all the delegations to The athletes and spectators were introOmaha. Another video was shown in duced to the Drum Café, which is an honor of the athletes that were killed at
The frosting on the cake by OZZIE NOGG covered by $6 million taken from the The new Rose Blumkin Jewish Home is RBJH reserves, the use of which was a reality. The residents love the amenities agreed to by the Blumkin Home Board as in their spacious new rooms. Their fami- part of the master plan. We incurred no lies appreciate the unexpected consunlit seating areas struction expenses on Main Street. or overruns. We The RBJH staff were very careful praises the layout to stay within our of nurses stations cost estimates. that allows them to Even so, we must monitor residents, continue fundraisinteract with them, ing in order to and provide excepreplace the tional care. And Home’s reserves -everyone who the monies that let walks through the us maintain the front door of the new facility and, new Home is since the Blumkin impressed by the Home will continupbeat environue to have needs, ment, filled with cover future activity and life. improvements “Now,” said without raising Howard Kooper, additional capital “we need to put dollars.” some frosting on The Gift Shop at the RBJH is one of the desigAmong the desnated named gifts still available. the cake.” ignated areas still Frosting? On what is already a world- available to be named are the Exhibition class facility? Kooper, who served as Hall, Special Care Unit, Clinic Area, Gift Building Chairman during the four years Shop and Antique Store, which serves as of construction, explained his comment. the office of Bert Benson, Social Services “The frosting on the cake will be our Director. ability to bridge the gap between the $17 “From start to finish, we kept asking million dollars pledged to the project and ourselves tough questions,” Kooper conthe $23 million it cost to completely ren- tinued. “Should we spend the extra ovate the Home. That differential was Continued on page 2
Inside Op-Ed Page: see page 8
inter-active group of drummers who have preformed for people all over the world including Prince Charles and Nicole Kidman. “It was very native and the dancers were really good and the whole perform-
The mission of building a strong Jewish community by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT body rose to the challenge. I congratuEditor of the Jewish Press late the JCC staff and lay leadership in The Jewish Federations of North particular.” In 2002, Jody co-chaired America represent 157 Jewish the Maccabi Games with Marcia Pitlor, Federations, and 400 network commu- and she has no trouble remembering nities. Together, they the enormous amount raise over $3 billion of work that it brought. annually. That money This time around, she goes to social welfare, watched the proceedsocial services, and eduings from a different cational needs. Collecvantage point: that of tively, the Federations Federation President. are among the top 10 Malashock never set charities on the North out to gain her current American continent; title: “I have always felt they protect and inspired to volunteer,” enhance the well-being she says, “but I wanted of Jews worldwide to be there, behind the through Tikkun Olam, scenes, doing someTze-dakah, and Torah. thing meaningful, getJody Malashock Each of those ting my hands dirty, Federations functions through the hard while someone else took on the leaderwork of both lay leaders and profession- ship role.” als; Omaha serves as a well-oiled examAnd yet, here she finds herself as ple. “The Omaha Jewish Community is President of the Jewish Federation of one of the strongest and most vital of its Omaha, a title she will carry for the next size,” says current Federation President, two years. Somewhere along the way, Jody Malashock. “Our most recent suc- something changed: “Something that cess: the JCC Maccabi Games, where made an enormous impression on me we welcomed over 1000 Jewish athletes was the trip I took to Kiev in 2005, and visitors. This was truly an opportu- when I was able to see first hand the sufnity for our community to come togeth- fering that exists around the world. We er, and it is wonderful to see how every- Continued on page 2
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ance great. That’s all I can say, they were great,” Alex Pichik from Team Omaha said. During their performance, the Drum Café handed out instruments called “boomwackers” to all the athletes and spectators. The “boomwackers” are hollow tubes of different lengths that make different noises when they are hit. The entire auditorium was echoing with the rhythm of the “drums and boomwackers.” Athletes couldn’t help but get out of their seats and dance to music. During the inter-active performance, Maccabi cochairs, Cindy Goldberg, Kimberly Robinson and Stacey Rockman, lit the ceremonial torch. This helped the athletes visualize the “fire” they were creating from all their energy during the interactive performance. The night concluded with all the athletes meeting up with their host families excited and ready for the 2010 JCC Maccabi Games to begin! See more photos on page 7
Coming Next Month: Rosh Hashanah Issue History of Jerusalem is theme of Limmud Omaha’s Day of Learning Page 3
Negev wine farmers claim battle over land is sour grapes Page 6
Jewish fusion music key to Budapest’s ‘Jewstock’ festival Page 12
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 6, 2010
JOLT: A new kind of leadership motorcycles roadsters scooters ATVs
by BOB GOLDBERG Federation and Young Leadership Director JOLT is an initiative of the Jewish Federation of Omaha that offers a platform for those young Jewish Omahans who are willing to step up and become part of that illustrious group: “The Super-involved Jews”. This week, get to know Alan Kricsfeld. What is it that you do for a living? I’m a physician and a partner at Diagnostic and Internal Medicine Associates. I attended Northwestern University and the University of Nebraska Medical school. How involved are you? I was President at Beth Israel from 2008 to 2010; I have been on the executive board for over 3 years. I was part of the Beth Israel Rabbi search committee, in addition to the time I spend volunteering in the medical field. I have also participated in Yeshiva University’s Rabbis and Presidents retreat focusing on building strong relationships between the synagogue board and the clergy.
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I was part of the Emergency Response Group (ERG) that traveled to the Western Galilee Hospital for crisis training through the Federation’s Partnership with Israel program in 2006. What inspires you? I enjoy working with groups of people, setting goals, and reaching them together. If you could change one thing about our Omaha Jewish Community, what would it be, and how would you affect the change? I would like the different synagogue congregations to better cooperate with each other and participate in more joint programming. The monthly Rabbis and Presidents meetings provide a good stepping stone for Alan Kricsfeld synagogue interactions. I also feel that the community Jewish High School is a great example of all the congregations working together to achieve a common goal.
Continued from page 1 met this woman whose family members had been sent to Siberia; she told us about it without crying, but when she started relaying how the Jewish Agency reached out to her, the tears started to flow. She needed food, she needed medicine, but above all else, she needed that personal connection, and the feeling that somebody cared enough to reach out to her. My own grandparents were from Kiev, and thinking about that made the experience all the more meaningful.” After having volunteered for many years, as a direct result of “truly loving the community,” Malashock is “eager to take a leading role in moving Jewish Omaha through these tough years. I am concerned about the current hard times,” she says, “because we have so many great things worth fighting for. Look at what this community has achieved: there is the Rose Blumkin Home, which is something to be truly proud of, we have this great building with fantastic agencies, and I want that to continue. I grew up here, I raised my children with all these wonderful services, I want that for the next generation. We simply have to make sure that others have the same benefits.” The determination that has been displayed through the past years, with the Blumkin Home’s massive facelift and the Maccabi Games as only two examples, is something that Malashock hopes will continue. “This energy will take us into our next big undertaking, which is the 2011 Annual Campaign. We are implementing a number of exciting new initiatives to help connect people more strongly to our community, and to communicate the importance and relevance of what we do. Our mission is to build Jewish Community locally, nationally, in Israel, and around the world. We have been very fortunate to see so many programs and services put in place; now we have to ensure they continue to grow and stay strong. We are focused on taking care of needy Jews, and that need takes many forms. It also means ensuring the future of our community, and continuing to build relationships within the community, and with other communities.” Federation goals and projects include reaching out to
Young Jewish Omaha (YJO). The Federation is providing more programming than ever before, and engages young families and singles with relevant and meaningful educational opportunities. “I am very excited about this,” Malashock says, “because we will soon conclude the final half of our successful Jewish Omaha Leadership Training Program. This is a program that has far-reaching possibilities throughout our Jewish organizations and institutions. We are conducting special focus groups, for instance, where we meet with members of the community, because we want to hear what they have to say. We don’t want to decide for others what is important; we want to hear it from them directly. It is incredibly important that every member of this community has a voice, and is given an opportunity to use that voice.” In addition, the Federation has created a Planning Committee under the leadership of immediate PastPresident Bob Lepp. “This group will be exploring opportunities for greater cooperation and sharing of resources through the entire campus and community,” Malashock says. “We will be looking at community priorities and more ways to gather input from our community members to better meet their needs.” According to Malashock, that is not all. “The Federation is in the final phases of a special consulting grant, received from Jewish Federations of North America, and will be working with the executive committees of the synagogues to find ways we can forge ever stronger bonds. As we all face the challenges of a changing Jewish world, we want to work more closely together.” Jody Malashock has her work cut out for her; there is no question about that. Seeing results is what inspires her: “When you look at how much this community continues to accomplish, you cannot help but be fired up. It may seem like a daunting task, but I always remember I am not doing this alone. I have so many people around me; there are countless professionals, lay leaders, and other community members who are making this journey with me. We all strive for oneness -- nobody should feel isolated or alone. We are all in this together; that is what ‘community’ means.”
