Vol. LXXXIV No. 49 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 84 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
Project Yitzhak Promotes Cultural Bonds Between Western Galilee and American Artists by WENDY ELLIMAN “We devised the Project not only as an arts festival, but (Israel Press Service)--A woman clutching her infant also as a bridge connecting Americans and Israelis geoson soars Chagall-style toward the bound biblical Isaac, graphically, ethnically, religiously, politically and culturally,” above portraits of American and Israeli soldiers killed says Renee Stanley, Project Yitzhak Chairman, coordinator fighting terror… Photographs of men, old and young, for Dallas, TX. “Coming together around this common black and white, from the theme allows us to explore streets of Dallas, all our 4,000 years of Jewish named Isaac… A wrenchhistory, as well as our coming mime in which a helpmon concerns for contemless spread-eagled woman porary Jewish life, our wish is bound ever tighter… A for peace and our hopes dance choreographed to and dreams for the generathe words of Yitzhak tions which follow us.” Rabin accepting his Project Yitzhak is the Nobel Prize for Peace… brainchild of the creative Common to each of Western Galilee/Central these newly created works Area Partnership With is the theme of Yitzhak Israel (formerly (Isaac)--God’s testing of Partnership 2000), a Abraham’s faith by comJewish Agency/UJC manding him to sacrifice project which links 13 his only son, Isaac --from American cities: Akron, the biblical Yitzhak Canton, Dayton, Toledo through historical Isaacs and Youngstown, OH; to the modern-day musi- A painting by Veronique Jonas of Dallas, TX, (from the Sanctification Indianapolis, IN; cians, politicians and men series) of a woman clutching her infant son as she soars, Chagall- Louisville, KY; Des in the street who carry his style, toward the bound biblical Isaac. Beneath her are American and Moines, IA, Omaha, NE; name. Each is the work of Israeli soldiers who have been killed fighting terror. The work repre- Dallas, Fort Worth and visual or performing sents every mother who has had to sacrifice a child. San Antonio, TX, with artists from Israel or the Midwestern USA, and were Israel’s Western Galilee, Acre and Matteh Asher region. among dozens selected for inclusion in the first Project Among the participants were Elyce Azriel, Director of Yitzhak International Arts Gathering held in Israel’s Temple Israel’s Middle/High School, and Maria Western Galilee earlier this summer. Neesman, Chairman of its Religious School Committee. “The gathering has been three years in the making,” The direct professional, cultural, social and economic says Nurit Cederbaum, Director of the Western Galilee relationships which Partnership fosters aim to transform College’s Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in Art and the old fundraiser/beneficiary relationship between co-chair of the Partnership Arts Task Force and a fre- American Jews and Israelis into a true partnership of quent visitor to Omaha. “Project Yitzhak was built on peers. The Project Yitzhak encounter between artists creativity surrounding a topic--an encounter for the pur- takes its place alongside successful programs between pose of creation between communities, artistic disci- Israeli and American physicians, teachers and counselors. Continued on page 10 plines, people, ideas and religions.”
Academy Receives Gift from Friedel Family Foundation by JORDANA L. KURTZMAN out the Midwest. He estabFriedel Jewish Academy lished the Friedel Family announces that it has received Foundation to give back to a gift from the Friedel Family the community. Foundation. This additional Phyllis Friedel said that her support will enable the Friedel husband was “a wonderful Academy to continue its man who would have been growth in the support of so proud to see how Friedel increased numbers of new stuJewish Academy has grown.” dents, in addition to new proFriedel’s daughter, Lynne grams that include technoloGellman, said that her father gy, science, the arts, and “felt a strong connection to Judaic education. The Omaha and believed deeply Foundation applied for and in education for Jewish chilreceived a matching grant dren. Gellman and her husfrom the Avi Chai Randi F. Sherman, left, Phillis Friedel and Lynne F. Gellman. band, Steven, live in Austin, Foundation--all for the education of FJA students. TX, have two children, Jay, 21, and Becca, 19. Although the Friedel family has not lived here for Continued on page 13 years, they have kept a steadfast commitment to Jewish education in Omaha. In 1986, the Friedel family donatJewish Federation of Omaha ed $500,000 to create an endowment for Jewish educato Recognize Volunteers-of-the-Year, tion. This year, they recognized the continued need for an increase in donations to Omaha’s Jewish day school Community Service Award and have once again stepped up to provide financial and Spirit of Federation Award assistance to keep the level of educational standards at its level of excellence. at Annual Meeting and Reception Leonard Friedel, who died in 2002, became a successTuesday, Aug. 23, 8 p.m. ful businessman in Omaha, opening and managing the at the Jewish Community Center Jerry Leonard Big & Tall clothing store chain through-
Inside Opinion Page see page 16
This Week: Fall Home & Garden Issue Starts on Page 10 Lincoln’s B’nai Jeshurun to Install Rabbi Emanuel: Page 2
Temple Team in MS Ride in Memory of Joel Brodsky: Page 3
14 Av, 5765 August 19, 2005
Settlers in Gaza Lament Withdrawal as They Mark a Holy Day of Mourning by DINA KRAFT NEVEH DEKALIM, Gaza Strip (JTA)--The rabbi’s voice rose and fell in a haunting trill over the hundreds gathered around him. Mothers cradled babies as young men with guns by their sides swayed in prayer and recitation. Above them a half moon glowed an eerie orange. “We see this not just as the sacrifice of the Temple but the sacrifice of our land,” says Shlomit Landau, 20, who had come to Neveh Dekalim from Jerusalem. “It feels much more meaningful.” Tisha B’Av in Neveh Dekalim, the largest of the Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip, took on an especially mournful tone as it was observed from sundown Saturday to sundown Sunday.
A settler is comforted by an IDF soldier Sunday in Neveh Dekalim. The wheels of disengagement began turning in earnest following Sunday’s midnight closing of the Kissufim Credit: ISRANET Crossing into Gaza. Both residents and the hundreds of outsiders who came from across Israel and the West Bank to reinforce the settlement ahead of the government-ordered evacuation of Gaza, which was scheduled to begin Aug. 17, saw special significance in this Tisha B’Av. The fast day marks the destruction in Jerusalem of the First Temple in 586 B.C.E. and the Second Temple in 70 C.E. Religious Jews, such as those who live in Neveh Dekalim, observe the day by sitting on the floor chanting the biblical book called Lamentations. On Tisha B’Av, many Jews around the world mourn not only the loss of the Temples but other tragedies throughout Jewish history. The Jews gathered here see the evacuation of 21 Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip and four more in the northern West Bank as a monumental tragedy. “It makes us wait even more fervently for the coming of the Messiah,” says Narkiss Netanya, 20, as she finds a place on the sprawling pebble and cement plaza outside the main synagogue complex in Neveh Dekalim, where clusters of worshippers are gathered in large circles. Netanya is one of many people this week in Neveh Dekalim -part of the main Jewish settlement bloc, Gush Katif--who illegally entered Gaza even after it was declared a closed military zone by the army. Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz, chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, estimated Sunday that as many as 5,000 anti-withdrawal activists have slipped into Gaza in recent weeks. The government refers to them as infiltrators; the settlers call them their guests. Whatever one calls them, they could prove to be an obstacle to Israel’s plans to withdraw from Gaza. Forced evacuations of those settlers who refuse to leave three of the settlements--Morag, Kfar Darom and Netzarim-were slated to take place Wednesday; no date has been set for withdrawal from the other settlements, although Neveh Dekalim is among the second round of settleContinued on page 20
Coming Next Month: New Year’s Issue, Sept. 30 Bob Wolfson Reports on Nuremberg Conference: Pages 6-7
Rebecca Shore’s Art Returns to JCC Gallery: Page 20
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 19, 2005
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun to Install Rabbi Ilan Emanuel
Swanson Tower Condo For Rent Large, 2 Bed, 2 Bath $1695/mo
by SARAH KELEN for Congregation B’nai Jeshurun At Shabbat Evening Services next week, on Friday, Aug. 26, 7:45 p.m., Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, Lincoln’s South Street Temple, will celebrate the installation of Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. He is the 22nd rabbi since the founding of Lincoln’s Congregation B’nai Jeshurun in 1884. Emanuel was Rabbi ordained in June at Hebrew College–Jewish Union Institute of Religion, where he was a student at the Cincinnati campus. Prior to Randi and Rabbi his rabbinical studies, he Ilan Emanuel worked as a lawyer in London, England. Rabbi Emanuel’s father, Rabbi Charles Emanuel, is the longtime rabbi of London’s North Western Reform Synagogue and will officiate at his son’s installation at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun. Temple President Barbara Barron notes that, “We are all excited that Rabbi Emanuel’s official welcome to the Temple will be officiated by his father.” On Saturday, Aug. 27, 10:30 a.m., Rabbi Charles Emanuel will also
• 24/7 security and doorman • Underground Parking • Pool & Tennis Courts Call Willard Friedman at 330-0462
DOLLS ETC Porcelain Dolls, Cards, Gifts & More Louise Turkel, owner
402/614-8318
2523 South 90th Street, Loveland Plaza lt@dollstec.omhcoxmail.com
Gary Kuklin
Parents
Tired of paying for Student housing?
Former Omahan Accompanies Maccabi USA Team to Israel for Maccabiah Games
Buy investment property for your kids to live in generating a better return on your money! I can assist you wherever your kids need to live. Local REALTOR® National Network
402.880.1887 800.876.2088 gary@garykuklin.info CLIP & SAVE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, AUGUST 19 YU Torah Tours Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth Israel Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 Shabbat Lunch with YU Torah Tours, 11:30 a.m. C at Beth Israel L I P & S A V E
SUNDAY, AUGUST 21 Teacher Orientation, 9 a.m. at Temple Israel “Living Hebrew” Class with Susy Levin, 10 a.m. at Beth El Bible Study with Leonard Greenspoon, 10 a.m. at Beth El BESTT Teacher Orientation, 10 a.m. Jewish Potpouri with Susy Levin, 11 a.m. at Beth El Visions Summer Picnic, noon at Chalco Hills BBYO Council BBQ and Swim Party, 5 p.m. Beth El Community Jewish Singles Minature Golf Event, 7 p.m. at Boulder Creek Amusement
C L I P & S A V E
MONDAY, AUGUST 22 Cardozo Society Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. Jewish Press Meeting, 7:30 p.m. TUESDAY, AUGUST 23
C C L “The Guy & Bob Show”, noon L I Federation Executive Committee Meeting, 5:30 p.m. I P ADL Institute for Holocaust Education, 5:30 p.m. P
BBYO Night, 6 p.m. & Federation Board Meeting. 7 p.m.
