Vol. LXXXVII No. 49 Omaha, NE
Educator, author tells his own story at “Limmud Omaha” by MARY BORT for the Center for Jewish Education When does one know what he or she will do in life? Joel Lurie Grishaver’s interest in the field of education began at an early age. “I was the worst kid in my Hebrew school,” he recalled. “But when I graduated, a wonderful principal hired me to be her assistant. I was working in a religious school that required certified teachers and I obtained Reform teacher certification. So, by the time I graduated high school, I was equipped to teach.” A writer, editor, publisher, teacher, scholarin-residence, cartoonist and storyteller, Grishaver is wellknown in the field of education. He will be the keynote speaker, as well as session presenter, at the third annual “Limmud Omaha: A Day of Learning.” “Limmud Omaha” will focus on the theme “Telling Our Joel Lurie Grishaver Story” and is scheduled for this Sunday, Aug. 17, 1-5 p.m. The event will feature a series of presenters and is offered free to the public. Grishaver expressed interest in the theme “Telling Our Story” and how it worked with his pursuits. “I’m a narrative theologian and I’m interested in stories and the manifestation of truth,” he stated. His keynote address reflects a connection to the theme: “It Only Takes Four Stories to Be Jewish.” Grishaver will show how people are reliving experiences of creation, exodus, Mt. Sinai and the final redemption through their own family stories. Following Grishaver’s keynote address, there will be three 45-minute breakout sessions at 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Grishaver will talk about “The Stories We Pray” at 2 p.m., “The Day the Talmud was Created” at 3 p.m. and “The Kabbalah of Self” at 4 p.m. In addition to Grishaver, presenters include Susan Aizenberg, Gary Katz and Rabbi Eric Linder at 2 p.m.; Dr. Moshe Gershovich, Dr. Joan Latchaw and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi at 3 p.m.; and Beth Seldin Dotan, Dr. Leonard Greenspoon and Dr. Tracy Leavelle at 4 p.m. Grishaver will be joined by Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, chair of “Limmud Omaha,” for the brief wrap-up session that will run from 4:45-5 p.m. Grishaver’s background laid the groundwork for his current interests. He attended Boston University, earning a degree in religion. Grishaver then received a Master’s in teaching from the University of Chicago. Always seeking to learn more, he pursued graduate studies at Hebrew Union College, focusing on Jewish studies, and at the University of Southern California with a focus on education. When describing Grishaver as an educator, one must also understand the other related activities in which he participates. “My ‘day job’ is working full time, creating Jewish education materials - working as a writer, editor and shaper of Torah Aura Productions,” he said. “I also teach Talmud two nights a week.” In the area of adult Jewish education, Grishaver sees exciting developments over the past few years. “What’s exciting is the development itself -- the ongoing growth of Jewish education,” he explained. “I don’t see a particular trend; rather, I see huge growth in adult education overall.” Continued on page 2
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2008 OLYMPICS
Jewish swimmers capture gold; Jacobson, Torres win silver In post-race comments he talked about what it was by ALYSON KRAMER BEIJING (JTA) -- like to watch Jewish teammate Lezak pull off such an J e w i s h - A m e r i c a n incredible anchor leg. “I knew the last 15 to 20 meters swimmers Garret would be crazy. I remember just sitting, pounding the Weber-Gale and blocks and (using) the F-word. I think Jason did a pheJason Lezak, along nomenal job,” said Wildman-Tobriner. with Cullen Jones In a strange Jewish sports irony, the gold for this and the unstoppable almost half-Jewish team (including all seven members) Olympic champion may come at a price to the legacy of an iconic Jewish Michael Phelps, sports figure. Phelps needed this gold medal to help him made history in the on his quest to break legendary Jewish swimmer Mark pool on Monday, Spitz’s 36- year-old record of seven gold medals in one Aug. 11. The U.S. relay team won the Men’s 4 x 100m Olympics. With the relay gold under his cap, Phelps is Freestyle Relay and smashed the world record by nearly on his way to eight in 2008. four seconds on their way to the gold. The sports world will be talking about Lezak’s outstanding anchor leg to edge out Alain Bernard and the French team for a long time. “Going out in the first 50 (meters), I was breathing on my right side,” Lezak said after the race. “I saw him (competitor Bernard) a little bit. I knew where he was. I knew I had to swim my mind out. I had more adrenaline going than I ever had in my life.” As JTA’s Marc Brodsky reported in a feature about Lezak, the 32-year-old is competing in his third Olympics and has garnered four medals on relay teams, including a gold in the 4x100 medley in 2004 Games in Athens. A third Jewish-American swimmer actually took home a gold for this Dara Torres, United States, women’s swimming team, competes at the Olympic team, even though he wasn’t in the Trials in Omaha. Credit: Vironevaeh/flickr pool for the historic win. Ben Wildman-Tobriner, the other member of the selfJewish-American swimmer Dara Torres won a silver described “hyphenated Jew crew,” is among the seven medal in the Women’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay on swimmers on the 4x100 relay team who received a gold Sunday, Aug. 10. This is her 10th Olympic medal, medal. Continued on page 2
Jews in the Olympics by JTA Staff NEW YORK (JTA) -- The following is a list of Jewish athletes competing in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing: United States: Fencing, Women: Sada Jacobson, sabre; Kayaking: Rami Zur; 500-meter individual; Swimming, Men: Jason Lezak; 100-meter freestyle, relays, Garrett Weber-Gale; 100 freestyle, relays, Ben Wildman-Tobriner; 50 freestyle, relays; Swimming, Women: Dara Torres, 50-meter freestyle, relays; Track and Field, Women: Deena Kastor, marathon. Israel: Artistic Gymnastics: Men: Alex Shatilov, allaround; Canoeing, Men: Michael Koganov, K-1 500 and 1000 meters; Fencing, Men: Tomer Or, foil; Fencing, Women: Dalilah Hatuel, foil and Noam Mills, epee; Judo, Men: Ariel Ze’evi, 100 kg, Gal Yekutiel, 60 kg; Judo, Women: Alice Schlezinger, 63 kg; Rhythmic Gymnastics, Individual: Ira Risenzon, Neta Rivkin; Rhythmic Gymnastics, Team: Kayta Pizatzki, Racheli Vidgorcheck, Maria Savnakov, Alona Dvorinchenko, Veronica Witberg; Sailing, Men: Gidi Klinger and Udi Gal, 470; Shahar Tzuberi, windsurfing; Sailing, Women: Vered Buskila and Nika Kornitzky, 470 and Nufar Eledman, laser radial Ma’ayan Davidovich, windsurfing; Shooting: Doron Egozi, 50-meter rifle 3, 10-meter air
rifle, Gil Simkovich, 50meter rifle 3, 50-meter rifle prone, Guy Starik, 50-meter rifle prone; Swimming, Men: Itay Chama, 200-meter breaststroke, Gal Nevo, 200 and 400 individual medley, Guy Barnea, 100 breaststroke, Tom Beeri, 100 and 200 breaststroke, Allon Mandel, 100 and 200 butterfly, and Nimrod Shapira Bar-Or, 200 freestyle; Swimming, Women: Anya Gostamelsky, 50 and 100 freestyle, 100 backstroke, 100 butterfly Deena Kastor of the United Synchronized Swim- States runs the marathon. Credit: Brian Sawyer/flickr ming: Anastasia Gloushkov and Ina Yoffe; duet Taekwondo: Bat-El Getterer, 57 kg; Tennis, Men: Andy Ram and Yoni Erlich, Continued on page 2
This Week: What happens when Olmert leaves office: page 9 Coming This Month: The Learning Curve on Aug. 29 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’
Museum honors “Chinese Schindler” Page 3
The many faces of Yachad Page 7
Teen returns from semester in Israel Page 12
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 15, 2008
Jewish swimmers
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TUESDAY, AUGUST 19 Eye on Israel, noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Jews and the Environment, 7 p.m. at Beth El Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel C ADL 2008 Youth Leadership Mission Meeting, L 7 p.m. I P
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Continued from page 1 and makes her the oldest medalist in Olympic Swimming. Since it’s been 24 years since she won her first medal, she has tied the all-time record for medal-winning timespan for female athletes (held by Birgit Fischer of Germany). She is also the first swimmer in Olympic history to win a medal at five different Olympic Games. Torres’ father was Jewish, but she also converted before marrying Israeli surgeon Itzhak Sasha. She was inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 2005. “There are a lot of middle-aged women and men who tell me that I am an inspiration to them,” Torres said, “and that they are doing things that they never thought they would do.” Unfortunately, not all news from the Water Cube on day two of the Olympics was so inspiring. An Iranian swimmer pulled out of his 100m breatstroke heat Monday, minutes before competing with Israeli Tom Beeri, despite earlier reassurances from the Iranian NOC that he would participate. The water doesn’t know your age, but it seems to care if you’re Israeli. At least Beeri went on to set a national record and a personal best. The first Jewish medalist of the Beijing 2008 Games was American fencer Sada Jacobson, who won the silver medal in the Women’s Individual Saber event. She was defeated 15-8 by defending Olympic champion, fellow American Mariel Zagunis, while another American Rebecca Ward won the bronze. It was an AllAmerican podium, and the women hope to find themselves up there again when they compete together in the team event. Jacobson was the bronze medalist at the Athens Games, and has fencing in her family background. She was honored by the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame with the Marty Glickman Award in 2002 and 2005. Also on opening day of the Olympics, Israeli gymnast Alexander Shatilov qualified for the Men’s Floor Exercise final coming this Sunday. The 21-year-old finished with a rank of 29th out of 98 individual competitors in the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics qualification round, falling just short of qualification for the All-Around Individual final but putting at the top of the reserve list. In his Olympic debut, Shatilov’s biggest strength was his floor exercise, where he earned a score of 15.600 and came in eighth overall, making him the last qualifier on the opening day of the Games for the Floor Exercise final. “I really love Floor Exercise and I didn’t do too bad of a floor routine today,” he says.