Frosting Continued from page 1 money to raise the roof and let in the light on Main Street? Could we afford to make resident rooms larger? Would we save money and not compromise the project by choosing a different design team? We said ‘yes’ to all those questions, and each was a sound decision. I wouldn’t change any of it. Today we have an amazing nursing care facility that also serves as a destination where the entire community can gather for meetings, programs and social events. The improvements to the Home are extraordinary.” The improvements go well beyond the Rose Blumkin
Jewish Home itself. “The JCC Campus got a new sewage system and parking lot,” Kooper explained. “We added a much needed basement and a new Federation Foundation office. The Blumkin Home New Beginning Campaign improved the atmosphere on the entire campus. From the physical plant to the emotional impact on those who live at the Home or work there or visit -- it all turned out even better than we imagined it could. At the end of the day, we have a successful project. Now, if anyone wants to add a little more to the campaign, that would be great.” For details on opportunities for designated named gifts, call Howard Kooper at 402.392.1800.
Coming Soon Arts and Entertainment Issue on Sept. 24 Questions or Submissions: Call 334.6448.
August 6, 2010
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
History of Jerusalem is theme of Limmud Omaha’s Day of Learning by SHERRIE SAAG Center for Jewish Education Limmud Omaha – A Day of Learning takes place this year on Sunday, Aug. 15 at the JCC, and it’s chosen theme is “Yerushalyim Ha-benuyah – Jerusalem, Built and Rebuilt: Archaeology, History, and Politics in the City of Gold.” “Jerusalem has over 5000 years of history from which to study and learn. It is a perfect vehicle for the 5th Annual Limmud Omaha, our day of study,” said Dr. Guy Matalon, Executive Director of the Center for Jewish Education. This year’s event features an address by the keynote speaker, Rabbi Jonathan Rosenbaum, followed by two breakout sessions in which participants choose between several presenters. Rabbi Rosenbaum’s keynote address titled, Jerusalem of the Future: From Hebrew Prophesies to Contemporary Politics will be delivered at 1 pm. The one hour sessions will begin at 2 and 3:15 p.m. Asked to clarify this rather broadly titled address, Rabbi Rosenbaum stated, “The presentation will explore the Biblical concepts of ancient Jerusalem, the current conclusions of contemporary archaeology, and the central role of Jerusalem as the Holy City of the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam). It will examine the contemporary politics that regularly swirl around Jerusalem, the scholarly endeavors to reconstruct its long history, and the current, active campaigns to deny that history as it relates to Jews and Israel. Finally, the address will seek to envision a future Jerusalem open to all, secure in the knowledge of its past and in its present, and, as Israel’s capital, an exemplar for nations and peoples around the world..”
Currently, Rosenbaum is President Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Jewish Studies at Gratz College and a Visiting Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania. But if you’ve lived in Omaha long enough, Rabbi Rosenbaum is a familiar name to many in the community. Fondly remembered as the “patriarch” for the Center for Jewish Education, he helped develop its precursor, the Bureau of Jewish Education in the mid 70’s to mid 80’s. He also helped establish Jewish studies at the University of Nebraska Omaha. “I have so many fond memories of Omaha. My wife and I enjoyed our time there very much and I am extremely pleased to have been asked to return for Limmud Omaha,” said Rabbi Rosenbaum. The following is Limmud Omaha’s list of presenters: 1. Susan Aizenberg, Poems of Jerusalem by Yehuda Amichai. A reading and discussion of poetry inspired by Jerusalem from one of Israel’s and the world’s foremost contemporary poets. 2. Dr. Moshe Gershovich, Jerusalem of Iron, Steel, and Lead: Fighting for the City in the Wars of 1948 and 1967. The fight for Jerusalem in the 1948 War of Independence and the 1967 Six-Day war. The centrality of the city and its environs to all sides involved in these two conflicts. 3. Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, If I forget thee, O Jerusalem...: What the Hebrew Bible Says—and Doesn’t Say—about the City of Jerusalem. Explore what the biblical writers said about Jerusalem, see how these words were interpreted in the rabbinic tradition and compare these images to evidence provided by sources from the Ancient Near East.
4. Rabbi Eric Linder, Jerusalem of Hope; Jerusalem of Reality – Exploring the Duality of Our Sacred City. Jewish tradition describes two Jerusalems; the Jerusalem on “high” and the Jerusalem on the ground. One is mythic and spiritual and the other, physical. Explore the need to have these two distinctions and the theological issues tied to them. 5. Dr. Guy Matalon, Jerusalem in Kabbalistic Prayer. The Kabbalistic circle of Tsfat in the 16th century composed hymns and prayers about Jerusalem. One piyyut – Lecha Dodi-highlights not only how important Jerusalem was in the mind of its author, but the role Jerusalem will play in the messianic era. 6. Dr. Jonathan Rosenbaum, The Preservation and Destruction of Jerusalem’s Archaeological Record. For more than a century, archaeologists have applied increasingly sophisticated techniques to excavating and reconstructing the material record of ancient Israel. This breakout session will examine the achievements and limits of the archaeology of Jerusalem, the politics and effects of conscious destruction of the historical record, and means of preserving the his-
torical record. 7. Marty Shukert, The Treasures of Jerusalem Architectur.e 8. Rabbi Jonathan Gross, The Temple Mount in Our Hands - Har Habayit Biyadeinu. The Jewish people waited 2000 years to hear these three beautiful words broadcast over the radio in 1967. The Temple Mount is the single most contentious piece of real estate on planet earth. Why is it important to the Jews? What does it mean for us today to have the Temple Mount in our hands? Limmud: Omaha is made possible with the generous support of The Philip and Ethel Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization at Creighton University . Limmud Omaha is open to the community and offered at no charge. Babysitting is available by reservation by calling 334.6463. Refreshments will be served throughout the afternoon. Limmud Omaha is an annual program presented by the Center for Jewish Education featuring a keynote speaker and an afternoon of concurrent learning sessions. For more information, please contact 334.6445 or mgrossman@jew ishomaha.org.
A new name for Conservative Judaism? by JTA NEWS STAFF NEW YORK (JTA) -- The leader of Conservative Judaism’s flagship institution said the movement is debating a name change. Arnold Eisen, chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary, made the comment in a July 22 meeting with reporters and editors at the Forward, the newspaper reported on their website.
“I’m open to it. I’m open to it,” Eisen reportedly said when asked about the possibility of a name change. The newspaper quoted Eisen as saying that the “leading candidate right now” is the name “Masorti,” the Hebrew word for “traditional,” which is the name Conservative Judaism goes by in Israel and other countries outside of North America.
, t e e r t S d n 2 t of 7 s a op e h e S v i a l c i y a a d u J “I m h El’s t e B t a h t w ay!” w a k c i “but no l c a only m ’ I bson , o e c a n i J l e n i o n a o “is J –
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 6, 2010
Temple Golf Outing moves to Shadow Ridge this year
ADL opposes World Trade Center mosque
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN About 110 golfers are expected to play in the 18-hole Temple Israel Communications Coordinator contest which begins with lunch at 1 p.m. at Shadow “We like to spoil you,” quipped Jeff Smedlund, who Ridge. The shotgun start is scheduled for 1 p.m. along with Dan Marburg, is co-chairing Temple Israel’s Cocktails at 5:30 p.m. will be followed by a steak dinannual Golf Outing on Monday, Aug. 16 at Shadow ner at 6 p.m. at the country club. Ridge Country Club, 188th and Pacific Streets. Now that Individual hole sponsors’ names are printed in the Golf Ironwood is a public golf course, Outing program. A foursome Temple is returning to Shadow can play for $850 and have their Ridge for the yearly event. names printed in the program as Prizes this year include a new sponsors. Singles can participate Acura for the winner of the holefor $135 and be paired with in-one contest, a computer and another single. A foursome is other electronics, jewelry, golf $540. All golfers play 18 holes, equipment, numerous gift certifihave the use of a golf cart, have cates, and an abundant number lunch, driving range privileges, of additional giveaways. Everyone and dinner. Spouses and friends will go home with a coupon for a can attend just for cocktails and the awards banquet for only $30. free oil change, golf balls, snacks As this is a fund raiser for and more that are included in the Temple Israel, non-golfers who goodie bags for every golfer. Jeff Smedlund, left, and Dan Marburg are teaming would like to contribute their “It’s a fun event to chair,” said up again for yet another Temple Israel Golf Outing. support, can be a hole sponsor Marburg who has been chairing the outing with Smedlund for the past few years. for $350. Please call the Temple office if you have an Marburg doesn’t golf so “when I criticize the other item to donate for a flag prize or the raffle. Other members of the Golf Committee are Alan golfers, I’m above reproach,” he joked. Smedlund mentioned that Acura of Omaha is spon- Fredricks, Rick Fox, Todd Manvitz, Jon Meyers, and soring the golf carts and Ayars & Ayars Inc. will be Steve Redler. Call Temple Israel at 556.6536 or send an email to grilling hot dogs and brats on the course as golfers whisk templeisrael@templeisraelomaha.com to register. from hole to hole.