&
S THURSDAY, AUGUST 25 A V Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. E Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.
S A V E
Jewish Federation Pre-Mission Class, 7 p.m. All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)
This Space For Rent Call Allan Handleman 334-6451
lead the Shabbat Torah Study at the Temple. On the evening of Sunday, Aug. 28, the Jewish community and other local and out of town guests will celebrate together at a party honoring Rabbi Emanuel’s installation. A dinner at the Marriott Cornhusker Hotel, in downtown Lincoln, will be followed by a dessert reception and dance. Omaha’s Klezmer Consortium will provide musical entertainment. The dinner is from 5:30-7 p.m., followed by the dessert reception from 7:30-10 p.m. The dinner and dessert reception will cost $36 together, or guests may attend only the dancing and dessert reception for $18. Please call the Temple office at 402.435.8004 for more information or to make a reservation. Although Rabbi Emanuel’s installation is not until the end of the month, his duties at the Temple have already begun. Since assuming his position at the beginning of August, Rabbi Emanuel has been working with the religious school committee, meeting with congregants, planning activities, and settling into his new pulpit. Rabbi Emanuel, his wife Randi Emanuel, and their daughter Mira moved to Lincoln at the end of June. On Aug. 5, Rabbi Emanuel led his first Shabbat worship service as the congregation’s rabbi. “Members of the South Street Temple are enthusiastic about their new rabbi, and look forward to a long and productive relationship with him,” added Barron.
by LAYNIE GINSBURG that unique Jewish bond. At that moment, I truly Maccabi USA Sports for Israel Games Assistant understood the significance of my Jewish identity. To For the past year, I have worked in Philadelphia for have the opportunity to witness the interaction and Maccabi USA/Sports for competition of the Israel. Our office is the Maccabiah, the purpose and sponsor of the U.S. Team goals I have been working to the 17th Maccabiah towards for so many months Games, Pan American became self evident. It all Maccabi Games, and also came to life during my three sponsors of U.S. particiweeks in Israel. pation in Maccabi compeTeam USA, an 800-person titions in Europe and strong contingent, came Australia. home with 72 gold, 82 silLast month, I boarded ver, and 68 bronze medals, El Al airlines for the most stronger Jewish identity, amazing experience of my connection to the state of life. The moment I landIsrael, and life-long friended at Ben Gurion airport, ships. I knew I was going to be Many of the parents told part of a personal and us what an incredible experireligious experience that ence this has been for them would forever be rememand their children and how bered. happy they are they decided My journey began in Laynie Ginsburg, daughter of Bill and Beth Ginsburg, visited to participate in the USA the magnificent city of Jerusalem’s Old City during the Maccabi USA trip to the Mission and the Maccabiah. Jerusalem where I met all Maccabiah Games earlier this summer. As for me, I am very forthe families of our athtunate to be able to have a letes and master athletes. We spent Shabbat at the career that allows me to partake in such an event. The Southern Wall, participated in a Bar/Bat Mitzvah cere- 18th Maccabiah will again be held in 2009. Hopefully I mony on top of Yom Hashmona, and toured the ancient will still be a part of the Maccabi family and cheering on city of our people. my USA Team! While in Israel, my main focus was working with the For upcoming events and Maccabiah information and mission, a tour package offered to master athletes and photos, log on to our website at www.maccabiusa.com. family and friends of our athletes. It included tickets to opening and closing ceremonies, special evening events in Israel, and touring throughout Israel. The mission participants came to Israel to support and watch their children’s competitions, but also to have this lifetime experience interacting with Jewish people from around the world and making lifelong friendships along the way. The Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel organization allows each person to connect with the other participants in an educational, athletic, and cultural way. Four days later, our entire group moved to Tel Aviv and sat in awe as the Opening Ceremonies 2005 commenced. At Ramat Gan stadium, surrounded by Team USA supporters, parents, and family members, I knew I was in for quite a treat. I watched in awe as all the athletes from countries throughout the world marched in, knowing we all had one common religious denominator. The connection I felt to every person in that stadium that night is something that every person in their lifetime should experience. Singing Hatikvah during the opening ceremonies, Ben Jacobson, number 13, son of David and Nancy Jacobson, seeing the enthusiasm, smiles and trading of uniforms played for the Maccabi USA Men’s basketball team, helping Credit: ISRANET and pins, it was clear that everyone in the stadium felt them earn a bronze medal.
August 19, 2005
Temple Israel Teams Up Against MS in Memory of Joel Brodsky by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Joel Brodsky was a loving husband and a devoted father. Born in Omaha, he moved to the Kansas City area as a young teen. He earned a degree in economics at the University of Michigan where he met his wife, Jodi. Stricken with multiple sclerosis (MS) at age 19, he went on to open a 1950s-style diner in the Westport district of Kansas City and later returned to Omaha to become a vice president in the family business, Rader’s Inc., an office supply company. Joel and Jodi had one child, Rachel, 14, a student at Westside High School. Joel volunteered as a soccer and basketball coach for her teams and attended games and practices in a wheelchair. He was also active in the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Leadership Omaha. Joel died on June 22 after a 24-year battle against MS, a chronic disease of the central nervous system affecting the brain and spinal cord. Joel’s friends will be riding in his honor in this year’s MS Celebrate Cycling Ride on Sunday, Aug. 28. Temple Israel is assembling a team to ride in the event “in memory of our good friend, Joel Brodsky,” explained David Gilinsky who was a lifelong friend of Brodsky. “While Joel battled MS for more than 20 years, he never gave into it. His caring nature was carefully balanced against his sardonic sense of humor,” something Gilinsky loved about Brodsky. “Joel has been an inspiration to me. And it is with his perseverance and commitment in mind that I feel the need to help others who suffer from this terrible disease,” added
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
Youth Leadership Mission Participants Exhibit Work in Davis Gallery
Gilinsky. Others riding on the Temple team are Jo Anne and Jon Gordon, Jodi Brodsky, Larry Gilinsky, Kevin Gilinsky, David Goldberg, Rosie Zweiback, and Speedy Zweiback. Gilinsky and Jon Gordon are the team captains. To register for the bike ride and to sponsor riders, log on to the Temple Israel website at www.templeisrael-ne.org and click on to the links under “The Ride to Fight Multiple Sclerosis.” Registration is $15. Omaha Steaks is the presenting sponsor for the MS Celebrate Cycling Ride. Check-in and registration begin at 7 a.m. followed by start times between 8 and 9 a.m. depending on the route. MS Bike Ride is an annual family-oriented event for cyclists of any age. It provides an opportunity to have fun while supporting the National MS Society’s mission to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis. There’s a special route for children 10 years of age and younger. It includes a short kiddy loop and games. For adults, there is a 13-mile flat, scenic, and fully supported beginner route. There are also a 35-mile intermediate route which is supported and treks through Nebraska countryside and a 50-mile advanced route for more aggressive, ambitious cyclists. All routes begin and end in Waterloo at DC West Middle School, Seventh and Washington Sts. “It’s a small thing for me to do for people who face the devastating and relentless effects of MS everyday,” remarked Gilinsky. “With each mile I ride, I hope to bring the National MS Society closer to a cure.”
by DEBBI ZWEIBACK The mission concludes with a program ADL Assistant Director underscoring the role that youth can play For more than 90 years, the Anti- in breaking the cycle of hate. Participants Defamation League has been devoted to are asked to acknowledge their responsibility to educate fighting antithemselves and Semitism and all others through forms of bigby TIM SPORCIC their actions otry, and to fosGross High School and behavior. tering underOne Evil Man’s Vision Upon returnstanding among One Vision to exterminate One group of people ing to home, a diverse commuA Nation with the help of others stopped that One variety of strucnities. Man's vision tured and inforConstantly That One man still killed 6 million people mal follow-up striving to develAfter stopping that One man, One world vowed to activities are op creative never let it happen again scheduled approaches, the Now, 60 years later, One group is trying to throughout the Plains States exterminate another group of individuals year to build Regional office Just like that One man had tried 60 years prior upon and reinannually hosts a One group of teens in One week learned of the terror force the mesYouth Leadcommitted 60 years ago sage of the misership Mission Afterward they vowed to end prejudice and to stop sion. Each parto the United any other atrocity from occurring ticipant comStates Holocaust Now that One group has One chance to influence mits to create a Memorial Musethose around them visual project um in WashingThey influence to aid the end of the atrocity that will act as a ton, D.C. happening today visual aid when Utilizing the One chance to succeed or fail to speaking Museum’s draOne chance to succeed, to affect an entire generation groups about matic portrayal of youth the importance of the events of Youth in this country and the world of fighting hate, the Holocaust, To stop the process that causes these atrocities building hope. mission the One chance to create a better world that will see that The mission offers a substanwe are all created different but equal participants’ tive and effecIn being different we are, as One individual, different projects will be tive vehicle Not better or worse exhibited in the toward applying Are you ready to take that chance Pennie Z. Davis the lessons of the Holocaust to modern-day issues of Gallery for Holocaust Education through bigotry. This trip was made possible the end of September, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., through a gift by Robert B. Sturm of Monday-Friday, and 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sundays. Denver, CO.
ONE
®
Great on the Grill
Blue Ribbon
lb.
Ripe and Ready
lb.
Hamburger, Hot Dog or Brat
Fresh Bakery
lb.
Fresh Meats
Yellow Fin Tuna Wild Coho T-Bone Steak $999 Salmon $599 Steak $599 Willowbrook
Fresh Deli
Fresh Seafood
Great on the Grill
Fresh Produce
Fresh Seafood
EMPLOYEE OWNED
Oven Roasted Plums Buns Assorted Varieties 6-8 count $ 38 Turkey $399 1 lb.
lb.
