Vol. LXXXVI No. 47 Omaha, NE
Omaha native handles Millard Schools’ p.r. with passion and professionalism by GLORIA SHUKERT JONES Though Amy Friedman’s youthful appearance might suggest that she had a more recent start to her career, she has actually been in the field of public relations since the 1970s. She attended Northwestern University for her undergrad work, and completed graduate school at Boston University, with a major in journalism. She is presently the Communications Director for the Millard Public School District. Her first job was for a Boston radio station, where she did the news, and that was where she got hooked. “It takes you to amazing places. Everyday is different, and you never know what you’ll be doing,” Friedman said. Then she returned to Omaha to work for KETVChannel 7. Friedman smiles, “They started me off doing the weekend weather, which was the hardest job I’ve ever had in my whole life, because I didn’t know anything about the weather.”
Amy Friedman, Millard School District Communications Director She continued, “You can’t look at a script the way you can when you’re an anchor. You have to wing it. It’s extemporaneous, and that is scary! You try not to think of all the people who are watching you, and just concentrate on the studio, where it’s small and quiet. It was really a great experience, and I relied on the main weather service in Valley. Before I went on the air, I consulted with the meteorologist there. During the week, I was a reporter.” Friedman added that during her tenure at KETV, she met her husband-to-be at a most unusual gathering. “We’re probably the only Jewish couple who ever met at a Ku Klux Klan rally.” She quickly added, “I was sent there by Channel 7 as a reporter. It was the summer before busing was to start for OPS. The ‘Imperial Wizard’ came from Alabama to Memorial Park and held the rally,” she added. And the man who was to become her husband of 30 years, Sandy Friedman, was there as president of the Anti-Defamation League. Friedman reported there were about 100 in attendance. “About 10 people came up and introduced themselves to me, saying they were not there in support of the Klan, but rather as spies for ADL or other similar organizations. That was in 1976.” Friedman indicated she worked for KETV until her daughter was born in 1979, and then took 10 years off to raise Andrea and son, Dusty, born in 1981. She then became employed by the American Heart Association as their Communications Director and worked in that capacity for seven years. Friedman says, “A friend told me about an opening for a Communications Director at Millard School District. That was 1995.” Continued on page 11
Inside Opinion Page see page 20
Celebrating 86 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
27 Av, 5767 August 10, 2007
Jewish groups pitch in to aid victims of bridge collapse by MELISSA APTER WASHINGTON (JTA) -Minneapolis-area Jews are offering aid and solace to victims of the tragic collapse of the I-35W Bridge in that city -- and giving thanks for the survival of a former yeshiva student. In a statement posted on its website, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas declared: “The JCRC stands ready to assist the community in any way needed.” The site has been updated with information for those seeking ways to help the victims. The bridge collapsed Aug. 1 during evening rush hour, leaving at least five dead and 79 injured. As of Sunday, The I-35W Mississippi River in Minneapolis, shortly after it collapsed. CREDIT: Tom Ruen/Wikipedia eight people were still missfor such miracles. ing. Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis Among the survivors is 20-year-old Roman Koyrakh - a former student at Torah Academy, a yeshiva in sub- and the JCRC partnered to offer free crisis intervention urban Minneapolis -- whose car plunged into the counseling for victims, their families and responders, as well as survivors. Mississippi River. Those who want to help are encouraged to donate “There was a loud bang, and my car buckled suddenly,” he told Vos Iz Neias, a religious news website. “Dust blood with the American Red Cross or with the and smoke shot up all around and the next thing I knew Memorial Blood Centers. Monetary donations are being directed to the Twin Cities Area Chapter of the I was falling, plunging headfirst.” Fearing the end, he said the Shema prayer, but man- American Red Cross. Ordinarily the JCRC would have partnered with aged to free himself from his seat belt and open the car door. He made it to dry ground and was taken to a hos- Nechama: Jewish Response to Disaster to aid victims at the site. However, direct response “was not possible pital, where he was treated for minor injuries. Koyrakh credited God for his survival, telling the news here because of the danger,” said Steve Hunegs, the site: “Hashem saved me. There’s no other explanation” Continued on page 16
Friedel Jewish Academy welcomes larger student body this month for start of new academic year by ANNETTE VAN DE about welcoming so KAMP-WRIGHT many students.” With the beginning of To accommodate such the 2007-08 school year an increase, Friedel staff just weeks away, things and volunteers had to do are busy at Friedel. The some rearranging. Board of Directors has “It’s an all-time record,” seen some important principal Cookie Katskee changes, such as the says. “We’ve outgrown installment of Susan our cubbies and had to Fellman-Witkowski and install new ones. We also Yaffa made improvements to Podbilewiczaccommodate the growSchuller as the new coing library and library scichairmen. ence program. We’ve Additional members on acquired an additional the Executive Committee cafeteria table, and this year are past presirearranged classrooms. dent Bonnie Bloch, Bruce Potash, Lloyd Roitstein, Lily Goldberg, left, and Ilana McNamara have enjoyed kinder- It’s been a busy summer.” Debbie Denenberg and garten at Friedel. They'll be moving into a new first-grade only The school also hired a new teacher. Angie Mass, Saundra Clarke. They classroom this month. have been hard at work to prepare the school and staff originally from the Omaha area, is excited to join the Friedel family this August. She graduated magna cum for the increase in student body. According to Podbilewicz-Schuller, “Friedel is expect- laude from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a ing more than 40 students this year. By comparison, degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Friedel counted 34 students last year. For a small school Education. She will be teaching first grade. this is enormous growth. We are incredibly excited Continued on page 2
This Week: The Learning Curve education issue starts on Page 13 Coming Next Month: New Year’s Issue, Sept. 7 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’
Limmud speaker passionate about studying Jews: Page 4
For Omaha artist, moving body offers canvas like no other: Page 12
Rome Maccabi Games give one family glimpse into Jewish Italy: Page 24
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 10, 2007
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Oohing and aahing over 500 photos taken by the late Gary Gerelick and now on exhibit in the Gallery of the Jewish Community Center, more than 200 people celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society on Sunday. Photos from top left: Mike Kelly, columnist for the Omaha World-Herald, interviewed Renee Corcoran, NJHS executive director, and Beth Staenberg, Gerelick’s cousin, about the exhibit. NJHS honored the Riekes family with the Mary Fellman Award. Ari Riekes spoke for the fam-
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, AUGUST 10 Summertime Sangria Shabbat Dinner for 20’s and 30-Somethings at Beth El, 6 p.m. SATURDAY, AUGUST 11 C Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel L I P & S A V E
SUNDAY, AUGUST 12 The Living Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad Bible Study Group, 10 a.m. at Beth El What’s Jewish About Me?, 11 a.m. at Beth El Yachad Zoo: Education & Tour, 12:30 p.m. Let’s Talk About It -Jewish Literature Series, 2 p.m.
Friedel welcomes larger student body C L I P & S A V E
MONDAY, AUGUST 13 NCJW Book Club, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, AUGUST 14 WOW Tehillim and More, 9 a.m. at Chabad ADL/CRC Board Meeting, noon Parshah Roundup, 7 p.m. at Chabad CJE Eye on Israel Evening Edition, 8 p.m. C L I P
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15 Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group, 7 p.m. at Beth El Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. at Chabad
C L I P
&
THURSDAY, AUGUST 16 Kripke Library Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. JSS Concert, 1:30 p.m. ADL Youth Leadership Mission Meeting, 7 p.m. NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m.
&
S A V E
All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)
This Space For Rent Call Allan Handleman 334-6451
ily in accepting the award from Marc Fellman, son of NJHS co-founder, Mary Fellman. Debbi Josephson was one of a dozen volunteers who mounted the exhibit, 500 of more than 2000 photos found after Gerelick’s death last year at age 69. Caryl Greenberg takes a break from hanging the exhibit to admire photos. The NJHS is the repository of memorabilia from the Jewish community, including this life-size doll of “Mrs. B.” donated by Frances Batt, held up by Renee Corcoran and Joanie Bernstein.
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Continued from page 1 and staff of the Friedel Jewish Katskee is happy to have Academy. I feel very priviher: “Ms. Mass is very comleged to be part of an educapetent and warm, and comes tional environment that holds to us with high recommenthe arts, religion, and general dations. To enable Friedel to education in such high maintain its high standards regard. I was struck by the and consistency, kinderoverall excitement for educagarten teacher Diana Zeman tion that was displayed by will be mentoring her.” both the students and staff,” Mass was easily convinced she added. “The students to apply for a position at seemed so eager to learn and Friedel: “My university stuthe teachers demonstrated a dent teaching supervisor, genuine love for education Stan Hale, informed me of and teaching. Everyone at the potential teaching posiFriedel was, and has been, tion and explained Friedel’s extremely welcoming.” stellar reputation as a There are several other eleprovider of quality education ments that will aid in for their students. He added Lillian Cohen, left, and Ethan Shrago listen as Gabby Friedel’s continuing growth. that he had worked with Witkowski answers a question in class. Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Mrs. Katskee in the past and expressed his deep respect Diana Zeman attended Nebraska’s Early Childhood for her both as an administrator and as an individual.” Conference in Kearney. Hebrew teachers Na’ama Artzi Mass is looking forward to working in the Friedel envi- and Eadie Tsabari received the new Tal Am training in ronment, where turnover is low, and staff is extremely New Jersey. Meanwhile, art instructor Julie Phillips is invested in the school. When she visited the school, she honing her skills in Venice, Italy, where she is working was impressed with staff, students, and facilities. on a Master’s degree. “It was obvious to me that the Friedel Jewish Academy “Overall, interest in Friedel is on the rise,” says honors and respects its staff members when Mrs. Katskee Katskee, “and this has the Executive Board looking at asked me to come in for a second interview to meet with additional classrooms.” With the increase in students, the rest of the staff and allow them the opportunity to Friedel is entering an exciting phase. Katskee is one of ask me questions as well,” she explained. “I thought that many people who hope this trend will continue: “Friedel it was such a nice breath of fresh air to find a school can provide a Jewish community with an anchor of where teachers are viewed with such high esteem.” strong Jewish children, who will eventually carry on the Although she does not have much experience with the greatness of Jewish Omaha.” customs and traditions of Judaism, she is excited to learn Although teachers are still preparing their classrooms about them. She says she has already begun to study for the first day of school, new students and their parents Jewish holidays, traditions, and the calendar, and is look- can get a sneak peek on Monday, Aug. 20, 5:30-7 p.m. ing forward to learning more. This is something that her Friedel will host a pizza party for all kids and provide them first grade students will, no doubt, assist her with. with an opportunity to greet new faces and reconnect “I am looking forward to working with the students with familiar ones. Regular classes resume on Aug. 22.
August 10, 2007
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
Grant to Beth Israel is start of educational innovations by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue “As the recipient of a $22,000 Legacy Heritage Innovation Project grant, we are in a position to create educational innovations that will lead to positive, systemic change with our congregation,” said Dr. Bonnie Bloch, who coordinated the grant. “Lev Banim al Avotam,” Hearts of Children Upon Their Parents, is Beth Israel’s new educational program, funded through a grant from the Legacy Heritage Innovation Project. To kickoff the new program, the synagogue will bring in a consultant Aug. 16-18 to lead the congregation in preparation for a year of new experiences and learning opportunities. “While engaging everyone in new programs that will help bring about such change, the grant gives us the opportunity to do more. We’ll work on changing the entire system -- programs, activities, educational curriculum, the way people learn -- to strengthen the life of our congregation,” she explained. “And we’ll see our youth take on leadership roles in their education and in the education of their parents.” She added, “That’s what the grant is all about; creating synergy and making systemic changes to how we do things.” Beth Israel has a set series of goals: create a more integrated vision of Jewish learning and living for families; encourage serious adult lifelong learning; engage congregants more deeply and meaningfully in Jewish living and the Beth Israel community; create communal learning events; infuse new ener-
gy, excitement and anticipation into the congregation; sharpen their focus by integrating adult, children and family learning in the context of ongoing Shabbat and holiday celebrations; and unify the approach to Jewish learning for all ages in the congregation under the aegis of a single committee. The grant kick-off events will be led by consultant, Rabbi Dr. John Krug, who will meet with staff, lay leaders and congregants to develop the strategic plan to be used to implement the desired changes.
Rabbi Dr. John Krug Rabbi Krug, an expert in Jewish education, is the Dean of Student Life and Welfare at the Frisch Yeshiva High School in Paramus, New Jersey. He holds undergraduate degrees in psychology and speech drama from Yeshiva College, a Master of Science degree in
Jewish education from the Azrieli Graduate School Jewish Education, a Master of Arts degree in psychology and doctorate in clinical psychology from the Ferkauf Graduate School. Krug was ordained at Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary and serves as an adjunct instructor at two of Yeshiva University’s graduate schools. He also maintains a private practice in clinical psychology. Krug was the Assistant Producer of the original run of the off-Broadway hit, The Fantasticks, having served 29 years in that position. He has more than 250 professional credits in theater, film and television, and has written and produced dozens of programs and films for Jewish education. Active in informal Jewish education for 30 years, Krug has authored articles including “Set the Stage for Jewish Education” and “The Use of Creative and Theatrical Techniques in Informal Jewish Education.” He has produced more than two dozen resource books for schools and programs, and has lectured in Israel, the United States, Canada and England. “We’re very fortunate to be able to bring in Rabbi Krug,” said Executive Director Beth Cohen. “Thanks to the grant, the entire congregation will benefit from his experience and expertise. He’ll help us develop the skills we need to meet our goals.” On Thursday, Aug. 16, 5:30-7:30 p.m., there will be a National Conference of Synagogue Youth (NCSY) dinner and meeting with Rabbi Krug. All young people, going into
fifth-12th grades, are encouraged to attend. “This is an important part of the process,” noted Bloch. “Rabbi Krug wants to incorporate input from the kids, energize them and get them excited about the program, and lay the foundations for them to learn the new processes.” Following the dinner, Rabbi Krug will make a presentation to the entire congregation at 7:30 p.m. On Friday, Aug. 17, 6:30 p.m., Kabbalat Shabbat will be held early. Following services, the congregation will enjoy Shabbat dinner with Rabbi Krug and see a presentation by the NCSYers, based on their meeting with Rabbi Krug the night before. There will be a lunch after morning services on Saturday, Aug. 18. After lunch, Krug will speak about “The Program with Heart.” Rabbi Jonathan Gross encouraged everyone to attend the events. “We really want to see every member of the congregation participate in this process,” he said. “Don’t miss out on these terrific opportunities to meet Rabbi Krug and become a part of the momentum that will lead to our goals of education innovation. It’s a terrific time to be a part of Beth Israel’s community.” “Hearts of Children Upon Their Parents” is a year-long program. Rabbi Krug will return to Omaha to continue with his role as program consultant and Rabbi Jonathan Rosenblatt will also come to Beth Israel to work with the congregation. Reservations for the two dinners and lunch are requested. Please RSVP with the office, 556.6288, by Aug. 13.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 10, 2007
Limmud Omaha speaker passionate about studying Jews University of Florida. She received an honorary doctorby MARY SUE GROSSMAN ate from Gratz College in 2004 and was named alumna Administrator, Center for Jewish Education Rela Mintz Geffen is passionate about studying Jews. of the year by JTS in 2004. She was one of the first three women Talmud majors She has studied the Jewish family, the effect of feminism in the Jewish world, the changing roles of men and at the Jewish Theological Seminary. When asked about women, the meaning of citizenship in the Jewish com- that experience she quipped, “I never studied harder for munity, and the impact of mixed marriage on the anything than I did for my Talmud comprehensive. The extended Jewish family. Her major research, broadly three of us felt a great responsibility to not let anyone described, has been how the sociology of religion has down.” Geffen’s keynote address will focus on the many innoevolved over the years. Much of her research has been in vative projects that have emerged in Jewish America tune with her own personal life stage. Dr. Geffen will be the keynote speaker at Limmud after the millennium. “The 70s and 80s were very fertile Omaha: A Day of Learning, on Sunday, Aug. 19, for Judaism and then we ‘went to sleep’ for 20 years,” 12:30-5:30 p.m.,presented by the Center for Jewish states Geffen. “In looking at the variety of programs and innovations being seen recently, it Education, at the Jewish Community appears that creativity is reemerging, with Center. Geffen will give her keynote address at 12:45 p.m., serve as a presenspirituality as the key.” ter at 2:30 p.m., and will speak again at Breakout sessions will follow Geffens’s 4:30 p.m. in a wrap-up session. keynote address. The first session, 1:30The theme for Limmud is “Judaism 2:15 p.m., will feature Dr. Mordechai (Re) Examined: A Vibrant Spirit”. Levin, Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, Dr. Geffen was very interested in the theme, Moshe Greenspoon, and Rivkah Sass. particularly noting the use of “Judaism” Beth Seldin Dotan, Rabbi Mendel rather than “Jews” as a much better fit Katzman, Dr. Jean Cahan, and Dr. with what she sees is happening in socieGeffen will be presenters during the secty today. “So much focus is on the probond session, from 2:30-3:15 p.m. Rela Mintz Geffen lems being faced in the Jewish world but Rounding out the afternoon sessions, I feel we are really looking at a renaissance. The Limmud 3:30-4:15 p.m., will be Rabbi Jonathan Gross, Cantor theme speaks to that focus.” Wendy Shermet, Marty Shukert, and Rabbi Ilan Geffen has recently stepped down after a seven-year Emmanuel. A wide variety of topics will be explored by term as president of Baltimore Hebrew University. the 12 presenters, all related to the Limmud theme. BHU, founded in 1919, has a unique place in American Geffen is the grandmother of three: Shoshana Aviva, Jewish academic life as being one of the five historic col- 7, Ariel Noa, 4 and Eitan Chaim, three months. The leges of Jewish studies in the United States. The univer- title of her breakout presentation, “American Jewish sity teaches Jewish civilization against the wider back- Grandparenting in the 21st Century,” is a prime examground of world civilization and produces teachers, ple of how her research reflects her personal life cycle principals, and other educational specialists for the field status. of education. The institution also offers programs to “American grandparenting is an unexplored role. The train executives for Jewish Federations, Jewish role of grandparents in American society during the past Community Centers, community relations and Jewish several decades has been greatly diminished. The Jewish family service fields. community followed this trend and as baby boomers are Dr. Geffen came to BHU from Gratz College where now moving into grandparent roles, interest has been she was Professor of Sociology and Coordinator of the rekindled.” Grandparenting is also the focus of her curPrograms in Jewish Communal Service. She also served rent research, and she will be doing a qualitative study in as Dean for Academic Affairs for five years. A Fellow of the United States in addition to a comparative study to the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, Geffen was a Israeli society. Senior Fellow at the Center for the Study of World Limmud Omaha is open to the community at no Religions at Harvard. charge. Babysitting is available by reservation, by calling She has been a Visiting Professor at Boston University, 334.6465. Refreshments will be available throughout The Oxford Centre for Postgraduate Jewish Studies, the the afternoon. Limmud Omaha is sponsored in part by University of Capetown, the Jewish Theological the support of the Philip E. and Ethel Klutznick Fund, Seminary (JTS), and at Bryn Mawr College. Geffen the Gertrude T. and Albert B Newman Endowment, earned her undergraduate degrees at Columbia and the Ruth Frisch and Oscar S. Belzer Endowment University and the Jewish Theological Seminary, her Fund. For additional information, please call 334-6445 MA at Columbia and her PhD in sociology at the or -email mgrossman@jewishomaha.org.