by JACOB BERKMAN The Anti-Defamation League has issued a statement opposing the building of a mosque near the World Trade Center memorial site. The proposed construction of Cordoba House, a Muslim center at 45-47 Park Place, just two blocks from the former World Trade Center, has sparked a heated debate. Supporters of the plan accuse opponents of bigotry, slamming them for equating all Muslims with the 9/11 terrorists. In its statement Friday opposing the plan, the ADL called the bigotry that has surrounded the decision “unfair and wrong” but nonetheless opposes the construction, it says, out of sensitivity to those who had family members killed on 9/11. “There are understandably strong passions and keen sensitivities surrounding the World Trade Center site. We are ever mindful of the tragedy which befell our nation there, the pain we all still feel – and especially the anguish of the families and friends of those who were killed on September 11, 2001,” the statement reads. “The controversy which has emerged regarding the building of an Islamic Center at this location is counterproductive to the healing process. Therefore, under these unique circumstances, we believe the City of New York would be better served if an alternative location could be found." The ADL statement also evinces concern about the motivation behind the proposed mosque. “In recommending that a different location be found for the Islamic Center, we are mindful that some legitimate questions have been raised about who is providing the funding to build it, and what connections, if any, its leaders might have with groups whose ideologies stand in contradiction to our shared values," the statement continued. "These questions deserve a response, and we hope those backing the project will be transparent and forthcoming. But regardless of how they respond, the issue at stake is a broader one.” The ADL has in the past also opposed the construction of a convent at Auschwitz.
ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Congressman Lee Terry (R-Neb.) will give us his annual summer review of the congressional session on Wednesday, Aug. 11, noon at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $13; beverage service is $3. For more information or to be placed on the e-mail list call 334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish words have made their way into every phase of modern life, show biz, law, classrooms, etc. Come join us at our new meeting room (across from the beauty salon) at the Blumkin Home, every Thursday, 1-3 pm. For information, call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.
Jewish Agency brings 1,000 immigrants to Israel by JACOB DALLAL
The Jewish Agency for Israel brought 1,000 new immigrants from 17 countries to Israel this week – including 550 new olim from France, more than 100 from the UK, 60 from South Africa and 170 from South America. Upon arriving in Israel, the new immigrants received all the initial absorption services – from opening a bank account to signing up for health insurance – at a mini-expo organized by the Jewish Agency; they also received their new Israeli ID cards at a ceremony at the Western Wall (like the group of British single olim, pictured above).
August 6, 2010
Beth El’s rabbi to introduce new prayer book during upcoming High Holidays class by JILL BELMONT at the mahzor and offer ways to utilize the liturgy, in Beth El Publicity Coordinator order to make the Holy Days’ spiritual experience more For the first time in over 30 years, Beth El meaningful. Classes are scheduled for Sundays, Aug. Synagogue’s congregation 15 and 22, from 11 a.m. to noon; all adults in the Jewish will utilize a newly-pubcommunity are invited to lished High Holidays prayer attend, at no charge. book during services -- the In explaining the prayer Conservative Movement’s book’s title, Rabbi Levin said, Mahzor Lev Shalem. The “Lev Shalem means ‘a full new book is a combination heart.’ The editors chose this of the contemporary and name because they would like traditional, with commencontemporary Jews to pray taries, historical perspecwith full hearts. Their hope is tives, modern meditations to make Jewish liturgy accesand transliterations that sible and joyful to everyone. make it accessible to con“This new Mahzor will give gregants of diverse backus the opportunity to learn grounds. from the explanations, and To familiarize the Jewish will help us to pray with community with the new Rabbi Mordechai Levin looks through Mahzor Lev Shalem, kavannah (proper intentext prior to the holidays, Beth El's new High Holidays prayer book. tion).” Beth El’s Rabbi Mordechai To register for the class, contact Program Director Levin has announced that he will offer a two-session class, “Finding Personal Meaning in the High Holidays Margie Gutnik at 492.8550, programming@bethelLiturgy.” During the class, he will take an in-depth look omaha.org.
ELUL: Preparing for the New Year
STAYING IN TOUCH by OZZIE NOGG Athletes train for The Big Game. Actors prepare for Opening Night. And Jews (though you may not have considered this before) need to warm up for the New Year. You just can’t jump helter-skelter into repentance. First, you must work out the kinks. Ease into it. And for this you can use the entire month of Elul, the first day of which -- this year -- is August 11. Creating a limbering-up period for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur seems to be Elul’s reason for being, and since Medieval times it’s been the designated MonthTo-Prepare-For-The-Days-Of-Awe. So, how do we start this warm-up period? With the blowing of the shofar on 1 Elul at the end of morning services. Now, to those who think the shofar is heard only on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, get this. The shofar is blown every morning during Elul, except on Shabbat and the day before Rosh Hashanah. Why? One tradition claims that 1 Elul is the day Moses went up Mt. Sinai again (after the Golden Calf incident) and so the shofar was sounded to warn the people against repeating their idolatrous ways while Moses was gone. The Kabbalists (with their mystical imaginings) say we blow the shofar during Elul to confuse Satan as to the real date of Rosh Hashanah, thereby foiling his dastardly plan to come before God on The Big Day with false accusations against the Jews. The more likely reason is given by Maimonides who wrote that the call of the shofar says, “Wake up, you sleepers! Look to your souls. Examine your deeds and forsake evil so God may have mercy upon you.” In other words, Judgment Day is coming. Clean up your act. Shtetl Jews took this warning of possible doom seriously, and prepared for the New Year with trembling and dread. Every morning during Elul -- well before dawn - the shamash marched through the streets pounding on doors and shutters, calling people to Selichot. (Possible Surprise #2: Selichot is more than just the midnight service held on the Saturday night before Rosh Hashanah. Selichot are prayers of penitence -- thousands of them, actually -- said at various times during the year. But back to the shtetl...) After the shamash’s wake-up call, men rushed to the synagogue to chant special Selichot prayers of forgiveness. Some recited extra Psalms and threw in some mishnah, anything to tip the scales in their favor. During Elul, even the lukewarm Jew suddenly became scrupulously observant, contrite, solicitous, apologetic and forgiving, more careful in business dealings and vigilant against the tiniest sins. These were the days, it was said, when the very fish in the streams shivered with foreboding. Early in the month, people started wishing one another Shanah Tova -- a good year. By mid-Elul the greeting grew to L’Shanah Tovah Tikateivu -- may you be
inscribed for a good year. And finally, pulling out all the stops, the greeting became L’Shanah Tova U’metukah Tikateivu -- may you be inscribed for a good and sweet year. (After all, even the Talmud says he who prays for his neighbor will be heard for himself.) Prayers were also heard in the cemetery. Visits to the graves of parents and other dear ones were all-important during this prejudgment period, especially for the women who wept at the graves, pleading with the dead to put in a good word for them and their families with the powers-that-be in heaven. Some women did more. Slowly they walked around the sacred cemetery ground, all the while unrolling a spool of thread, and “measured the field.” They then took this thread to the candle maker who used it as wicks for candles the women later brought, with great solemnity, to shul. As the month of Elul drew to a close, the New Year preparations became, by all accounts, absolutely frenzied. Get those mezuzahs inspected and repaired! Buy Poppa a new machzor and fix his tefillin! Settle that family feud! Go to the mikveh! Change the Torah mantles to white! And when the messenger from Palestine comes, wanting a donation, you’d better give him a kopek, Shlaimkeh, since charity is one way to avert the severity of the decree, you should live and be well! Enough already, you’re probably saying by now. This is not Anitevkeh, my name is Scott, not Shlaimkeh, and spending an entire month reviewing my life and preparing for Judgment Day smacks of overkill, don’t you think? Perhaps. Yet psychiatrists say that it takes time to rid oneself of old baggage, and that “passages” don’t happen overnight. So even in this modern age, Elul can still serve its ancient purpose as a slow transition from the old year to the new. Try it. Use Elul as a shakeout period for the High Holidays. Confront your warts, bury those hatchets, look to your souls and examine your deeds, as the shofar calls you to do. P.S. Department: The Rabbis say the name Elul comes from the initial letters of Ani L’dodi V’dodi Li (alef, lamed, vav, lamed) “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine,” a phrase from the Song of Songs that describes the relationship between God and the Jewish people. Charming interpretation, don’t you think? Ozzie Nogg’s features take a slightly offbeat look at the history and observance of Jewish holidays, festivals and life-cycle events. For a peek inside her book -- Joseph’s Bones: A Collection of Stories -- visit her website -http://www.rabbisdaughter.com.