¢
99
Hy-Vee Natural Spring
Vics
Clos Du Bois
Water
Popcorn
Chardonnay Michelsberg
16.9 fl. oz.
Assorted Varieties
$
99
3
24 pack
$ 99
1
L Kreusch Piesporter
$
5 oz.
99
8
750 ml
$
99
4
750 ml
5150 Center St.• 553-2664 • 50th & Center | 10808 Fort St. • 493-2089 • 108th & Fort | 3505 L St. • 731-6107 • Stockyards Plaza 3404 Oak View Dr. • 697-0811 • Oakview | 7910 Cass St. • 384-8668 • Peony Park | 9707 Q St. • 339-3047 • Applewood | 156th & Maple • 493-0390 747 North 132nd St.• 493-2911 • Westridge | 8809 West Center Rd. • 384-9072 • 90th & Center | 180th & Q St. • 896-4168 • Welch Plaza 1706 North 16th St., Council Bluffs • 328-9762 • North 16th Street | 1745 Madison Ave., Council Bluffs • 322-9260 • Mall of the Bluffs Sale prices good August 31, 2005 or while supplies last.
Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 19, 2005
Special Talent Spruces Up Temple Gardens her husband, David, for financing her act of tzedakah. means something to her and also allows her to offer by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Her daughters, Hannah, ten, Bella, six, and Teri Tuttle more than dues to Temple. She welcomes anyone who walks by the garden and notices some weeds or dead Most people have special talents that can provide gifts also help with planting and weeding. For Gretchen, working in the garden is “peaceful and flowers, to feel free to “pull ‘em!” or blessings for a larger cause. For some, that unique talTom Friedman, chairman of Temple’s cemeent might lie in a form of the fine arts, or in a tery committee, could also use some help this charismatic personality, or in someone else’s coming fall to help clean up and maintain great patience and empathy. Temple’s cemetery as well as Pleasant Hill and For Gretchen Radler, it’s gardening. She an old Orthodox cemetery all in the same area describes herself as “totally a professional perethat “Temple takes care of,” he said. Friedman niallist.” She loves to garden, and in addition to would like to get the street swept and the trees her own yard, she has coaxed the ground at pruned. In the spring, he could use some volTemple Israel’s northeast driveway to blossom unteers to plant new flowers and suggested that with salvia, lavender, Jerusalem sage, heather, anyone interested in helping call Temple. marigolds, and other blooming beauties. He praised Aaron Passer for his Eagle Scout “I put annuals in there every year along with project which raised $7,000 to buy bronze some exotic plants,” she said. “I just feel like I’m plaques that were placed in front of old, worn getting hold of it this year. I spend about two headstones on the graves of babies buried in the weeks of heavy-duty shopping, weeding, and cemetery. Aaron also marked the graves of four planting,” she said pointing to a form of Jacob’s unnamed babies with flat stones and cleaned up ladder. Once the gardens are planted, she’s there the area. “We need to identify some more markabout four hours per week all summer. One side ers that are fading,” Friedman mentioned. Uri of the driveway is shady and the other receives Levin, the community shaliach, is helping full sun giving Radler an opportunity to experiFriedman recruit some high school students to ment with a variety of plants. She purchases assist with the work. many of them at the Omaha Men’s Gardening Gretchen Radler is one of the volunteers at Temple Israel who takes care of its gar- In addition, Friedman said, “The cemetery Club. always operates in the red. An endowment fund “I like to made a contribution to Temple that dens. gives people a nice feeling of welcome. I can do it alone rewarding. It isn’t high profile, but it’s rewarding and would be a great mitzvah to maintain the grounds. It’s always needed.” -- like at 6 in the morning -- and everybody can appre- meaningful to me. It also teaches you to be patient.” Radler perceives gardening as a special talent that ciate it on some level,” she explained. She gave credit to
One Couple Remains Independent with Help from Jewish Family Service by SHARON BARGAS JFS Program Coordinator When Genya and Boris Shapiro arrived at their final destination–Omaha–they felt as if their life was beginning again. After leaving Russia, their hopes for the future were bright and they both dove right in by becoming students, learning English, finding a job and eventually owning their own home. Their goal – to be independent valued members of the local community and a hope of giving back for the generous assistance they found through Jewish Family Service (JFS). “Jewish Family Service was wonderful when we emigrated from Russia,” says Mrs. Shapiro. “We were so grateful for their help resettling us.” With a Russian accent, she continued to explain that JFS provided assistance to her as a new member to the community. Little did she know that she would look to JFS once again for assistance 12 years later after receiving devastating news from her physician. Mrs. Shapiro can still remember the day she heard the devastating news that she had colon and bladder cancer.
To add to the shock, her husband was diagnosed with larynx cancer that same year. The treatments were difficult and after chemotherapy and radiation treatments, Mrs. Shapiro, a pianist, was left exhausted. “We tried to live one day at a time,” says Mrs. Shapiro. “I had to travel to the hospital for tests every two weeks and then for CAT scans every three weeks.” To make matters worse, Mr. Shapiro was also enduring the same grueling schedule. Trying to hold on to their independence, they attempted to remain independent physically and financially. Both their savings began to dwindle and panic set in. “What do we do now, we never thought there would be a time that we couldn’t work. It just happened.” The two became dependent on Mr. Shapiro’s disability insurance, which wasn’t enough to live on, especially when medical bills began piling up. The Shapiros hated the thought of turning to others for help, but they were finally persuaded to contact JFS once again. “The Agency was so wonderful and understanding of
Are you a normal... sometimes frustrated parent? We can help!
Becoming a Love and Logic Parent Jewish Family Service presents
Learn simple, practical and easy-to-learn techniques that will help you achieve respectful and healthy relationships with your children.
our troubles.” After meeting with the Executive Director, Becki Brenner, the couple began receiving gas vouchers that enabled the couple to travel to see their physicians and continue their treatments. “As an Agency, we are so honored to be able to help a wonderful, well-deserving couple,” says Becki Brenner, executive director for JFS. “We will continue to provide assistance to the Shapiro’s as long as they need it.” This is one example of the work that JFS provides to members of our Jewish community as a result of the generous contributions and the Friend’s Campaign currently underway. “I wish no one ever had to endure these horrible diseases,” says Mrs. Shapiro. “We are grateful to have somewhere to turn for help.” For more information on the Friend’s Campaign or on the services available at Jewish Family Service, please call 402.330.2024 or go to www.jewishomaha.org. (The Shapiro family generously gave permission for their story to be expressed in this article.)
60th Anniversary WWII
Victory 2005 September 2 & 3, 2005 In North Platte, NE
NEBRASKA’S OFFICIAL WWII VICTORY CELEBRATION Numerous activities scheduled.
For more information call: 1-800-955-4528
Jewish Community Center September 15, 22, 29 and October 6, 2005 Classes 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Call and sign up TODAY and turn your words into gold! 402-330-2024 Registration fee: $50 per family – Scholarships available – Child care available for ages 1-12; $2 per child
ARTS ON THE GREEN, a tribute to arts educators, presents The Omaha Symphony with special guest Eldar Djangirov – 18-year-old jazz pianist
Saturday, August 27 8:30 p.m.
333 South 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 402-330-2024 www.jewishomaha.org
Lewis & Clark Landing on Omaha’s Riverfront
August 19, 2005
A Couple Who Inspire
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
Teach your kids it’s easier to never start.
by EUNIE DENENBERG for the holidays and how to regularly infuse their homes, for Chabad of Nebraska and meals, with a “Yiddishen Tam,” a Jewish flavor. Chochma--Binah--Daat, meaning wisdom, underQ: And? standing, knowledge; words whose first letters form the A: And we have longtime on-going classes in Torah acronym Chabad. A global organization with a local study, a Kaballah Circle for those who want to explore focus, Chabad offers education and social services to more deeply, and all our community outreach programs, everyone. both public and private, for Jews and non-Jews. Q: Why would non-Jews come to the Chabad House? “We emphasize the unity of our Jewish people,” says A: We have lots of non-Jewish supporters who see us Shani Katzman, who with her husband, Rabbi Mendel Katzman, founded Chabad of Nebraska 18 years ago, as a stronghold of faith. Some seek help on business matters or highly personal “and enjoy relationships with problems. Families with Jews from every congregation estranged children or severe plus those who are non-affilifinancial or medical worries ated.” are all welcome here. Jewish On Sept. l4, Chabad of Nebraska celebrates its Chai ethical values can be put to anniversary with a dinner gala work in everyone’s life. Aren’t we, after all, considat the new Forte Convention ered a “light unto the Center on 15th and Cuming. and Shirley nations”? Leonard Q: We hear the rabbi is a regGoldstein will receive the Brother’s Keeper ular on the prison circuit. “My A: Right. He not only serves Award” and Chancellor as a police chaplain but visits Harold M. and Beverly all the local prisons, including Maurer will receive the “Chai the facility in Yankton, SD. Leadership Award”. Rabbi and Shani Katzman He even discovered a Jewish Wife, mother, business partner, teacher and quiet activist, the personable Shani woman jailed in York, NE. Katzman discussed Chabad with the Jewish Press. Q: So, after 18 years here, what makes you most proud? Q: Describe, please, a few of your favorite Chabad proj- Besides your kids, of course! A: I guess it’s when we produce an outstanding event ects. A: Eema and Me (Mommy and Me), a rich brew of portraying Jewish life or history or culture, and we have songs and games for little ones from one to three years. lots of people participating--maybe different ages, too-I’m privileged to give the tots one of their first deli- and I can see that those who have become involved are cious Jewish experiences. We bake tiny, individual chal- finding new ways to reach deeply into themselves and las, drop coins into tzedakah boxes and learn traditional realizing “this is me”. Shabbos prayers. You know, what we learn in the cradle Or, when a woman who’s been taking our classes for we carry with us into old age. awhile continues her studies elsewhere in the communiQ: Didn’t Oliver Wendell Holmes say something like ty discovering more and more educational opportunities...I love those kinds of things. that? Another project? You know, our source of inspiration at Chabad is the A: Each summer and winter break we sponsor Gan Israel Day Camp. About 45 children, ages three to Rebbe--Rebbe Schneerson--who recognized the spark in every individual. His concern for all human beings to twelve, come to the Chabad House for programs with guest teachers and fun field trips. We accept every child recognize their potential is a compelling and constant regardless of financial status or observance level. Our influence in our lives. So I want as many people as possible to take advantage of what Chabad offers because goal is to show kids it’s “cool” to be Jewish. Then, there’s our Spice and Spirit Cooking Club. I we have something for everyone plus the enthusiasm really enjoy that. Women come for ideas on preparing and joy to enhance everyone’s Jewish life.