Shatilov made the Apparatus finals on floor at the past two World Championships. Shatilov was born in Uzbekistan and moved to Israel six years ago. Israeli Gal Yekutiel came close to a bronze medal in Men’s 60kg Judo, but he lost to Ruben Houkes of the Netherlands for an overall fifth place finish in the weight class. “I have had a long and difficult day, but I made progress in my fights,” says Yekutiel. “I beat World Champions, European champions and Olympic Games champions from Athens, and I am proud of my achievements.” An Israeli swimmer who stayed in the Olympics despite the sudden death of his father set a new national record. Alon Mandel swam the 200 meter butterfly in one minute, 59.27 seconds on Aug. 11, a record for Israel though not enough to qualify him for the semi-finals at the Beijing Games. Mandel’s achievement was overshadowed by the death last week of his father and longtime coach. Kostia Mandel was trying to put up a banner in support of his son outside their Netanya home when he fell of the ladder, sustaining fatal injuries. JTA staff contributed to this article, parts of which are from JTA Telegraph, found at: www.jta.org.
Jews in the Olympics
Continued from page 1 doubles; Tennis, Women: Shahar Peer, singles, Tzipora Obziler, doubles with Peer; Track and Field, Men: Alex Averbukh, pole vault, Niki Palli, long jump, Haile Satayin, marathon, Itai Magidi, 3000-meter steeplechase. Argentina: Hockey, Women: Gisele Kanevsky; Judo, Women: Daniela Krakower; Swimming, Men: Damian Blaum; Table Tennis: Pablo Tabachnik; Weightlifting, Shahar Peer of Israel plays Women: Nora Koppel. women’s singles tennis. Australia: Table Credit: Jean & Nathalie/flickr Tennis: David Zalcberg; Soccer, Women: Tal Karp. Canada: Baseball: Adam Stern; Wrestling: David Zilberman, 96 kg, and Ari Taub, 120 kg plus. Chile: Tennis, Men: Nicolas Massu Great Britain: Rowing: Josh West.
Educator, author tells his own story Continued from page 1 Grishaver has viewpoints about the qualities that he thinks a Jewish educator should possess in order to be a successful teacher. He recently wrote a book, Teaching Jewishly, that addresses such issues. The book is an examination of how Jewish values influence pedagogy. According to Grishaver, It “looks at Jewish texts and finds values in them. Jewish educators should have respect for students, listen to students in an aggressive way, and develop and build relationships with students while offering material that is informative and transformative.” Grishaver frequently serves as a scholar-in-residence. He does sessions on a wide array of topics including the Jewish meaning of family, the Talmud, sessions for adults, sessions for families, parent education, and sessions that pertain to teacher training.” A founding board member of the Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Educators (CAJE), Grishaver continues his involvement to this day. According to CAJE’s web site, the organization, “… supports frontline Jewish educators across all denominations and all educational settings. CAJE’s mission is to empower Jewish educators to reach for excellence in Jewish education through collaboration, professional development, and advocacy.” Grishaver explained how CAJE came about. “Thirty plus years ago, a bunch of grad students felt that Jewish education in North America was stilted, rigid and boring,” he said. “So we banded together to create a summer conference and then the organization. Offering alternatives and innovation in Jewish education, CAJE is going strong today.” A prolific writer, Grishaver is the author or co-author
of over 120 books. More than 50 of his titles are in the Kripke Library. “Many are books for Jewish schools,” he said. “I write textbooks, parenting books and other books of learning.” Grishaver has also written books that would be of interest to a wider audience. His most recent books include Artzeinu: An Israel Encounter and The Circle of Jewish Life. Another “hat” worn by Grishaver is that of publisher. As described in the company’s web site, “In 1981, he and two friends started Torah Aura Productions, a leader in the publishing of educational Judaica.” Grishaver indicated that they had no idea how far the company would progress. “We started this company with the idea that we had a couple of years to develop a Jewish media company, and then move on to other things in our lives,” he said. “It was a lark. Yet here we are, 31 years later, and we’re still in business.” Grishaver will do more than provide the keynote address and lead three different afternoon sessions during “Limmud Omaha.” Prior to the afternoon sessions, he will meet with teachers from Friedel Jewish Academy and synagogue religious schools, sharing his experience and expertise with the educators. “With his extensive background in Jewish education and as a writer of Jewish educational materials, the teachers should find the morning session with Joel Grishaver to be very rewarding,” noted Guy Matalon, the Center for Jewish Education’s executive director. “It’s terrific that he agreed to do this for us, on top of his participation in ‘Limmud Omaha’ during the afternoon.” As has been the case in previous years, “Limmud Omaha” is offered free to the public. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day. For more information, call 334.6445 or email mgrossman@jewishomaha.org.
August 15, 2008
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Museum, honors for ‘Chinese Schindler’ shine light on Shanghai’s Jewish past by ALISON KLAYMAN residents. Gutman wants the database to SHANGHAI, China (JTA) -- Uri be interactive and eventually include mulGutman had more than parades and pic- timedia and information on the wherenics in mind a couple of years ago when abouts of descendants. the Israeli government allotted funds to “Here, after the war, Jews spread all its Shanghai consul general for an Israel over and there is nothing left, no commuIndependence Day reception. nity, no archives,” Gutman lamented. Gutman wanted to make a bigger impact with a service project in the community. So he devised a three-step plan to give back to elderly residents of the Hongkou neighborhood, the area made into a “stateless refugees” ghetto during the Japanese occupation during World War II and home to more than 20,000 European Jews fleeing the Nazis. While the world’s eyes are trained on Beijing for the Summer Olympics, Shanghai’s Jewish history has been spotlighted recently as well. Many of the refugees reached Shanghai through the heroic efforts of Ho Fengshan, Ho Fengshan, second from right, who helped a Chinese diplomat in Vienna who issued Jews flee from Vienna to Shanghai, in a famithousands of visas to Austrian Jews. Ho was ly photo in 1962. Credit: Courtesy Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum honored with a special tribute in June. He came to be known as the “Chinese Also at the museum in June, the U.S. Schindler,” in reference to the German Commission for the Preservation of industrialist who saved Jews. Oskar America’s Heritage Abroad honored Ho, Schindler’s life became the story of an dedicating a marker in English, Chinese Academy Award-winning film, “Schindler’s and Hebrew. In cooperation with the List,” by Steven Spielberg. The consulate Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, the and 27 Israeli companies joined to raise commission also opened a photo exhibiapproximately $87,000 for Gutman’s proj- tion about Ho’s life and work. ect detailing Shanghai’s Jewish past. After Austria’s annexation by Germany The first step was completed in June, a and Kristallnacht in 1938, many of its renovation of the Hongkou Elders’ 185,000 Jews, most of whom lived in Activity Center in Huoshan Park, around Vienna, needed safe passage out of Europe. the corner from the site of the former Acquiring the necessary documentation Ohel Moshe synagogue, now the proved especially difficult after the 1938 Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum. The Evian Conference at which 32 countries, funds also were used to set up a database, including the United States, made it clear to be housed at the refugees museum, of they would not stand up to the Nazis. names and addresses of Shanghai’s Jewish As the consul general in Vienna from
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1938 to 1940, Ho at his own peril sometimes issued as many as 900 visas a month to Jews trying to escape Nazi rule. Ho’s daughter, Manli, was on hand for the ceremony along with American, Chinese and Israeli officials. She recalled that one visa recipient, Eric Goldstaub, visited 50 foreign consulates in Vienna before obtaining from her father 20 Chinese visas for himself and his family. “On Kristallnacht, both Goldstaub and his father were arrested and imprisoned, but with the Chinese visas as proof of emigration, they were released within days
Home to more than 20 million, Shanghai has been a financial capital of China for more than 700 years. The contrast between old and new grows every day. Credit: Avi Katzman and embarked on their journey to China,” Manli wrote in the event’s program. Not all of the Chinese visa holders from Austria, Europe’s third largest Jewish community, went to China. But those who did entered predominantly in Shanghai, where the open ports enabled them to immigrate with minimal hassle. Other recipients of Ho’s life-saving visas included those originally arrested, then sent to Nazi concentration camps of Dachau and Buchenwald. His work was motivated by humanitari-
an reasons. “I thought it only natural to feel compassion and to want to help,” Ho once wrote. Ho acted in defiance of direct orders to desist from his superior, the Chinese ambassador in Berlin, and incurred a subsequent demerit from his own government. In early 1939, the Nazis confiscated the Chinese consulate building in Vienna, but Ho continued his efforts issuing visas from a smaller facility for which he paid all the expenses himself. Ho continued his diplomatic career after leaving Vienna in 1940 and moved to San Francisco following his retirement in 1973. In 1990, he published a memoir, 40 Years of My Diplomatic Life. His heroism in Vienna mostly went unrecognized during his lifetime. The Republic of China ignored his legacy for many years because he was a member of the KMT Nationalist Party. Meanwhile, he was denied his pension by the nationalist government in Taiwan because he was accused of embezzling a small sum of money. The accolades would come after his death in 1997. In 2001 he was named “Righteous Among the Nations” by the Yad Vashem Holocaust museum in Jerusalem. In June, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution honoring Ho. At the Shanghai ceremony, Martin Gold, a member of the U.S. preservation commission, praised Ho by pointing out that 70 years ago most nations, “including my nation, rebuffed the Jews.” Gold noted that all the Jewish recipients of Chinese visas lived, with many eventually settling in America. “Dr. Ho’s life was itself a bridge between China and America,” he said in his speech. “No relationship in the world is more important.”