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Negev wine farmers claim battle over land is sour grapes by SUE FISHKOFF when the appropriate ministerial committee is created. BEERSHEBA, Israel (JTA)--Moshe Zohar’s hands are “The new Knesset law does not give carte blanche,” rough and callused, his face lined with the dust of the desert said a spokesman for the Ramat Hanegev Regional he farms half an hour outside this southern Israeli city. Council who spoke on condition of anonymity. “It does Eleven years ago Zohar, his wife, Hilda, and their three not say everyone who is already there may stay.” children settled on this harsh land to build Nahal Boker The farmers also have a petition pending in Israel’s Vineyards, one of the first eco-tourism farms on the Supreme Court requesting permission for all of them to newly established Negev remain on their land. wine route. “The state sent those They came under a people there,” said plan initiated in the midKnesset member Israel 1990s by the Ramat Hasson, one of the coHaNegev Regional sponsors of the bill that Council, Israel’s Agripassed last month. “Four culture Ministry and the Israeli governments thoIsrael Lands Authority ught this method of setunder which the Zohars tling the Negev was and 23 other couples important, but the law were given land to farm didn’t allow them to live along an ancient trading on their land. I thought route, part of a national such a situation should initiative to settle the not exist.” Negev. They were told to When the original plant olive trees, wine offer to farm here went grapes and other native out more than a decade crops, to raise goats and ago, few Israelis seemed make cheese. They were interested in moving to given access to the counthe Negev to turn dusty try’s water and power Moshe Zohar, who grew these pomegranate trees on his farm in 10- to 15-acre desert supplies, as long as they the Negev, is facing eviction from the same government agencies sites into blooming vineCredit: Sue Fishkoff yards. But when the kept their doors open for that granted him the land. tourism. farms flourished, complaints emerged: Why did they get “There was a vineyard here 1,500 to 2,000 years ago,” this land for free? Why didn’t they have to go through said Zohar, noting the connection he felt to Israel’s normal procedures? ancient history when he planted his own wine grapes. The lands authority has brought a lawsuit in the “Local archeological ruins show huge wine vats our Beersheba Magistrate Court to enforce the evictions of ancestors used for aging.” the seven farms that have received notices. The farmers But now Zohar and the other wine route farmers face have asked for a stay pending the outcome of the eviction from the very agencies that encouraged them to Supreme Court case. settle this land. The farmers and their allies say it’s a case of sour The farmers attribute the about-face to the value they grapes. have created through their farms: Now that their little “From a tourism point of view, these farms have made pieces of desert are blooming, rich folks from elsewhere a huge contribution to the Negev,” said Eran Doron of want to swoop in and claim it for themselves. the Ramat HaNegev Regional Council. “Until they were Opponents of the farmers are relying on a law that says established, visitors to the Negev came to hike or take jeep citizens are permitted to receive land without going rides; they did not stay overnight or eat. Since the farms through the usual public tender process only if the land have opened restaurants and B&Bs, more people come to is used for industry, agriculture or tourism -- but not for the Negev for good wine, good cheese and olive oil.” housing. The law, which effectively bars the farmers As the regional council’s former head of tourism from living on the land, apparently was ignored when development, Doron has brought thousands of visitors the wine route was established to encourage Jewish set- to the wine route farms. Each year, 500 to 600 from tlement of the Negev. Colorado come through a project of the Jewish federaFive years ago, when the discrepancy was brought to tions of Boulder, Denver and Aspen. light, the Israel Lands Authority began issuing eviction Back at Nahal Boker Vineyards, Zohar walks slowly notices so the farms could be put up for sale. Seven farms, through his pomegranate grove, fingering the fruit to including the Zohars’, have received eviction notices. see how it’s ripening. Both the Housing Ministry and the Israel Lands Upon moving to the Negev, Zohar planted five acres Authority referred JTA to the Knesset members who of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, which he sponsored the new bill. makes into wine that he sells from a wooden chalet and “I put a lot of money into this, and I built it myself,” tasting room. In 2007 he planted organic pomegranate Zohar said. “If I’d known this would happen, I never and olive trees using experimental seeds as part of a Benwould have come.” Gurion University research project. The wine route farmers are fighting their eviction. In line with the wine route’s eco-tourism focus, he also They won their first victory July 12 when the Knesset built four guest cottages and a hot tub, where visitors enacted a new law permitting farmers who have con- from farther north come to relax under the desert skies. tracts with the lands authority and lived on their land for This month he will bring his first pomegranates to more than three years to apply for permanent residency market. Zohar says he hopes he’ll be able to do the same and recognition of their eco-tourism project. next year. Their applications for permanent residency will be con“They said for years that we need to develop the sidered by the Ministry for the Development of the Negev Negev, and we can develop the Negev," he said. "They and Galilee on a case-by-case basis beginning in October, just have to let us do it.”
Bibi: Direct peace talks look set for mid-August by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA)--Direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians could begin as early as midAugust, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. The Israeli leader told his Cabinet Sunday that the timing has not been confirmed, but “It appears that direct talks will begin in mid-August.” Netanyahu said the timing for the direct talks would “become clear in the next few days.” The announcement comes just days after the Arab League said it would back direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians when the Palestinians are ready to proceed, and also expressed support for continuing indirect talks between Israel and the Palestinians. Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat said the Palestinians had submitted a “far-reaching” peace pro-
posal to President Obama that would end the conflict with Israel and resolve all Palestinian claims, Haaretz reported Saturday. Also Saturday, the White House reportedly declined to comment to Politico’s Laura Rozen on reports that Obama had sent a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas warning that relations with the United States could be affected if Abbas did not agree to enter direct talks with the Israelis during the month of August, as reported in the Israeli daily Maariv and the London-based Arabic Al Hayat newspapers. According to the newspapers, which cited Erekat as well as a leaked copy of the letter, Obama pledged that if Abbas agreed to go into direct talks, there would be an extension of a West Bank construction freeze that is set to end late in September.
August 6, 2010
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
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August 6, 2010
Weddings are much more fun than oil spills
by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press If there’s one thing journalists hate, it’s tight lips. And with the wedding of Chelsea Clinton to Marc Mezvinsky, those lips are even tighter than usual. Of course, this has never stopped any self-respecting newspaper in the past. We are allowed to care, because Chelsea is practically royalty, for lack of the real thing. Also, she’s marrying a real, matzah ball eating, dreidel-spinning, Jewish boy. This is a good thing: he’s one of us, and he’s marrying a Clinton. A Clinton!! Suffice it to say, with absolutely no official press release forthcoming (how mean is that?) we have to rely on rumors. And we’re doing it with gusto; even Ha’aretz can’t keep quiet. The wedding took place at Astor Courts in Rhineback, NY. We knew this because during the week before the wedding, two Swedish journalists were arrested while taking photographs of the front gates. There is absolutely no other reason that two Swedes would travel all the way over there, so that’s all the proof we needed. Then, Chelsea was spotted going into Vera Wang. This led to much speculation, since Oscar de la Renta is a close family friend, and shouldn’t be snubbed. Although, the news that Hilary would “most likely” still stick with one of Oscar’s creations quieted things a bit. Since this was a private wedding and not a political fundraiser, many lobbyists and selfproclaimed Clintonistas found themselves without an invitation. The Internet was abuzz with anonymous comments from people who were a little bitter; here they thought raising millions of dollars would buy them a front row seat. Not to mention the party favors, which
they could have sold on Ebay! Making things worse: Steven Spielberg did make the guest list, as did Oprah. Porcelain port-a-potties were brought in, there was a no-fly zone, and the entire spiel reportedly to between $3 and $5 million. Was there a Rabbi at the wedding? A Chuppah? Was the wedding menu really gluten-free and 100% vegetarian? Why was Obama not invited? Does the fact that, once, in 2009, Chelsea accompanied her fiancé to a Yom Kippur service mean she’s ready to convert? Will the fact that the Clintons now have a Jewish son-in-law affect Hilary’s Israel politics? With this many things up in the air, it’s a miracle the Jewish newspapers didn’t spontaneously combust. Poor Chelsea. Had she picked a better time for those nuptials (say, during the Olympics, or immediately after Michael Jackson’s passing) nobody would have paid attention to that gluten-free wedding cake. However, these days it’s all oil covered pelicans, Afghan war-woes, flotillas, and economic crises. The news ranges from mildly troubling to outright depressing. People are hungering after something happy, light, and positive. Chelsea, having never done anything wrong in the public eye, is the perfect Disney Princess to give us all a nice diversion. It’s much
more fun to talk about wedding details than recalled Turkish Ambassadors, Goldstone reports, or cultural intifadahs. Fact of the matter is, American political royalty marrying a Jew is a big deal. In the current climate, where anti-Semitism rears its ugly head from Hollywood Boulevard to the Blue Danube and everywhere in between, this is an important step. When more and more people seem comfortable blaming the Jews for all sorts of things, I think we have to remember that anti-Semitism is rampant, but not invincible. The worst we can do is face negativity about Jews in general and Israel in particular, and treat it with an attitude of apathy. Silly as it may seem, Chelsea’s husband-of-choice acts as a reminder that anti-Semitism is an aberration, rather than the norm. Even if some of us secretly think he should have married a nice Jewish girl.