It’s up to you to provide the information they need to say no to drugs.
1-800-648-4444 PRINTING, COPYING and DIGITAL NETWORK
3706 South 132nd Street • 402/330-5050
Letterhead • Brochures • Newsletters Business Cards • Mailers • Postcards
ATTN: SENIORS
Save Up To 70% On Prescriptions Pharmacies In U.S. & Canada
Free Quote
Call: 800-342-0941
AmeriSave Co. In Business 4 years
8031 W. Center #306 Omaha, NE 68124
Group & Corporate Rates
Newly Renovated ®
❖ Free Local Calls ❖ Exercise Room in Hotel ❖ FREE Deluxe ❖ Continental Breakfast ❖ 7 Days • 6-10 a.m.
❖ FREE HBO, CNN, ESPN, WGN ❖ and TNT ❖ In-Room Movies Available ❖ Beautiful Guest Rooms for Bat/ ❖ Bat Mitzvah & Wedding Guests
Hampton Inn 9720 West Center Road • Westroads • 391-5300
Jewish Traveler in Northern California
THE HISTORIAN’S F OOTPRINT by OLIVER B. POLLAK Our flight to San Francisco and renting a car was uneventful. Our goal was to celebrate our son Aaron’s 30th birthday, help plan the wedding of Erika and Noah, eat well, visit the Sonoma wine country and go for a bicycle ride. Awareness of bookstores and an eye for the Jewish life, were ubiquitous interests. The temperature was between 60 and 80º; fog was picturesque rather than interfering. Traffic and distance contrast with Omaha’s about 20-minute city. My reading material for the trip was Iconoclast, Abraham Flexner and a Life in Learning (2002) by Thomas N. Bonner about the designer of modern American medical education. Bonner taught history at Omaha University in the 1950s and ran unsuccessfully for Congress before rising in academia to the presidency of Detroit’s Wayne State University. Flexner, born in Louisville, KY, the home of fellow notable Jews--Justices Louis Brandeis and Felix Frankfurter--worked for the Carnegie Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, and founded Princeton’s Institute for Advanced Study. Just off Sonoma’s charming town square, so reminiscent of Santa Fe, was Chanticleer books. Open just a year, they prominently displayed a large folio edition of French illustrator Gustave Dore’s mid 19th century publication, The Legend of the Wandering Jew. Leaving town we drove by the Sonoma Synagogue. At the Ravenswood winery, which concentrates on Zinfandel, our host asked us from where we came. We responded Omaha, Nebraska. He quickly offered that his father had left Omaha, met his mother and settled in San Francisco. His last name was Kully, it used to be Kulakofsky. Karen and I stayed with my cousin Ralph Seligman
and his wife, Donna. We discussed the genetics and foibles of our common grandparents Nellie Wolf a German immigrant to London, and Felix Bachmann variously from Meschede, Vermelde, and Hanover, Germany, who married in 1912. We also discussed enduring traces of common heritage, nature vs. nurture. We both like to eat and recall that our grandfather would call a feast, an “achilibus,” we still do. We both stuff and save our tired Kleenex in our pockets, despite our wive’s objections. What was most fascinating however was a common pattern in his three daughters and my two sons, aged 30 to 35, that defies our genes. The Bachmanns, Pollaks and Seligmans were avid coffee devotees. Our five children do not drink coffee. We visited the dramatic, rebuilt, San Francisco Jewish Community Center, now a year old. It has a three story atrium and two levels of underground parking. Dayanu, the name of the gift shop, had disturbing hints of WalMart. Gift shops highlight local artists and the arts and crafts of Israel. The clay miniature synagogue models of Prague’s Alterneuschul and a Polish wooden synagogue were manufactured in China. The beautiful tzedakah boxes in exotic wood were made in India and Thailand. There were three tzedakah boxes with secret devices, all made in Poland. Purim was in the air. Shalach Manot stickers were printed in Taiwan. The paper mache model of Haman and a Hamantaschen were made in Mexico. Wedding plans proceeded apace. For food, I can recommend Zeyno’s in Burlingame, the Girl and the Fig in Sonoma, Ebisu for sushi in San Francisco’s Sunset district, and Alice’s for Chinese food in Noe Valley. Our final outing was a bike ride from the Presidio across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. We picked a pastrami and corn beef sandwich from Max’s Deli to eat on the plane. Our flight was overbooked, we volunteered to be bumped, they shuttled us to Oakland. We headed back to Omaha. Historian, author and professor Oliver B. Pollak can be reached at: OBPOmni@aol.com.
“I’m thrilled with the results of my smile makeover with Dr. Brigden!”
Mention this ad and receive $100 off Zoom treatment New patients only.
Page 6
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 19, 2005
Liberating Perspectives by I. ROBERT WOLFSON strength and survival in spite of the suffering. Executive Director Beth came into possession of the photo album of a man Great Plains Region of the Anti-Defamation League from Omaha, Lt. Col. Williams, who was there the day We see through a lens. It can be a mental lens that Dachau was discovered by American troops, April 29-30, determines our point of view. It can be an actual lens in 1945. Americans moving towards Berlin discover a camp, the eye that can only capture bits and pieces of the com- a very large camp called Dachau, a place we will visit this plex reality before us. It can be the lens of a camera that afternoon. Williams had a camera with him and as he had captures light and preserves for us an image- frozen in been doing since landing in Normandy, he recorded the time that can carry with it trail of his personal journey power and meaning. through the war with photos. It is a great honor for me When he returned from the to be able to share with you war, like so many others, he a story of one photograph rarely spoke of this journey taken over 60 years ago that to family and friends. has changed forever my own Through this one man’s sense of our lenses and the story we see that grasping power of an image to change huge chunks of history is difthe way we view a particular ficult and that individual stoevent in history. ries provide a powerful lens We must pause to rememthrough which we can conber that the words we use nect to the deeper messages reflect the complexity of our of history. “Testimonial porrespective lenses. The tals” are the most common Bob Wolfson delivered this speech as part of a conference in Americans who were there at road into the stories of the Germany last month on the 60th anniversary of the Dachau, April 29, 1945 call dark of the Shoah. Nuremberg trials, organized by former Omahan Larry Raful, it “Liberation.” From the The only recording we have now Dean of the Touro Law School in New York. point of view of the soldiers of this one man’s experience and the prisoners of Dachau and many other camps- of the day of “Liberation” is a moving letter he wrote there is no question that this day reflected the road back the evening after. A letter written to his wife back home. to life having survived unimaginable experiences. It is a moving and a once in his lifetime written testimoFor many, out of respect for the sacrifice and memory of ny of this day. I would like to read a selection from that those who fought to stop the Nazi regime, there is no letter. question or challenge to the use of such a powerful word. Monday,30 April 45. And it should be understood in the context of the entire- My Honey--Had a new experience today that I will never ty of the war experience. However, “liberation” did not forget as long as I live. I had read a lot about concentration come at the hands of a policy to find, locate and “liberate” camps and the brutal treatment given the prisoners but often camps from the Nazis. It was more of an accidental dis- wondered if it were all true. Now I can vouch for it. covery. Difficult, gruesome and complex as the discovery The camp covered an area of probably 10 square blocks and of the camps were, there was the focused lens toward the much of it was surrounded by high cement walls with barbed military defeat of the Third Reich and the capture of Berlin wire on top and electric wires over those. A railroad runs which would close this European war. through the camp and we saw an entire train of boxcars with I come to this discussion with experience in the mod- dead human bodies that they had no time to dispose of. ern manifestations of the “Nazi” philosophy-an idea not Several press photographers were there so if you see any pictures yet eliminated from the human heart. in the newspapers or Life Magazine, I would appreciate your In Omaha, we were able to address the challenges and letting me know and saving them for me. Some of our medics opportunities of Holocaust education several years ago are in the pictures and they may even be shown in the movies by recruiting an incredible professional Beth Seldin as there was one movie camera there. Inside the camp was one building used as a crematory Dotan. Beth worked at the Ghetto Fighters House Museum in Israel for several years before returning to rather it was built especially for that purpose. It had one Omaha. We have been blessed to benefit from her per- room for showers which the prisoners could get wet and open spective of having worked at a museum founded by sur- up the pores of their skin then into the gas chamber. Here vivors of the Warsaw Ghetto. These incredible teachers they were killed, removed and stacked like cordwood until and models have never viewed the history of the Shoah they could be shoved in the ovens. They were stacked in four through the lens of victimhood but from a lens of rooms and the boys estimated around 700–800 bodies
Hi, Looking for a used auto to buy or lease? I can help you find that special car. Have a car to sell? I can help you with that also. Just call Tom Bernstein for your auto needs.
Call me at 250-9094.
Looking forward to speaking with you.
Tom
Bob & Sheila Everhart’s 30th National
Old-Time-Country-Bluegrass-Folk MUSIC FESTIVAL & CONTEST Aug. 29-Sept. 4, 2005-Fairgrounds Missouri Valley, IA
600 PERFORMERS-10 STAGES Scheduled celebrities-Tommy Cash, Margo Smith, Marvin Rainwater, Ernie Ashworth, Sherwin Linton, Jack Greene, Claude Gray, Terry Smith, Pretty Norma Jean, Bob & Sheila Everhart,
ALL DAY PASS $14-Discount packages available for seniors, groups, weekly. Info 712-762-4363.