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 15, 2008
OTYG social action VP spends a week at “amazing” camp
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator For years, Omaha Temple Youth Group (OTYG) has donated a portion of the proceeds from its annual Spaghetti Dinner to Camp Rainbow, “a dream that became a reality with its first session in June 1988.” Seriously ill children with cancer or blood related disorders cannot go to “regular” camp like their friends. Many families with seriously ill children cannot afford to send their children to camp. Camp Rainbow in St. Louis was established to be a home away from home for seriously ill kids. In its first 20 years, nearly 2,000 children have attended the camp. Created to give seriously ill children a place to grow, discover, to thrive and to be ‘normal,’ according to the camp website, the “positive, supportive atmosphere (of) praise, love, attention and laughter ... is a place where each child can see how wonderful they really are!” The North American Federation of Temple Youth/Missouri Valley Region with which OTYG is affiliated is one of the sponsors of Camp Rainbow. So when Camp Rainbow Director Ronnie Brockman attended the OTYG spaghetti dinner in 2007, Emily Katz “immediately became hooked and couldn’t wait to go” after listening to Brockman. Emily, who is 15 and about to start her sophomore year at Westside High
School, has been attending Religious School at Temple Israel since she was in the prekindergarten class. She’s been a member of OTYG since last year and is the new social action vice president on the OTYG Board this year. “My mom works at Emily Katz, left, saw to it that her camper C h i l d r e n ’ s Maria had fun just being a kid this summer at Hospital in Camp Rainbow. the oncology unit,” Emily said. “She has always told me about the kids and how strong they are. I really just wanted to see for
Omahan youngest registered to climb to lake in Colorado
by SHEVI KATZMAN for Chabad House Six year olds play hard. And one of them climbs high. Omahan Feigy Katzman, daughter of Rabbi Mendel and Shani Katzman, is now the youngest person to have hiked the Cathedral Lake Trail in Aspen, Colorado The trail ends at an elevation of 11,866 feet and is rated as difficult. Katzman, who turned seven last week was spending time with her family and friends in Aspen and accompanied some adults on the steep climb. Feigy wasn’t expected to make it to the top, “We all started
the trek with the intention of turning around to get back when we got tired,” Shani Katzman said. Feigy followed some of her older sisters who were determined to keep hiking and later explained that she kept going “because I wanted to get to the top.” But getting there was only half of it. “The hardest part,” notes Feigy, “was going down because I slipped and fell a few times. But it was fun and I held my father’s hand.” Climbing higher is the theme of Feigy’s studies at CYH Online School where she will be a second grader this fall. She learns to reach higher and always strive to know more and do more good.
Left: Feigy and her sister, Rochi eat lunch at the top of Lake Cathedral. Right: At the finish line: Miri, left, Devorah, Chani,
Rabbi Mendel Katzman, Shevi, Feigy, and part-time Aspen resident, Omahan Tom Fellman.
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myself how amazing the kids were.” Camp Rainbow’s entire staff, including youth counselors and unit heads, professional adult supervisors, child life specialists, pediatric oncology nurses and physicians are volunteers. Children, six to 13 years old, attend the one-week sleep-over camp and enjoy archery, arts and crafts, a challenge course, drama, fishing, music, nature activities, sports and swimming, song sessions, dancing, hayrides, square dancing, and cookouts.. They are visited by guests such as magicians, clowns, firefighters, St. Louis Cardinals and Rams team members, the zoo mobile, and support dogs. Each camper is paired with a counselor. “My camper’s name was Maria, and she was eight years old,” reported Emily who spent eight days in June at the camp. “Maria was spunky with a fun and wild personality.” She insisted that “this experience has changed my life in so many ways. Maria taught me that life is way too short to worry about small things. I looked at all of the campers and my mom was right, they are some of the strongest people I know. All of the things they have to go through, I don’t know how they do it. Camp Rainbow is a place for them to escape their illness and be a normal kid again. It’s amazing! I would for sure go again and again!”
Beth Israel offers kosher deli from Kansas City
by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue Do you like salami sub sandwiches? Maybe you prefer roast turkey? Whatever your preference, you’re sure to enjoy the upcoming “Subway” Sunday Night Dinner at Beth Israel on Sunday, Aug. 31, 6 p.m. The deadline to place your order for six-inch subs from the kosher Subway restaurant in Kansas City is Aug. 20. “Joey Shyken brought the idea to the Programming Committee to do monthly themed dinners,” said Beth Cohen, Beth Israel’s Executive Director. “The goal is to have community-building dinners, put on by volunteers. Our first dinner is from Subway. Joey will drive to Kansas City to pick up the kosher subs.” Cohen added, “These dinners won’t have a lecture or other program. The idea is to go out once a month, experiencing a different kosher menu each time, like our annual Chinese dinner, where we ship in kosher Chinese from a restaurant in New Jersey. It’s a chance to enjoy good food and be with friends.” The cost for the many different subs is very reasonable, ranging from $4-6. Consider ordering extras “to go.” Choose white or wheat bread; call the synagogue for the full menu and to place your order at 556.6288.
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August 15, 2008
Bais Menachem members visit Chabad
by ESTIE KATZMAN and ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Bais Menachem, located in Wilkes-Barre, PA, is a unique Jewish institution. Founded in 1998 by Rabbi Uri Perlman, its mission is to help young men, age 1620, who have found it difficult to succeed in a more traditional yeshiva setting. Whether due to an inability to concentrate in the classroom, social issues at home or school, lack of motivation, or a diminishing interest in religious values, staff seek to clearly identify any problems that may be impeding progress, and find a wholesome solution so that students will rise above their challenges and flourish. Recently, staff members Ari Mochkin, Dovi Wachtel, Yanky Jacobs, and Avrami Rosenthal set out with their students to go on a cross-country trip. They left Pennsylvania with plans to make it to Yellowstone National Park as fast as possible. Some 21 hours later, tired and hungry, they found themselves at the Chabad House in Omaha. Welcomed with open arms by Rabbi Mendel and Shani Katzman, they found a place to daven and relax, while an enormous and fabulous meal was prepared. “When our office received the call it was very hectic in the Chabad House,” remembers Shani Katzman. “Camp was going on, but as soon as the last camper left we whipped together a grand barbeque for the group of tired and hungry Jewish men. We took from our never-ending supply and had an entire dinner in under an hour.” One of Bais Menachem’s counselors, Avrami Rosenthal, explained, “The summer program is separate from our regular year-long program. It enables us to take a group of young men out into the world. We stop at Chabad houses along the way, and even though it’s a long drive, the guys get along really well.” He added, “This is the best yeshiva ever, because every
Temple Israel welcomes newcomers at open house Shabbat by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator “One of the best parts of moving here,” pointed out Sherrie Saag, is the welcome she and her family were given by the Jewish community when they moved to Omaha. “I had never stepped foot in Omaha in my life” before moving here last year with her husband David, and their two children, Rachel, 12, and Jordan, 10. “We were given an extremely warm welcome by the Jewish community as a whole and by Temple Israel in particular.” On Friday, Aug. 22, 6 p.m., Temple Israel will host an Open House Shabbat, especially to welcome newcomers to the community, people who have not yet joined a synagogue, and members of other congregations who want to experience something new. In partnership with the Jewish Federation of Omaha, the Open House Shabbat will give newcomers a taste of worship services at the oldest and largest synagogue in Nebraska. Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism, the umbrella organization of the Reform branch of Judaism, Temple Israel is committed to spiritual, educational and ethical growth through Torah; involving members in worship; and improving the local, national, and international communities. Temple is located at 69th and Cass Streets. As Todd Krasno, a new member in 2007, explained, “Temple is a place for my kids to go for religious school training, a social network to connect with, and a place to feel welcome. Everybody -- the congregation, the clergy, and staff -- have been very friendly” to him, his wife Roxanne, and their three children, he remarked. Michael Schneider, who also joined in 2007, has lived here all his life, but his wife Rachel did not. Membership Co-Chairman Denise Meyers called and visited the Schneiders when they first joined Temple. She brought a gift basket of Shabbat candles, wine, and a gift certificate to the gift shop at Temple. Although Rachel's not Jewish, she feels “comfortable” at Temple. The congregation, clergy, and staff are “wonderful,” according to Michael whose new son just had his bris at Temple. Dennis DePorte, Temple executive director, promised that after services, there will be a “savory” Oneg Shabbat at which there will be an opportunity to meet the clergy and members of the congregation like Saag who is now returning the favor extended to her and welcoming a new family in Elkhorn to Temple.
kid is happy to be there. Our yeshiva is very real and down to earth. We have a family environment, and although we have certain rules, everyone is happy to follow them. One of our counselors, in fact, is a former student of Bais Menachem. He is a true success story.”
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Top picture: Several of the Bais Menachem youth meet Zalmen Katzman. Bottom picture: The Beis Menachem group, including youth leaders socialize with Rabbi Mendel Katzman and Jeremy Wrigh. Bais Menachem’s mission is to provide an alternative to the mainstream yeshiva system, where disaffected teenage boys can find a home. Bais Menachem maintains a student body of no more than 20 students in order to allow for individualized attention, guidance, and support for its students. During the school year, shorter trips and outings are scheduled regularly as rewards for achievement and effort, community volunteer work is integrated, and professional counseling is available for those who need it. “I'm grateful for the opportunities that my position provides for me,” says Rabbi Katzman, spiritual leader at the Chabad House, “where I serve all kinds of people in all kinds of ways. There is always an element of surprise and excitement, and G-d always puts me in the right place at the right time.”