BEHIND THE H EADLINES by ERIC YOFFIE NEW YORK (JTA) -- Who won the latest round of the conversion wars? No one. In these wars, everybody loses. To be sure, a broad-based coalition of American Jews, anchored by the federation system and the Reform and Conservative movements, succeeded in convincing Israel’s leaders to delay a vote on a controversial new conversion bill in the Knesset. This was a monumental accomplishment, averting the disaster that was certain to ensue if the legislation had been adopted. Nonetheless, there is no reason for satisfaction. At this moment, Israel should be mobilizing her friends to confront the dangers posed by Iran. She should be responding to the outrageous anti-Israel actions of the United Nations. She should be working with the American government to advance the cause of peace. Instead, Israel has spent several months engaged in an ugly battle with American Jewish leadership. American Jews committed to Israel’s welfare had no choice but to join a public lobbying effort aimed at Israel’s government. The confrontation included new levels of nastiness. The sponsor of the legislation, David Rotem, was quoted in The New York Times as referring to American Jewish leaders as “absolute idiots.” Worse yet, if history is any guide, we will learn nothing from this experience and repeat the disastrous scenario next year or the year after that. What’s going on here? Israeli leaders vastly underestimated how
Jewish Press Board Andy Ruback, Vice President; Eric Dunning, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Past President; Daphne Pollak Alperson, Marc Brodkey; Phyllis Brown; Jason Epstein; Mel Epstein; Scott Farkas; Andie Gordman; Michael Kaufman; Bette Kozlen; Jamie Meyerson; Michael Sigmond; Jim Simon; Dorothy Spizman; Nancy Wolf. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service/Jewish Senior Services, and the Jewish Press . Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, 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.
Conversion wars undermine Israel and its image sensitive American Jews remain about religious matters in the State of Israel. The first conversion crisis was in the 1950s, and it was assumed in Israel that the most recent dispute was nothing more than one more round in a long battle. Yet conversions in America are far more frequent now than they were a generation ago. Jews by choice are to be found in every community, and Jewish leaders are infuriated by legislation in Israel that they see as challenging the status of so many American Jews. In addition, American Jews dislike religious fundamentalists who attempt to impose their will on others. The danger of religious extremism throughout the world is endlessly discussed in the media. American Jews share the distress of all Americans that Israel, a democratic ally, has created a coercive religious monopoly that limits the religious freedom of its citizens. When U.S. senators and members of Congress expressed their concerns about the bill, Israeli representatives here began to understand just how dangerous the situation had become. American lawmakers rarely speak out on internal Israeli politics, and if they were doing so now it could only mean deep concern on the part of their constituents. Israeli advocates of the bill attempted to convince American Jews by confusing them. The legislation was very complicated and changed frequently. But a patronizing “You don’t understand” approach did not work this time. True, few American Jews comprehended the bill’s intricacies. But one thing about this legislation was truly important: It fundamentally altered the religious status quo by granting significant new powers in the realm of conversion to Israel’s Chief Rabbinate. Such a change would reignite battles over conversion both in Israel and throughout the Diaspora. American
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Jews understood this very well and remained firm in their opposition. It would have been preferable had Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposed the bill in the spring, sparing the Jewish world the sorry spectacle of the past few months. Nonetheless, his decision last week to cast the bill as disastrous for the Jewish people was welcome. The prime minister was wise, too, in calling on Natan Sharansky, the chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel, to devise an acceptable compromise. No one should harbor any illusions. The Israeli religious parties are intent on gaining absolute control over conversion, both in the State of Israel and in matters that relate to the Law of Return. Any arrangement that gives them less than full control will never win their support. Still, I believe that a reasonable compromise is not out of reach. As a Reform Jewish leader, I would like to see Israel’s religious monopoly swept away. I will need to accept that such a change for now is simply not possible. I do expect that additional support will be provided to Reform and Conservative schools and synagogues, but I recognize that this will have to happen within the confines of the existing structure. At the same time, the leaders of three major non-Orthodox parties in Israel -- Likud, Kadima and Labor -- will need to agree that they will oppose conversion legislation and any other significant change in the religious status quo demanded by the religious parties or their allies. Such an understanding should have been reached 30 years ago, of course, but each of the major parties has been reluctant to cede ground that might be exploited by its rivals in future coalition negotiations. What is different this time is the terrible experience that we have just had. At a time Continued on page 9
Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jewish omaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced 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 it 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. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. 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 information, contact Annette van de Kamp-Wright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $35 per calendar year U.S.; $72 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
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Making the case for ‘Yes’ dark side” for saying that “resolving the [IsraeliPalestinian] conflict is not only necessary to secure BEHIND THE Israel’s future, but also critical to regional stability and American strategic interests.” H EADLINES In a debate with me last November, he claimed that by JEREMY BEN-AMI WASHINGTON (JTA) -- Alan Dershowitz wants in to the “Community of Yes,” J Street’s new campaign to rally broad-based American support for meaningful presidential leadership to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We believe that a major presidential effort will be required to achieve our goal -- ensuring Israel’s security and future as a Jewish and democratic home -- and that such an effort will require political will and guts. The campaign aims to show that the mainstream of Americans, Jewish and non-Jewish, will support a major push to forge a rational resolution to the conflict. In an ad supporting the campaign, we highlighted the choice that faces the president between those who say “yes” because they believe a two-state resolution to the conflict is an urgent priority and those who will say “no” and aim to raise the political costs for supporters of bold American action. So where does Dershowitz fall? He does support the notion of a two-state solution and, thankfully, nearly the entire Israeli political spectrum also has publicly affirmed the notion. But what about a bold effort by the president to end the conflict, including perhaps outlining publicly the parameters of what a two-state solution would mean? On April 21, Alan Dershowitz, under the headline “J Street can no longer call itself pro-Israel,” wrote in the Huffington Post that J Street had “gone over to the
by advocating for vigorous U.S. leadership and airing our differences with the Israeli government, J Street is “diluting” the voice of American Jews and “creating a false picture” of what the Jewish community thinks. The reality, of course, is the opposite: We are giving voice to the large number of pro-Israel, pro-peace Jewish Americans and others who have been silenced on this issue for too long. Then, in June, Dershowitz headlined a fund-raiser for the Tea Party-friendly opponent of U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.). Schakowsky -- a progressive Jew and longtime staunch supporter of Israel -- supports President Obama’s approach to the Middle East and has been endorsed by JStreetPAC for backing a sensible pro-Israel, pro-peace agenda. Dershowitz’s candidate says he’s running against Schakowsky’s for “failing to speak out” against the Obama administration on Israel -- and Dershowitz is backing him in the debate, not Schakowsky. The “Community of Yes” is designed to encourage Americans to “speak out” as well -- albeit in a different direction. We seek to rally those who favor more presidential leadership to forge a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that ensures Israel’s future as a democratic home for the Jewish people, creates a viable Palestinian state and promotes America’s vital national interests. Yet that’s precisely the sentiment that provoked Dershowitz to call J Street not pro-Israel, and it’s the
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (JTA) -- J Street, the leftist lobbying organization that claims to be pro-Israel, is running a television ad that divides the world into two groups: the good guys who support the two-state solution, the end of the occupation and peace; and the bad guys who oppose these results and instead favor a continuation of violence. Pictured as representing the pro-peace position are President Obama, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Gen. David Petraeus. Pictured as representing the anti-peace, anti-two-state, pro-expansion of settlements and pro-violence position are Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh, U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.), Malcolm Hoenlein (executive vice-chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations) and, you guessed it, me! Now Jeremy Ben-Ami, who runs J Street and is responsible for the ad, knows full well that I support the two-state solution and peace, and have opposed Israeli settlements since he was in diapers. (I began publicly supporting the two-state solution in 1970 and opposing settlements in 1973.) Ben-Ami knows this because we debated each other at the 92nd Street Y in New York City and he publicly acknowledged that I support these positions. He knows that I wrote a book, “The Case For Peace,” advocating precisely these positions and praised by President Clinton (“the blueprint for stability presented in this book is among the best in recent years”), Amos Oz (an “enthusiastic voice for peace”) and other advocates of a peaceful resolution. Why, then, would he falsely lump me with Limbaugh and Palin when he knows that I fundamentally disagree with their positions? Why would Ben-Ami knowingly put out an ad containing such defamatory McCarthyism? (Joe McCarthy infamously lumped together liberals with communists, and progressives with Stalinists.) There are several possible reasons. First, it could be that Ben-Ami cannot tolerate the idea that there are liberals, like me and Professor Irwin Cotler of Canada, who support the two-state solution, the end of the occupation and peace while fundamentally disagreeing with J Street’s general negativity toward Israel. As I argued during the debate and other occasions, J Street and I tend to agree on many substantive