The Center for Jewish Education cordially invites you to
Limmud Omaha: A Day of Learning “Judaism (Re)Examined:A Vibrant Spirit” Sunday, August 19 | 12:30 - 5:00 p.m. Jewish Community Center
Temple to Host “Par”-ticularly great golf outing at Ironwood by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Temple Israel’s annual golf outing has become a tradition, but Chairmen Jeff Smedlund and Dan Marburg still have some surprises in their bag for this year’s competition on Monday, Aug. 27, 1 p.m., at Ironwood Country Club, 126th and Pacific Streets. Smedlund and Marburg have added some contests at the holes such as stipulating that only a five iron can be used on hole number five. That’s just an example, they insisted, not willing to give away all their surprises yet. What they will be giving away is a luxury car to someone who scores a hole-in-one on an as yet undisclosed hole. The winner of the putting contest will win “a fine piece of jewelry,” as Smedlund described it. Then there’s “the betting hole” where Rabbi Aryeh Azriel will bet any golfer that he or she can’t hit a ball onto the green for a chance to Dan Marburg, left, and Jeff win additional raffle Smedlund, chairmen of the 2007 Temple Israel Golf Outing, check out tickets for prizes. About 120 golfers the golf carts at Ironwood in prepaare expected to com- ration for the fundraiser. pete in the event which is expected to raise about $40,000 for Temple’s Religious School, youth groups, adult education, and services. It costs $125 to play 18 holes or $500 for a foursome and includes carts, lunch at noon prior to the shotgun start, and dinner at 6 p.m. that evening at Ironwood. For $30, spouses and friends can join golfers for cocktails at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at the awards banquet. Playing spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Smedlund and Marburg encourage women to play. “We want women golfers!” they insisted. They also emphasized that all golfers should bring extra cash for the raffle and wagering events, mulligans, and surprises. “It’s a great course with great amenities,” Smedlund said. To sponsor a hole, which includes your name on signs on the tee or green, on all printed material at the golf outing, and at the annual Family BBQ at Temple on Sunday, Sept. 16, costs $350 or $800 for a foursome. To donate prizes, call Smedlund at 408.3775 or Marburg at 398.1601. To play golf, send in the sign up sheet received in the mail or call Temple at 556.6536. Other members of the committee are Rick Fox, John Glazer, Joe Meyers, Jon Meyers, Jeff Nogg, Steve Redler, Andy Ruback, Scott Schneiderman, and Dennis DePorte.
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Dr. Rela Mintz Geffen President Emeritus, Baltimore Hebrew University Followed by an afternoon of breakout sessions with Dr. Jean Cahan Dr. Rela Mintz Geffen Dr. Moshe Gershovich Dr. Leonard Greenspoon
Rabbi Jonathan Gross Rabbi Ilan Emanuel Rabbi Mendel Katzman Rabbi Mordechai Levin
Rivkah Sass Beth Seldin Dotan Canto Wendy Shermet Martin Shukert
Limmud Omaha is open to the community, at no charge. Babysitting available by reservation by calling 334-6445. For additional information, please call 664-6445 or email mgrossman@jewishomaha.org. Limmud Omaha is sponsored in part by the generous support of the Philip E. & Ethel Klutznick Fund, the Gertrude T. & Albert B. Newman Endowment, and the Ruth Frisch & Oscar S. Belzer Endowment Fund.
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August 10, 2007
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Center for Jewish Education announces fall programming by CHERYL LERNER Administrative Assistant Classes on Zionism, discussion groups and book groups, an introduction to Judaism, dance performances, films, and musical concerts, are just some of the programs on the agenda this fall from the Center for Jewish Education. The agency’s mission is “to educate our Jewish community by ensuring that a comprehensive array of high quality educational opportunities are available to all levels and ages of Jewish learners,” states Bob Goldberg, CJE president. “The board is very excited to see the fall line-up and hopes that the community will take advantage of what the agency has to offer!” “Zionism Now and Then: Meanings and Relevance” will be taught by Dr. Moshe Gershovich, beginning Monday, Oct. 1, 7-8 p.m., in the CJE classroom. Some 110 years after its beginning as a political movement, Zionism remains a fascinating ideology, revered by some and vilified by others. The course is designed for Jews who wish to enhance their identity and familiarize themselves with the debates surrounding it. Tuition is discounted to $30 for Jewish Federation donors and $38 for non-donors. “Derech Torah: Judaism 101” is offered as a gateway into Judaism for those who are exploring spiritual options and a starting point for Jewish adults looking for a comprehensive course to continue Jewish learning. Taught by Dr. Guy Matalon, the course is designed to introduce the adult learner to the wealth and richness of Judaism as a religious culture. Jewish theology, life cycle, yearly cycle, and worldview are included. The class will meet Mondays, Oct. 8-April 14, 7:30- 9 p.m. in the Kripke Library. Required texts will be the JPS Tanakh and Jewish Literacy by Joseph Telushkin and can be ordered through CJE. Tuition is $150 per person, or $250 per couple. “ChanuKids” offers families a free preHanukkah day of fun on Sunday, Dec. 2, 3:30-5 p.m. in the Kripke Library. This always popular event includes face-painting, story telling, music, and refreshments for preschool through third grades children. It’s also a great opportunity for
parents and grandparents to shop the Jewish Book Month book sale. Cultural Arts Month unites two annual events, Jewish Book Month and the Jewish Film Festival. Jewish Book Month runs Nov. 6 to Dec. 6. The Book Month Luncheon will be on Nov. 7, followed by author events on Nov. 27, Dec. 4 and 6. The Jewish Film Festival, featuring award winning full length films and documentaries, will be Nov. 25, 28, 29, and Dec. 1. The Western Galilee Performing Arts Series features four exciting performing arts groups from the Omaha’s Partnership area in Israel. From the world renowned Ga’aton Dance Troupe to the cutting edge productions of the Akko Theatre, the Western Galilee offers unique and multi-faceted artistic expression. The series will be in the JCC Theatre with performances scheduled as follows: November: Keshet Eilon, classical concert violinists; Jan., 2008: Halil BaGalilee flutes from around the world; February: Ga’aton Dance Troupe; and March: Akko Theatre Center, “Lech Lecha.” “Eye on Israel” meets Tuesdays, noon1 p.m. in September and November, with Dr. Guy Matalon and various guests talking about the latest events in and affecting Israel. Held in the Kripke Library, attendees are encouraged to bring lunch and join the discussion. “Eye” will also meet in January, March and May. The Kripke Library Book Discussion Group meets one Thursday a month at 1 p.m.in the library. Pre-registration is not required and books are available in the library for check-out and purchase. “Let’s Talk About It” book discussion group runs in cooperation with the Council Bluffs Public Library. The kick-off is Aug. 12, 3:30 p.m., in the Kripke Library. Book discussion is 2 p.m., dates and locations are: Aug. 26: Council Bluffs Public Library, Sept. 30: Kripke Library; Oct. 28: Council Bluffs; Nov. 18: Kripke Library; and Dec. 9: Council Bluffs. To join, e-mail lfriesner@cbpl.lib.ia.us or gkatz@jewishomaha.org Pre-registration is required for all classes. To register for classes or for any questions, please call 334.6445 or e-mail your request to mgrossman@jewishomaha .org.
by CHERYL LERNER Administrative Assistant An enthusiastic Omaha audience can thank Steve Riekes, a trustee with B’nai Brith and one who is passionate about education, for bringing an award-winning film to the JCC. More than 150 people attended the recent showing of Rashevski’s Tango. Riekes saw the film at the Jewish Film Festival in Boston where it was winner of the Audience Award. Through Rabbi Jonathan Gross’ friendship with the film’s distributor, the cost was kept to a minimum, which made the price for the dinner and movie a real bargain. Set in Paris, Rashevski’s Tango begins with the death of the Rashevski’s matriarch Rosa, who rejected religion after the war, but surprises her family by requesting a Jewish burial. Her death sets off an identity crisis and soul searching among the three generations of Rashevskis. The film presents a kaleidoscope of Jewish life in one European family with Holocaust survivors, inter-marrieds, non-observants, newly observants, converts, and more. Following the film there was a brief discussion led by Rabbi Gross and Dr. Stephen Skulsky. A recurring theme in the movie is Grandmother Rosa’s legacy, the tango. She believed it was as good as chicken soup and a lot better than organ-
ized religion in times of sorrow or stress. She passed it down to her children with great passion and zeal, while allowing them to find their own paths in Judaism. But what purpose did the tango serve? Rabbi Gross felt it was a substitute for religion and Jewish traditions that she could have transmitted, but rejected. Where religion could have been the glue that held the family together, it was instead this benign dance. Doing so, he said, added to alienation felt by this family from the traditions and mores that could have served as sources of strength, but failed to be. On the contrary, Dr. Skulsky saw the “tango” as anything but inconsequential. Rather it was a simple, healthy emotional release -- a way for this family to overcome “stuck points” and to connect to people and just “be”. He contrasted this with another film, The Last Tango in Paris, where the “tango” was a source of sexual intensity and emotion. Rashevski’s Tango engaged the audience to examine bonds to family and to Judaism. What traditions have been passed down that lead us to define Judaism? What legacies do we wish to hand down to our loved ones? What does it mean to be Jewish? Are we comfortable with our answers? The program was co-sponsored by Henry Monsky Lodge B’nai B’rith and the Center for Jewish Education.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 10, 2007
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When it comes to adult education, Beth El offers a smorgasbord of opportunities by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator With the summer months waning, the attention of Beth El staff and educators is once again focused on presenting another outstanding year of adult-education programming at the synagogue. Weekly classes which nourish the soul, fascinating mini-courses and a muchadmired scholar-in-residence fill the bill for the upcoming year. The year’s mini-courses, open to all adults in the Jewish community, include: Bible Translation for Jews: Taught by Creighton University Professor Leonard Greenspoon; scheduled for Tuesdays, Aug. 21, 28 and Sept. 4, 7 p.m.. Topics for the sessions will be, “In the Beginning: The First Jewish Translations of the Hebrew Bible”; “To and From the Four Corners of the Earth: Jewish Bible Translations Throughout the World”; and “On Both Sides of the Atlantic: Translating the Hebrew Bible Into English.” Hebrew Crash Course: Led by Maya Wertheimer, the nine-session course will be held on Mondays, 7 p.m., beginning on Sept. 10. This class is ideal for those who have never learned Hebrew or for anyone who would like to take a refresher course. The WOW of Judaism: Taught by Andy Greenberg, this five-week course will explore Jewish life and its rewarding, enriching, educational and spiritual experience that enhances our overall enjoyment of life. Discussions promise to be lively, Greenberg said, and will be supported by published data about the benefits of prayer, rest, family, healthy eating, Jewish education, science, philosophy and Torah study. Classes are scheduled for Tuesdays, 7 p.m., beginning Sept. 11. Minyan 101: Join Cantor Gastón Bogomolni for this informative six-week course as he teaches about the in’s and out’s of daily services, so attendees will know what to expect when they come for minyan. Knowledge of Hebrew is not required to attend the class, scheduled for Sundays, Sept. 30, Oct.7, 14, 21, 28, and Nov. 4, 11:15 a.m.-noon. The Art of Jewish Stenciling: Four-week course offering attendees the opportunity to complete a work of Judaic art suitable for framing; led by Daniel Christensen and scheduled for Wednesdays, Jan. 16, 23, 30 and Febr. 6, 7 p.m. Critical Thinking Through Jewish Eyes: Led by Toby Schonfeld, PhD, course is scheduled on Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12 and 19, 7 p.m. This class will teach critical thinking - using Jewish examples - as a way to lead people to make or think about ethical choices.
The Many Faces of Extremism: is Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29, 7 p.m. This eye-opening look at extremists in our society will be led by Anti-Defamation League Plains States Executive Director Alan Potash. Understanding Jewish Mysticism: This eight-week mini-course, presented by Professor Guy Matalon, executive director of the Center for Jewish Education, will be offered at Beth El from Thursdays, Feb. 7, 14, 21, and 28, 8-9 p.m.; the second half of the course will be held at Temple Israel in March. According to Matalon, “The goal of the mini-course is give a taste to the world of Kabbalah, and hence, we will be looking at several key texts that are instrumental in understanding the Kabbalistic interpretation of Torah, mitzvot and reality in general.” Following the High Holidays, the synagogue’s weekly adult education classes are scheduled to begin. Rabbi Mordechai Levin’s always-popular Thursday, noon, class will focus this year on “Insights and Values from the Torah.” The rabbi describes the class as “an interactive discussion which will bring modern eyes to ancient, sacred texts.” Susi Frydman-Levin will present a new once-a-month class, “Feeding Your Spirit: Recipes for Your Jewish Soul,” to be held Sundays, 10 a.m.-noon. She observed that “We take medications, vitamins, we exercise, we watch our carbs and cholesterol, but how often in our everyday life do we take time to nurture our souls? Jewish thinkers and writers have addressed this topic, and we’ll learn what they have to say, explore Jewish values and enrich our souls in an experiential way.” Cantor Gastón Bogomolni’s B’nai Mitzvah class for adults will keep students busy learning Torah, Haftarah and prayers for Shabbat services as they prepare to celebrate this significant milestone next spring. Finally, Beth El is pleased to announce that on Feb. 29 and March 1, nationally-known author and lecturer Rabbi Neil Gillman, Professor of Philosophy at the Jewish Theological Seminary, will serve as the synagogue’s scholar-in-residence. This special weekend has been made possible throughthe generosity of the Marcel and Ilse Kahn Endowment Fund. All mini-courses and events are open to the entire Jewish community. Cost of the mini-courses is $18, with the exception of the Hebrew Crash Course, which is $36 (includes textbook). Cost of the year-long adult education classes is $36. To register or for more information about adult-education programming, contact Program Director Margie Gutnik at 492.8550 or programming@bethel-omaha.org.