Beth El welcomes new Hazak board
by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Beth El’s Hazak organization celebrated the installation its new board members, during a special Shabbat service earlier this month. A reception preceding the service honored both incoming and outgoing officers, including new president Helen Rifkin, center, flanked by board members Gloria Goodman, membership vice president; Audrey Epstein, member-at-large; Jim Wax, advisor; Tootie Simon and Sol Schwartz, program vice presidents; Jane Dreyfus, memberat-large; Frances Gottlieb, treasurer; Harriet Marcus, secretary; Ilse and Marcel Kahn, members-at-large; and Peggy Chasen, publicity vice president. Not pictured: Betty Kolnick, Joan Marcus, Harriet Marko, Natalie Rubin and Phyllis Schwartz. Hazak, the branch of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism for congregants ages 55 and up, provides programming for senior citizens who are members of congregations affiliated with USCJ. Hazak affirms the traditional Jewish view that mature adults should have the opportunity to continue to learn and be active in their congregations, their communities and among themselves. Beth El’s L’Chaim Chapter has served a vital role, sponsoring a variety of creative programs that include study, prayer, entertainment and socialization.
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ORGANIZATIONS
LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish brings us closer to our roots! Come join us every Thursday, 1-3 p.m., in the social hall of the JCC. For information, call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.
(timed costs $25, non-timed is $20 and a free t-shirt is included). Or you might choose to “Sleep in for the Cure” (just pay $25, stay home in bed and receive a free pillowcase). Breast cancer survivors can participate in the Walk at no charge, but must still register. To register: go to www.komennebraska.org; click on “Komen Race for the Cure” on the top line. Select the team (NCJW); hit “Join a Team” and select the NCJW team. Choose your distance and begin checkout. Questions? Call Susan Rothholz at 391.3043 or e-mail spredwood2@cox.net.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN How many women do you know among your family and friends who now have or have had breast cancer? Unfortunately the answer is too many. A cure could come soon and on Oct. 5, you can help. The National Council of Jewish Women-Omaha Section is sponsoring a team to walk, run (or just sleep in) for the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Walk for the Cure. The section has dedicated this effort in memory of Karen Levine, an active member who died from breast cancer. Decide whether you want to walk/run the 1 mile course or the 5K course
B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Johnny Rodgers, Husker Legend, will discuss Nebraska football and tell us about his book, which will be available for autograph and sale, according to Gary Javitch, chairman for the Wednesday, Aug. 20, noon program at Regency Lodge. (RSVP needed by Aug. 19, 5 pm. Please call 334.6443 or bnaibrith@ jewishomaha. org.) All men and women in the community are invited. The program is free. An optional buffet lunch is $13; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to get on the email list, contact Lois at 334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.
YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Join us on Monday at the JCC with humorist Ken Moore as he plays the golden oldies and makes us laugh with his stories and jokes. Lunch is served at noon for $7 per person and the program will begin at 12:30 p.m. Join us for Bingo with Miles Remer at 10 a.m. Call Teresa at 330.4272 for transportation. For information, call Maggie Conti at 334.6521.
MARRIAGE
LIPSMAN/SWEETOW Sandra Lipsman, daughter of Marcia Petersburg, FL and Sue and Rocky and Harvey Lipsman and Stuart Sweetow, Lipsman of Wausau, WI. The bride is a graduate of Brandeis son of the late Rose Sweetow and Alan Sweetow, were married on July 27 at University and the groom is a graduate of Temple Israel in Omaha. Rabbi Eric Southern Illinois University. The couple is planning a honeymoon Linder officiated. Janice Meyerson, a life long friend of the bride, sang the sheva after Sandra (a cantorial soloist) sings in Berkley, CA, at Hillel for the upcoming brachas. Attendents were Lori Rothman of Jewish holidays. The couple will reside in Chicago, Sheldon Wykell of St. Oakland, CA.
BIRTHS Ruvane and Naomi Kurland of Columbus, OH, announce the April 25 birth of their son, Lyric Samson. Grandparents are Allen and Sandra Kurland of Council Bluffs, and Sidney and Dale Amdur of Chicago. Great-grandparents are Hy and Josephine (Berg) Simes of St. Paul, and the late Robert Halper Berg, and the late Hymie and Lillian Kurland, and Estelle Zitch of Chicago, and the late Isadore Zitch, and the late Gerson and Gertrude Amdur.
Marianna and Aaron Pollak of San Francisco announce the Aug. 4 birth of their son, Jaikob Josef. He has a sister, Shaina Rose. Grandparents are Karen and Oliver Pollak, and Maya and Alex Shtromberg of San Francisco. Great-grandparents are Ruth Pollak of Laguna Woods, CA, the late William Pollak, the late Reva and Joseph Goldstein, and Mikhail Shtromberg of San Francisco.
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On Monday, Aug. 25, 7 p.m., the National Council of Jewish WomenOmaha Section, the Omaha Down Syndrome Parents Network and Film Streams at the Ruth Sokolof Theater will team up to host a free screening of the 2008 award-winning documentary Praying with Lior. The free screening will take place at Film Streams’ Ruth Sokolof Theater, 1340 Webster. A tender, engrossing documentary from director Ilana Trachtman introduces viewers to young Lior Liebling, nicknamed “the little rebbe.” Lior, who has Down syndrome, has spent much of his life praying, leading some to believe he is a “spiritual genius.” But while everyone around him agrees that he is close to God, some question Lior’s “genius” label. Depending on which family member is speaking, he is considered a burden,
a best friend, an inspiration, and an embarrassment. The film follows Lior as he approaches Bar Mitzvah, the Jewish coming-of-age ceremony, with different characters providing varying glimpses into a life spent “praying with Lior.” The family-friendly film poses difficult questions about disability and how disabilities are treated within faith communities. A post-show discussion, moderated by Rabbi Aryeh Azriel of Temple Israel, will draw out those questions in a dialogue with the audience. The panel will also feature Mary McHale, president of the Omaha Down Syndrome Parents Network, and parents Sarah and Doug Wolfson. Both the screening and post-show discussion are free and open to the public. Advance passes will be available. More information is available at www.filmstreams.org.
August 15, 2008
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
Meet the faces of Yachad
by ANDREA BARTMAN for Jewish Family Service Welcome to the Faces of Yachad! This ongoing series will focus on the Yachad membership rather than on their group events and outings. The articles seek to explore who the members are, as individuals, and what they gain from their involvement in the Yachad program. Members and their families who are willing to share their experiences, their thoughts and their passions for the purpose of achieving greater community awareness of the program they cherish will be profiled in future issues. This series is a chance for the community to discover more about the Yachad members and why the program is such an integral part of the programming at Jewish Family Service. All of these Yachad members are seeking greater involvement in their community and a chance to spread their wings beyond what they already accomplish every day. Ben Friedman The first Yachad member to be featured (and the first I interviewed) is Ben Friedman, son of Gail and Steve Friedman. This bubbly and charismatic young man was anxious to speak with me and hopeful about the future of the Yachad program. It’s clear upon meeting Ben that he’s a guy who feels the sky is the limit for his own future, despite a few personal limitations. His mother is his connection to all activities and events and he misses very few opportunities to participate, especially on Yachad outings like attending sporting events. Ben Freidman At first sight, Ben strikes me as younger than his 25 years, but once we get talking it’s easy to see how many experiences he’s had already in his life -- both challenging experiences and extremely positive, very normal ones. He shares his high-school years and rattles off a list of involvements that would be enviable on anyone’s resume of experience. He attended Westside High School and was the basketball team’s manager his freshman and sophomore years. He was required to attend all their practices and the games as part of his volunteer service hours for his school curriculum. “My junior and senior year I started working at Bakers,” he says. He’s still there nine years later sacking and carrying out groceries and is, according to his mom, a very loyal and dedicated employee. Ben recently participated in the Yachad Vocational Skills Course and has his sights set on a promotion to cashier. “I just asked somebody about it today,” he tells me, “and they said they’d look into it.” We share a laugh together about how it’s what all of us hear when asking about a promotion at work! When we pause in conversation and move on to another topic, Ben asks to be reminded about why we’re doing this interview. We discuss the purpose of the article and how it helps get people involved with Yachad by letting them know who’s already involved and what the program and its members, are all about. Motivated by the thought of new people to spend time with, he suddenly becomes animated with the thoughts of new activities he’d like to share with the Yachad group and any potential mentors or volunteers. “Sometimes I like to go bowling,” he says. “I love to go out to eat, too.” He mentions a few favorite restau-
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rants as well as Lifetime Fitness, where his family has a membership, and he enjoys spending time at the pool or the rock climbing wall. He describes how much he already enjoys these activities, but that having others to go with makes it so much better. His most frequent companion for outings is his big brother Jeremy, who is 29 and lives in his own apartment in Omaha. He also has a friend, Frank, who he gets together with when his mother or brother can arrange for the two to meet for activities. “I’m kind of bored a lot since high school,” Ben comments. Gail chimes in on this and shares that he’s left with a bit too much free time when he’s not scheduled to work. When asked what she would like him to further achieve through Yachad, Gail responds, “To see him get out more and have a friend he could call sometimes just to talk.” When asked what new things the Yachad program can help him learn or pursue, Ben looks to his mother for some guidance. He’s quite accustomed to his established routine with work and group activities and is interested in some ideas from her. She reminds him of how much he enjoys walks around Zorinsky Lake and that he might like to learn to ride a bike or play catch at the park. “He’s not really athletic,” Gail comments, “but he definitely enjoys watching sporting events. In fact, one of his very favorite things is when his dad takes the whole family to Lincoln for the football games!” After this, Ben chimes in that he’d also love to ride a horse. Ben is so easy to talk to and has an uncanny ability to recall people’s phone numbers and other information. He can rattle off dates of employment throughout his life (down to the day of the month), as though he’s reading from a resume. “Yeah, I’m pretty good at math and stuff,” he says when I take notice of it. “Sometimes he’ll come up to me and say, ‘Did you know that five years ago today we were doing this?’” Gail adds. “He’s a really nice guy,” Gail says, while telling me about how many people approach her after encountering Ben through his work at Bakers. “I have people come up to me and say ‘Are you Ben’s mother? Your son is fantastic!’ They go on and on about him.” He’s a nice guy who benefits from the Yachad program and the outlet it provides to further his worldliness and involvement in his Jewish community. Jillian and Lisa Salomon Although I interviewed these siblings together, along with their mother, Debbie, it’s not difficult to separate the two as individuals. They live in a West Omaha apart-