Page 9
opposite of the position Dershowitz is endorsing by standing behind Schakowsky’s right-wing opponent. I’ve written before that Alan Dershowitz’s mode of advocacy for Israel represents what is wrong with the way the “case for Israel” has been made for far too long. It is emblematic of what Peter Beinart recently called “the failure of the American Jewish establishment” to make room in the communal tent for the more progressive, liberal wing of the Jewish community that loves and supports Israel but isn’t ready to check its values at the door when it relates to Israel. It is the style of Dershowitz’s advocacy -- labeling us the “dark side,” calling us “McCarthyist” -- that cements his position as part of the “Chorus of No” that is working hard to frighten American policymakers and politicians from speaking out openly and frankly on issues related to Israel and the Middle East. I respect Alan Dershowitz. I agree with some of his views on Israel and the Middle East. But I believe that how he defines what it means to be “pro-Israel” and the manner in which he advocates is precisely what is making it so unattractive for many people in our community -- particularly the young people -- to be “pro-Israel.” Alan, tell me you won’t attack me as “not pro-Israel” for saying that resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a vital American interest, or for criticizing Israel’s approach to Gaza or for calling on the president to make an even stronger effort to achieve a two-state solution and I will gladly admit I was wrong. And we’ll happily spring for the cost of remaking the ad to exclude your two-second cameo in the “Chorus of No.” Jeremy Ben-Ami is the president and founder of J Street.
Congressman fires aide over Jewish money comment
J Street’s McCarthyism
BEHIND THE H EADLINES by ALAN DERSHOWITZ
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
issues. But I publicly focus on the 80 percent of issues on which there is broad consensus within the pro-Israel community, whereas J Street focuses on the 20 percent of issues on which there is disagreement, such as keeping the military option against Iran on the table, condemning the Goldstone Report and defending the use of self-defense during the flotilla confrontation. It would have been fair for J Street to have an ad putting me on the other side of those issues. But for BenAmi to try to persuade the public that I oppose the twostate solution (as Limbaugh does), favor expansion of the settlements (as Palin does) and oppose peace is simply a lie, and a deliberate one at that. No softer word will suffice. Another possible reason why J Street decided to include me in their insidious ad is to appeal to hard-left elements such as Noam Chomsky, Norman Finkelstein and others who pay lip service to supporting Israel while condemning everything the Jewish state stands for. BenAmi is trying to build a large organization and in order to attract the hard left, he finds it useful to demonize me because the hard left hates my liberal support for Israel. The J Street ad is fraudulent in yet another way: It suggests that I am saying certain words but the voice is not mine. Thousands of my words, in my actual voice, are available on YouTube, but none of them have me opposing the two-state solution or favoring expansion of the settlements or opposing peace. So they just make it up by including a video of me with my lips moving and a dubbed voiceover suggesting that they have me (along with the others) on videotape opposing the two-state solution. (All the videos have moving lips, but some include words actually spoken by the person in the video -- watch it and judge for yourself.) If this were a political campaign ad, J Street would be in deep trouble. But this is even worse because it is an attempt to deceive the public into thinking that mainstream supporters of Israel all favor the expansion of settlements and oppose the two-state solution and peace. J Street continues to destroy its credibility by posting deceptive ads of this kind. If they are willing to mislead the public in this manner, they should not be trusted to tell the truth about anything relating to Israel. They are more interested in increasing their own power and contributions than they are in supporting Israel or promoting truthful dialogue. If J Street wants to have any chance at restoring its credibility, it must begin to tell the truth. A good first step would be to remove this ad and admit that it was fraudulent. Otherwise, everyone will begin to understand what the J in J Street stands for: Joe McCarthy. Alan Dershowitz is the Felix Frankfurter Professor of Law at Harvard Law School.
by JTA NEWS STAFF NEW YORK (JTA) -- A New York congressman fired his campaign spokesperson after she told a reporter that the lawmaker’s opponent had “received a lot of Jewish money.” U.S. Rep. Mike McMahon (D-NY) fired Jennifer Nelson, the communications director for his reelection effort, after she distributed a list titled “Grimm Jewish Money Q2.” McMahon’s opponent in the Staten Island race is Republican Michael Grimm. “Where is Grimm’s money coming from,” Nelson was quoted in an interview with The New York Observer: “There is a lot of Jewish money, a lot of money from people in Florida and Manhattan, retirees.” Nelson said that the point of compiling the list was not to highlight the ethnicity of donors, but the degree to which Grimm was depending on out-of-district contributions. According to Nelson, the list was compiled by the campaign’s finance director, Debra Solomon, the Observer reported. In dismissing Nelson, Politico reported, McMahon said that his “comments were entirely inappropriate and there is no place for this kind of behavior.” “I was outraged by these unfortunate remarks which were unauthorized and are in no way indicative of my beliefs or of my campaign,” McMahon said. Grimm criticized McMahon. “This is a United States congressman who’s segregating people out by their religion. I’m outraged. Even an apology isn’t going to make it right,” Grimm told Politico. “This goes to his thought process and his feelings.”
Conversion wars undermine Israel and its image Continued from page 8 when Israel is especially vulnerable, she has suffered through a period that has tarnished her image, upset her supporters, gladdened her enemies, played out in the general media and even reached the U.S. Congress, causing dismay to all who love the Jewish state. Perhaps Israel’s political leaders will finally understand: Religious extremism must be rejected, the sensitivities of world Jewry must be respected, coalition politics must be transcended and Jewish unity must be affirmed. Neither the Jewish people nor the State of Israel can afford the heavy price of these ongoing religious crises. Rabbi Eric Yoffie is the president of the Union for Reform Judaism.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 6, 2010
Candlelighting Friday, August 6, 8:17 p.m.
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
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 www.OChabad.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 southstreettemple.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 323 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 Prayer Group 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org
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B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg. FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Jane and Michael Snyder in honor of their son Ben becoming a Bar Mitzvah; Minha/Ma’ariv, 8:25 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Bible Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m. WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB: Wednesday, 3:30 p.m. will discuss The Inn at Lake Devine, by Elinor Lipman. Book group is open to all women in the Jewish community. No charge to participate; new members welcome. THURSDAY: CSA pick-up for shareholders, 4:30 p.m. at the synagogue. WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH GROUP/SISTERHOOD: Will enjoy a “Girls’ Night Out” boating party in Bennington on Wednesday, 7-9 p.m., at the home of Marilyn Tipp. Bring a swimsuit, towel and lawn chair and spend a relaxing evening at the lake. RSVP by Aug. 6 to Margie in the office, or programming@bethel-omaha.org. RABBI’S HIGH HOLIDAYS CLASS: Finding Personal Meaning in the High Holidays Liturgy will be presented by Rabbi Levin on Sunday, Aug. 15 and 22, 11 a.m.-noon. During the class, he
will explore the new prayer book, Mahzor Lev Shalem, which will be used during High Holidays services. No charge to attend. To RSVP, contact Margie in the synagogue office. All Beth El classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Kiddush by Sisterhood; “Guard Your Tongue,” “The Great Midrash” and “Advanced Parshah Study for Kids” (ages 10 and up), one hour prior to Mincha every Shabbat; Mincha, 8 p.m. followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 9:20 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. TUESDAY: Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m.; Advanced Halacha Kollel, 9 p.m. Follow the Kollel at www.omaha kollel.blogspot.com. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Rabbis Around the World, 7:30 p.m.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Minyan, 10 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m. Mini-Mensch title will be awarded. Kiddush lunch follows. Join Rabbi Katzman from 12-1 p.m.; W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets, and Prayer, 12:45 p.m. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. THURSDAY: The Parsha Club for Level I beginners, ages 5-6; and Level II intermediates and experts, ages 7-9, 3:50 p.m. Please contact Shevi@ochabad.com with any questions or to receive a guest pass. Shabbos Kallah and dessert reception for women and girls honoring Estie Katzman on Saturday, Aug. 14, 4 p.m. at Chabad. RSVP to miriamkatzman@gmail.com. All programs are open to the entire community.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Oneg, 6 p.m.; Early Family Shabbat Service, 6:15 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel; Jewish Movie Night: Potluck meal, 5 p.m. and Pryaing with Lior, 6 p.m. followed by a short discussion. RSVP at http://www.surveymonkey.co m/s/prayingwith lior or call the Temple office at 402.435.8004. THURSDAY: Choir Rehearsal, 7:30-9 p.m. Annual Back-to-School Supplies Drive: During the month of August, the Social Action Committee is collecting school sup-
plies to donate to Saratoga Elementary School. Bring your items to the stage area of the Social Hall. Thank you for helping the children in our neighborhood!