Opportunity Omaha wraps up summer programming by DENA RENNARD standing what to do when faced with anti-Semitism on Federation Intern the college campus. Alan Potash, Director of the “Opportunity Omaha, It’s More Than Just a Job” Plains States Region of the Anti-Defamation League, closed out its second year of programming last month. spoke to students about what to do in various situaStudents participated in a wide range of activities tions. throughout the summer. The final two programs were First, participants were able to share experiences fun and informative. they had on their campuses. Interns met with Liz Cook, This conversation led to an Business Etiquette Consultant, activity in which students were at Vincenzo’s Restaurant. presented with a list of scenarios Participants enjoyed a meal, and were asked to come up with while learning proper etiquette a plan of action in response. to use in a business setting. Circumstances ranged from Cook helped students learn finding swastikas drawn on what exactly a host’s role for the buildings around campus to evening entails. She also helped having someone beaten because participants understand the etiof their Jewish heritage. The quette of eating a meal in a forgroup discussed each scenario ADL Director Alan Potash, left, engages David and decided upon an approprimal setting. The evening included a Philips and Sean Bernstein in discussion, while ate response, generally someprompted conversation on how Irina Usherenko, in background, Dena Rennard and thing that raised awareness to handle potential trouble Alex Raksin talk about the issues on campus. throughout the campus. when hosting a formal event. Problems such as spilled Dave Phillips said, “This program was a great opporred wine, unsatisfactory food, and what to do with fin- tunity to discuss an issue not talked about on many ger bowls, were all addressed. Students were first able campuses because it is such a sensitive issue. I found it to decide how they would handle the problem. Then to be moving to open up and learn from each other in a large group setting, Cook described how each about the experiences everyone has had.” problem should properly be treated. Potash then presented a few videos to students. The Sara Munzesheimer commented, “It was a really nice videos were powerful anti-Semitic messages and stusetting: dinner with friends while also learning. I dents were able to benefit from discussing how to found it to be very interesting because I did not know react to such propaganda. how much detail was involved in business etiquette. I All in all, “Opportunity Omaha” proved to be a sucmay not remember every detail, but I know I was able cess with participants. Students enjoyed social and to take a lot away!” educational experiences throughout the summer, The final event of the program focused on under- learning a great deal while having a wonderful time.
August 10, 2007
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
Beth El’s Shabbat celebrations for children sure to delight community’s families
Temple’s teen madrichim to take Red Cross course in child care
by JILL BELMONT Saturday morning Shabbat programming Beth El Publicity Coordinator sure to excite children in pre-K through Following the High Holidays, Beth second grade. ‘Shabbat Morning Live!’ El’s Shabbat celewill offer youngsters brations for young the opportunity to children -- this learn prayers, blessings and Torah study, all year featuring a introduced through brand new Saturmusic, puppet theater, day morning prodance, and Shabbatgram for little ones appropriate games and -- will swing into crafts. Led by Esther gear, to the delight Katz (who formerly led of Jewish families the Tot Shabbat prothroughout the gram), SML will also community. The synagogue’s “Miss Patty” Nogg captivated little ones with feature guest speakers a l w a y s - j o y f u l a Shabbat story during a past Beth El Tot such as Zohar Winer, the JCC shlicha. Friday night Tot Shabbat celebration. SML is scheduled for Dec. 1, Jan. 12, Shabbat service will return on Aug. 24, 6 p.m., led once again by early-childhood March 1, April 26 and May 31, 10:30 specialist “Miss Patty” Nogg. This inter- a.m.-noon. The synagogue’s popular active service has attracted families from Saturday morning Shabbat Tunes & throughout the entire Jewish community, Tales program, also led by Nogg, will and is a wonderful way for grandparents, resume Oct. 6, 11:15 a.m., and will be parents and children of all ages to enjoy held Nov. 3, Dec. 15, 2007; Jan. 26, welcoming Shabbat in a kid-friendly Feb. 9, March 22, and May 17, 2008. Beginning its second year, Tunes & atmosphere. Tot Shabbat gives kids ‘that Shabbat Tales has been a popular sing-along getfeeling’ through songs, storytelling, and together for children up to age five and rituals learned through hands-on their parents. Finally, a special treat is on activites, delicious, kid-friendly dinner for tap for all Jewish families in the commufamilies -- a wonderful way to continue nity with children in second grade and the Shabbat celebration with friends and younger: Beth El’s first-ever Young loved ones. (Note: there will be no din- Families Shabbat Retreat, planned for March 2008 at the Lied Lodge in ner following the Aug. 24 service.) Upcoming Friday Tot Shabbat services Nebraska City. To RSVP for Tot Shabbat dinners or and dinners are scheduled on the following days: Sept. 28, Oct. 12, Nov. 9 and for more information about children’s Dec. 7. In addition, a fun-filled, family- programming at Beth El, contact friendly Pajama Havdalah is on tap for Program Director Margie Gutnik at 492.8550, or programming@bethelfamilies on Saturday, Dec. 1. Beth El also announces new, innovative omaha.org.
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN year is an eight-hour American Red Cross Temple Israel Communications Coordinator course in caring for infants and schoolTwenty-seven middle and high school age children. The teens will be instructed students at Temple in how to respond to Israel will be emergencies and illnesses madrichim this with first aid, rescue coming school year. breathing, the use of an That matches last Epi Pen, and other approyear’s record numpriate care as well as how ber and far outpaces to make decisions under two years ago when pressure. there were only five. The course, divided into Alexis Slutzky, 12, two four-hour sessions on was a madricha for Emily Katz, left, Grace Hack, Haley Sundays, Oct. 21 and the first time last Burns, and Rachel Saferstein had din- 28, covers leadership, safe year. She worked ner and fun with fellow madrichim and play, and child CPR. with second graders Rabbi Azriel at Dave & Busters to cele- Substitutes will fill in for madrichim on those two helping them in brate the end of the school year. whatever they were doing. “I really like days at Religious School. “That’s how kids,” she said, “and I like to volunteer important this class is,” emphasized Azriel. for stuff. I like to read to kids.” “As a member and the mother of chil“These madrichim are role models, and by assisting the Religious School staff, they dren with peanut allergies attending can sharpen their helping skills, strengthen Religious School, this sounds like a great their relationship to Temple Israel, and opportunity for the madrichim to benefit grow in their appreciation of the impor- our children as well as to assist our teachtance of a formal Jewish education,” said ers. At the same time, it will be a benefit Elyce Azriel, Temple’s director of religious to the madrichim in their futures,” said education. Primary responsibilities of the Stacie Spies-Matz, Thanks to the Ruth and Bernard Raskin madrichim are to assist in one-on-one tutoring and with individual projects in Youth Activities Fund, the course will be the classroom, to help Lori Bennett in the conducted at no cost to the madrichim. Compensation is offered in three Religious School office in preparing classroom materials for the teachers as needed, options. They can volunteer as some have done to earn hours for school community and with record keeping. requirements. Otherwise, “One of our overall goals for the service madrichim is to create a sense of commu- madrichim can choose a paycheck for the nity among them. At our orientation, the entire amount or they can receive half their goals and expectations and classroom sce- paycheck and the other half can be narios will be clearly defined,” added deposited in an account to be used towards a Jewish youth group conclave, a Azriel. Something new for the madrichim this trip to Israel, or a Jewish residential camp.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 10, 2007
Beth El Talmud Torah program gears up for reading, writing and ruach by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator After a quiet summer, the halls of Beth El will be filled with the voices and footsteps of children of all ages. The synagogue’s Talmud Torah (BESTT) kicks off this year’s classes on Tuesday, Sept. 4, for fifth and sixth grades. Third, fourth and seventh grades begin on Wednesday, Sept. 5, and all grades will attend on Sunday, Sept. 9. The school staff is geared up for an exciting and fulfilling year for students from pre-kindergarten through high school, said BESTT Education Director Judy Rubin. “We’re planning another dynamite school year with a superior teaching staff, offering our students the opportunity to learn on multiple levels,” she said. “BESTT provides a wonderfully nurturing environment for all of our students.” Each new year represents a fresh beginning, she continued, saying, “Parents buy new clothes and school supplies for their children, and teachers prepare their lessons to spark their students’ imaginations and touch their souls. We anticipate that the expectations of all our families will equal our enthusiasm.” Rubin announced the following staff members for the upcoming year: Holly Weill, kindergarten; Emily Meyer, first grade; Eve Randone, second grade; Eadie Tsabari, Deborah Kronick, Sara Juster and Sindie Katskee, third grade; Tsabari, Margo Riekes, Juster and Katskee, fourth grade; Tsabari, Joan Cooper, Margo Riekes and Devra Bram, fifth grade; Susan Paley, Margo Riekes, Cantor Gastón Bogomolni and Tsabari, sixth grade; Cooper,
Janie Kulakofsky, Robert Mosenkis, Paley and Kronick, seventh grade. In addition to weekly religious school classes, the following family programs will will be held during the year to as educational supplements which will give families opportunities to learn together: Grade 3, Siddur program; Grade 4, Fourth-Grade Wedding; Grade 5, Family History; Grade 6, Pre-B’nai Mitzvah program, ‘Becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah’; Grade 7, ‘Belonging to the Jewish Community.’ To help kick off the first Sunday of religious school Sept. 9, 9:45-10:15 a.m., Beth El’s Men’s Club and Sisterhood will provide a continental breakfast for all BESTT families. Following breakfast, Jewish Family Service Executive Director Karen Gustafson will speak to parents about her “Parenting with Love and Logic” class, which will be held at Beth El beginning Wednesday, Oct. 10, and will be held the second Wednesday of each month through May. Rubin said she looks forward to another busy, exciting year for the religious school. “Serving as the education director of Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah has been a highlight of my career,” she remarked. “The Talmud Torah faculty is motivated to provide the best possible Jewish education for our students, and we have included talented and distinguished members of the academic and professional communities on our high school staff. She added, “BESTT students and families are terrific to work with. Our classrooms are filled with students who love to learn, teachers who love to teach and parents who support us.”
Nebraska Choral Arts Society: offering intangibles through song by MARJORIE MAAS rehearsals where friends are made and skills are increased, culTeachers and parents want youth to learn the intangibles: self- minating in high quality concerts any audience would appreciconfidence, commitment, strong work ethics, professionalism ate, is the true reward. and friendship. A longtime group in the Omaha metro area And this isn’t a new organization. NCAS has a long history offers this as well as the thrill of performance. beginning in 1978 with a community adult chorus, Led by a fully-professional staff, the Nebraska Choral Arts Masterworks. To serve different geographic regions of the area, Society is the umbrella organization for eight choirs. Seven of and create a progression from beginning chorus to an advanced them represent different collections of youth second through ensemble, the organization grew accordingly. twelfth grades in the Nebraska Children’s Chorus and CAST The NCAS mission statement speaks to this focus: To share (Choral Arts Society Teens) in graduated levels of commitment the gift of great choral music, inspire new generations with the and proficiency. love of singing, and broaden its reach to all ages and cultures. The most advanced choirs of NCAS have performed internaIf you are interested in learning more, visit: www.choirmutionally in choral music festivals and concerts in Europe, Asia sic.org or call 402.342.6753; ask for Renée Spicka. Entrance and Africa, but travel is icing on the cake. The week-to-week to all the choirs is by audition only; fall auditions are Aug. 23. PAID ADVERTISEMENT
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READ IT AND E AT Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN They say that what’s learned at the mother’s knee is learned well. So, teach your kids to cook! Award-winning chef/mom has created a cookbook of family pleasing recipes with steps for children to participate in the preparation. The 125 recipes are one-to-a-page, are geared to be enjoyed by young and old alike and are arranged according to difficulty in each of the baker’s dozen chapters, Breakfast, Breakfast in Bed, Lunch at Home, Snow Days, Summer Picnics, Afternoon Snacks, Lazy Winter Weekends, Kids’ Parties, Backyard Summer Suppers on the Grill, Dinnertime, Vegetables and Salads, Bake Sales and Desserts. Conveniently, the recipes are listed on the chapter page as well as in the alphabetical index. Brief instructions accompany colorful photographs and graphics. Working side by side in the kitchen in the preparation and hands-on experience of the meal is rewarding. Try this recipe for a simple bread and tomato salad to use some of the fresh seasonal bounty available at one of the many Farmer’s Markets around town ... the tomatoes and basil are available now. How ‘bout a game of Monopoly later? PANZANELLA 12 ounces hearty Italian bread 1/3 cup red wine vinegar salt 2 small garlic cloves, sliced 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 cup packed julienned or torn basil leaves (see note) 4 medium-size ripe tomatoes, peeled, cored, and cut into medium dice 1 large red onion, thinly sliced freshly ground pepper Remove the crusts from the bread and cut into 1-inch cubes, you will have about 6 cups. In a large bowl, whisk together the vinegar, garlic, and 1 teaspoon salt until the salt dissolves. Whisk in the olive oil and basil. Add the bread, tomatoes, and onion and toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Let the panzanella sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serves six. Note: To julienne, lay the leaves one on top of the other, 5 or 6 at a time. Roll into a cylinder and thinly slice crosswise. Lois Friedman can be reached at ReadItAndEat @yahoo.com.
Send Rosh Hashanah Greetings August 10, 2007
Hornstein scholarship awarded by JANET HENTHORN Gaytan said, “I am motivated to continue Foundation Endowment Associate to work for our indigent community Bennett Hornstein believed fervently knowing that the less debt I accrue now that poverty should not prevent anyone means the more I will be able to afford from being represented by a good lawyer. helping the less fortunate in the future. I Assistant Douglas County public defend- am inspired by Bennett Hornstein’s deder for 20 years, his tireless efforts to protect the rights of those who could not afford an attorney were cut short upon his death at the age of 46. In 2005, his family established the Bennett G. Hornstein Endowment Fund in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. This fund provides an annual scholarship Lisa Morinelli Yvonne Sosa-Gaytan for a law student who will carry on Hornstein’s commitment to ication. In the future I hope to conworking for those members of society tribute to the legacy of his work through whom no one else wants to help. my accomplishments with the Omaha The recipient of the Bennett G. community.” Hornstein Memorial Scholarship for The first Hornstein scholarship was 2007 is Yvonne Sosa-Gaytan, a first-year awarded in 2006 to Lisa Morinelli, who student at the Creighton University attends the University of Nebraska School of Law. Sosa-Gaytan received her College of Law. Morinelli was recently undergraduate degree from the selected to participate in an Immigration University of Nebraska-Omaha and Clinic at the Law College, and this fall began working for the Douglas County and spring will be working on real familyDefender’s Office as an intern in May of based immigration and asylum cases for 2000; she continues her work there as low income clients in the Lincoln area. chief secretary for the new Spanish-speakThe scholarship selection committee is ing division while attending law school. headed by Joe Hornstein, and includes his Bennett’s son, Joe states, “Yvonne sister, Jill Goldstein, attorney for Kutak exemplifies the qualities necessary to excel Rock, as well as other attorneys from the in the legal profession. She has proved an Omaha area. The criteria for selection are unbelievable determination and persever- those qualities that Hornstein exempliance under tremendous circumstances fied: a high standard of academic achieveand has put herself in a position to have a ment, an adventurous spirit and a desire very successful career in public service to take on an active role in service to the law.” Sosa-Gaytan has been an active vol- community. Applicants must also be unteer at the Chicano Awareness Center attending law school at the University of and is a member of several associations at Nebraska or Creighton University. Creighton University, including Latin For information about the scholarship or Law Students, Women Law Students and to contribute to the Hornstein Fund, conCreighton Law Partners. tact me at the Foundation at 402.334.6551 Upon receiving the scholarship Sosa- or jhenthorn@jewishomaha. org.