Lisa, left and Jillian Salomon ment and share many of the same activities, outings, caregivers and interests, but those things don’t tell their complete story. One sister is eager to chat, obviously interested in why a near stranger is in her home with recorder and pen in
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hand. The other is more interested in her dinner. After a tour of their apartment, (which is spotless) and bedrooms decorated to demonstrate each one’s personality, I find out quickly that both Lisa and Jillian are very thoughtful, polite and incredibly involved ladies. Although Debbie helps assist our conversation, both Lisa, 31, and Jillian, 27, have their own fair share of input. When they are discussing their interests and involvements, each is animated and anxious to inform me. Both have some vision, verbal and hearing issues, but with the right kind of questions, we begin to uncover what makes each one tick. Jillian begins by telling me about her bowling with Encor every Tuesday. This Eastern Nebraska agency provides services that promote and support people with developmental disabilities and assists them in making choices toward meeting their full potential. “She’s in their workshop program,” comments Debbie, “and they have a bowling league in the spring.” When I ask Jillian if she rolls the ball alone or if someone assists her, Jillian is proud to tell me that she does it all on her own and is quite a good bowler! She has even bowled in the Special Olympics. Both have participated in track and field events in the past and currently compete at swimming. Their mother and their father, before his death, have both assisted the Special Olympics as volunteer coaches. Lisa moves from the dinner table and chimes in that she loves to go to the movies. She mentions Alvin and the Chipmunks as one favorite. When they go out to movies or the mall (another favorite outing) either Debbie or one of their round-the-clock caregivers takes them. When I ask if they have a favorite television program, the two sisters answer simultaneously and with vigor: “Full House.” They continue by telling me how they sometimes host Friday night pizza parties at their apartment, where friends join them and watch movies together. “They went to Millard North High School and then through a young adult program until they turned 21,” adds Debbie. The post-high school program was available to teach vocational and life skills. When I ask if they enjoyed high school, Jillian speaks up with an emphatic “Yes.” Since then, both girls have been hard at work and have volunteer responsibilities as well. Day programs for work have been a blessing. Jillian’s work at Encor South, has been steady, despite her off and on hospitalizations (the last of which was 44 days). Lisa has been working competitively at Goodwill for 10 years. Debbie explains how the speech, occupational and physical therapists for each young lady come to the apartment to assist on a weekly basis. Caregivers, however, don’t do everything for these two gals. “I give them their weekly money and they take care of their own grocery shopping,” Debbie says. Each one also does volunteer work -- Lisa at a daycare center and Jillian at a community center, helping assist with kids in the pool. When I ask, “What do you do with the kids at the center?” Lisa informs me very matter-of-factly, “Play with them.” She also assists with lunch. It strikes me how lucky those kids at both the daycare and the swimming lessons really are. Both of these ladies surely add to the fun and wonder for the kids; they are incredibly energetic and happy. While Debbie and I discuss the logistics of the girls living on their own, the phone rings and Lisa is up and running to answer. Continued on page 11
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 15, 2008
Two Jews, a black and a hyper-active young man dive into a pool ... ...and shatter the men’s 4x100 meter relay in the 29th Olympic Games in Beijing. Sure it sounds like a joke ... but it’s true! And the picture of these four -- screaming with joy after the race and later, composed and a little teary-eyed on the podium, gave all of us great pride. Born in the Bronx, NY, Cullen Jones is the first African-American to earn a gold medal in swimming. A late-comer to the international scene (he swam in the Pan-American Games just two years ago), the 24-year-old speaks of himself as a role model and hopes to encourage young blacks to swim. The two Jewish men on the team are Garrett Weber-Gale and Jason Lezak, both of whom have been profiled in this newspaper. WeberGale, who is from Fox Point, Wisconsin, (near Milwaukee), attended the Reform Movement’s Olin-Sang-Ruby summer camp in Oconomowoc, WI. He graduated from the University of Texas and is only 23-years-old. Lezak, the oldest man on the U.S. Swim Team at 32, grew up in Irvine, CA, and still trains there today. A graduate of UC Santa Barbara, he was on the 2004 Men’s Relay Team, winning a bronze for the U.S. In Sunday’s race, however, it was Lezak’s recordbreaking anchor swim that nosed out the French team for the gold medal in recordbreaking time, beating the old world record by an astounding four seconds! And finally, the “golden boy” of these Olympic Games: Michael Phelps. Diagnosed as a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder, his mother channeled his energy into swimming. The end result, as millions have seen in his races so far, has been gold at these Olympics. His aim is to break the record held by 1972 Olympian Mark Spitz (another Jewish athlete), whose record of seven gold medals won at a single Olympics (the one bright spot of the 1972 Games in Munich (with two more earned in the 1968 Games in Mexico City). As of press time, Phelps was five for five with 11 career golds! But the Jewish news doesn’t end there: Yale graduate Sada Jacobson of Atlanta actually was the first Jew to win a medal at the 2008 Games: a silver in the women’s sabre event on the opening day. And the following day, 41-year-old mother, Dara Torres (yes, she, too is Jewish!) collected a silver in her fifth Olympics as part of the U.S. Women’s Swim Team in the 4x100 freestyle. Despite two incidents that marred the opening of the Games (the tragic murder of the father-in-law of the U.S. Men’s Volleyball Team and knifing of his wife, and the Russian invasion of Georgia -- did they think we wouldn’t notice?), the Games do seem to prove the old adage that athletes can put politics aside. Even the Iranian swimmer who was pulled out of competition because an Israeli was in his heat, is said to have complained
publicly about his country’s policy. The picture of the four young swimmers is inspiring, not just because of their religion, or color, or childhood disability, but because they truly represent America at its best -- with our layers of heritage and imperfections, our unsurpassed joy at the achievements of others, and unbridled confidence in facing the future. How wonderful!
Jewish Press Board Michael Sigmond, Vice President; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Michael Siegel, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Immediate Past-chairman; Marc Brodkey; Andie Gordman; Michael Kaufman; Bette Kozlen; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; Andy Ruback; 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. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service/Jewish Senior Services, and the Jewish Press . Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.
A basketball team that stood up for the Jews
BEHIND THE H EADLINES by DR. RAFAEL MEDOFF America’s basketball fans were thrilled when the International Olympic Committee agreed to add their sport to the roster of Olympic games, beginning in 1936, and the nation’s leading college teams (pro-basketball was still in its infancy) prepared to vie for the honor of representing the United States at the inaugural competition. But when the opening round of tryouts got underway at Madison Square Garden in March 1936, the team that many considered the most likely to win was not even on the court. In a move that stunned the sports world, the Long Island University Blackbirds decided, as a team, to boycott the 1936 Berlin Olympics, to protest the Nazis’ persecution of German Jews. Because of Hitler’s anti-Jewish policies, the LIU players believed “that the United States should not participate in Olympic Games since they are being held in Germany,” university president Tristram Metcalfe announced. Therefore, he explained, the Blackbirds “decided not to compete [in the tryouts] because the university would not under any circumstances by represented in the Olympic Games held in Germany.” Several other teams stayed away from the tryouts, but for different reasons. Notre Dame did not want its players to miss so many classes. New York University explained that its players could not afford to be absent from their part-time jobs. The LIU Blackbirds were the only ones to stand on principle. The Blackbirds’ decision was especially impressive when one considers the likelihood that they would have won the tryouts and qualified for the Olympics. At the time of the tryouts, they had won 33 straight games, including every game of the 1935-36 season. And they won by an average margin of 23 points. Four of their starters went on to play
professionally for the American Basketball League (as it was called in those days), and LIU coach Clair Bee later coached the NBA’s Baltimore Bullets. For top-caliber athletes who had a serious chance of qualifying for the Olympics and competing in the most prestigious athletic event in the world, boycotting the Berlin games was an enormous personal and professional sacrifice--one that very few were prepared to make. Aside from the LIU Blackbirds, the athletes who announced they would not go to Berlin because of its oppression of the Jews could be counted on one’s hands: speedskater Jack Shea, sprinter Herman Neugass, and track and field stars Norman Cahners, Milton Green, Lillian Copeland, and Syd Koff. The boycotters were not exactly showered with accolades. Sports columnist Frank H. Eck, for example, chastised LIU for causing “ill feelings” by bringing the German Jewish issue into the discussion. LIU’s declared reason for boycotting the games was, he wrote, “the wrong answer from a sports angle.” Maybe, but it was the right answer from a human angle. Although today’s athletes may be more aware of human rights abuses overseas and sometimes more willing to become involved, there have been no announcements by potential Olympic athletes that they are boycotting the Beijing games. China is not the same as Nazi Germany, not even the Nazi Germany of the pre-Holocaust 1930s. Still, Beijing offers athletes with a conscience plenty of reason to stay away, including its support for the genocidal regime in Sudan, supply of nuclear materials to Syria and missiles to Iran, friendship for Hamas, suppression of Tibet, and mistreatment of its own political and religious dissidents. Yet none of this has sufficed to inspire athletes to boycott. The LIU Blackbirds were cut from a different cloth. Some of the LIU players were Jewish. Some were not. The team’s manager was Jewish. The coach was not. They came from different religious and ethnic backgrounds, but Ben Kramer, Marius Russo, Jules
(Founded in 1920) Bobbi Leibowitz President Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Robyn Belgrade Sales Associate Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper
Bender, Ken Norton, Leo Merson, Arthur Hillhouse, Bill Schwarz and Harry Grant shared a recognition that some things were more important than basketball. Today, even among sports fans, the names of the LIU Blackbirds are almost completely forgotten. Coach Bee is remembered by some enthusiasts for inventing the 1-3-1 zone defense and the 24-second shot clock, or for the “Chip Hilton” series of sports books for teens that he later authored. And a few New York Yankees oldtimers may recall that Marius Russo switched sports and, as “Lefty” Russo, became the star pitcher in the Yankees’ 1941 season and World Series victory. But what they and their teammates really deserve to be remembered for is their willingness to put the cause of the oppressed above their own self interest. That is a quality far more precious than the ability to excel on a track, field, skating rink, or basketball court. Dr. Medoff is director of The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies, www.WymanInstitute.org.