Lisa Jo’s Special Services
NEW campus in 2006
awaiting cremating. Those laying in the box cars were nothing but skin and bone and on many, the thighs of their legs weren’t as big as my forearm. Inside the camp they had factories, machine shops, hospital, and foundries where they used the slave labor guarded by SS Troops to make the tools of war etc. In the largest single section of the camp was several thousand prisoners from every country in Europe and even some Americans. They were now displaying all their national flags and it was very colorful. We talked with one prisoner from Yugoslavia (formerly a bank vice-president) who had been there 20 months. His neighbor had reported him listening to BBC and American news broadcasts. He was well educated and spoke English very well. Around this section was barbed wire entanglements and cement pill boxes for the guards every few yards. There was also a deep ditch surrounding the section inside the wire. Outside there was a moat running around the section. They told us the men on the train had been riding without food for 18 days and the prisoners told us they worked seven days a week from 5 a.m. until 8 p.m. There were several guards still laying around the ground where they had been killed. Most of them they didn’t bother to shoot but merely beat them to death with rifle butts when our troops took over. Thousands of our troops visited the camp today and I doubt very much if there will be another SS Trooper taken prisoner. It is almost unbelievable that anyone could be hardened to the point of doing the brutal things they did and it certainly gives me a different viewpoint toward the German people. This is all probably boring to you but you just can’t picture such sights without seeing them with your own eyes. Well darling guess that will be all for today except to tell you again I love you worlds. Always Yours, Clarence. One letter found in a shoe box stuffed with correspondence to his wife, on loan from Dr. Tom Williams, son of Staff Sergeant Clarence Williams of the 42nd Rainbow Infantry Division. His photos and the letter, neatly collected and labeled were discovered by his family after his death and the family graciously shared these with us as a testimonial and honor to his war story. In the many photos taken that day, one in particular strikes deeply. It reminds responsible people of the power of images, the care we must take to not minimize the death of so many unidentifiable souls. The sheer size of the events and the loss of life are so large it may tend to harden us to the reality and depth of the meaning for us. This one photo may help to illuminate the many facets, the multiple lenses that must be at work as we continue the hard task of peeling away the fog of war to find history and meaning and hopefully lessons. Continued on page 7
Union Pacific Railroad has immediate needs for the following positions in North Platte, Nebraska! Diesel Mechanics - Diesel mechanics are responsible for the inspection, repair and maintenance of the engine and mechanical components on diesel electric locomotives
The place where you belong. A 115-year tradition in health care education continues into the future with our new campus opening in 2006. To nurture your gift of caring, your place is Nebraska Methodist College. For information, visit our
• Will do the driving when your • time is limited • Will take care of your kids • Will take care of your pets • Run your errands for you
Web site or call 800.335.5510.
www.methodistcollege.edu ©2005 Nebraska Methodist College, an affiliate of Methodist Health System
You can contact me at: Home: 393-9186 Cell: 917-2956 Email: lisajbecker@juno.com
Diesel Electricians - Diesel electricians are responsible for the inspection, repair and maintenance of the electrical components on diesel electric locomotives Train Service – Train Service personnel assure safe, on-time/ on-plan train operations and movement, perform switching operations for on-time/on-plan car routing, delivery and pickup, conduct train and equipment inspections, communicate and report information concerning train movements and work orders, and interpret and assure compliance with signals. For more information, visit our web site at WWW.UP.COM. When applying, click on “Jobs at UP”, then click on “View Positions”. For assistance with the application process, call 1-800-877-5634, option #4.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
August 19, 2005
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
Liberating Perspectives Continued from page 6 We began to explore the one disturbing photo out of a need to triangulate the story of Lt. Col. Williams with the recorded and known events of that day. We discovered that two American military groups had entered Dacahu on that day. The 42nd Infantry Rainbow Division of the Seventh Army and the 45th Thunderbird Division of the Third Army came from two sides of the camp. Much discussion and dispute about who “liberated” the camp and the timeline of the events of that day have taken up many pages and hours. The people who fought Hitler’s regime are deeply passionate about their role in this historic fight. The varied accounts of eyewitnesses on these two days helps magnify the reality of our lens analogy. No one can know for sure the events surrounding these days. There remains no question that these two military groups were in and around when the camp surrendered at 4:50 p.m. on April 29, 1945. The surrender was from SS Lieutenant Wickert, a low ranking Nazi whose boss had fled, to Brigadier General Henning Linden, Assistant Commander of the 42nd Rainbow Infantry Division. Linden had arrived at the camp with a contingent that included a female journalist, dressed as a man to avoid difficulties in the war zone. The camp itself displays notices that acknowledge the role of both of these military groups in the discovery of the camp. As Americans approached the camp, almost all who have written and spoken of that day talk about the smell. Another Omahan, Bob Perelman relates, “the smell of death, the stink, the stench-it stays with you all your life- you can’t forget it.” The stench came from the camp itself and from the “Death train,” parked outside the fence of Dachau itself behind the SS encampment. The train had 39 railcars. The train had been on a three-week attempt to relocate those on the train to other locations. It left Weimar, Germany on April 5, 1945 with more than 80 prisoners in each car. They had come from a wide variety of places all being moved away from the front in attempt to hide from the oncoming Allied forces. They came from Langensalza, a satellite camp of Buchenwald, mostly in good condition reflecting the situation in that particular camp. They came from the Dora V-2 rocket plants where conditions were much worse. The train came to Buchenwald and that camp was filled beyond capacity and the commandant refused to take more inmates. It was to travel for three days and rations for the three days were distributed at the start of this horrible journey. But the train went to Leipzig, to Dresden to the Protectorate of Bohemia and on to Passau, at each stop, more people were shoved onto the train with no provisions or facilities provided. The train eventually made its way to Dachau on April 27. Of the original 5,000+ people on the train, approximately 1,300 were alive when the train arrived. Thousand had died on route, were removed at various stops and others added. Some had been shot at the arrival in Dachau. The train, when discovered by the advancing Americans, was filled with bodies: 2,310 bodies in all. The actual takeover of the camp is a story of its own. But the “Death Train” became a symbol of the Nazi brutality, of the nature of the Nazi regime. For many American soldiers who viewed this site, it explained the emotions of long battles and finally put into focus the lens that explained why they were there fighting the Nazi regime. Eisenhower himself ordered that the
train be left--intact--until May 13. Every available soldier and reporter was brought to this place. The bodies were only removed after these viewings. And of course many of the witnesses were taking photos. At the end of this gruesome display of death, the townspeople of Dachau removed the bodies and put them in a mass grave on Leitenberg Hill--forever overlooking the area. Over the next few months, we learned what we could of these historical events, consulting books and memoirs, news accounts and original documents when we could find them. To our surprise, another photo was delivered to us, even though we had not gone public with our discovery. It shook us deeply when we realized that these photos were of the same place. The same rail car. The same man so disturbingly lying with eyes open on the pile of bodies. Then we noticed that the two photos were not exactly the same. They were taken of the same scene but from slightly different angles. Different camera. Different photographers. We then realized the metaphor. Not only were we struggling to find the history of these days, but to find the stories and the meanings. We were struck that so many who were there related their stories only very late in life and were also moved by how many must have seen this site or similar sites and never spoken of it. We were shaken by the realities of so many having important stories to tell, dying without ever sharing what had happened to them. This journey has led to discovering over 49 individual images of this same railcar. An eight millimeter film of the same car was discovered. Dotan assembled a team that began work on a preliminary exhibit which we mounted in Omaha called “Liberating Perspectives”. This display of the photos and the accompanying discoveries illuminates that each G.I. took his own lens-actual or virtual--and captured this horrific scene. Each image taken from a slightly different angle, each person with his own reactions and histories. Each who survived then returning to life to somehow cope and integrate all that comes with war and with these particularly horrifying images emblazoned on their memories. We wondered about the impact of those who returned and had to bury the memories to create a new reality in the civilian world. Today there is a reported explosion of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder cases from Korean and World War II veterans. They returned to American soil and rarely told of the emotions and power of the images they saw and how those memories have impacted their lives. Many became like the survivors of the Holocaust--reluctant or unable to talk or to adequately process their experiences. There are those who wrote or spoke of their experiences. But for the thousands who must have seen these images there are but a few who have spoken of them. For those whose lives live on, many continue to suffer from untold effects from war. The images we have collected tell us that at sometime, someone closed the eyes of the dead as the bodies were viewed. It touches the soul deeply thinking of the sensitivity of a person, forced to view this incomprehensible situation, taking a hand to the dead to give whatever small portion of dignity was possible.
Our lenses were even further challenged upon the discovery that shortly after these events, the Seventh Army ordered a formal investigation of alleged mistreatment of German Guards on May 2, 1945. The investigation was conducted by Lt. Col. Joseph M. Whitaker as the investigating officer. There remain some disputed facts about what occurred and why. But here are a few of the conclusions from the Whitaker report: Four German soldiers surrendered and were made to climb into one of the boxcars filled with bodies and these men were killed by American soldiers. SS soldiers were rounded up and put into a separate enclosure. There is no dispute that 17 of these prisoners were shot and killed by machine gun and carbine fire. Others were wounded. A number of presumed SS men were captured around the camp tower and were summarily killed. The report of the Investigating Officer Whitaker came to the conclusion that there were actions take at Dachau that were beyond the pale and should be followed up. His report was reviewed at a higher level and was followed up with a report from Wade H. Haislip, Lieutenant General, USA Command. This is from the summary paragraph of his report. “This investigation indicates an apparent lack of comprehension on the part of the investigating officer of the normal disorganization of small unit combat action and of the unbalancing effects of the horrors and shock of Dachau on combat troops already fatigued with more than 30 days continuous combat action. In the opinion of the undersigned the investigation indicates further an apparent attempt to accentuate testimony
We were shaken by the realities of so many having important stories to tell, dying without ever sharing what had happened to them.
unfavorable to the participants rather than to develop the investigation impartially. Since it is not felt that the foregoing investigation conducted by the Inspector General, this headquarters, gives a true and unbiased conclusion after considering all factors, including the extenuating circumstances, it is recommended that circumstances surrounding the alleged mistreatment and shooting of German guards at the concentration camp at Dachau, Germany, be re-investigated.” As we look back on the many ways in which the participants have characterized the trials and the motivations behind the trials, it is impossible not to wonder. What must the child of an SS officer summarily killed after the surrender at Dachau feel like when he or she reads of our lofty discussions on how war and crimes against humanity would be treated differently with this new Nuremburg process? How do we all deal with a history that when exposed shows that in war many things occur and the notions of justice are challenged in ways that history alone cannot help us untangle? The lens we bring--like the lens of those American soldiers--each taking mental and actual photos of the horror of war-each lens leads us to new information, new thoughts and new challenges to consider. The processes of trying to find a new way to end a war and assign responsibility for crimes may not help untangle all the different perspectives hindsight provides us. The power and complexity of each situation we uncover, each new story we hear, each new layer of history that comes into the awareness of those who care, challenges our understandings of history and our ability to see the totality of each historical moment. The power of a few photographs: they remind us of the horror of war, of the difficulty of ever comprehending the totality of history, and of the human need to continue to dig for kernels of truth.