ENGAGEMENT WOCHOS/HORNSTEIN Dr. Daniel and Barbara Wochos of Scottsdale, AZ, announce the engagement of their daughter, Erin Elizabeth, to Joseph Alan Hornstein, son of Nancy Hornstein and the late Bennett Hornstein. The bride-to-be is a graduate of the University
of Colorado. She owns and operates Plum Sage Flowers in Denver. Her fiance is a graduate of Colorado State University and is employed with Pinnacle Real Estate Advisers. A Colorado mountain wedding is planned for June, 2008.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) seeks applicants from artists for its 11th Annual Art & Soup fundraising event. The event takes place on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2-6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 72nd and Grover. Be part of the tastiest fundraiser in town, where 60 artists and 25 restaurants come together to help VNA provide public health services to children and adults living in Omaha-area homeless shelters. The areas finest artists create every type of art imaginable to help VNA help the homeless. All artists interested in participating will be juried by an independent judging committee. Artists will be asked to submit three samples of their work either as photos, on CDs or emailed to VNA. All work must be original. Works in drawing, print-making, collage, painting, photography, pottery, sculpture, textiles, wearable art, jewelry, mixed media and glass are eligible. Art & Soup entry forms and samples
must be received by Sept. 1 to be included in the juried process. Forms are available on the VNA website at www.vnaomaha.org. You may also contact Mary Lou Brasee at 930.4022 or mbrasee@vnaomaha.org. for an e-mail attachment or fax. Artists will be notified of acceptance no later than Oct. 1. Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra will audition potential members for the 2007-08 season, Aug. 20-24 at the Strauss Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Omaha. The orchestra consists of UNO students and community members; its history dates back to its founding in the 1920s. Christopher Stanichar is Music Director. Rehearsals take place each Monday night, 7-9:30 p.m., at Strauss. Those interested in auditioning should check the website for more details at: www.music.unomaha.edu or call 402.554.2251.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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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.
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August 10, 2007
IN THE NEWS Jacob J. Friedman was named to the Dean’s list for the spring quarter at the University of Denver in Coloradao, where he is a senior. He has a double major in English and Digital Media. This fall J.J. will be studying in Italy, at the American University in Rome through the Cherrington Global Scholars program through the University of Denver. J.J. is the son of Thomas D. and Suzanne N. Friedman.
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The Autism Center of Nebraska will hold its second annual fundraiser golf tournament on Friday, Aug. 10, at the Eagle Hills Golf Course, 501 Eagle Hills Dr. The golf tournament will begin at noon and will be followed by a reception and appetizers. The cost is $100 per golfer; $50 of which is tax deductible. Sponsorships are also available. For additional information including the registration form and sponsorship information or any other program and service, please call 402.991.4463 ext 26 or e-mail jeninastewart@autismcenterofnebraska.org The Autism Center of Nebraska is a non-profit organization that provides a wide range of services for children and young adults challenged by autism. Register by Sept. 15 for the Midwest Mah Jongg tournament at the Hampton Inn, Westroads. Information or registration forms for the tournament, scheduled for Oct. 19-21, are available by calling 217.819.8880, 217.316.0075, or by e-mailing midwest-mahjongg@insightbb.com. Information about cash prizes and door prizes is also available at the tournament website, www.midwestmahjongg.com. The University of Nebraska Medical Center is currently accepting nominations for the 2008 J.G. (Jack) Elliott Award. The award is given annually to an individual who has made significant contributions to medicine and health programs for the state of Nebraska. The award is given in memory of Elliott, a former Scottsbluff resident who served on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents for 20 years until his death in 1974. The recipient will be selected by the chancellor of the Medical Center based on input from individuals or groups chosen by the chancellor. The award will be presented during UNMC’s spring commencement ceremony. Nominees are evaluated according to the following criteria: A Nebraska resident who has made a significant contribution to the health of the state through his or her actions. Statewide impact with contributions in the areas of education, research and community outreach. The individual’s actions should improve individual and community health. The health contributions should be beyond the scope of work-related activities. Nomination forms are available online at: www.unmc.edu/externalaffairs/ or by calling Carol Ann Hart at 559.5105 or e-mailing her at: chart @unmc.edu. Submit all nominations and supporting materials no later than Aug. 31, to: Bob Bartee, Vice Chancellor for External Affairs, UNMC Chancellor’s Office 986630 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6630. For more information, go to UNMC’s Web site at www.unmc.edu.
ORGANIZATIONS BREADBREAKERS Rich Juro, the CEO of No Frills Supermarkets has visited almost every country in the world from Africa to Asia. He will highlight a few of the most unusual places and answer fascinating questions about Ethopia and the Queen of Sheba. Juro will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Aug. 15, noon at Regency Lodge, according to Gary Javitch, chairman. All men and women in the community are invited. Cost is $12 for a complete lunch and $3 for beverage service only. WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going on the bunch to lunch day trip to Julio’s please meet at the JCC by 10:30 a.m. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. If you have any Yiddish books you would like to donate, please call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638. VISIONS Reminder: For those members going to Brownville to see the concert, The Great American Songbook, on Sunday, please meet at the JCC by 11:45 a.m. Visions and 39 Forever will host a Summer Picnic on Sunday, Aug. 26, 1 p.m. at Chalco Hill Recreation Area. Cost is $6 per person. Send reservations to Ethel Goldston, 1108 No. 92 Plaza # 101, Omaha, NE 68114 by Aug. 20. Make check payable to Visions. JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES Reminder: Take a musical journey to Mexico with Mariachi Luna & Sol on Aug. 16, 1:30 p.m., at the JCC. There is no admission fee. For information, call Maggie Conti at 334.6521. The Salute to Big Band Festival will celebrate music of the 30s, 40s and more. The Swingtones (the Nebraska Wind Symphony) will perform Wednesday, Aug. 22, 7:15 p.m. at the JCC. For information call Linda Fitzgerald, Activities Director at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, at 334.6520. CJE and ADL The Center for Jewish Education and the AntiDefamation League/CommunityRelations Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha will be conducting a workshop for college bound students on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 6:45-8:30 (dinner will be provided) in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. The goal of the workshop will be to foster a greater understanding and develop critical skills in combating and responding to anti-Semitism on the college campus and to empower students to address anti-Israel rhetoric on campus, as well as learning how to find Jewish resources on campus. This workshop will be led by Alan Potash and Guy Matalon. Please RSVP to 333.1303 or lpollard@adl.org. To submit announcements to the Jewish Press: send via email to jpress@jewishomaha.org; fax to 402.334.5422, or mail to Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154.
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BIRTHS Debbie and Marty Roos of San Antonio, TX, announce the May 23 birth of their son, Cole Alexander. His Hebrew name is Kol Israel. Cole has two siblings, Bailey and Jacob. Grandparents are Jeanne and Maximo Shechet, Paul and Arlene Cohen, and Steven and Fern Roos, Port Arthur, TX. Great-grandfather is Hyman Hurwitz. Palm Desert, CA.
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Lori Kooper-Schwarz and Wayne Schwarz announce the July 4 birth of their twin daughters, Courtney Lauren and Sabrina Monica. Courtney is named for her maternal step-great-grandfather, Charles; Sabrina is named for her paternal greatgrandmother Senta, and her maternal great-grandmother Miriam. The twins have a sister, Melanie. Grandparents are Sharon and Howard Kooper, Vivian Schwarz and David Sackser of White Plains, NY, and the late Morton Schwarz.
Great-grandparents are Sheldon and Lorrie Bernstein of Oceanside, CA, the late Dorothy and Robert Kooper, the late Miriam and Charles Mayer, Beatrice Freund of Riverdale, NY, and the late Fred Freund, and the late Senta and Walter Schwarz. Kallen and Michael Bresel announce the July 12 birth of their son, Kaplan Jude. Kaplan has a sister, Mika. Grandparents are Judy and Bob Zimmer, and Marge and Jim Bresel. Great-grandparents are Barbara Ryba Zimmer and the late Harold Zimmer, the late Lorraine O’Mara and LeRoy Coss, the late Bonnie Tabler, and Myra and Leo Sivin, Morris Bresel and the late Jean Bresel. Gary and Monica Katz announce the July 19 birth of their daughter, Paige Grace. She has a brother Joseph and sister Charlotte. Grandparents are Martin and Eleana Katz, Wilmington, DE, and Richard and Marsha Parry.
August 10, 2007
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
Omaha native handles p.r. for Millard Schools Continued from page 1 I asked if there was any difference between her assignments at the Heart Association and that of Millard Schools, owing to the similarity of her title. “My job at the Heart Association was to get media coverage, and it took a lot of work, phone calls and relationship-building to get them to cover our stories,” she explained. “At Millard, it’s just the opposite. You just wouldn’t believe how many phone calls I get every day from reporters wanting to do educational stories, because education is one of the top ten issues, always, when they survey their viewers regarding what they want to hear about. Of course, they’re always there for bad news, which is frustrating, but they’re also there for good news too, as they want to hear about human interest stories.” I asked Friedman how she handles sensitive issues that occasionally arise. She stated, “That’s been a roller-coaster ride, nationwide, ever since Columbine. Communications directors, administrators, teachers, and principals have been involved in ongoing safety and security efforts that no one even thought about before. We’ve worked closely with the Police Department and the FBI in getting trained to handle issues that were unimaginable in the past.” She continued, “My role is to serve as spokesperson for the school district on sensitive issues, and that frees up the principals to work directly with the people involved and handle the situation in the building. I work with the media after finding out what really happened. The first thing you have to do is uncover the facts. When something happens, often what you’re hearing initially are rumors, so you have to be careful to have all the facts before you speak. However, people want to hear right away what’s going on.” Friedman admits it’s very difficult occasionally, but says her job is fun most of the time. “It’s great being out in the schools and meeting the teachers and the kids and seeing what they do. I have so much admiration for the work they do. There are moments, however, that are stressful. We also have to follow privacy laws. Sometimes the media doesn’t understand that, and parents don’t understand it either. But there are federal and state laws that protect the privacy of our students and staff. You have to be circumspect, but still let people know what they need to know in order to reassure them.” Then Friedman described a recently-improved communication system that has greatly expedited a part of her duties. “We now have an automated phone messaging service where we can call 21,000 parents and 2600 staff members in a matter of minutes; whereas in the past, we had to make these calls individually, which was exceedingly time consuming,” she noted. “For example, if the power goes out in a school, and the parents need to pick up their kids, we are now able to notify them simultaneously and quickly. Or once we had a hostage situation near a school, and we were able to send several messages to the parents throughout the day. Technology is certainly making things easier.” Friedman indicated her most important job for Millard
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munity focuses on that, then they’ll come up with good solutions.” I then asked Friedman, based on her personal experience, what the qualifications would be for someone aspiring to be a communications director. “Writing and oral communication skills,” she said, “Also, the ability to look at a situation and boil it down to the bare essentials, especially with the broadcast media. They are going to give you 10 to 15 seconds to state the key message. Pictures also sell a story. In education, if you can show the kids, you’ve got it made.” Friedman belongs to a number of professional organizations: the Public Relations Society of America, the National School Public Relations Association, and is presently on the board of the Millard Public Schools Foundation. She is also a member of Beth El Synagogue, and the National Council of Jewish Women. In her leisure time, Friedman enjoys traveling. “We have a daughter Andrea who is living in Switzerland, and a son, Dusty, who is moving to New York City so we have fun places to visit.” She also enjoys gardening. “My husband calls me an ‘Orchid Whisperer’,” she laughed. “I raise orchids and talk to my plants. I keep getting more and more of them. They’re addictive.” Raising dogs is also a passion. Said Friedman, “We are ‘dachshund maniacs’. Our friends think we’re insane. We’re on the third generation now, and we have two of them, Frankie and Sophie. Millard’s Superintendent Keith Lutz also loves his two Jack Russell terriers so we even have incorporated dogs in a fun way in school district publications.” Friedman is looking forward to the coming school year. She is passionate about her job, and finds it extremely rewarding. Early in her career, she made this observation: “When you believe in the organization you’re working for, it doesn’t seem like work at all.” That certainly holds true for her present position. As Millard School District’s Communications Director, she finds that every day brings her new challenges and exciting adventures.
The Bagel Bin “boys” Every Monday at lunchtime, a group of seniors meet at the Bagel Bin to schmooze, catch up on what’s going on in Omaha, and solve the problems of the world. Irv Yaffe’s son-inlaw, photographer Robert Baumgardner, was in town last month and caught them at their best; seated clockwise from lower left: Harold Bernstein, Harold “Bae” Epstein, Pete Milder, Stuart Muskin, and Rolie Lewis; standing in the back are: Kevee Kirshenbaum, Ed Malashock, “Big Joe” Kirshenbaum, Leonard Lewis and Irv Yaffe.
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was to plan and implement communication strategies to pass bond issues. She was responsible for planning communications campaigns to pass school bond issues in 1997 and 2005, raising $167 million for technology, additions and renovations to schools, and construction of six new schools. She indicates there are 33 schools in the Millard District, with a new elementary school opening, and another one after that, and a new high school, which indicates the rapid growth of the district. Another part of her duties includes sending news releases to the media every Friday for upcoming events the following week. When asked if the recent OPS annexation controversies have affected her job with the Millard Schools, Friedman replied, “No matter what the situation, in public relations, the first step is research. Millard did research in district size to find out what is best in terms of educating kids. There was a remarkable amount of research available on school district size, and we used that to craft our message, and one of the main messages is that bigger is not better,” Friedman explained. “We formed a coalition between Westside, Elkhorn, Ralston and Millard, and shared resources. We also hired a public relations firm to help us because we had limited political PR experience as communications directors, by and large. Even within OPS we did surveys, and the majority did not favor getting larger and wanted to maintain autonomy.” She added, “The new law just passed by the Unicameral and signed by the Governor will allow our school districts to work together on diversity goals. I don’t think people are aware that the entire metro area including the Millard School District is growing more diverse. Millard already has over 2,000 children in poverty. Hopefully, the new law will focus on improving education for all students.” According to Friedman, “The metro area boundary war was one of the sensitive issues I’ve had to deal with. I guess the main thing is to be positive, objective, and look at the facts, look at the research, and try to do what’s best for the students. If the new learning com-
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 10, 2007
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For artist, the moving human body offers a canvas like no other by LEO BIGA or brushes, but with saturated sock or When he draws or paints bodies in glove-covered hands and arms, is matched motion, from dancers performing turns in synch with the model’s movements. to ballplayers swinging bats, he sees “It’s very physical,” he said. things the rest of us miss. His intense “The tools of painting are not designed focus enables him to see “more acutely or for speed,” he said, “and I keep trying to deeply” the complex kinesthetic, aesthet- find better ways to make a painting where ic, spatial dynamics of people moving in I don’t have to stop and look at the “highly concentrated ways.” palette and reload on occasion, but where Terry Rosenberg, who commutes I can kind of keep going.” between Omaha and New York City, As so much goes on with such speed in strives to capture not so much a frozen a compressed period of time he can’t moment in time as the apogee of myriad reproduce dance or sport in any convenmoments. “What I’m doing is giving you tional sense. Rather, his energetic lines, kind of a still image at the end,” he said daubs, marks and splays are the visual from his spacious, white, Old Market stu- equivalent of automatic writing. By eye dio, “but the still image is of several to hand he charts the energy flows, thermoments. It’s of an event that’s hap- mal traces and physical essences of pened and it’s a culmination of marks artists/athletes executing graceful, explothat kind of map an event.” sive, yet always expressive moves. Rosenberg, a Hartford, Connecticut, native who grew up in Miami, and studied art there and in western New York state, first came to Omaha in 1982 for a workshop conducted by Omaha artist and Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts founder Ree Schonleau. By then he was living in NYC and already finding he sometimes needed to get away. “If you live in New York you just have to go somewhere else regularly. You just have to,” he said. He and Schonleau became friends and in 1984 he came back to do an extended Bemis residency. That experience convinced him Meredith (Napolitano) 2007, from Four Paintings at the Governors to make Omaha his Residence, Oil on canvas, 40"x 30" second home, which he has for two “If there’s any strategy I have used it’s decades. “It’s all about the Bemis,” he to try to stay in the present, always. I said. “I had a lot fun. It was like summer don’t want to go to memory. I don’t camp all year long. I have friends here want to stop and go, What happened six and because I have so much history here, minutes ago? What happened six seconds Omaha was just the natural place to come ago? I try to show the constant change in to outside of New York.” front of me. I’m drawing the thing that’s The basis for all his art is drawing, but usually not able to be drawn,” he said. he’s also worked in sculpture and other “The body reveals so many things and forms. Much of his work the last 15 years a body in motion is a combination of all has been consumed with moving bodies. the psychological and emotional and As models perform gestures, assume physical systems working at once, and positions, take steps, execute leaps, none I’m trying to draw that combination ... predetermined or posed, Rosenberg is “It gives you a different reading than right there in the swirl of it all, close what you’re used to seeing, one that’s enough to feel the rush of air from a bal- more interesting and profound to me. lerina’s pirouette or a batter’s follow And it’s different art historically as well.” through. Moves happen rapidly, spontaTechnical issues arise from his method neously in front of him, whether in the of repeatedly applying paint to the same rehearsal hall, the studio, the batting cage areas. “Colors start to mix up quickly and or the gym. “It’s wildly dynamic,” he turn to mud when you keep going over said. To follow the model, he remains the same area,” he said. “structureless.” Most often his subjects are modern Often, he must attend to multiple bod- dance or classical ballet. He’s done work ies moving around him. So much hap- based on observations of such renowned pens at once, yet he’s intent on rendering companies as the Mark Morris Dance on paper or canvas these swift, ephemer- Group, the Dance Theatre of Harlem, the al, ever-changing actions as they unfold American Ballet Theatre and the Kirov and as he experiences them. The resulting Ballet. He’s done studies, too, of Ballet images have a visceral, primal, sensual Omaha and Chomari, the resident dance immediacy. troupe at El Museo Latino. Then there’s “It’s instinctual for sure,” he said. his work with athletes, notably of the New In these sensory-laden sessions, he York Yankees taking batting practice. He’s enters a zone where he becomes one with now preparing a series on University of the subject. The rhythm of his applying Nebraska-Omaha wrestlers. charcoal, graphite, pastel, not with sticks Continued on page 14
August 10, 2007
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 13
Judaic Studies Judaic Tradition Introduction to Kabbalah Hebrew Bible Judaism in the Modern Age The Hebrew Prophets Women in the Bible Hebrew The Modern Middle East Holocaust through Film Jewish Thought through the Middle Ages Religion and Film The Holocaust Introduction to Jewish Ethics Annual Lectures
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 10, 2007
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A canvas like no other Continued from page 12 people are He also makes images of individuals. freaked out He’s done a series on Indian dancer about or Aparna Ramaswamy, a leading master of e x h i l a r a t e d Bharatanatyam, as well as on an Omaha about,” he yoga practitioner and a New York actress. said. “The Most of his works are titled after the nature of names of the models he used. After all, he what I’m said, his images “are much like portraits, drawing is but just different kinds of portraits.” just that -- it’s Rosenberg’s bodies-in-motion work is the body in widely exhibited and collected. In an c o n s t a n t unusual coincidence his work can now be change and Terry Rosenberg seen in three solo Nebraska shows. it’s provocaThrough Aug. 31 at El Museo Latino, tive in a certain way of that fleeting 4710 So. 25 St., is Ballet Folklorico moment. Life is happening and it’s dying Mexicano, drawings of Chomari’s festive, at the same moment, and in the next high energy dance suites. Through Aug. moment, more life and death.. 17 in the Fred Simon Gallery at the “The unraveling makes the body more Nebraska Arts Council, 1004 Farnam St., transparent in a way. You see more facets is Asanas -- drawings of yoga mistress of it. I find it emotionally and formally Adrienne Posey assuming meditative pos- stimulating.” tures of her discipline. Also through Aug. He’s so attuned to what transpires in a 17 at the Governor’s mansion in Lincoln, live drawing session, he said, “it’s almost 1425 ‘H’ St., is a set of four paintings of like time stops. Sometimes the act of a c t r e s s Meredith Napolitano in the throes of dramatic Method acting exercises. T h e d i v e r s e expressions displayed in these shows confirm Rosenberg’s interest in looking for new forms of movement that Ballet Folklorico Mexicano #19 challenge 2006, pastel and charcoal on paper, 18 x 24" and fascinate him. For him, it’s all about engaging sub- drawing takes me into this place we call jects without agenda, distraction or art the moment of creation. It’s almost like historical reference. I’m in some sub-atomic place. The cre“I call what I do highly focused aban- ative act, if you’re open to it, creates don. I definitely have to be in a ‘screw-it’ things you never really expected to hapmentality...in the sense everything goes pen and that I find interesting and curiout the window that I know,” he said. If ous.” he’s after anything, it’s the fluid, instantFrom eye to hand, he translates the by instant catharsis of change. beauty and mystery of what he sees and “I think when the body moves we’re in feels. this kind of transitional mode. We’re “I find the hand is such an extended unraveling, if you will, and the unraveling part of your internal world, like touch and speaks as much of life as it does of death. speech,” he said. “It gives you access to a It speaks of that place of change which certain kind of voice.”