LETTER TO THE
EDITOR
To the Editor: I just finished reading the Press editorial on Aug. 1: “The most pressing problem today is ...” and I agreed with most of it until the last few paragraphs. I do not believe it is time to let “sexism” go. We as women born in the U.S., second-wave feminists, white, upper middle class, are very lucky. I would like, however, to share some facts that I find shocking. According to my Women’s Studies class at UNO: officially 110 million girls between the ages of five and 14 work; one million children, mostly girls are recruited to the world wide sex industry each year. In some Muslim countries, girls as young as nine can be married. Two thirds of all children Continued on page 9
Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: 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.; $72 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
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August 15, 2008
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 9
Israeli policy may look drastically different once Olmert leaves office
BEHIND THE HEADLINES by LESLIE SUSSER
JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s decision to resign after a new Kadima Party leader is elected in September has opened up the possibility of radical new directions in Israeli policy. As of now Olmert has four potential successors, since Kadima’s new leader may not be able to stave off new general elections. Benjamin Netanyahu of the Likud Party and Shaul Mofaz of Kadima are inveterate hawks who see peace, if it is at all possible, being achieved only in drawn-out, painstaking stages. Tzipi Livni of Kadima and Ehud Barak of the Labor Party are pragmatic doves ready to cut to the chase but wary of illusory quick fixes. Important differences exist within the two camps. Netanyahu views the current attempt by the Olmert government to reach final peace deals with the Palestinians and the Syrians as foolhardy. He is against what he calls “endism” -- trying to end the complex Israeli-Arab conflict with a single stroke -- and instead advocates a measured, step-by-step approach. For example, on the Syrian track, Damascus would have to break with Tehran and demonstrate over time that the breach is final before Israel returns any part of the Golan Heights. Other powers interested in moving Syria away from Iran, including the United States and the European Union, would be called on to provide much of the quid pro quo to Syria, making it possible for Israel to retain at least part of the strategic Golan. On the Palestinian track, Netanyahu regards the “shelf agreement” Olmert is negotiating with the relatively moderate Palestinian leadership in the West Bank as meaningless. Under present conditions,
with Hamas controlling Gaza, Netanyahu sees no way to implement an agreement now or in the foreseeable future. Instead, he again advocates a step-bystep framework in which each side progresses only after the other has fulfilled a commitment. Under Ariel Sharon, this performance-based, reciprocal approach led to a stalemate. Netanyahu hopes that the creation of new economic realities in the West Bank will provide the infrastructure for political progress. The former prime minister strongly backs efforts to that effect by Tony Blair, the special envoy of the Quartet grouping of the United States, United Nations, European Union and Russia. Like Blair, Netanyahu sees economic progress driving a peace process, not the other way round. Netanyahu’s top priority, however, would be stopping Iran's suspected nuclear weapons program. He has been urging world leaders to impose stronger economic sanctions on Tehran to alleviate the need for force. But if Netanyahu becomes prime minister, a pre-emptive Israeli military strike cannot be ruled out. Mofaz, although he abandoned the Likud for Kadima, is as hawkish as Netanyahu. In fact, were the current transportation minister to win the Kadima leadership, the split between Likud and Kadima could become a thing of the past. Mofaz left Likud reluctantly when pressed by Sharon, Kadima’s founder, and after Sharon promised to make him defense minister. The Iranian-born Mofaz takes a long view of historic processes in the Middle East who sees change evolving slowly over decades. Peace, in his view, will come only when conditions are ripe and cannot be accelerated artificially. On the Syrian track, Mofaz says he is ready to offer “peace for peace” -- an old Likud counter to the Arab land-for-peace formula. He also would be unlikely to make territorial concessions on the
Palestinian front. Indeed Mofaz, a former army chief of staff and defense minister, would likely be less industrious than Netanyahu in creating conditions for peace, but more proactive in trying to stop Iran from going nuclear. Mofaz, who heads the Israeli team in strategic dialogue with the United States, has warned that Iran will cross the nuclear weapons threshold in 2009 or 2010 and said that if the international community fails to interdict the process, Israel will. Like his colleagues on the right, Barak sees the Middle East as a tough, unforgiving neighborhood in which the weak are devoured -- he once famously described Israel as a “villa in the jungle.” The difference between Barak and the hard-line Netanyahu and Mofaz is his conviction that Israel to survive must be strong and divest itself of the West Bank to ensure a Jewish majority in a democratic state. After the failure of the Camp David negotiations with Yasser Arafat in 2000, the then-prime minister Barak was quick to claim there was no genuine Palestinian peace partner. That led him to back the notion of unilateral withdrawal as the only way to establish a border between Israel and the Palestinians. Barak modified his thinking, however, when Sharon's unilateral withdrawal from Gaza was followed by ceaseless Kassam rocket attacks. He still seems to envisage an eventual unilateral pullout from the West Bank, but only after Israel has an effective anti-missile defense system. As defense minister, Barak has made the development of a multilayered anti-missile system -- one that provides protection against long-, medium- and short-range missiles -- a top priority. Livni, whose parents both fought for the prestate Irgun underground, entered politics in 1996 holding fiercely hawkish positions. But as minister for regional cooperation in the first Sharon govern-
ment in 2001, she underwent a profound ideological metamorphosis, turning from hawk to relative dove. A lawyer by training, Livni places supreme importance on Israel retaining international legitimacy by withdrawing to a line close to the 1967 borders and allowing the Palestinians to establish a state of their own. Livni, now the foreign minister, sees one of the main tasks of government as securing the best post-withdrawal conditions for Israel. For example, she insists that no Palestinian refugees be allowed to return to Israel proper, arguing that the Palestinians cannot simultaneously demand a state and insist that their refugees be settled somewhere else. Livni was one of the chief backers of Sharon’s unilateral withdrawal from Gaza, but also after the Kassams from Gaza, she says Israel cannot simply leave the West Bank and “throw the keys over the fence.” Thus, unlike her three main rivals, Livni advocates intensive negotiations with the Palestinians on a final peace deal and bringing in an international force to help implement it. But Livni is in no hurry and would be less likely than Olmert to make concessions on key principles -- like the refugee issue -- for a deal. The first stage in the battle to succeed Olmert is scheduled for Sept. 17, when Kadima holds its primary. Livni and Mofaz are the runaway front-runners: A recent poll in Israel’s daily Ma’ariv gave Livni 51 percent of the party vote to Mofaz’s 43 percent. The second stage in the leadership stakes could come as soon as early 2009. If Kadima’s winner fails to assemble a coalition government, the Knesset will be dissolved and early general elections would be held, bringing Netanyahu and Barak into the picture. Whoever finally emerges as the new prime minister, a break with Olmert’s policies seems certain.
Olmert resignation plunges Israel into political uncertainty
FOCUS ON ISSUES by URIEL HEILMAN
(JTA) – Ehud Olmert’s announcement that he will not seek re-election plunged Israel into deep political uncertainty at a time when the country faces several crucial diplomatic and strategic challenges. Confronted with multiple corruption probes and a climate of intense political hostility -- including from leading members of his own Kadima Party -- the Israeli prime minister held a hastily assembled news conference Wednesday evening to announce he will resign. The change will take effect once Kadima chooses a new leader in primary elections scheduled for midSeptember. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz are the leading contenders. “Things got out of all reasonable proportion,” Olmert said in his speech, referring to what he called “ceaseless attacks” against him. “The prime minister is not above the law, but he is not by any means under it.” Maintaining his innocence, Olmert said he would step aside for the public good. “The time has come for me to make a decision,” Olmert said. “What’s more important than what -- my own personal justice or the public good?” In the short term, Olmert’s announcement means he will stay in office until Kadima’s next leader -- who will be chosen in a Sept. 17 primary or a runoff a week later -- can assemble a coalition government. Failure to muster a majority of at least 61 Knesset members in the coalition would trigger new general elections, likely in early 2009. Otherwise, the next scheduled elections are in 2010. Aside from casting a cloud of uncertainty over political succession, the development raised questions about how Olmert’s major diplomatic initiatives will fare during this period of political transition and beyond it -- including peace tracks with the Palestinians and with Syria, and the effort to halt Iran’s suspected nuclear weapons program.
A day after Olmert’s announcement, Reuters reported that an Israeli official close to Olmert said the prime minister intends to push ahead with talks with the Palestinians during his remaining time in office. Livni, the Olmert administration’s chief negotiator with the Palestinian Authority, is the leading Kadima candidate to succeed Olmert, polls show. She was meeting in Washington with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice when Olmert made his announcement. The other top contender in Kadima, Mofaz, also was in the United States at the time of the announcement. Defense Minister Ehud Barak, who leads the Labor Party, was on a plane heading home from meetings in Washington. Though Olmert pledged in his speech to continue pursuing peace talks with Israel’s Arab neighbors, the prime minister’s lame-duck status makes any significant breakthroughs highly unlikely. Rather, Olmert likely will end his abbreviated term with many of his major policy goals unrealized. He fought a war in Lebanon in 2006 to recover two soldiers taken captive on Israel’s northern border and neutralize the threat to Israel from Hezbollah, but the war failed to recover the soldiers or deliver a mortal blow to the Shiite terrorist group in Lebanon. He launched indirect peace talks with Syria through Turkish mediation, but the corruption scandals that aborted his term did not leave him enough time to reach any deals with Damascus. Iran’s suspected march toward nuclear weapons has been Israel’s central foreign preoccupation during Olmert’s term, but the prime minister has not managed to rally sufficient international pressure on the Islamic Republic to bring its uranium enrichment activities to a halt. At re-launched peace talks with the Palestinians last November, Olmert pledged to achieve a peace deal with the Palestinians by the end of 2008, but he recently acknowledged that that timetable was not feasible. Meanwhile, under Olmert’s watch the Gaza Strip fell under the control of Hamas, the Islamic terrorist group, which waged a lowlevel war with Israel until a truce in June.