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Marty Shukert.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Cantor Shermet. Dvar given by Ann Kibble Schwartz. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. SUNDAY: OTYG Board Meeting, 10 a.m. THURSDAY: CSA delivery for shareholders, 4:30 p.m. at South entrance. Annual Golf Outing, Aug. 16, noon at Shadow Ridge Country Club. Contact the Temple office, 556.6536, for more information.
NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER GROUP FRIDAY: Minyan, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch in honor of Nancy Coren’s birthday and Talmud study.
Out on a limb at a Jewish genealogy conference by EDMON J. RODMAN LOS ANGELES (JTA) -- Even before my ketubah was signed my soon-to-be mother-in-law, Shirley, calmly but proudly told me, “Edmon, my mother’s family, the Sheinbeins, are descendants of the Vilna Gaon.” Maybe I was marrying into Jewish royalty, of a sort. The Vilna Gaon, who lived from 1720 to 1797, was a Talmudic scholar, author and the major non-Chasidic Jewish leader of his age. Eliyahu ben Shlomo Zalman was so learned a rabbinic
authority that he was known as “gaon,” a title meaning genius. Many claim to be his descendants. It’s a common claim of yichus, of lineage, and an uncommonly difficult one to back up. So at the weeklong 30th International Conference on Jewish Genealogy earlier this month in Los Angeles, I was among a thousand Jews who gathered desperately seeking not only Susan but Esther, Yankel and Morris. I went seeking Moishe. Sheinbein, that is, the first person on a family tree created by
BAR MITZVAH Zachary Benjamin Stein, son of Julie and David Stein, will become a Bar Mitzvah on S a t u r d a y, Aug. 14, at Beth El. Zach will be a seventhgrade student at Beveridge Magnet Middle School. He is a member of Boy Scouts and will advance to the rank of Star Scout right after his Bar Mitzvah.
His interests include bicycling, hiking, camping and swimming. For his mitzvah project, Zach assisted Rose Blumkin Jewish Home residents during Sunday night bingo, and he will also donate school supplies to children living in the residential shelter at Child Saving Institute. He has a sister, Hannah, and a brother, Joshua. Grandparents are Esther and James Wax, and Lorraine and Arthur Stein.
Shirley’s cousin, Fred Sheinbein, and his wife, Judy. “It’s a family story passed down from generation to generation,” Fred Sheinbein said of the Vilna Gaon descendancy. “We have a silver kiddish cup that we think belonged to the Gaon that has been passed down in our family from eldest son to eldest son. On Passover we use it as Elijah’s cup.” To begin, I checked out the Gaon’s portrait. Looks can be deceiving, but staring back at me over the centuries were the same eyes, brows and nose familiar to me from our wedding photos of my wife’s grandmother, Sylvia Bierman, nee Sheinbein. The family tree was several generations short of the Gaon’s lifetime. Moishe, also known as Morris, was probably born sometime in the mid-19th century and lived in Osova, Ukraine. He would be my starting point in finding a Gaon connection. When looking for a Jew, consult with the Mormons. While seeking the unbaptized dead in their family trees, they have a branch up on genealogical research. In the conference’s vendor room, I found Dan Schylter, a researcher with the Latter-day
Saints research site, Family Search.com who specializes in Jewish genealogy. “Start with researching the generations of your family, and maybe then you’ll bump into someone famous,” Schylter suggested. “Start with the town.” Told Moishe was from Ukraine, Schylter pulled his lip. “We don’t have good records from there,” he said. As I learned, tracing a family’s lineage can depend on many things: readable records, geography, spelling and luck. The conference appeared to be a virtual hotbed of genealogical serendipity. As a result of computer searches, sessions like “Social Networking: New Horizons for Genealogists” and even genetic tests, the conventions foyer was filled with plenty of newly found cousins talking and hugging. “I just found a relative I never knew I had,” said Ellen Mark, the conference’s translator coordinator, who discovered that her maternal grandmother had a sister through a recent translation of a Russian letter she had long kept. She and others suggested I dig deeper into the conference’s Continued on page 11
Pulverente MONUMENT CO.
August 6, 2010
The Blessing and the Curse
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Re’ei It has been noted innumerable times that man has free will. All other animals are subject to the demands to which they must submit: demands for food and drink; demands for family relations; demands for giving birth and caring for and directing little ones. But the human animal is different from all others: our Sidrah makes it abundantly clear that man has free will. The sacred Text places before him a blessing and a curse. It goes so far as to dramatize this by putting the blessing, as it were, on one mountain, and the curse, as it were, on a facing mountain. Now the Israelite is told to choose: he may choose a Bracha, a Blessing, and all the good things that will follow: not automatically, but by human will. On the facing mountain is the Kalala, the curse, against which he is warned and must protect himself. We need not accept this sharp division between the two in toto: for the Israelite is now called upon to make his choice. He is promised well-being, successful family life, and successful financial life. The sacred Text once placed all of this before us in back and white: choose one, or the other. We have come to know that there are several intermediate paths. For the most part, human beings have chosen neither the path of the saints, nor the path of the sinners. They have chosen, generally, the paths back and forth across the dividing line. Most of us know some saintly characters. Many people think of their mothers in this way. It has been said that since God could not be everywhere, he delegated Mothers to be his agents. Unfortunately, there are also those who know people who have followed the path of the Curse. The newspapers spend more time on them than on the followers of the Blessing. This does not speak well of the interests that people have; it is in the nature of a human being who has some fraction of the curse in his nature. Mankind is not Saint, nor is he sinner. He is an amalgamation of the two. But, biblically, our Sidrah demands of him that he seek after the Blessing, and the accompanying small blessings, and avoid the curse and the disasters that follow.
DEATHS ANNA GUSS Anna Guss passed away on July 29 at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Services were held July 30 at Golden Hill Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her parents Helen and Barney, and sister Frances. She is survived by Fredrick, Marilyn and Rebecca Guss; sister, Joyce Barrett of Mesa, AZ. Anna was born and raised in Omaha and was a life long member of Beth Israel Synagogue.
60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials
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1439 So. 13th 341-2452
Frank L. Ciciulla, Jr.
U.S. companies helped finance Dubai slaying by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- Money transfers made through U.S. companies may have used to help finance the January assassination of a senior Hamas leader, the Wall Street Journal reported. The transfers were discovered by American investigators cooperating with the probe into the Jan. 20 assassination of Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in a hotel room in Dubai. Some 33 members of an assassination team widely speculated to have been agents of Israel's Mossad used forged passports from Britain, Ireland, Australia and Germany to enter and leave Dubai. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied that its intelligence service was behind the assassination. Saturday's report in The Wall Street Journal shows American authorities playing a larger role in the investigation than previously thought. Following the trail of the money transfers made through the U.S. companies could provide clues to identifying the suspects in the case, sources told the Journal. The companies include Internet-based businesses that process payments between employers and freelance employees into prepaid, cash-card accounts. The suspects in the Dubai killing reportedly used such accounts to pay for airplane tickets and hotel rooms. The companies did not know the money would be used in the plot, a source told the newspaper. Earlier this year, Dubai police identified 13 U.S.-issued cash-card accounts that they said suspects used in the operation, obtained with false passports, the Journal reported.