Keen achieving talented students are ‘KATS’ by SINDIE KATSKEE Wouldn’t we all love to be artistic and enthusiastic? That is why I use the phrase “Keen Achieving Talented Students” to describe children. Is your child eager to accomplish a task and capable of learning? You may want to consider “KATS” tutoring. Since I retired in June of 2006, I have substituted at Friedel Jewish Academy in all 3 classrooms and for the Omaha Public Schools in various special education classes. I began my career at Dr. J. P. Lord School teaching the orthopedically impaired. Then the program was moved to Hartman Elementary School. During my 20 years there I worked with students in kindergarten through sixth grade. My last 4 years were spent traveling to elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools working one-on-one with special education students at their home schools. I am also a Sunday school teacher at Beth El Synagogue. As a special education teacher for 34 years, I have experience working with physical, mental, emotional, visual, hearing, and learning disabilities. I have provided adapted assignments, suggested equipment to help with accommodations, tutoring, and individualized
testing when appropriate. I have modified curriculum for students, and taught them learning strategies to help deal with their learning problems. Many have communication skills, both written and oral, that are often impaired. Children need to learn in a regular classroom setting, and it has been my objective to assist them and their teachers to reach the goal of remaining in regular classrooms. I have worked with physical, occupational, and speech therapists assigned to students. It was my job to see that everyone on a student’s team was working together for the student as written in their IEP. That also includes communicating with parents on a regular basis. There is much more to learning than reading, writing, and arithmetic. I encourage students to become involved in extra-curricular activities. All work and no play creates a very unhealthy personality. Working with students has always been a delight for me. I consider it a privilege to have had the opportunity to have seen some of them go from kindergarten all the way through high school. Call me at 493.6724 if your child wants to join my team of “Keen Achieving Talented Students.” Have a good school year.
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Find the other right answer by BILL MADDEN, President/Creative Director ColorCreative, Inc., a Graphic Design and Brand Marketing Firm Turn ordinary ideas into extraordinary solutions. Too often we settle for the expected answer or the solutions that we were taught for so many years in school. Are these the only right answers? Henry Ford said that if he had asked people what they wanted, they would have said a faster horse, not a mass-produced car. Original ideas drive business, get attention and change the world. Creative thinking is not only a spark that comes in the middle of the night, it’s a process and hard work. There are many tools to help you think differently and come up with creative ideas. First start with finding twenty-five answers to the problem you are trying to solve. Usually the first few answers are the easy expected solutions. As you dig deeper you will come up with additional ideas. This process pushes past the expected and comes up with what you normally would not search out. If one of the first ideas is the best solution the time developing the additional ideas were not wasted, it allows you to know that the solution you have chosen is the best and not wonder if there was a better answer. Another exercise to help you develop a more creative thought process is to take a different route home from work, school or activity. It may feel unnatural but look around and see what you have been missing because you have taken the same route for so long. Do the same with the project you are working on. Look at it from a different viewpoint than you normally would. If you are solving a problem for a client that deals with kids, look at it from the viewpoint of an adult, alien, ant, couch, mp3 player, the sky… How do you know an idea is original? It scares the heck out of you. It’s not comfortable because it is not the norm or safe. The next big idea is out there but it takes courage to go beyond what is expected and come up with the other right answer. Contact Color9Creative at 891.4233 or visit us online at www.color9creaitve.com.
The increasing popularity of supportive services by PAUL MILLMAN It’s on the news. It’s in the papers. It’s the aging of our American population and it’s happening right before our eyes. As the number of older citizens continues to rise, a new and growing segment has emerged…the active senior. These Americans, in their late 70’s and above, can be characterized by their independent lifestyles and relatively good health. However, they can also be characterized by feelings of loneliness and their increasing inability to perform the daily tasks that let them remain independent. They need help, and their situation is becoming more common everyday. Today, 12 million Americans spend all or part of their day helping five million older family members and friends live comfortably at home. Many of these caregivers are their children, Baby Boomers now in their mid 40’s and 50’s, at their peak earning potential, and busy with their lives and careers. The majority are women and 25% of them care not only for both their parents, but also for their own children. The culmination of these trends has created a new burgeoning demand for in-home assistance and companionship. And today, more than ever, active seniors and those dear to them are opting for these services, known simply as supportive services. Today, Interim HomeStyle Services is meeting this growing need for in-home supportive services and taking some of the pressure off America’s 12 million family caregivers. HomeStyle Services provides active seniors with the highest quality of care, working with individual clients to develop a professional customized care plan tailored to the specific needs of each person. Trained employees either visit the home a few times a week or 24 hours/day depending on the need, and assist in activities such as bathing and grooming, preparing meals, providing transportation and much more. For more information, call Denise Lehman, RN at Interim HealthCare, 402.392.1818.
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Temple Israel high school students have been going to New York City and Washington, D.C., for years. “These trips represent formal and informal education. Blending social and academic aspects of education illustrates to the students that Judaism can be an integrated way of life,” said Elyce Azriel, Temple’s director of religious education. “The best programs for integrating informal and formal education instill the American Jewish teenager with a sense of Jewish values which the student can then use to guide how they react and live with our American culture,” added Azriel. “Jewish education extends well beyond the formal classroom to encompass informal experiences in organized activities such as L’Taken,” an intensive four-day seminar in Washington, D.C., that focuses on Jewish values and social justice. Every year, more than 100 Reform congregations from across the country bring their high school students to participate in L’Taken, which means to repair and is sponsored by the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. This unique Washington opportunity enables students to hear from experts from both inside and outside the Jewish community. Every L’Taken seminar covers several different issue areas in a variety of interactive formats. Each session includes an opportunity for students to tour the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and participate in havdalah services at one of the memorials. Students also visit Georgetown and other areas of the capital. Sean Bernstein, about to begin his second year at the University of Minnesota, went on the L’Taken trip when he was a senior. “It was really cool, really powerful. It was neat to meet Senator Ben Nelson and talk to him about our concerns like immigration. The trip gave me insight into how the government functions,” he said. In the past, the 10th grade class, accompanied by Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and others, visited New York City. They went to Times Square, a Broadway show, Ellis Island, Lower Manhattan to explore American Jewish history during its earliest years, the Lower East Side, the site of the World Trade Center, the Jewish Heritage Museum, Congregation B’nai Jeshurun and Kolot Chayeinu Temple for services, among other destinations. Sam Anderson, who will begin his second year at the University of Iowa, compared the two trips: “New York City was recreational, and Washington was purposeful.” In a couple years, according to Elyce Azriel, only Temple’s sophomores will go to L’Taken. The senior class will take in the sights of New York City. Until then, during the transition period, the current 10th, 11th, and 12th graders will go to L’Taken.
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Find your family through Jewish genealogy PEOPLE OF THE
BYTE
by MARK MIETKIEWICZ As we read the Torah, we are given quite a clear record of the births and deaths of those historic figures. Thousands of years later, there is little doubt who begat whom. Our own extended family trees, however, are rarely that clear. That’s why it’s ironic that one of the best tools to investigate our history research is one of the most modern - the Internet. With a bit of research and luck, you may be able to shed new light on your family history. When I first wrote about “JewishGen: The Home of Jewish Genealogy� several years ago, I felt it ranked among the very best Jewish sites of any type. I’m delighted to report that it’s still thriving. The website -www.jewishgen.org -- is actually many sites in one. In addition to its own extensive resources, it also hosts many related genealogical websites. Start off your travels in the Frequently Asked Questions area. This document will not only give you an overview but will tell you how to get started in Jewish genealogy with advice about everything from finding ocean liner passenger lists going back to 1800 to locating a local Jewish genealogy society. Next, check if you have relatives in the site’s massive database, Family Tree of the Jewish People. If you are lucky to find relatives (or would like to enter your own information) the page is set up like a standard family tree in which you fill in the blanks. jewishgen.org/gedcom Link up with family you never knew you had at JewishGen Family Finder. It contains “100,000 ancestral surnames and 18,000 town names, and is indexed and cross-referenced by both surname and town name.� This incredible database is the work of over 80,000 Jewish genealogists worldwide. Before you can do a search, you will be asked to create a free account for yourself -understandable since they want to add names of those interested in Jewish genealogy. Did you grow up hearing all about life in the ancestral
town of MĂĄriafĂźrd but you have no idea where it is (or how to spell it?) Type the name (or a reasonable guess) into ShtetlSeeker -- Town Search and you’ll get a map of that corner of the world. jewishgen.org/ShtetlSeeker. And have you forgotten how far it is from Plonsk to Minsk? Just plug the longitude and latitude into the Distance Calculator to find out it’s 94.5 km. jewishgen.org/jos/ At some point in your travels, you’ll have questions about the best way to research your family’s history. The JewishGen Discussion Group offers a moderated e-mail list you can subscribe to. tinyurl.com/2g7exj But before you fire off your question, check out to see if it’s already been answered in the group’s database of 100,000 messages. tinyurl.com/2exfrx Do you have a precious family document or letter but don’t understand what it says? Or a picture with people you can’t identify. Scan it, upload it and post it to ViewMate. Someone is bound to know. When I visited this section I found people looking for translations from Russian, Yiddish, German and Polish, or who just wanted to share keepsakes. This is an amazing place to browse other people’s treasures. data.jewishgen.org/viewmate/ In the Projects section, find a link to the Holocaust Global Registry, set up to help survivors who are looking for family members and for child survivors who are searching for their identity. You will also find links to the JewishGen Online Worldwide Burial Registry, the Yizkor Book Project and a site called Genealogy by Genetics. Through DNA testing, they help “genealogists find lost relatives when the paper trail ends and the brick wall takes its place.â€? jewishgen .org/#Projects There is much more to JewishGen and that’s why this is such an incredible resource. And like all our family trees, the more you probe, the more surprises you are bound to find. Finally, now that you’re a budding genealogist yourself, don’t miss the article with the irresistible title, “Publish before you Perish.â€? tinyurl.com/2d3thq. Mark Mietkiewicz is a Toronto-based Internet producer who writes, lectures and teaches about the Jewish Internet. He can be reached at highway@rogers.com.
Jewish groups pitch in Continued from page 1 JCRC’s executive director. “We’ve been told [by law enforcement] to stand down.� He added, “As this develops, we’ll see more collaborations.� In the meantime, JCRC promoted an interfaith service hosted by Temple Israel, a Reform congregation, on Aug. 2. Participants included an imam and clergy from local churches. They used a small interfaith prayer book with passages from Christian and Jewish liturgy, as well as songs by the popular Jewish performer and songwriter Debbie Friedman. Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman described a comingtogether of several downtown congregations located not far from the bridge. “We are very connected, and we even took a trip to Israel together,� she said of Jewish, Protestant, Roman Catholic and Islamic houses of worship all within blocks of one another. “We have very strong ties.� The 45-minute service was timed exactly 24 hours after the collapse, at 6:15 p.m. Particularly moving, Zimmerman said, was the Birkat Hagomel, the blessing for those who survive. She noted that a woman congregant who works at the Temple’s summer camp was on the bridge. “Physically she was fine, but she was shaken,� Zimmerman said. “We have all been on that bridge hundreds of times,� she said, noting that the bridge connected the downtown area to the University of Minnesota campus, where many local children studied or used the sports facilities. “The entire community is struck by the randomness.� Temple Israel’s chapel was open Aug. 2 and 3 for personal prayer and meditation.
EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed Monday, Sept. 3 for Labor Day. The New Year’s issue publishes Sept. 7; all schedules, board lists and rabbis’ messages are due to the Press office no later than Aug. 10. Questions? Call 402. 334.6448.