Given the corruption scandals that plagued his twoand-a-half years in office, even Olmert’s policy initiatives -- including the decision to re-launch the indirect peace talks with Syria and sign a cease-fire deal with Hamas in Gaza -- were viewed with suspicion by some who derided the moves as ploys to ensure his political survival. Olmert had been under a cloud of investigations almost since the first day he assumed his post, when a coma disabled then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in January 2006. The major scandal that erupted in May, in which American Jewish businessman Morris Talansky said he gave Olmert $150,000 in cash over the course of the decade and a half before Olmert became prime minister, crippled Olmert’s ability to govern. The revelation by police investigators several weeks later that Olmert was suspected of double-billing overseas trips to various Jewish charities accelerated the calls for his resignation.
Letter to the Editor
Continued from page 8 who do not attend school are girls. Two million girls and young women are genitally mutilated each year. Ninety five percent of the children in Chinese orphanages are girls. In the U.S., a women is raped every 90 seconds. A women is battered every 15 seconds. However week after week the WWE tries to normalize gendered violence in what they call entertainment. Women are stripped of their clothes, pushed to their hands and knees by strong demeaning male “characters” demanding that they bark like a dog while you have 20,000 screaming fans, mostly boys and men telling the wrestler to “slap the b**ch”. The crowd continues to cheer and the woman continues to be humiliated. If this is entertainment, what does it mean that people are entertained by this? To me, sexism is alive and well in the world today, just not in the one that we have created for ourselves. “Who cares?” I do. Diane Malashock
Page 10
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 15, 2008
Candlelighting Friday, August 15, 8:03 p.m
Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 www.OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 323 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
The Neighborhood 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
If you’re looking at this space, so are others! YOUR AD CAN GO HERE...
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Allan Handleman, 402.334.6451 or Robyn Belgrade 402.334.6559
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.
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BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg. Friday: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m. Kiddush sponsored by Sally and Jim Zipursky, in honor of their children, Naomi and Aaron, becoming B’nai Mitzvah; Minha/Ma’ariv, 8:15 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Bible Study SUNDAY: Discussion Group, 10 a.m. JEWS & THE ENVIRONMENT Mini course led by Professor Leonard Greenspoon, scheduled for the following Tuesdays: Aug. 19, 26 and Sept. 2, 7 p.m. Class will focus on what the Hebrew Bible says about the environment, and what people can do to care for the earth. All adults in the Jewish community are welcome. Cost: $18. To register or for more information, contact the office. HEBREW CRASH COURSE Join teacher Susi FrydmanLevin for her six-week Hebrew Crash Course, beginning Sunday, Aug. 17, 24, and 31, and Sept. 7, 14, and 21, 10 a.m. to noon. Class is both beginners and those who would like a refresher course. Cost: $18. For more information or to register, contact the synagogue office. SISTERHOOD HONEY SALE Volunteers are invited to help Sisterhood members bottle honey on Aug. 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Feel
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 is sponsored by Taxman Family; “Guard Your Tongue” and “The Great Midrash” class are both one hour before Mincha each Shabbat afternoon; Mincha, 7:45 p.m., followed by Seudah Shlishit, sponsored by Joey Shyken and Bob Gass in honor of Adam Bohn going to yeshiva; Havdalah, 9:06 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; “Reading the Rambam” with Rabbi Oxman is off for the summer; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Rabbi’s weekly class, 7:30 p.m.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Youth Minyan, where the Mini-Mensch title will be awarded, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows; join Rabbi Katzman from 12-1 p.m. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Heading Somewhere, studying the book of Numbers, 9:30 a.m.; Parsha study, 10 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Kabbalistic Insights
Hannah Renee Perry, daughter of Beth and Jay Perry, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Aug. 23, at Temple Israel. Hannah is an eighth-grade stu-
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg hosted by Elaine Monnier. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel; Game Night/Potluck, 6 p.m. All ages welcome and please contact Deborah Swearingen if you have questions or need a ride. TUESDAY: Women’s Lunch Group will meet at Red Lobster, 6540 ‘O’ St, noon. Please contact Stephanie Dohner at 435.0140 or dohners@mindspring.com to reserve or to arrange a ride. THURSDAY: Jews and the News, 12:30 p.m. Lunch and Discussion; Choir Rehersal, 7:30 p.m. OUTDOOR SERVICE AND POTLUCK DINNER Friday, Aug. 22, 6 p.m. at Wyuka Cemetery. Please RSVP to Temple office or with Dottie Shapiro at 489.5372.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Alan Shulewitz.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m., led by Cantor Wendy Shermet. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m. OPEN HOUSE SHABBAT Friday, Aug. 22, 6 p.m. We invite the community to spend Shabbat at Temple Israel. Join us for a savory Oneg Shabbat immediately following the service; meet our clergy and discover the warmth of our congregation. ANNUAL GOLF OUTING Monday, Aug. 25 at Ironwood Country Club. Call the Temple office for more information and to sign up.
NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. MONDAY and THURSDAY: Minyan, 9 a.m. Contact the office to arrange for a minyan. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch and Talmud study. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group meets at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Call Yale Gotsdiner, 423.7066. POOL PARTY & PICNIC Sunday, Aug. 24, noon-3 p.m. at the home of Julie and David Brockman.
Play ball ... in Israel
B’NAI MITZVAH Zachary Yosef Bram, son of Devra and Ross Bram, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Aug. 23, at Beth El. Zachary is an eighth-grade Honor Roll student at McMillan Math and Engineering Magnet. His interests include soccer, violin and fiddle, drawing cartoons, p l a y i n g bridge and video games. Zachary has a brother, Jonathan. For his mitzvah project, he played his violin at local nursing homes and provided food for residents of the Ronald McDonald House. Grandparents are Martha and Robert Senior, and Claire and Marvin Bram.
for Women, 12:15 p.m.; Halacha, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: W.O.W. Prayer, Prophets, and Prayer, 9 a.m. Kabbalah WEDNESDAY: Circle, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m.; The Parsha Club for Level I beginners, ages 5-6; and Level II for ages 7-9, 3:40 p.m. All events and programs are open to the community.
dent at Alice Buffett Magnet Middle School. She is a member of National Junior Honor Society and Think Tank and was selected for the Duke T a l e n t Identification Program where she was State Medal Winner. She also received the Girl Scouts Bronze Award. She is a member of the Cornhusker Flyers Track Club, her school’s cross country and swim teams, Temple JYG and Girl Scouts. She also is a staff volunteer at UNA Aim for the Stars, a summer math and science camp. For her mitzvah project, Hannah organized, coded, and shelved all books by catagory for sixth grade classrooms at Picotte Elementary and produced a database. Grandparents are Sheila and Michael Donenfeld of Yorba Linda, CA, and Margaret Perry of Elk Grove, IL.
KIRYAT GAT (JTA) -- Jordan Farmar, a guard for the Los Angeles Lakers and the only Jewish player in the NBA, demonstrates his dribbling skills at a basketball clinic he conducted for Israeli and Palestinian children in Kiryat Gat on Aug. 5. The boys participate in the Peres Center for Peace Credit: JTA slideshow and Nir Keidar Sports Schools.
PERSONALS I wish to thank everyone for their cards, phone calls, and good wishes during my lengthy recovery from injuries suffered as a result of a fall. Your thoughtfulness is very much appreciated. Georgia Ann Steinberg Thank you to our family and friends, Rabbi Levin and Cantor Bogomolni, for their kind words, calls and donations after the sudden death of our son and grandson, Scott Grossman. Bernie and Marge Grossman and family Ethel Grossman
Pulverente MONUMENT CO.
August 15, 2008
DEATHS LEONARD G. KULAKOFSKY Former Omahan Leonard Kulakofsky died July 17 in Chicago at the age of 87. Services were held July 20 at Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago. Following army service during World War II, where he was in charge of a POW camp in Belgium, he returned to Omaha and joined the family business, Central Market. A charter member of Opera Omaha and the Henry Doorly Zoo, he was international president of Jewish Vocational Services and served on the board of Temple Israel. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Anita Portis Kulakofsky; sons and daughter-in-law, Alan and Janie Kulakofsky, Edgar and Debra Kully of Seattle; daughter and son-in-law, Gail and Alan Ruderman of Highland Park, IL; grandchildren, David and Liz Kulakofsky of
Pleading for a glimpse, a glance of Holiness
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Ve-ethanan One can hardly get beyond that giant word, the title of our Sidra, because of all the implications and connotations of the word itself. It is like a mother who has led and guarded and protected her child all through the possible mishaps of childhood and adulthood. And then she finds herself not invited to that ungrateful child’s wedding. And here it is Moses: He has led this stubborn and uncooperative people for 40 years through this wilderness. And he is told to look at the Land from afar!?! He is not to enter it! And so he pleads with the Lord. He entreats Him. He begs. He debases himself. But the Kadesh Borakhu remembers how once Moses had not followed exactly the instructions he had been given. For that infraction, he was not to enter the Land. Apparently the standards of behavior for the leader are different from the standard for the follower. We shall have to remember that, for it is a continuing feature in human relationships. Thus Moses accepts his punishment for one small infraction. It is not that the Land is more beautiful, more fertile, more healthful than other lands. It only seemed so to Moses and his impatient people, and to us in our day. We love it and cherish it and protect it. We, who can enter pretty much at will, recognizing that Moses understood and taught us that above all, without regard to size and beauty and productivity, it was the Holy Land! Although his plea was to be denied, it was certainly worth pleading for. It was the Holy Land; it has remained so from the time of Moses until our own time.