Angela Bell Licensed Massage Therapist Stress Reduction Pain Relief Relaxation Swedish Massage Sports Massage Pregnancy Massage
697-3838 Fax: 697-3888
981-6599 by appointment only
2505 South 174th Plaza Omaha, NE 68130
Page 8
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 19, 2005
Beth El Celebrates Shabbat Through Two New Musical CDs Argentina, Hazzan Ari Litvak of Beth El of Mexico by JILL BELMONT City, and Argentinian composer Norberto Vogel. In Beth El Publicity Coordinator addition, Rabbi Mordechai Levin is featured on three With this week’s release of two new musical CDs by nigunim frequently sung during services. Beth El, the beauty of celebrating Shabbat at home has “At Beth El we try to create a prayer experience that taken on a new dimension. The two discs, “Shabbat at inspires us,” Rabbi Levin said. “We look for an expresBeth El Synagogue” and “Celebrate Shabbat for the sion of joy, a moment of quiet contemplation, a sense ‘Rest’ of Your Life,” vary in theme and style, one offerof awe, a feeling of support, of intellectual insight, and ing traditional Shabbat prayers; the other, a more cona connection to Jewish tradition. To accomplish these temporary look at the significance of the Day of Rest. spiritual goals, we have introduced new, meaningful Created and produced by Cantor Gastón Bogomolni at Beth El English prayers, uplifting melodies and more congregain honor of the synagogue’s 75th anniversary, “Shabbat “Celebrate Shabbat for the “Shabbat Synagogue” tional singing in our Shabbat services. at Beth El Synagogue” resonates with the beauty of ‘Rest’ of Your Life” CD artwork Photo Cover by Ophir Palmon, “We hope people will enjoy this special gift: we hope Beth El’s Shabbat celebration, including prayer rendiby Carole Greenberg Artistic Visions they will listen to the melodies, learn them and sing tions from the entire Friday evening service, plus selecthem. We know that this CD will bring added warmth tions from Saturday morning services. Prayers range join us in the synagogue.” from traditional and Hasidic selections to Sephardic and Cantor Bogomolni is credited with orchestrating this to Shabbat in their home, and will enhance their particSpanish-Portuguese; Shlomo Carlebach, Giacomo moving spiritual tribute, serving as the CD’s arranger ipation during Shabbat at Beth El.” The second CD, entitled “Celebrate Shabbat for the Puccini and Craig Taubman are among the composers and producer, and supplying vocals, guitar and keywhose pieces are featured. boards. His musical accompanists include Beth El con- ‘Rest’ of Your Life,” is the brainchild of Andy “As we introduced new melodies into our services, we gregants Tuffy Epstein on saxophone, flute, clarinet and Greenberg, who wrote the lyrics, later followed with discussed the idea of creating our own CD,” the cantor piccolo, Anna Mosenkis on keyboards, Robert Mosenkis music by Cantor Bogomolni. Described by Greenberg as said. “We wanted people to have the service handy, on percussion, local guitarist Bob Adler, and key- an eight-minute piece of musical theater, the CD depicts become more familiar with the melodies and hopefully boardists Gabriel Reznik of Beth El in Buenos Aires, the busy, frenetic pace of everyday life, as juxtaposed against the peaceful haven of Shabbat. “I wanted to write a tune for adults and their families that would highlight the benefits of Shabbat in a way in by CLAUDIA SHERMAN which people could relate and find personal benefit,” Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Greenberg said. It was Beth El Synagogue, seven and Temple Israel, After presenting both the lyrics and concept of three, on Aug. 7, in what is hoped to be the first in a “Celebrate Shabbat” to Cantor Bogomolni, the cantor series of softball games between their respective Men’s ran with the idea, composing the music and commisClubs. “It was a well attended event,” reported Mike sioning Norberto Vogel, his friend and musical colSilverman, president of Temple Men’s Club. His goal league in Buenos Aires, to arrange the piece. The finwas “to get families out there active and meeting one ished product features the vocals of Cantor Bogomolni, another. I know several people said that they met new along with Beth El congregants Dacia Jabenis and people and had lots of Annelise Ocanto. fun.” Families from Greenberg is hopeful that the CD will be received both congregations enthusiastically by the community, saying, “My true cheered their teams hope is that people will listen to the music, read the and schmoozed in the words and increase their involvement in Shabbat servicbleachers and surBeth El Men’s Club team wins the first softball game es, either at home or in the synagogue of their choice. rounding area behind against Temple’s Men’s Club. The words were developed so each member of the famthe Jewish ily can relate something to their own personal lives.” Community Center. Both CDs were funded by the synagogue’s Music “It was a great idea Fund and will be sent as gifts to every Beth El family. All just to get some guys others may obtain the CDs by calling the synagogue out there to play,” office at 492.8550. While these CDs are available free of said Harry Weiner, charge, donations to the Music Fund are appreciated president of Beth El’s and will be used to support future musical ventures by Men’s Club. “We didthe synagogue. n’t expect to win. We thought we had an EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE age factor against us,” The Jewish Press will be closed Monday, Sept. 5 for Labor he chuckled. “I was David Goldberg waits for just the the Sept. 9 issue is Wednesday, Aug. Day. The deadline for surprised I hit the right pitch. 31, noon, for all ads, copy and photos. ball! Everybody had a blast!” He added that his team, The New Year’s issue will publish Sept. 30; all lists of captained by Scott Simon, is anxious for a rematch and Temple Men’s Club lost the game but succeeded in having Boards of Directors are due no later than Aug. 22. would like to get some other congregations involved. a lot of family fun. Questions? Call 334.6448.
Beth El and Temple Play Ball All for the Sake of Fun
KING KONG Greek Gyros • Steaks Phillies • Burgers
Home of Omaha’s Original Gyro Our Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials are #1 #1 Food in the Midwest Open 7 Days a Week
4409 Dodge Street • 553-3326 72nd & Q • 932-6420
EL ALAMO
“Best Mexican Food”
Nachos • Guacamole • Tacos • Fajitas Burritos • Shrimp • Enchiladas Combination Dinners Carnitas • Tostadas Tamales • Arroz Con Pollo • Machaca MEXICAN BEER Corona • XX • Bohemia • Tecate • Carta Blanca Open for Lunch and Dinner 11 a.m.-9 p.m. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
4917 South 24th St. • 731-8969
R O Ñ SE AS î T A M 90th & Arbor 391-0191
Fax: 391-1086 Mon-Sat 11am-1am Sun 4pm-9pm Locally Owned & Operated
LUNCH SPECIALS Serving Mexican Food • Fajitas • Tacos • Enchiladas • Tamales Full American Menu • Steaks • Sea Food •Prime Rib • BBQ Ribs • Chicken Childrens Menu Available Party Room Available
MENTION THIS AD FOR A FREE APPETIZER WITH THE PURCHASE OF AN ENTREE.*
JIM & JENNIE’S GREEK VILLAGE Traditional Greek Dishes
♦ Roast Lamb ♦ Fish Plaki ♦ Stuffed Grape Leaves ♦ Chicken Reganato ♦ Souviaki ♦ Mousaka
TAKE-OUT
♦ Saganaki ♦ Spanakopita ♦ Lamb Kabob ♦ Chicken Kabob ♦ Seafood Specialties ♦ Full Bar
CATERING
3026 No. 90th St. • 571-2857
MEDITERRANEAN Bndistroine Bar a W Casual Dining in a Bistro Atmosphere Dine-In,Take-Out & Catering Bar & Bat Mitzvah Parties
1207 HARNEY ST. • OMAHA, NE
342-4010 FREE PARKING RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET. *ONE PER TABLE.
OPEN SUNDAYS LUNCH: Mon-Fri,11-2:30 DINNER:Tue-Sun,Open at 5 p.m.
Reservations Accepted
1712 North 120th St. 493-3080
Out
Dining
August 19, 2005
Kripke Library Offers Story Time by GARY KATZ Library Administrator Introduce your young children to the delights and wonder that reading has to offer. Visit the Kripke Jewish Federation Library, for lively and animated Jewish story time programs throughout the year. Story time is for kids aged 12 months through five years. Children under two require parental supervision. The dates are: Sundays, Aug. 28, 2-2:45 p.m.; Sept. 25, 2-2:45 p.m.; Sept. 29, 10-10:45 a.m.; Oct. 20, 10-10:45 a.m.; Oct. 30, 2-2:45 p.m.; Nov. 27, 2-2:45 p.m. and Dec. 22, 10-10:45 a.m. Story times are fun way to introduce children to develop an interest in books. For more information, please contact me at 334.6462 or gkatz@jewishomaha.org.
IN THE NEWS Richard Secor, Jr., and Mark Thurber of Omaha-based Lund Company, represented the seller in a transaction that transferred the former Rod Kush Furniture showroom at 4010 N. 27th St. in Lincoln, Neb., to Lincoln Storage - North 27th, LLC. Big Red Self Storage will use the 80,000 sq. ft. warehouse building as mini-storage and retail. The building was sold for $2.3 million. Founded in 1981, The Lund Company markets and manages 5.1 million square feet of retail, office and industrial space and multi-family properties valued at more than $500 million. Howard K. Marcus is co-chairman of the Omaha “Heel-to-Heal” Walk, a benefit for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, tomorrow, Aug. 20 at Elmwood Park. Registration (which is free) is at 8:30 a.m.; the two-mile noncompetitive walk begins at 9 a.m. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, known collectively as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), affect up to a million Americans, including approximately 100,000 children under age 18. Proceeds from the Omaha walk will go toward CCFA’s efforts to cure and prevent IBD through research. For more information about CCFA and IBD, visit www.ccfa.org. For the second year in a row, Judy Katskee judged pies at the recent Sarpy County Fair. Katskee is also a field editor for Taste of Home magazine.