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August 10, 2007
Beth El’s expanded high school curriculum promises to interest and intrigue teens By JILL BELMONT rewarding part of Jewish life.” Beth El Publicity Coordinator And, lastly, www.jewisharts.bestt: Through this From tikkun olam and synagogue citizenship to inter- course, students will have the opportunity to explore the pretations and insights into ancient Jewish texts, Beth wonderful world of Jewish arts: literature, visual arts, El’s High School of Jewish Studies will offer a smorgas- performing arts and culinary arts. Students will be able bord of Jewish learning for area teens during 2007-08. to select a special project and let their creative minds According to Education Director Judy Rubin, the pro- take charge. gram has experienced a makeover for this upcoming Students may concentrate in one learning track or may year, offering expanded courses and a diverse group of choose an eclectic ‘fruit salad,’ choosing from any or all teachers and guest speakers. of the tracks, Rubin said. All classes will be based on four learning tracks: Faculty includes Daniel Christensen, Glen Fineman, Text Messaging from the Jewish Sages: Explore Susan Paley, Gloria Kaslow, Beth Seldin Dotan, Eadie how the ancient Jewish texts (Torah, Prophets, Talmud, Tsabari, Howard Shandell, Alan Potash, Jeffrey Pirkei Avot, etc.) define and prepare us for today’s mod- Malashock, Andy Greenberg, Jim Fried, Cantor Gastón ern world. By unraveling the secrets and mysteries that Bogomolni, Rabbi Mordechai Levin, Mark Kelln, Zohar lie beneath the stoWiner and Beverly ries and events, Fellman. students will disThe first night of cover their own high school, insights as well as Wednesday, Aug. those from various 29, will be a social generations. evening for all P4 (P to the 4th metro-area Jewish students in grades power): People, eight-12, Rubin Places, Planets, said, noting that Priorities: What’s the high school is our Purpose in open to all Jewish Life?: Tikkun teens in the metro Olam, from social work, civil rights, area. BESTT High global warming, School students caring for the eldwill be encouraged erly, helping the to bring their poor and less forJewish friends for tunate, fundraisdinner, DJ, dancing ing, teaching and and socializing; leading the way for In June, students in the ‘Roots’ course offered by Beth El’s High School of Jewish they will also have just causes, the Studies, capped off the class with a four-day trip to New York City. Participants an opportunity to entire world is included, back row: Ygal Schuller, left, Liatte Dotan and Talia Tene; center row: meet the first-quardepending upon Macklin Emas and Jessica Morris; and, in front: Effie Tsabari. ter teachers in a each of us to take an active roll. Deep in our Jewish relaxed atmosphere. roots, is a tradition of community support. Specialized Classes will begin on Sept. 5; those students who are courses will help each person prepare and perhaps select unable to attend classes on Wednesday evenings may their own life’s path. enroll in a distance learning class offered through Gratz Bimah Me Up: This class will focus on a variety of College in Philadelphia for high school students. Those who successfully complete the on-line course ways to encourage positive synagogue citizenship, including learning to lead services, chant Torah and work will receive attendance credit towards graduation Haftarah, becoming comfortable with the morning and from BESTT HSJS. Students may also enroll in the onafternoon minyan, and the duties of a gabbai. “New line courses and attend BESTT HSJS classes. College skills are needed by many, to help them be guided in col- credit may be earned for students in grades 11 and 12. lege campuses and adult spiritual life,” Rubin noted. For more information, please contact Rubin at “This class will prepare our students for this very 498.0904 or at eddir@bethel-omaha.org.
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A great place for back-to-school shopping by JODI WINEMAN Experience some fun shopping for your children at Munchkin Junction’s fall sale. Munchkin Junction is a semi-annual children’s consignment sale for the Elkhorn and West Omaha area. Our consignment sale provides an opportunity for parents to sell their high quality children’s items that quickly accumulate as their children grow. Hundreds of consignors participate to provide an impressive variety of items to purchase. Enjoy the top notch facilities and the fun environment we strive to maintain. This is the place to shop and sell barely used, high quality items for newborn babies to teens, and even expecting mothers. Moms-to-be will be ecstatic with the great selection of maternity items. As moms, we know first hand how exasperating it can be to find great items without spending either too much time or money.
As a great alternative, Munchkin Junction is designed to be a one stop shop. The selection is everything imaginable: name brand clothing, toys, strollers, furniture, cribs, highchairs, climbing toys, movies, games, books, bedding, maternity and so much more. Munchkin Junction coordinates with local and international charities to ensure that any donated items are given to projects and charities which make an impact in their local communities. We provide special shopping times before the sale is open to the public for expecting moms, foster families and homeschool families. Do you run a daycare? Let us know as we have a special time for you as well. Visit our website for more details: www.munchkinjunctionsale.com or give us a call at 690.1481. The fall sale will be Aug. 22-25. Contact us soon if you would like to consign, we do fill up quickly.
My learning curve for improved health by SANDI HERZOG Everything has a learning curve! One of the biggest curves I am in right now has to do with my health. All-inclusive, that is physical, mental, emotional and spiritual, but let me focus on just the physical. There is so much to consider. And I know I really didn’t “consider” physical health when I was younger, but took it for granted. I cannot remember when I started thinking of myself as older and realizing that I ought to make some changes in my life to find an overall balance. Most parents will relate to the time when their children are young and needing a lot of attention, and thus, putting themselves last. That time can stretch on until they leave home! It takes a lot of discipline and delegating to fit exercise and eating well into our busy lives when we always want to put our children
first. By the time I wanted to change that, it had become a difficult habit! I am now trying to make new habits for myself. Like, shopping for fresh foods that are not processed and chemical laden. Then setting aside the time to prepare them and sit down in a relaxed atmosphere with my husband to eat, rather than too frequently giving in to the easier route of eating out. (However, it is not difficult to find healthy, nutritious meals in Omaha’s choice of restaurants!) And lastly, setting up my schedule for regular exercise and appropriate relaxation time. It helps me to know that a lot of you out there are trying to do the same! Remember, for biofeedback stress reduction, call me in convenient Rockbrook Village at 321.2873.
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The mission of BESTT is to teach our children the richness of Jewish life, help them achieve positive Jewish identities, and encourage them to actively participate in Jewish life.
B.E.S.T.T. for Pre Kindergarten through Twelfth Grades For information call Judy Rubin Education Director 498-0904 eddir@bethel-omaha.org
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Chabad knows kids the spiritual needs of our children, but also to those of by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT According to Estie Katzman, who has served as one of the parents. Raising children is a challenge. Getting the camp counselors for years, this was the most enjoy- together with others, and exchanging experiences can able Camp Gan Israel yet: “What we really liked this year create good discussions, and provide a sense of supwas the fact that camp ran through the 4th of July. We port.” In addition to the TGIW program, there will be more were able to incorporate a really nice barbeque right in the middle of camp, and include parents and grandpar- Mishpacha (Family) Mornings this Fall. Mishpacha Mornings are held most Sundays, 10:15- 11:45 a.m., ents in the camp experience.” Parent involvement is key when it comes to giving and are aimed at families with children age six and children a meaningful time over the summer. “Camp younger. “A real breakfast awaits you upon arrival, everyone Gan Israel offers much more than merely a place to drop your children off,” said Estie, “we encourage parents to noshes and chats, the kids and adults have quick separate be aware of the wonderful things their children learn meetings to discuss the daily topics at their level, and during camp. The kids bring what they learn home, and lastly everyone regroups to tie it all together or to finish an art project. It’s amazing hopefully incorporate how many meaningful, many mitzvot into their thoughtful, and useful Jewish daily life. It is a spiritually ideas come out of just one enriching time for the morning at Chabad. Regardless whole family.” of your level of observance, you The Gan Israel Camp are guaranteed to learn somewas awarded a grant from thing for you and your children the Shirley and Leonard in a relaxed and fun atmosGoldstein Supporting phere,” Denenberg says. Foundation. The campers All Mishpacha University proenjoyed many different grams will officially kick off on things, such as swimWednesday, Sept. 12 with an ming, a visit to the apple picking event. An afterDurham Western noon outing to an apple Heritage museum, and orchard will be organized for crafts. They went to Fun who are interested. Plex, they went bowling, Josie Platt, left, helps her mother Ellen, and sister Ruby, put all and had a fashion show. together their family’s hanukkiyah at Mishpacha Mornings’ Mishpacha Mornings will be They learned Israeli danc- Hanukkah party. The party summed up last year’s winter receiving funding from the Esther K. Newman/ Carolyn ing and many, many session. songs. They learned about tzedakah and many other Kully Newman Foundation. Another event planned for fall is the repeat of last mitzvot, such as saying brachot and helping each other. Most importantly, they learned what it means to be a year’s “Challah- thon.” On Monday, Sept. 10, 7 p.m., anyone interested in baking, eating, or purchasing chalproud Jewish “superhero.” “We want children and families to leave here with a lah is welcome to come to the Chabad House and join sense of how joyful Judaism really is,” Shani Katzman in the fun. “This is more than just a baking class,” Shani Katzman says, “and we want them to come back, often.” Coming back should not be hard, considering what says. “It will give people a chance to connect within a Chabad has planned for this Fall. Sept. 5 will mark the traditional context. We will have several recipes to share, beginning of “Thank G-d it’s Wednesday,” a new pro- and for anyone too busy to bake for Rosh Hashanah, gram for parents with young children who are not yet in fresh, home-baked challahs are available for purchase.” school. One of the organizers is Tippi Denenberg, who Naturally, Chabad will have adult education available has three young children of her own. several times a week as well. To find out about dates and “I think it is important to have a place and time for times for any of these activities, and to register you famparents to get together,” she says. “We are trying to cre- ily for the fall semester, please call Chabad at 330.1800, ate an environment where we not only pay attention to or check out the program at www.ochabad.com.
Educators’ mission to Israel awakens, strengthens Jewish identity in Temple teachers tity was something I worked on each Shabbat as I recited by CLAUDIA SHERMAN the blessings and watched the candles burn…but I always Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Ten educators from Temple Israel made the trip to felt as if something was missing from my Jewish soul. I Israel in June on a seven-day mission sponsored by the think I knew what was missing but really didn’t think the Center for Jewish Education. “Experiencing Israel has opportunity would come to experience the sites, sounds, had a dramatic impact on the teachers,” said Elyce and smells of Israel. Nor did I really imagine the change Azriel, director of religious education at Temple. “It has my spirit could feel by taking that journey.” deepened the sense of idenThe feelings Idelman tity and Jewish pride for all absorbed at the Kotel still participants.” swell her eyes with tears…“a Amy Filler-Katz, a midfeeling of homesick…a feeldle/high school teacher at ing of peace…a longing that Temple, was “quite anxious has been replaced with to go to the Land of Israel. I memories and stories that couldn’t imagine how one will provide encouragement country could be revered as to get others to take that trip the religious home of three to the land of milk and different religions. I asked honey.” myself how can it be that “Developing a relationship they all lay claim to this to the State of Israel has land? During our travels, I become an integral part of stood with Jews at the Kotel these teachers’ Jewish identiand said my Shabbat prayers While in Israel, Temple teachers presented a check to Damon ty,” pointed out Azriel. “All and prayers for peace. In a Rose, Partnership director in the Western Galilee. The of them came back enthused small coastal town, I heard money, donated by Temple's Religious School, Tot Shabbat, and wanting to apply what the Muslim call to prayer. At and other sources, will be used to complete a bomb shelter they have learned into their the Church of the Holy for the Wings program which is dedicated to the progress and classrooms. At our teachers Sepulcher, I watched, in development of young people who have disabilities. The edu- orientation meetings in respectful silence, the joy of cators are Patsy Wigodsky, left, Dora Goldstrom, Toby August, part of the time will Christians as the church Fellman, Damon Rose, Ann Noodell, Elyce Azriel, Jill be devoted to a proposed art Idelman, Maya Wertheimer (who also teaches at Beth El and project for the lower grades bells rang. “God is everywhere,” Beyt Shalom), Amy Filler-Katz, and Natasha Kraft; seated: in conjunction with Filler-Katz continued, “as I Lori Bennett and Rita Paskowitz. Partnership 2000 and a witnessed firsthand on our trip…which reaffirmed to me that openness and acceptance and tolerance of others’ beliefs can only serve to strengthen mine.” Second grade teacher Jill Idelman said her “Jewish iden-
mitzvah project for the teachers personally linking them to real people and communities in our Partnership. Such projects will help connect the ‘experience’ of Israel into long lasting people-to-people bonds.”
August 10, 2007
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN cludes on May 30. Cost per semester is $65 for Temple Temple Israel Communications Coordinator members and $75 for all others who register. Children are never too young to begin a lifetime of Joan Cooper, who taught preschoolers before she Jewish learning. “So we have ‘reinvented’ our par- moved to Omaha and after arriving here in 1990, will ent/toddler class, based on ‘The Kids’ Fun Book of be the teacher of the parent/toddler class. She was a Jewish Time’ by Emily Sper,� said Temple Israel lead teacher at the Jewish Community Center for sevDirector of Religious Education Elyce Azriel. The eral years, then worked as the Kinder Kapers coordinacolorful book introduces the yearly cycle of Jewish tor in the JCC youth department, on the Kidz Inn staff, and as camp directime -- including night tor for grades three and and day, sunset to sunfour at the JCC summer set, days of the week, camp. Shabbat, holidays, the Cooper started at seasons of the year, and Temple in 1996 as the Hebrew dates. assistant to the education Each family that regisdirector and then ters for the class will became the elementary receive its own copy of school coordinator in the book which brings 1998. “She has been a the Jewish calendar to key person in our Torah life through clever paper Tots classes at Temple in engineering and bold the past,� Azriel said. designs which capture “Joan’s experience with the attention of young the parent/toddler class readers and teach older and her wonderful creones key concepts and ativity will make this a vocabulary in English Meeting to discuss learning opportunities for Temple’s toddler pop- fun and enriching experiand in Hebrew. The author, who writes ulation are: seated, Rosie Zweiback, left, Temple program director; ence for parents and todand designs Jewish chil- Annette van de Kamp-Wright, Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) dlers alike.� As the children dren’s books and games vice president of young family programming; Lori Bennett, and has worked in the Religious School administrative assistant; and Joan Cooper, parent- explore Jewish living, field for more than a toddler class teacher; standing: Dana Kaufman, also WRJ vice pres- values, and holidays decade, engages children ident of young family programming; Elyce Azriel, Temple’s director through art, music, dance, food, stories, and with her book by inviting of religious education; and Danielle Gordman, WRJ president. them to slide the sun down to sunset on one page, pull visits from the clergy, they will have “the opportunity a tab “to light� the Shabbat candles, turn a wheel to to learn and play together while developing a sense of see the first three stars in the evening sky, and flip up their own Jewish identity in our community,� Cooper the flaps on another page to learn how to count with explained. “Interactions and connections between children and Hebrew letters. “Marking Milestones with Jewish Time,� as the parents are a key ingredient in the program,� she said. “I enjoy teaching children of this age, because their Temple class is entitled, begins Friday, Aug. 24, 9:3011 a.m. and is open to all children, between 18 view of the world is so innocent and full of awe,� months of age to pre-kindergartners, in the communi- Cooper added. “Parents can learn to re-appreciate the ty who have at least one Jewish parent. Sitter service world from watching their children. For a child, everywill be available with a reservation. Call Temple at thing is a new moment waiting to be experienced. 556.6536. Other class dates are Sept. 28, Oct. 5 and What an amazing lesson for adults!� To register, please contact Elyce Azriel or Lori 19, Nov. 2 and 16, Dec. 7 and 21. In addition to parents, aunts, uncles, bubbes, and Bennett at Temple Israel by calling 556.6536 or at tiszaydes are also welcome. An adult must accompany rael@templeisraelomaha.com. Registration for seceach child. Second semester begins Jan. 18 and con- ond semester will be in December.
Campers young and old enjoyed summer activities at Camp Herzl in Wisconsin. Photos from top: Bev and Dick Fellman paddle out to Devil’s Lake during Kishishim. The four-day camping experience for seniors was an anniversary gift from their children, in thanks for years of Jewish camping, according to Bev Fellman. Herzl’s new assistant director should be a familiar face to Omahans: Danny Parsow, pictured here with staff member Rachel Javitch, a senior at University of Wisconsin, and the Fellmans, and Omaha campers: Alyssa Kirshenbaum, Rachel Zetzman, Lauren Kirshenbaum, and Brooke Shulweis. Rachel Zetzman and Lauren Kirshenbaum borrowed clothes from bunkmates to dress alike.