CALENDAR UPDATE In the Jewish Press of July 30 the date for the program with Nancy Rips at Beth El was given incorrectly as Monday, Aug. 23. Nancy Rips is scheduled for the Selichot program on Saturday, Sept. 4, 9 p.m.
Out on a limb at a Jewish genealogy conference Continued from page 10 resource room. I found a room where every computer was searching for someone -- lost in the Holocaust or missing from the family tree. I turned to research expert Ina Getzoff of Delray Beach, Fla., for help. In a search on Ancestry. com, I typed in Moishe Sheinbein. The site, an industry leader, was an example of how big a business genealogy had become. In 2009, Ances try.com raised more than $100 million with an IPO. “You never know what you’re going to find,” Gerzoff said as the results of the search came up. Max Blankfeld of FamilyTree Suddenly I was awash in DNA, at the 30th International Sheinbeins: Fred and his Conference on Jewish wife, other family memGenealogy in Los Angeles, bers from the family’s base says “gender doesn’t matter in the Midwest. Now anymore” in DNA testing for there were too many ancestry. Sheinbeins. Credit Edmon J. Rodman Adding Osova and a second place from the Sheinbein family tree, Kolki, also in Ukraine, produced nothing further. Computer searches weren’t working. Sheinbein literally means something like “nice bones,” and I didn’t have enough to make a skeleton. Perhaps there was a book. In the vendor room on a table staring me in the face was a huge book titled “Eliyahu’s Branches, The Descendants of the Vilna Gaon,” by Chaim Freedman. Excitedly I flipped to the back and found a cross index of more than 20,000 names of all known descendants. There was a Sheinfeld and a Sheingold, but no Sheinbein.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
I sought other methods of proof. “With changes in DNA testing and computer technology, Jewish genealogical research is more accessible than ever,” said Andrea Massion, a member of the convention’s organizing Los Angeles chapter. Unknowingly, Massion pointed me toward a company that might hold the final chromosome of my search. “All your relatives would have to do is a cheek scraping and mail it in,” said Max Blankfeld, partner and vice president of FamilyTreeDNA. ‘“In four weeks she has her results.’” The service, which costs $289, shows the quantity of shared DNA between two people and, using an algorithm, would also show the degree to which they are related, he said. The service provides a match’s name, too. “Then my mother-in-law could look up the known surnames of Gaon relatives for a possible match?” I suggested hopefully. “Yes, that might work, and new names are constantly being added,” Blankfeld said, adding that she could also leave a message on the site with the hope that someone might contact her. I was just one swab away, yet I found myself leaving the conference without having the big-find moment so many others had experienced. Walking down the hotel’s sunlit foyer, I stopped to examine a series of standing displays of early Los Angeles Jewish businessmen researched by the Los Angeles Jewish Historical Society. A black-and-white photo of a truck caught my eye. Painted on the truck’s side was the name Hasson -- my wife’s Sephardic maiden name. The 1928 vintage photograph showed Victor Hasson seated in a 1920s era open-air flower delivery truck. An e-mail to my wife’s uncle, Lou Hasson, revealed, “Yes, Victor’s a relative, I remember him.” For the moment, the search for the Gaon was gone, replaced with a bouquet from the past.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 6, 2010
Jewish fusion music key to Budapest’s ‘Jewstock’ festival avant-garde composer who has promoted “Radical Jewish Culture” on his Tzadik label since 1995, DJ Socalled and Balkan Beat Box, and Orthodox reggae star Matisyahu and rapper Y-Love. Trumpeter Frank London, who regularly tours Europe with the Klezmatics and other bands, has had a particularly strong impact with his mash-ups of klezmer, Balkan brass and even Gospel. “Everyone is influenced by Frank London through the Klezmatics,” said Bob Cohen, a Hungarian-American musician and writer who has lived in Budapest since the 1980s. “But another big influence in Hungary is Israeli raves on Tel Aviv beaches.” “I played at Jewstock a couple of years ago,” Cohen said. “People there had an academic interest in klezmer, but what they want is to go out and rave.” In some ways, Cohen Flora Polnauer, guitarist Daniel Kardos, and sax player Janos said, the new Jewish Vazsonyi perform in Budapest. Credit: Ruth Ellen Gruber music scene in Budapest “It’s modern Jewish music because it’s developed as a reaction to a more tradiinfluenced by Jewish things, but it’s not tional klezmer music scene that many the replaying of old Jewish songs,” says young people now perceive as part of the Daniel Kardos, 34, a composer and gui- stuffy mainstream establishment. The tarist who plays with Hagesher Budapest Klezmer Band http://www. http://www.myspace.com/hagesher budapestklezmer.hu/english.asp, for and several other bands. “I pick up many example, the city’s best-known Jewish things and mix them.” music group, performs internationally in Hagesher is one of about half a dozen opera houses and concert halls as well as bands in this city of European Jewish theaters and mainstream festivals. cool blending jazz, hip hop, rap and regFormed in 1990, the band also collabgae with Israeli pop and traditional orates on elaborate klezmer stage proJewish folk tunes and liturgy to form an ductions and ballets. eclectic urban sound. “The new Jewish music scene is a party “It’s a big mix of contemporary Jewish scene, not a concert scene, and the older musical identity,” said vocalist Adam generation doesn’t relate to it,” Cohen Schoenberger, the son of a rabbi. “All of said. “In a way, they want an art form us find Jewish culture very important. that won’t be understood by the tradiHagesher is a platform for us to articulate tional Jewish establishment.” musically our different musical interpreIn many ways, Kardos exemplifies both tation of Jewish cultural heritage.” the musical variety and the variety of As the program director of the popular influences that help shape the scene. Siraly club, whose dimly lit basement In addition to Hagesher and his own stage is a regular venue for Hagesher and quartet, he composes film music and plays other groups, Schoenberger, 30, is a with several other bands. One of them, leader in Budapest’s Jewish youth scene. Shkayach, is a collaboration with Polnauer, He is also one of the organizers of a rabbi’s daughter and powerful vocalist Bankito http://tekerjatora.hu./, who raps with Hagesher and other groups sometimes referred to as “Jewstock” -- a http://www.myspace. com/pollyflow. youth-oriented Jewish culture festival Shkayach forms a contrast with their rap Aug. 5-8 on the shore of Bank Lake, and progressive jazz work by creating an north of Budapest. intimate acoustic sound based on tradiBankito includes concerts, exhibitions, tional Yiddish and Israeli melodies. performances, workshops, seminars and Kardos attended a Jewish high school lectures, a poetry slam, sports events, in Budapest and made aliyah after gradumovies, and Jewish and interfaith reli- ation. In Israel, he learned Hebrew and gious observances. A number of events at studied jazz at the Rubin Academy of this year’s festival will highlight Roma, or Music in Jerusalem. But like many young Gypsy culture, and focus also on social Hungarian Jews who moved to Israel in and civic issues such as the rights of the the 1990s, he decided after three years to Roma and other ethnic minorities. return to Hungary, where he continued Music is a highlight of Bankito. his studies. Hagesher, the Daniel Kardos Quartet and It was only back in Budapest, Kardos other Jewish bands such as Nigun and said, that he realized the importance to Triton Electric Oktopus will perform. him of both Jewish music and his own “We’re at a fascinating moment in Jewish identity. Jewish music: It’s hip again,” said “It was strange because when I was in Michigan’s Jack Zaientz, who authors the Israel, I wasn’t open so much to the Teruah Jewish music blog Jewish musical traditions,” he said. http://teruah-jewishmuAway from Israel, though, Kardos said sic.blogspot.com/. “There’s an amazing that “I realized that it was more imporgang of musicians who are young, smart, tant than I thought. I was very young urban and Jewish, and making their when I was in Israel, and I didn’t realize Jewish identities a core part of their music that it’s very important to be Jewish and and stage identities.” have all these traditions.” The Budapest musicians take their cues He added, “I think I was too young for from Jewish bands in North America, the music, too. After some time I realized Paris, London and elsewhere that also that when I hear those Eastern melodies, experiment with new forms and fusions. I just feel like home. It’s so natural to me. Among their models are John Zorn, the Like being in a pool and floating.” by RUTH ELLEN GRUBER BUDAPEST (JTA) -- Flora Polnauer, 28, tilts back her head, half closes her eyes and hums a few bars of a song by her hip-hop/funk/reggae band HaGesher. The song is “Lecha Dodi,” the Shabbat evening prayer -- sounded over a Yiddishized version of the Beatles song “Girl.” It’s just one of the many unconventional songs of the band, whose vocalists rap their own lyrics in Hebrew, Hungarian and English.
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