Visions Summer Luncheon
John Knicely, news anchor from WOWT Channel 6, entertained members of Visions with an informative talk on his life and career. (Pictured with Harry Alloy).
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT When it comes to Slide Jam at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, Simon and Garfunkel got it right. Last spring, this event was so fun, so popular and slid by so fast, we’re going to hold a September Slide Jam encore on Thursday, Sept. 1, 7 p.m. A reception will also be held in honor of the artists. The Bemis is located at 724 So. 12th St. For information call 341.7130. The Omaha Children’s Museum will offer a Windsock Workshop and Book Signing, tomorrow, Aug. 20, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Make a Japanese fish windsock. Each workshop will accommodate 25 children ages six and up. Cost: $2. Sign up at the front desk; from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., join us for a book signing and reading. Author Debbie Carlson and illustrator Lara Turco will sign their book A Big Surprise For Mom. For more information, call the OCM at: 342.6164.
ENGAGEMENT PERLMETER/THOMAS Vicki Perlmeter and Jeffrey Perlmeter announce the engagement of their daughter Amy Renee Perlmeter to Brian Christopher Thomas, son of Diane Thomas and Shelley Thomas. The bride-to-be, graduated from the University of Kansas, with a Bachelor’s degree in human development and family life. She earned a Master of Social from Loyola Work University in Chicago and has spent the last five years working as a clinical therapist with at risk children and adolescents. She is the granddaughter of Bernie and Roie Meyers, and Stan and Jan Perelmeter. Her fiance graduated from the University of Illinois, with a degree in political science and economics. He received his law degree from DePaul University in Chicago. He is currently a trial attorney with the firm Faklis and Tallis in Chicago. He is the grandson of Lucille Kopke and the Late Harry Kopke, and the late Maggie Thomas. A Sept. 4 wedding in Omaha is planned.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 9
When you patronize these fine establishments, tell them you saw their ad in the Jewish Press.
Greek & American Food Miracle Hills Square 743 N. 114th St. (114th & Dodge)
402/504-GYRO (4976)
When people mention Jack & Mary’s, they’re talking
Now Offering Breakfast on Sundays 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Lavender Cookbook By Sharon Shipley (Running Press, $16.95)
Chicken!
READ IT AND E AT Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN My lavender memories are associated with my favorite grandma, who had a purple rinse on her hair, stored her candy in the cabinet with her silver serving pieces with camphor (to keep the silver from tarnishing)...so the candy tasted like camphor, who knows maybe she liked camphor flavor, and sachets with the fresh scent of lavender. Now I’m the grandma and have added to my lavender experiences. In the Mediterranean areas lavender grows wild...” Yet only since the 1920s has lavender production become commercial and the dried flowers available in America.” More and more lavender can be found at Farmers markets and in fancy bottles and jars of speciality ingredients such as salad dressings, jams, vinegars and seasonings at grocery stores and kitchen shops. If you’ve ever used herbes de provence, you’ve tasted lavender. For more tastes this California caterer/cooking school teacher has created 120 recipes which are infused with lavender flavor and arranged seasonally. The recipes are listed at the front of each chapter and include Appetizers, Breads & Rolls, Beverages, Soups, Salads, Entrees, Side Dishes and Desserts. All the recipes use dried culin a r y “Provence” l a v e n d e r buds...so that’s what you want to plant and grow in your garden (“other lavender can taste perfumey, bitter and medicinal”). Sources are included. Just follow the well written instructions and discover many lavender delights. Pacific Rim, Southwest and Northwest flavors, party food, Asian influence and a bread that “represents the very soul of Provence”...from Southwest Artichoke Frittata Bites to Cold Cucumber Soup with Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms. Try this rub mixture (that if stored in a tightly sealed jar in a cool, dark place, will keep well for 3 months) to season meat, fish, chicken and even to coat the rims of margarita glasses. Here’s to the new generation of grandmas! LAVENDER SALT DRY RUB Makes 1/2 cup 1 tablespoon culinary “Provence” lavender buds 1/2 cup coarse sea salt In a spice grinder, pulse the lavender until finely ground. Transfer to a small bowl and toss with the salt.
RESTAURANT
Lunch and Dinner Old Mill Shopping Center
Steaks • Seafood Chicken 108th & Dodge 496-2090
Elegant Year-Around Dining
650 North H Street Fremont, NE 68025
Omaha/Fremont 402/727-8321 800/942-8321
• Hand Stretched • NY Style • Pizza • Freshest Pizza • Best Taste Dine-In To-Go Downtown Delivery
Catch The Best Pizza
• 7834 W. Dodge Road • 13463 W. Center Road • 1213 Howard St. (Old Market)
344-2222
Dine-In, Carry-Out, 1/2 Baked Pies Available
Page 10
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 19, 2005
Project Yitzhak Continued from page 1 tunity.” His Yitzhak contribution, entitled ‘Yitzhak’s More than 200 professional artists, educators and art Wells,’ consisted of art works in the form of pyramids, lovers--Jews, Arabs and Christians--took part in the June round stones and caves on themes of traditional knowlfestival, 120 of them from Israel and 86 from America. edge, sunk into wells in a field near his studio. For Israeli artist and photographer Yochanan Kishon, the “All but eight of the Israeli exhibits were from the performing arts--singing, dancing and theater,” says Israeli Project “was very special, both professionally and personalcoordinator Shlomit Dagan-Deri. “The American ly. Bringing together so many artists and so many art forms entrants, however, were mostly from the visual arts-- isn’t easy to do, but it succeeded. I believe that connections between us will continue to deepen and we can all grow painters, sculptors and photographers.” The Project Yitzhak artists, their work, their supporters through this.” Kishon’s Yitzhak work took the visions of the blind Patriarch Isaac as its and the public came together starting point, and used night in a marathon of artistic sesphotography to investigate sions spread over six days. “On the opening night how differently we see things in scant lighting. alone,” says Stanley, “we saw For artist Veronique Jonas a mime entitled Waiting for Yitzhak by the Mimic Group of Dallas, who painted the of Jewish and Arab teenagers, Chagall-type woman flying followed by a dance based on upward, the Project’s theme drew an emotional rather Yitzhak Rabin’s acceptance than an intellectual speech to the Nobel response. “I explored the Committee, choreographed story of Isaac through the by American Cat Smith and tragedy of Sarah and how it performed by American relates to all mothers whose Christian dancers and Israeli dancers from the Kibbutz American participants in Project Yitzhak visit the Artists’ sons have gone to war – in Quarter in Zefat, as well as the Gordon School, Temple Israel, Iraq or anywhere Ga’aton Dance Studio.” else,” she says. “I wanted my Other highlights included Israel’s Partnership with Israel school. exhibitions and performances in the Acre Festival work to represent every mother who’s had to sacrifice Gardens, the Western Galilee campus, Kibbutz Lohamei her child… to be a memorial to all young ‘Yitzhaks.’ I HaGettaot, Kibbutz Ga’aton and the Acre Theater, and began it in the United States and added to it in Israel. visits to galleries, artists’ studios, workshops and sites of It’s a work in progress--a true partnership between our historical significance in the Western Galilee. “Especially two countries.” “Such was the success of Project Yitzhak,” says Stanley, meaningful,” says Stanley, “was seeing the ancient mosaic of the Binding of Isaac at the site of a recently exca- “that it gave those of us who attended from the U.S. the vated 6th century synagogue at Zippori National Park.” unique opportunity of coming together with our Israeli For Israeli artist Jack Janu, who hosted Project Yitzhak counterparts in a most meaningful way and to forge friendparticipants at his home and studio, built in the style of ships and relationships that will reach to the future. With Rachel’s Tomb, “The Project Yitzhak coming together this in mind, we are planning to combine the art and film was a very good experience, and proved professionally of the gathering into a permanent exhibit that can travel to exciting for both Americans and Israelis. I’ve felt for a various communities in the U.S. and Israel. We believe this long time that I need to share my work with a larger can serve as a model for others to replicate or adapt to group of professionals. The project gave me that oppor- involve still greater numbers of people.”
Exhibit of WWII Caricaturist on Display in his Native Poland by CAROLYN SLUTSKY WARSAW (JTA)--The new cover of the English edition of Midrasz, a Polish-language magazine on Jewish thought and issues, shows a painting of Rabbi Hillel, known for his oft-quoted phrase: “If I am not for myself, then who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, then what am I?” The painter of this illuminated cover design is Arthur Szyk, a Jewish artist who moved to America in 1940 as the Nazis occupied his native Poland. Szyk became an embodiment of the renowned first-century sage’s famous words--painting scenes and figures protesting Nazi domination and criticizing the United States for its failure to do more to save the Jews of Europe. Born in Lodz, Poland, in 1894, Szyk studied art in Krakow. After moving to America, he became one of the country’s most celebrated wartime illustrators and a skilled political caricaturist, designing covers for the popular Collier’s magazine. In an 11-month period between 1942 and 1943, he created 100 political illustrations for the New York Post, earning the title “Franklin Roosevelt’s soldier with a pen.” “Justice Illuminated,” an exhibit which breathes new life into Szyk’s work, opened last month at the Jewish Historical Institute in Warsaw, hosted by the U.S. Embassy in Poland. The exhibition shows scenes from Szyk’s Haggadah, as well as his political work skewering Hitler and the Nazis. The Seder Table, painted in His Israel-themed work 1936 by Arthur Szyk is shown is also included, such as at an exhibition in Warsaw. “The Declaration of the Credit: Carolyn Slutsky Establishment of the State of Israel,” which Szyk designed for the country’s birth in 1948.
ThisspecialissuepublishesonSeptember30,2005
It’snottoolatetoadvertise.
CallAllanHandlemanat402.334.6451oremailatahandleman@jewishomaha.org
August 19, 2005
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
The Jewish Press FallHome+Garden PLUMB CONSTRUCTION, INC
floral designs
events & weddings floral design classes “year of flowers” gift available custom designs
in rockbrook village 10923 prairie brook road omaha, nebraska 68144
delivery available
991-2300
www.omahablooms.com
MONTEMARANO
Quality Craftsmanship
L a n d s c a p e s, I n c .