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Temple parent-toddler class to focus fun on Jewish concepts of time
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 10, 2007
What does it mean to be a Jew? This week and next, the Jewish Press will run a series of opinion pieces in reaction to Noah Feldman’s article in the July 22 New York Times Magazine. Feldman, a young wellrespected professor at Harvard, wrote about being cropped out of a reunion photo from the Maimonides Jewish Day School in Boston. His reaction, painful at times, spurred the oped pieces readers will see on these pages today and in our Aug. 17 issue. What does it mean to be a Jew today? And what does it mean to be in an interfaith relationship? In Reform and Recontructionist circles, it means acceptance into congregational life for the entire family, even if spouses or children have not converted. However, it doesn’t mean a rabbi in an interfaith relationship can have a pulpit in congregations (or teach in seminaries) in either of those demoninations. In Conservative congregations, it’s more difficult, and in Orthodox ones, barely discussed. As readers will note, Modern Orthodoxy, especially, sends mixed messages: “Be involved in the world,” but not too involved. If you marry out, you’ll be cropped out, as Feldman discovered. We’re not advocating intermarriage here. To do so, sends a message that will eventually mean the disappearance of the Jewish people (except for the “faithful remnant,” those the media calls “ultra” Orthodox or “fervently” Orthodox, but who will, we’re sure, maintain Jewish family life far into the future). Surely even the most liberal Jews do not want the Jewish people to disappear. And surely even the most “fervent” Jews want to main-
tain even the slimmest thread of connection to their relatives involved in interfaith relationships. So what are we -- as individuals and as a community -- to do? The first step is an obvious one: don’t cut the cord. Writing off Jews who are not living the kind of Jewish life their families and the community expect is a surefire way to ensure their kids won’t be Jewish. Inviting them to share in family celebrations, Jewish rituals, Shabbat experiences and the like keeps the door open and who knows, perhaps conversion might be a future simcha. Of course, Jews who want Shabbat in their lives, as well as the family celebration of other holidays (like the fun-filled days of Sukkot and Purim, for example) are more likely to seek out Jewish partners. So maybe we need to educate ourselves first -- and our children -and place the emphasis on that, instead of on after-school activities and Friday night football games. If we choose Shabbat -- and make it fun for our kids -- maybe they’ll choose it, too. Let them invite their friends and serve their favorite foods. Even allow them as much pop and dessert as they want -- and let them stay up late. If they come to understand that Shabbat is special, different from the rest of the days of the week, there’s a better chance of them recognizing that being Jewish is special, too. Read through the pages of this
week’s special issue on education, “The Learning Curve.” You’ll see that Jewish education is not just for kids, and it’s not just formal classroom learning either. There are so many varied options, from films to art to book discussions, that Jews (and those interested in Judaism) could fill every day of their calendars. It’s too bad Noah Feldman feels left out; without assigning blame to either the community or to him, it’s not to late to come home.
Jewish Press Committee Bobbi Leibowitz, Vice-Chairman; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Treasurer; Michael Siegel, Finance Chairman; Joanie Jacobson, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; George Quittner; Eve Randone, Melissa Schop; Michael Sigmond; Jim Simon; Nancy Skid; and Dorothy Spizman. 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, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a constitutional committee 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.
The Prisoner who wouldn’t be freed
FOCUS ON ISSUES by RABBI SHEA HECHT
Even in the face of all evidence the truth can be denied. I find this is especially true when it comes to news that pertains to Israel. There are times that all the data points one way and still there is disbelief about the facts. In what can only be called “unbelievable,” one of the more than 200 terrorist prisoners scheduled for release as part of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s “good will” gesture to the Palestinian Authority said “no” to the offer of freedom. The other prisoners on the list were released after having signed a statement promising not to return to their former occupation of attacking Israeli citizens. This prisoner chose to remain in an Israeli prison, according to Pardons Department director Emmy Palmor, because he prefers to continue receiving free medication for arthritis. Though this highlights the lack of proper medical care in the Palestinian authority it also brings another point to light: The humane treatment of Israeli prisoners and the amount of medical care that Palestinian prisoners get in Israeli jails. If the prisoner was living in inhumane or intolerable conditions he would obviously have grabbed the chance to leave the Israeli penitentiary system. I suppose prison in Israel is better than “freedom” among Palestinians. What I find fascinating is how the whole world is oblivious to any of Israel’s humanitarian deeds. Here is a prisoner that is turning down a chance for freedom because he knows that the only way he can get the medicine he needs is by staying in Israel and though he is a prisoner he is getting the help he needs. And because of the acts of terror he has committed against Israel, the only way he can stay there is to stay in jail.
Israel’s value of the human being and human life has caused them to behave in ways that defy logic. This prisoner is not the only enemy that is being helped with Israeli medicine. Israeli doctors are known to help the very enemy that is out to destroy them. They routinely treat patients that come from enemy territory without asking questions.
Israel’s value of the human being and human life has caused them to behave in ways that defy logic ... Israeli doctors are known to help the very enemy that is out to destroy them. They routinely treat patients that come from enemy territory without asking questions. During the recent fighting between Hamas and Fatah, dozens of Arabs wounded in Gaza including several terrorists - were brought to Israeli hospitals for free treatment. Incredibly, terrorists are often taken to the very same Israeli hospitals as their innocent victims, when wounded during their attacks, and are given the same care as their victims, although they are under heavy guard. When a Palestinian teen that attacked two police officers in Hevron last April was taken to an Israeli hospital for treatment after being shot by a commander, questioning by security forces was deferred until medical clearance was given. Humanitarian gestures such as these are not practiced in any Muslim country if an unfortunate Jew should fall into Muslim hands. In February, more than a dozen PA residents received treatment at Ashkelon’s main medical facility for Israelis who are injured in Kassam rocket attacks fired from Gaza. Treatment of the patients continued even as one of the rockets narrowly missed a strategic target in the port city. Most of the PA men who were treated in
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Ashkelon were allegedly part of the Gaza police force or the Fatah militia. However, doctors refused to comment on their patients’ terrorist connections, saying that medicine has always ignored political conflicts. Dr. Ron Lobel, the medical director, said “We certainly don’t check if someone belongs to Hamas, to Jihad or if he comes from Sderot - we treat everyone exactly the same way.” An Israeli doctor once told me, “I don’t mind servicing wounded Palestinian patients because that’s what we were taught to do, but it does bother me when the television news reports detail how many Jews were killed in an attack and the Palestinian patients break into cheers.” Yet he still treats patients without asking religion and affiliation as do all the other doctors. I applaud the Israeli medical staff their humanitarianism. It’s a good thing. It’s a Jewish thing. Training one’s self to be giving to all creatures - maybe even vile terrorists helps mold a kind and giving nature. What bothers me is the attitude of those who criticize Israel. Of those who boycott Israel. Of those who say Israel is a totalitarian regime that doesn’t care about anyone besides their own. When the facts tell us that it’s the enemy that bars all religions besides their own, the enemy that kills anyone who doesn’t believe what they do, the enemy that tortures anyone unlucky enough to fall into their hands, then I can’t understand how anyone can be blind enough not to see the facts for what they are. In fact, I can’t remember the last time a Muslim country had a prisoner who wouldn’t be freed. Rabbi Hecht is Dean of Hadar Hatorah School for College Youth and a lecturer at the Ivy League Torah Study Program. He is a cofounder of the Ari Program, an innovative school for at-risk kids. He can be reached at rabbishea@aol.com.
Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee 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: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $33 per calendar year U.S.; $40 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 e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
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August 10, 2007
Welcoming intermarried couples lowers the gravity of intermarriage directs. The righteous among the other nations, the Talmud goes on to teach, will receive their eternal reward. by RABBI AVI SHAFRAN But the Jewish faith is clear about the ultimate NEW YORK (JTA) -- One can’t redemption of the world: It help but feel sad for Noah Feldman. In is dependent on the Jewish People’s spite of his considerable professional remaining a nation apart in fundamental accomplishments -- a law professorship at ways. One way is in our basic beliefs -- for Harvard, three books, a slew of well- instance, that God gave our ancestors His received essays and a fellowship at the law and never subsequently changed it. Council on Foreign Relations, to name a Another is in our commitment to the few -- the young Jew is clearly stewing. A integrity of the Jewish people qua people bubble of his own imagining has burst in -- our commitment, in other words, to his face. What he imagined was that in its marry other Jews. embrace of both Judaism and elements of A celebrated Orthodox television percontemporary culture, the “Modern sonality and pundit reacted to Feldman’s Orthodoxy” of his youth granted Jews article in a Jerusalem Post opinion piece license to abandon as much of Jewish with words of welcome. While he considreligious observance as ers intermarriage “a There may be quibbles they deem appropriate. direct threat to the very Expressing his anger in about the means by which we continuity of the Jewish a recent New York Times express our rejection of their people,” he nevertheless Magazine piece titled Feldman “a choice, but the absence of any considers “Orthodox Paradox” -prince of the Jewish coolly, to be sure, but the communal expression of nation” and suggests that hurt seeps thickly reproach is nothing less than intermarrieds be treated through the poised prose an invitation to intermarriage. no differently from the -- Feldman describes how inmarried -- that they be the Boston-area Jewish school he attend- offered our “love and respect.” ed as a child and teenager went so far as His suggestion stems from his Jewish to crop a class reunion photograph to heart, but his Jewish head should have omit him and his non-Jewish, Korean- been more carefully consulted. Yes, there American fiancee, whom he later married. is ample reason to feel sympathy for Jews But the Photoshopped portrait is only who intermarry. Transgressions perthe professor’s anecdotal hook. What formed from desire, Jewish tradition Feldman really resents is that his erstwhile teaches, do not reach the level of those school, along with some of his mentors intended to be transgressive. and friends, spurn him for his decision to And on a personal level, there are reamarry outside his faith. sons to not cut off connections to interNo one is rude to him, he admits. married friends or relatives. It is not None of his former teachers or friends, he unheard of for non-Jews married to Jews writes, would refuse to shake his hand. to actually guide their spouses back to But Feldman knows they deride him for Judaism and to themselves convert; prethe life path he has chosen, and that cisely such a couple is the subject of offends and perplexes him. Migrant Soul, a biography I was priviDoes not “Modern Orthodoxy,” after leged to write. all, embrace the “reconcil[iation of] At the same time, though, there is simJewish faith with scholarship and engage- ply no way -- not in the real world -- to ment in the public sphere”? Should it warmly welcome intermarrieds without not, therefore, regard his intermarriage as welcoming intermarriage. No way to an expression, if somewhat extreme, of make the Feldmans feel accepted for who his effort at such reconciliation? Were he they are without making potential and his classmates not taught to see Feldmans view intermarriage as innocuthemselves as “reasonable, modern peo- ous. No way to “devalue” the gravity of ple, not fanatics or cult members”? intermarriage without dulling the truth Leaving aside whether un-“Modern” that every Jew is an invaluable link in the Orthodox Jews are in fact disengaged Jewish chain of generations. from the public sphere -- a visit to any of If one begins with the premise that a number of financial firms, law offices intermarriage is dangerous to the Jewish and high-tech retail businesses in New people and the Jewish mission, the interYork or other places with large “ultra- married cannot enjoy our acceptance. Orthodox” populations might yield eviThere may be quibbles about the dence to the contrary -- much less means by which we express our rejection whether they are fanatical or cultist, of their choice, but the absence of any Feldman’s umbrage is misplaced. There is communal expression of reproach is a reason why, to Orthodox Jews -- and nothing less than an invitation to intermany non-Orthodox no less -- no matter marriage. how embracing they may be of the largTo my lights, it doesn’t seem extreme er world, intermarriage represents a deep in the least for a Jewish school to make betrayal. It is more than a violation of clear to an intermarried alumnus that Jewish religious law. It is an abandon- despite his secular accomplishments, it ment of the Jewish past and an under- feels no pride in him for his choice to mining of the Jewish future. intermarry. I wouldn’t expect an Because marriage, arguably the most American Cancer Society gathering to important choice in a Jewish life, is not a smile politely at a chain-smoking partnership but rather a fusing -- “and attendee either. they shall be as one flesh,” in the words It is painful, no doubt, to be spurned of Genesis. Since a spouse is part of one- by one’s community. It is painful, too, for self, the personal consequences of inter- a community to feel compelled to express marriage are profound, as the communal its censure. Sometimes, though, in perones are in Feldman’s case; his children sonal and communal life no less than in are not Jewish. weightlifting, only pain can offer -- in the Judaism views the Jewish People as a larger, longer picture -- hope of gain. special and hallowed entity. Members of Rabbi Avi Shafran is director of pubthe nation are to care for all -- “we are to lic affairs for Agudath Israel of support the poor of the nations along America. He can be reached at with the Jewish poor,” as the Talmud Shafran@agudathisrael.org.
FOCUS ON ISSUES
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Good for the Jews about the doctor’s note about saving non-Jews. I find myself reading Feldman’s treatise for information that isn’t there. Where did his alienation begin? Was by ESTHER KUSTANOWITZ there a disparity between the messages he By now, members of the mainstream received at school and the ones he and mobile media have had a chance to received at home? Was it standard dissoread and respond to “Orthodox nance between the values of Judaism and Paradox,” Noah Feldman’s recent piece the mores of contemporary American in The New York Times Magazine about society? Was there a flaw in the education his alienation from the Orthodox com- system that didn’t get Feldman the munity. Most people react with “You answers he needed? And did the commucan’t be expected to be part of the nity ever reach out to make him feel valModern Orthodox community and inter- ued and welcome? marry. You can’t have it both ways.” But Was his fiancee -- now -- wife ever the clash between the traditional and the interested in conversion? How did they contemporary is itself the titular paradox, meet? Was this issue ever an issue in their and a particular problem of a more liber- relationship? Did they have a conversaal approach to Orthodoxy. tion about how to raise their kids? Did It’s not just the daily choices faced by they consult with a rabbi or other advismodern Jews -- it’s those choices in the er? How did their parents feel, and context of previous and future choices. should that be a model for the acceptance Your decisions have weight not just on of the community? Did they find a place their own but as part of each other. It’s to be Jewish? Would the community like Jewish Jenga: pull out one piece and have reacted better if the fiancee had you’re OK -- unless the whole thing falls gone through a conversion of convendown. ience to gain the ... whether that means becom- sanction to marry Like it or not, intermarriage is a ing radical environmentalists, Feldman? part of the contemWas the issue with porary Jewish secular Zionists, gay rabbis, actors the photo -- the American scene. and comedians, or staying single Crop Heard Round Liberal communithe World? And with into your 30s. Who knows? ties struggle with his knowledge of the Anything outside the ordinary the issue regularly; Orthodox world but because inter- and it’s a problem. what exactly did marriage is rarer in Feldman expect the religious community, Orthodoxy would happen? even in its most “modern” iteration isn’t While strict Orthodoxy encourages emotionally or logistically equipped to more complete separation, Modern deal with it happening to one of their Orthodox yeshiva day schools convey a own. Intermarriage might be, as others dual message with many shades of nuance have alleged, the solitary destructor of that propose a contemporary comprothe Jewish People. And then again, mise boundaried by foggy guidelines. maybe it isn’t. This duality, difficult to maintain, results In this case, the Orthodox response is in choices like “eating dairy out,” “taking that intermarriage is unforgivable and, the ‘Shabbos train’ to Friday night dintherefore, Feldman as its symbol should ner” and being “shomer Shabbat up to be cut off as a lesson for all the day- seven floors and then taking the elevator school boys and girls. But are they also and pushing the button with your elbow asking questions like, “How does ‘one of as a shinui [change].” ours’ find himself in this situation? Is it “Engage in the world, but not too really that bad? And how can we deal much.” “Connect with modern life, but with it?” only under these conditions.” Modern One instinct clearly is to cut “problem observant Jews are like Moses on the children” like Feldman out of the picture. mountaintop, being shown a land they But as time goes on, other day-school will never possess: “Hey, do you see that? graduates may emerge with different Awesome, isn’t it? But not for you.” approaches to living Jewishly -- whether Feldman’s piece undoubtedly will ripthat means becoming radical environ- ple into many other conversations before mentalists, secular Zionists, gay rabbis, it fades from American Jewish memory. actors and comedians, or staying single But there’s this nagging feeling that into your 30s. Who knows? Anything maybe it’s Modern Orthodoxy, with its outside the ordinary and it’s a problem. double message, that can’t have it all. So never mind the invocation of Yigal Esther Kustanowitz is a freelace writer Amir and Baruch Goldstein, or the story and blogger in New York.
ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW
LETTER TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: An amazing group of kids did something wonderful for Uta Halee Girls Village. Staff members from the Jewish Community Center and fifth through eighth-graders in Specialty Camp took a week out of their summer to do a community service project. They pulled weeds, spread mulch, sanded drywall, wiped down walls, vacuumed, raked, and generally worked their tails off! The kids had an opportunity to learn along the way. They toured the Ruth Lind Scott Cottage and spoke to a youth care worker about a day in the life of one of our girls. It was so impressive to see the group pitch in, roll-up their sleeves and really work. This kids helping kids project beauti-
fied a section of the campus that really needed help. We are renovating an area of the Village and their work revolved around that project. We celebrated the end of their week with a root beer float party. Thank you to that grea group of kids for their wonderful work. Tracy Wells Director of Donor Relations Uta Halee Girls Village and Cooper Village
EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed Monday, Sept. 3, for Labor Day. The New Year’s issue publishes Sept. 7; all schedules, board lists and rabbis’ messages are due to the Press office no later than Aug. 10. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 10, 2007
Candlelighting Friday, Aug. 10, 8:11 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
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 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 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 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
Tree of Life Center 2925 Prairie Road Lincoln, NE 68506 613.7443 email: treeoflife.rabbimichael @yahoo.com
UNVEILING A stone setting for the late Esther Canar will be held Thursday, Aug. 16, 9:30 a.m., at Beth El Cemetery, 84th and ‘L’ Sts. PERSONAL Thanks to friends and family for their good wishes for my speedy recovery. Doris Cohen
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Gastón Bogomolni. FRIDAY: services, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Margo and Steve Riekes; K’Tantan Plus, 10:45 a.m. Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 8:20 p.m. Sitter Service is available during Friday night and Saturday morning services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays 6:55 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SISTERHOOD HONEY SALE Volunteers needed to help bottle and package honey on Sundays, Aug. 12 and 19. Contact Wendy Berenson, 253.2028 or Munch765@aol.com or Caryn Rifkin, 334.7216 or crgr6175 @aol.com. SHABBAT DINNER All Jewish adults in their 20s and 30s are invited to a Summertime Sangria Shabbat dinner by reservation on Friday, Aug. 10, following Kabbalat Shabbat. For information, contact Margie Gutnik in the office or at programming@bethelomaha.org. WHAT’S JEWISH ABOUT ME? SUNDAY, 11 a.m.: Arts and crafts and music activities for children ages 3-6. Free of charge. WOMEN’S ROSH CHODESH GROUP Wednesday, Aug. 15, 7 p.m. at the home of Phyllis Hoffman, 971 So. 95 St. For reservations, contact her at 391.7795 or exbubbe@cox.net. MEN’S CLUB SUNDAY SOFTBALL SERIES Sunday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m. at
the JCC ball fields. Practice game Sunday, Aug. 19, 10 a.m. All men in the Jewish community invited to play. For more information, contact Scott Simon, 616.4089 or simonsz @cox.net.
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. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Kiddush sponsored by the Taxman family. Mincha, 8 p.m. followed by Suedat Shlishit and Gemara class; Havdalah, 9:14 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. TUESDAY, 8 p.m.: Sisterhood’s Spirits and Spirituality at the home of Jeanette Nadoff with a program led by Havah Oxman. WEDNESDAY: Board of Commissioners, 6:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Lev Banim al Avotam Grant Kick-off and NCSY dinner, 5:30 p.m., multimedia presentation, 7:30 p.m.
BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.
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: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Living Torah, 9:30 a.m., 20minute video broadcast. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.
Barton (Bucky) Greenberg will celebrate his Second Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Aug. 18. This custom is predicated on the
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY, Shabbat Service, 7:45 p.m., oneg by Elaine Monnier. SATURDAY: Shabbat Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel. TUESDAYS, 7 p.m.: Beginner Hebrew: A Crash Course, led by Rabbi Emanuel on Aug. 14, 21, and 28.
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. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Cantor Wendy Shermet will lead the service. D’var Torah: Phyllis Glazer, “If Life is a Journey, Who Has my Map?” SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. SITTER SERVICE: Available each Friday evening service except when there is a Tot Shabbat, Saturday mornings when there is a B’nai mitzvah, and Sunday mornings during Religious School. Advance reservations and
a $5 donation appreciated. No facilities for infants.
NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. FRIDAY: Nosh, 6:15 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m., Torah service, 10:15 a.m.; aufruf of Brittany Perry and Thomas Evnen followed by a kiddush luncheon sponsored by Debra and Bob Evnen. MONDAY and THURSDAY, Minyan, 9 a.m. Please contact the office to make arrangements for a minyan at another time. TUESDAY, 6:30 p.m.: Women will have a dinner meeting at the Parthenon. RSVP to Gerry Schuchman. WEDNESDAY: Men’s lunch group meets at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Call Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066. SUMMER PICNIC Sunday, Aug.19, 12-3 p.m., at the home of David and Julie Brockman, 10500 Cromwell Dr.
TREE OF LIFE CENTER Services conducted by Rabbi Michael Weisser. FRIDAYS: Sabbath Experience, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAYS: Havdalah: Rites of Separation, 6:30 p.m.; Drumming Meditation until 8 p.m.; Social Time until 10 p.m. Sitting/Silent MONDAYS: Meditation, 6 p.m.; Teachings/ Discussion, 7:30 p.m. Sitting/ WEDNESDAYS: Silent Meditation, 6 p.m.; 8 Weeks to Mindfulness Class, 7:30 p.m.
Temple Israel to honor new members
B’NAI MITZVAH Benjamin E d w a r d Noodell, son of David and Ann Noodell, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Aug. 18, at Temple Israel. Ben will be entering eighth grade at Millard North Middle School. For his mitzvah project, he worked with the staff at Project Harmony, a community-based child protection center. He enjoys baseball, lacrosse, football, and spending time with friends. He has a sister, Molly. Her grandparents are Jack and Maxine Noodell and Don and Peggy Girard.
MONDAY: Maamar Kabbalistic Insights for Women, 12:15 p.m.; Halacha, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: W.O.W. Tehillim & More, 9 a.m.; Parshah Roundup: Weekly Torah Portion, 7 p.m. Kabbalah WEDNESDAY: Circle, 7 p.m.; A Peek Through the Lens of Kabbalah, 8 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m.
Biblical “lifetime” of three score and 10, with a hoped-for additional 13 years and possible second Bar Mitzvah. Bucky has been a board member, chairman of the Endowment Committee and President of Beth El. He received recognition for his efforts on behalf of Federation campaigns, Israel Bonds, and the Anti-Defamation League, and an award for Excellence from he Omaha Sportscasters Association. He continues his career in life insurance and estate planning. His hobbies include competetive swimming, fly fishing, and reading. Bucky will be joined in celebrating with his wife, Caryl; daughter and son-in-law, Beth Greenberg and Joe Wright of New York City; son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Terry Greenberg of Sherman Oaks, CA; and grandchildren, Lauren and Kevin Greenberg.
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator New members who have joined Temple Israel since last September will be honored at Shabbat worship services on Friday, Aug. 17, 6 p.m., at Temple. “We think of our congregation as a family, and when people come for the first time, it’s as important for the congregation as for the new members to meet and feel comfortable with the rest of the family,” said Rabbi Eric Linder who will conduct the worship service with Rabbi Aryeh Azriel
and Cantor Wendy Shermet. “This is a good opportunity to ask what our new members are looking for in their Jewish lives,” suggested Rabbi Linder. In the past year, 31 new family units (which includes individual members) have joined the congregation. They will all receive invitations to attend the Shabbat service. New members will be guests of Temple at a dinner following the worship service. Reservations are requested by returning the card that came with the invitation or by calling the office at 556.6536.
To Submit B’nai Mitzvah Announcements Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, or by e-mailing the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org. You can also submit other announcements -- births engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements.
August 10, 2007
The choice is yours
Be a role model;
DEATHS
the person you want your kid to be. What stronger anti-drug message is there?
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Re’eh I have been amused, and probably you have too, with the TV picture of a young man asking his parents, “Whom shall I choose?� And there stand three lovely young women, each ready to be chosen as this boor’s bride. What young woman would be so soulless as to marry, willingly, this guy, simply because his parents chose her? She would say, “I’m not marrying his parents. It’s this young man whom I am willing to marry.� Our Sidra, which has much of interest, captures our attention at the very beginning: it says, “Look, I put before you this day a blessing and a curse; the blessing if you follow the mitzvot of the Lord, and the curse if you refuse to accept the mitvot which the Lord has placed before you.� There follows a dramatic confrontation with the blessings on one mount and the curses on a facing mount. Now, the choice is yours. Which will you have as you enter the Land of Israel? We are generally not confronted with so life-implicating a choice. To be sure, we always have the choices between this career and that career, this line of study and that, this university and that, this city and that, even this neighborhood and that. The choices have consequences. Where we live, what we choose as our occupation, whom we choose as neighbors and friends -- all these have consequences that define our life, usually for all our years. Relatively seldom do we make a serious change of course during the years of our life. A choice usually involves our thinking and our actions for the rest of our years. For the most part, we do not give proper attention to the choices we make early in life. And yet, they may decide early what we will be and what we will do for all the years that follow. It is in this sense that we must contemplate the opening verses of our Sidra: “Look, I place before you blessing and curse!� The Sidra explains all of this in the simple words of following or not following the commands the Lord has placed before Israelites as they are about to enter the Land. But the choices we have before us are choices that are neither so simple nor so drastic. The choices in our daily life have to do with the kind of person we want ourselves to be, and the kind of life that we expect to live. Who will be our companions, who our neighbors, who our co-workers and friends?
AARON L. RAZNICK Former Omahan Aaron L. Raznick died July 3 in Calabasas, CA, at the age of 80. Burial was at Hillside Memorial Park in Los Angeles. An award-winning real estate developer, Raznick was chairman and CEO of Raznick Realty Group for 44 years. He developed a number of housing developments, office buildings, self-storage facilities and retail centers and was commited to environmental causes and maintenance of natural habitats. Outside his work commitement, he served as campaign chairman for the University of California at Santa Barbara, as well as two terms as chairman of its Board of Trustees, the UCSB Student Housing Scholarship. He and his wife, Cherie, endowed a Chair in Economics, as well as a UCSB Crew Team scholarship, in memory of their late son, Stephen. The Raznicks also endowed a Chair in Environmental studies at Tel Hai Academic College in the Upper Galilee, and a music addition to the library at the University of Judaism in Los Angeles. In addition to his wife of 57 years, Raznick is survived by his son, Robert; daughters, Deborah Raznick and Luanne Bradley; brother, David Raznick; and granddaughters, Sydney and Lauren Bradley. IRVING RIPS Former Omahan Irving Rips died July 30 in Torrance, CA, at the age of 80. Services were held Aug. 1 at Mount Sinai Cemetery in Los Angeles. He began his career in the optical industry by fusing glass biofocals in his uncle’s factory in Omaha. In 1954, he designed a bifocal without lines: the first seamless bifocal, which made people look younger in his opinion. He founded Younger Optics the next year and continued to invent a series of new products for the industry. He was honored with a lifetime achievement award in 1992. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Grace Bebe Rips; three children, Ted, David and Debby Rips, and eight grandchildren.
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To submit obituaries: E-mail to the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.org; fax to 402.334.5422, or mail to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154, or online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press� and go to Submit Announcements.
resident of the Home, and Linda Fitzgerald, an RBJH by ANDREA BARTMAN The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home is buzzing with Activities Director. It has spread to include everyone (both residents and staff members) with an interest in excitement over the upcoming “Salute to Big Bands.� This three-day festival, organized by the Blumkin participating by singing or playing an instrument. The Classics will be featured alongside the Nebraska Home activities department, will begin with a performance by the Lyn Eby Swing Band on Monday, Aug. Wind Symphony Swingtones, an 18-piece big band, in 20, 12:30 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center. the finale concert for the festival on Wednesday, Aug. Other festival activities include a performance by the 22, 7:15 p.m., at the JCC. This amazing ensemble will Omaha Jitterbuggers and a 1940s style soda jerk party; be performing songs from Glenn Miller, Cole Porter, all events are free and Benny Goodman and other big band open to the community. greats. Many of the residents at Contributors to the festival include: the RBJH note big band Jewish Senior Services, the Nebraska Jewish era music as their favorite. Historical Society (including Renee This love of the music has Corcoran, Kathy Weiner and Joan Udes), spawned a new musical the Glenn Miller Birthplace Society group of their own, The Museum in Clarinda, Iowa, and the Classics. Durham Western Heritage Museum. The Classics vocal Displays featuring pictures and artifacts ensemble was created of the Big Band era will be on display at the during collaboration “The Classics� made its debut performance at Blumkin Home throughout the festival, between Joan Larson, a the RBJH talent show in February. and prior to the finale concert at the JCC.
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Blumkin Home festival will “Salute Big Bands�
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 10, 2007
Rome’s Jewish history backdrop for recent Maccabi Games by ANNE MUSKIN Jewish Press editorial intern I walked into a tiny shop in a desperate search for my very own espresso maker. On a mission, I dismissed the beautiful religious jewelry and abundant miniature statues as I found my prize. As I approached the counter to pay a little woman, who looked more Russian than Italian, she looked up and said “Eight euros.” “Un momento,” I replied as I dug in my purse. I produced the coins and she smiled, “Shalom.” I smiled back and greeted her in Hebrew. The excitement in her eyes poured across the counter, as she gave my sister and me motherly hugs. We spent a while talking in broken English, Italian, and Hebrew explaining to her why we were there and where we are from. The ease was unmistakable; we carried on like family. As we left, it dawned on me that this place, in the middle of uncountable basilicas (churches) and unending Papal influence, was a place where I belong, too. Outside of Israel are many Jewish communities, but none are more ancient in Europe than the Jewish community in Rome, Italy. It was created before the Diaspora and has managed to survive under extreme social, religious, and political conditions. In 161 BCE, ambassadors of Judah Maccabi arrived in Rome. They came in search of Roman protection from the Greek-Assyrian King, Antiochus IV. Many Jews followed after them, and brought their customs and rich traditions to the area. These customs are currently referred to as the “Italian Rite”. The Roman Jewish community swelled to some 48,000 Jews and 13 synagogues
during the Roman Empire. They lived, a distinctive yellow hat. They were one organization. There is a distinctive and continue to live in Trastevere, the allowed only one synagogue inside the connection to Judaism and tradition evilocation “across the Tibor River.” During ghetto -- and not allowed to own any dent when the barriers are removed. the reformation, in 1555, Pope Paul IV property outside or practice higher edu- Although many congregants are not established the Roman Jewish Ghetto, cation; Talmudic literature also was Orthodox, when they’re in the synawith an edict commonly called cum nimis banned in Rome. Italian Jews continued gogue, they all participate in an absurdum, because he believed it was to live in the ghetto under these extreme Orthodox service. absurd that the Jews considered them- conditions for 300 years. There are 13 synagogues in Rome selves equal to Catholics. This area is still Nearly 8,000 of the 40,000 Italian Jews today, and the one I visited was awereferred to as the Jewish ghetto. perished in the Holocaust. They found inspiring. Fresco artwork flanked the Aside from the reign of Titus who enslaved the Roman Jews and destroyed the Second Temple in Jerusalem, and the issues with the Papacy who encouraged separation and isolation of Jews from the rest of the population, and the expulsion of the Jews from Spain by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, and the Reign of Two Sicilies Photos from left: Mary Beth and Bruce Muskin, the writer’s parents, are in front of the remains of Portico d'Ottavia, (which was under an ancient cultural center. The columns were incorporated into the Church of Sant’Angelo in Pescheria. In the their power), and of Middle Ages, the portico housed a thriving fish market. For centuries, this church was packed every Saturday with course, the Nazi inva- Jews -- forced by decree to attend Christian sermons. Notice the name of this quaint restaurant: Taverna de Ghetto. sion of Italy, which deported the Jewish their way home and resurrected the ghetto. walls and ceiling; women and children community to Auschwitz and Bergen- To have made it through these hardships pray in the balcony, under its high domed Belsen -- the Jews led a wonderful life in and still exist as a cohesive community in ceiling. There are ruins outside the buildRome. All sarcasm aside, in the three cen- the same location is remarkable. ing mixed with modern day shops. Some turies leading up to 1870, Roman Jewish Starting at the Great Synagogue of of the best shopping, in fact, is hidden in life was, at the very least, difficult. Rome and gazing down sunny streets of this area next to some of the best gelato Those who lived in the ghetto had colorful shops filled with Jewish art and (ice cream) in Rome! heavy restrictions and the neighborhood culture, it is hard to believe that this comThe merging of Italian and Jewish culwas extremely overcrowded, with more munity endured so much. At the center ture left me proud and confident that the than 4,700 Jews living side-by-side. They of the ghetto, is the beautiful Great Games were here. The Roman Jewish were only allowed two professions, one of Synagogue of Rome, with its lovely gar- community is a beacon of hope that which was selling old clothes and of den and museum. All the synagogues in reminds us that we can truly withstand, course, the ever-popular money-lending. Rome are Orthodox. Instead of paying overcome, and continue to practice our If Jews left the ghetto, they had to wear dues to each, the community funds go to religion in the face of overwhelming odds.
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