Chicago; Jay Kulakofsky of North Carolina; Jacqueline Ruderman of Los Angeles; Nathan and Gennifer Kully of Seattle; sister-in-law, Shirley Kulakofsky; and brotherin-law, Stanley Katelman of FL. Memorials to charity of choice. DR. ROBERT JULIAN ENGEL Robert Engel died Aug. 8 at the age of 86. Private services were held. He served in the United States Army Dental Corps from 1953-55 and then practiced orthodontics in Omaha until he retired in 1988. He is survived by his wife, Renee; sons and daughtersin-law, Dr. Richard and Trudie Engel, Barry S. and Marsha Engel of Denver, Gregg P. and Karen Engel of Denver; Rand Z. Engel of Kosovo; brother, Joe Engel; sisters, Wilene Engel Mitnick and Lillie Engel Buchstane, all of Jasper, AL; sister-in-law and brotherin-law, Beverlee and Bob Fromkin; sister-in-law, Phyllis Milenbach of Moraga, CA; and many grandchildren. Memorials to charity of choice. IGOR ZINKOV Igor Zinkov, who immigrated with his family here from the former Soviet Union in 1990 during Operation Exodus, died Aug. 9 at the age of 56. Services were held Aug. 11 at Beth El Cemetery. He was preceded in death by his father, Mark. He is survived by his wife, Mila Zinkov; daughter and son-in-law, Renata and Jason Huntington; son, Mark Zinkov; mother, Roza Zinkov; brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Alla Zinkov; father-in-law and mother-inlaw, Liza and Makc Magalnik. Memorials to the American Cancer Society. BEN SCHNEIDER Former Council Bluffs resident Ben Schneider died Aug. 5 at the age of 87. He was an associate and later owner/operator with his wife, Beatrice, of the Bargain Spot, from 1949 until the store closed in 1978. He served on the board of directors of the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce as well as that of the Christian Home/Children’s Square. He also was a charter member and past president of the Downtown Retail Business Association, later known as the Progressive Business Association and serves as vice chairman of the City Planning Commission. A veteran of World War II, he was an active member of the American Legion and Jewish War Veterans. He served as an officer of B’nai Israel Synagogue, past president of the Irving Cohen Lodge of B’nai B’rith and a board member of the six-state B’nai B’rith district, and also was a recipient of the Bluff’s Jewish Federation Ben Gershon Memorial Award. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Beatrice Krause Schneider; daughters and sons-in-law, Jan and Blake Lund, Lynn and Mark Bernstien of Dallas, and Mimi Schneider and Doug Boyd of Lincoln; grandchildren, Alex Lund, Aaron Bernstien of Chicago, and Joel and Megan Bernstien of Cary, NC.
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Statewide Classified ADVERTISE STATEWIDE for $195/25 word classified ad. Over 170 newspapers with circulation of more than 400,000. Contact the Jewish Press at 334-6448 or call 1-800369-2850. FUN & FREEDOM Shoot, Sat., Aug. 16, 2008, 5 miles south Kearney, to “S” Road, 1 mile west, 1 mile north. $10 armed spectators, $20 unarmed. ARMSBID.COM ABSOLUTE Auction. Over 1,600 guns. August 14, 15 & 16, 201 SE 59th St., Topeka, KS, 800-466-5516. JUNK JAUNT, Central Nebraska’s 300 mile yard sale, September 26-28. Outside vendors welcome with permission. Shopper guides (maps) $7 by mail or online. www.junkjaunt.com, 308-346-4815. SELL YOUR classic car, truck or motorcycle online. Call this newspaper or call 800-3692850 to place your ad on the national www.midwestclassiccars.com web site for only $25.00. Your ad runs until your vehicle is sold! BANKRUPTCY: FREE initial consultation. Fast relief from creditors. Low rates. Statewide filing. No office appointments necessary. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-8728327. www.steffenslaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code. 1970 FORD Grain truck with lift. Model C600. Engine runs good. Asking $2,000.00, OBO. Call Joanne at 402-826-2106. HOT TUBS, walk in bathtubs, infrared saunas, $1,995 up, 1-800-869-0406 for price list, pictures. We deliver. We service after the sale. In business since 1982...Town Center Showcase, Lincoln, NE, goodlifespa.com. RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT Outlet; new & used restaurant equipment. See www.Chillmasters.biz for more info; Sioux City, IA, 1-800-526-7105.
Faces of Yachad Continued from page 7 Was Lisa and Jillian’s idea to move out of their parents’ home or their own? Debbie explains: “They really don’t have the language to do that (ask about the subject on their own). We raised them as normally as we possibly could, and when you grow up, you move away. That was our philosophy.” She describes the girls as being on board with the idea from the very start. They were enthusiastic about help-
Members of Yachad recently toured the new Butterfly Pavilion at the Henry Doorly Zoo on the first outing with new Yachad Program leader, Jan McCarthy, back row right, and Yachad Program Assistant, Mark Kazor, back row left.
ing choose the apartment, decorating their own bedrooms and seemed unafraid of being out from under their mother’s protective wing. The two have gained skills and independence since moving out, even though they have constant care. “They’ve grown up immensely,” Debbie says. She’s also able to reap the rewards of a more adult relationship with them now and tells of her daily phone call from them just to say “Good morning!” Debbie adds, “The language went from two words put together to where they’re at now. All they want to do is have conversation. Before, Lisa couldn’t do a turn on the phone and now she can yak your ear off for 20 minutes!” Debbie finishes by telling me about how Lisa was born with a major heart defect and when they were ready to return home with her after surgery a doctor gave them some advice. “Her cardiologist said, ‘Take her home and love her and treat her the way you would any other child.’ Why I listened, I don’t know, but I’m glad I did; you see so many out-of-control kids with special needs who don’t need to be out-of control,” Debbie recalls. “What is going to make them successful in the workplace and in the community is social skills. Academically, they’re pretty well-functioning, but their social skills are higher -- and that’s what makes them successful.”
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Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 15, 2008
Teen returns from NFTY in Israel
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Aaron, whose family belongs to Temple Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Israel. “You need to write an essay and to After four and a half months, 16-year- fill out the applications online. It’s very old Aaron Bleicher returned in June from simple and easy to do.” There were 104 his first trip to Israel. He was enrolled in other participants in Aaron’s EIE class. the NFTY (North American Federation Besides the trip to Poland, EIE students of Temple Youth) EIE High School in visit “Gadna” for an introduction to the Israel run by the Union for Reform Israel Defense Force, take a hike from the Judaism (URJ). Sea of Galilee to the Mediterranean Sea, a He decided to apply to EIE “to learn desert hike in the Negev, a camel ride, and about my Jewish past, culture, and to spend a night in a Bedouin-style tent. learn the language that has been used for He also went to Efrat, Tel Aviv, Jaffa, thousands of years,” he explained. It was and Jerusalem with his parents when they also “to have the best experience of my life and to share it with Jews my age who share my interests.” EIE is the Eisendrath International Exchange program of study accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools as well as the Ministry of Education in Israel. Students take classes, including Hebrew and a specially developed Jewish history course related to the Reform Zionist experience in Israel along with the normal, general studies classes that Aaron would have taken Aaron Bleicher (in the middle of the back row) and fellow EIE at his high school, Brownell- participants got a taste of life in the Israel Defense Force as Talbot, in Omaha. The part of the high school in Israel program. Jewish history class is augmented with visited him, he wrote in an email in March tiyulim, field trips all over Israel to study to Rabbi Aryeh Azriel at Temple Israel. history where it happened. “This is a great country,” Aaron added. “It makes it all the more interesting,” “This program is doing amazing things said Aaron. for Reform Jews. And personally I think EIE also takes its students to Poland for we should better advertise it within our a week so they can focus on the growth of community,” he suggested. “They think Askhkenazi Jewry and the horrors of the they know what’s happening in Israel, Holocaust by visiting Auschwitz and and they think it's a disaster, but really it’s other concentration camps. not at all. And I think that if teens in “It was really cool but really depressing,” America came and realized that it's not so Aaron indicated. “You go from concentra- dangerous ... knowledge may increase. I tion camp to concentration camp, but have to pay attention to physics now so you’re with a hundred of your closest I’ll email later,” he concluded in his note friends, and you all pull through together.” to Rabbi Azriel. Named after Rabbi Maurice N. “When I left for Israel, my Hebrew was Eisendrath, the president of the Union of less than exceptional,” admitted Aaron. American Hebrew Congregations (now “But now, I am able to have a short conURJ) from 1958 to 1973, EIE has been versation with Rabbi Azriel. It’s quite educating students continually since amazing how much you can learn in such 1961. It is now centered in Kibbutz a short period of time. All of the instrucTzuba, about 15 minutes from tors were very bright and taught very, Jerusalem. Aaron, who is from Council very well.” Bluffs, could see “the beautiful Judean He added, “As a Jewish person, EIE hills” from his room. made me realize the importance of Israel Aaron’s sister Sarah and their cousin and my religion within the Middle East. Josh Bleicher also participated in EIE but Many people -- no matter how in touch prior to Aaron's experience which began they are with their Judaism -- will learn in January. something new” in Israel. He hopes to “The qualifications to be in the program return to Israel “as soon as I possibly can. are actually quite minor,” mentioned I really miss my homeland.”
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