Jeff Plumb
Commercial and Residential Design,Installation, Maintenance and Lawn Service
General Contractor 5728 Colorado Lane Ft. Calhoun, NE 68023
21415 Fairview Road • Gretna,NE Phone:
572-0115
Exceptional Quality. Unlimited Design Freedom. Extraordinary Savings!
402/332-3641 Fax: 402/332-3284
We’re a wholesale distributor that’s open to the public! We’ve served customers in Omaha and surrounding communities for almost 80 years. As a specialty retailer and wholesale distributor, we offer a complete program of high quality products, design and installation services for projects large and small – all at highly affordable prices. Brands You Know and Trust We feature top-quality wood cabinetry in maple, cherry, oak and pine from Aristokraft and Decora. We’re an authorized Corian fabricator, able to design and manufacture to your taste and specifications. We also offer countertops in granite and spectacular wood floors in over 150 colors and wood choices. You’ll find gas and wood burning fireplaces with a wide selection of log sets to complement any decor. Visit Us Soon Our professional showroom is open to the public Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Ask our design professionals to help you unlock the magic hidden in your home!
A Showroom of Quality A Showcase of Savings!
10325 “J” Street, Omaha NE 68127
402-331-0500 www.consolidatedkitchens.com
Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 19, 2005
Jackson Home Appliance “OMAHA’S MOST TRUSTED NAME IN APPLIANCE REPAIR” NOW BRINGS THAT SAME ATTENTION TO HEATING & COOLING
Jackson Heating & Cooling FEATURES CARRIER HOME HEATING & COOLING PRODUCTS CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE QUOTE FROM ONE OF OUR HVAC SPECIALISTS ON A NEW FURNACE, AIR CONDITIONER OR HEAT PUMP
391-4287 Carrier Factory Authorized Nate Certified Technicians
8827 Maple Street Omaha, NE 68134
Excalibur Realty Jennifer R. Kully, ABR REALTOR®
15160 N. Hayden Rd., Ste. 100 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Office: 480/483-333 Direct: 480/346-5351 Cell: 602/619-1184 Fax: 408/483-6438 E-Mail:jkully@remax.net
MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE REALTOR®
MLS
Each Office Independently Owned and Operated
®
“Your Nebraska Connection In Pheonix, Az!”
New Exciting Works
Fall Yarn is almost all in!
Abstract+
Enjoy Plan
Contemporary
Show+Sale
&
all your fall projects.
Now through the end of August
8025 West Dodge Road • 391-7733 Open Mon.-Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-3
Residential Mortgage Services, Inc.
Take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates!
• Consolidate Debts
• We’ll make getting your mortgage “pointless.”
• Apply for your mortgage and check rates at: www.residentialmortgages.com Omaha Bellevue Council Bluffs Lincoln
333-7900 292-7900 322-7900 423-8885
The Mezuzah: Spiritual Home Improvement PEOPLE OF THE
BYTE
by MARK MIETKIEWICZ by MARK MIETKIEWICZ “We gently and consciously enter the sacred space of our homes sh’ma v’ahavta, loving and listening, placing a kiss full of our loving intentions upon that little box, called a mezuzah, on the doorpost.” - Rabbi Goldie Milgram [http://tinyurl.com/9wgo7] It is one of the most obvious signs of a Jewish home an ornate box on the doorpost containing the mezuzah parchment. If you’re in the middle of some home improvements, now is the ideal time to look at a spiritual fixer upper--your mezuzot. The commandment for the mezuzah can be found in the Torah: “And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thy house and upon thy gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, and 11:13-21) [http://tinyurl.com/crlhb] As the Jewish Virtual Library points out, “the mezuzah is not, as some suppose, a good-luck charm, nor does it have any connection with the lamb’s blood placed on the doorposts in Egypt. Rather, it is a constant reminder of God’s presence and God’s commandments.” [http://tinyurl.com/ 9zv9l] The mezuzah must be hand-written by a sofer, a trained scribe onto parchment made from a kosher animal. If you have any doubts about your current mezuzot, a sofer should be consulted to verify that they are kosher. Although the mezuzah text is far shorter than what is found in Torah, the laws are extremely complex. There are 22 lines, 713 letters and 4,649 laws governing the writing of each sofer. Mezuzah by an ordained [www.milechai.com/judaism/mezuzah.html] Stories are legion about people who have purchased a mezuzah only to find out that it is riddled with mistakes. And unfortunately, sometimes the mistakes are not innocent. Mezuzot printed on paper rather than written on parchment are sold to unsuspecting consumers. Sometimes scribes take shortcuts that drastically cut the time needed to write a mezuzah but also result in inferior products. The Israel-based Vaad Mishmereth STaM was established to “promote the halachic integrity of scribal arts” by certifying reliable sofrim. [www.shemayisrael.co.il/orgs/stam/]
When you are ready to affix a kosher mezuzah to your doorpost, you can find the basic instructions on-line. [http://tinyurl.com/e3gym] But the laws applying to mezuzot can get quite complicated. For example, what do you do with an irregularly shaped door or archway? What happens if you are entering a tiny room? What if you’re afraid that your outdoor mezuzah will be stolen? The Halacha-Yomi archives offer a detailed look at the laws of mezuzah based on an English translation of the definitive Kitzur Shulchan Aruch. [http://tinyurl. com/9blzt] There are many places where you can buy mezuzah parchments and cases on-line. Whether you decide to buy the parchment from a local store or through the Internet, please make sure that you are dealing with work done by a reputable scribe and reliable company. You can find a long list of commercial mezuzah links at MavenSearch’s Judaica section. [http://maven.co.il/ subjects.asp?S=138] We all know that mezuzot need to be affixed to doors. But did you know you can also get mezuzot for windows? Actually, make that “Windows”. Download eMezuzah onto your computer and you’ll find a familiar little brown box with the letter “shin” wedged onto the top right hand corner of your screen. When you pay for the program, it will even recite the Sh’ma to you! [www.scsintl.com/emuz/] Do you think that you can spot an invalid mezuzah? Take a look a copy of an error-free mezuzah online. [http://tinyurl.com/ctfn9] And then take the Mezuzah Challenge. You’ll find a mezuzah that at first glance looks pretty good. But according to the site, this one has 22 mistakes--one on each line. (Just one error will disqualify a real mezuzah.) The scribe Mordechai Pinchas has digitally doctored a mezuzah to contain a mistake on every single one of its 22 lines. After you examine it, you can contact him and he’ll send you a list of [http://tinyurl.com/ the errors. 8wm6k] But don’t think you’re going to be the first person to discover all the mistakes. That honor goes to “a visitor from Mexico, Aldo Zamudio, who found every error.” The sofer goes on to explain that he was most impressed with Zamudio’s abilities. “It is a great example of knowledge crossing all barriers,” because Señor Zamudio isn’t Jewish. Mark Mietkiewicz is a Toronto-based Internet producer who writes, lectures and teaches about the Jewish Internet. He can be reached at highway@rogers.com.
Designing a Kitchen by JEWISH PRESS News Service Consolidated Kitchens & Fireplaces, a specialty retailer and wholesale distributor in the Omaha area for 78 years, offers a complete program of products and services for kitchen projects, small or large and simple or complex. This firm has high quality, yet affordable products for your home. Professional designers on staff can transform owners’ dream kitchens into reality, design a cozy fireplace system for a den or complement existing rooms with solid surface countertops and wood floors. Customers can see, touch and experience all the beauty and elegance of these products in Consolidated’s professional show-
room, 10325 ‘J’ St. in Omaha.Maple, cherry, oak and pine cabinetry, solid surface and granite countertops, wood floors in 153 colors and species, gas fireplaces, gas log sets and fireplace surrounds to compliment any look or decor--all this awaits visitors to the showroom, open to the public. The firm also offers computerized kitchen designs to help owners see their kitchen or den come to life before their very eyes. The showroom is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. or by appointment. The professionals at Consolidated Kitchens & Fireplaces like to say, “Work with us once and you’ll know, we put ourselves in your place!”
Mulhall’s Host Art Fair Next Month by JEWISH PRESS News Service One of the most well known family-owned businesses in Omaha is Mulhall’s Nursery. In 50 years, Mulhall’s has grown from a small landscaping operation into a multifunctional company. In addition to providing top-quality landscaping design and installation, Mulhall’s also offers thousands of plants, pottery, statuary, patio furniture, home furnishings and accents, fresh and silk floral, and much more. For twelve years running, Mulhall’s has been voted Omaha Magazine’s Best Garden Center. Located on 120th and Maple, Mulhall’s is easily accessible and draws a loyal patronage from all over the region. Customers have come to expect the best selection of products in the area and a fanfare of beautifully colorful displays. Mulhall’s staff includes several master gardeners, nurserymen,
and horticultural majors as well as interior designers and creative experts who are there to assist you. Mulhall’s carries items for all seasons. Besides the best selection of spring and summer plants and garden accessories, fall and winter provide a warm retreat to shop for everything you need for decorating your home during the holidays. If you have not visited the store, be sure to set aside some time and wander through the many acres that make up Mulhall’s Garden Center. There are unique plants and decorating pieces around every corner that are sure to appeal to any taste. The last weekend in September will be the Mulhall’s Fall Art Fair where local artists display and demonstrate their work. It will be a fun outing for the whole family with a children’s art corner as part of the event.
PAID ADVERTISEMENTS
August 19, 2005
Yachad Moves to the Beat of the Drum was coming from inside his or her own by DUANE J. PIEPER The Yachad group joined Michael heart. There was a harmony in all the Fitzsimmons at the VSP Club on Aug. 7 diversity of spontaneous sounds with to partake in a music workshop. Michael each person adding their own unique plays a wonderful variety of percussion contribution. Everyone was an integral instruments from around the world. part of something bigger than themHowever, this was to be more than a con- selves. No one wanted it to be over but they cert. have the memory of The event began that moment when with an instrumentthey experienced the making workshop in significance of their which members decown drumbeat and orated wooden their important role frames that were in the context of the then covered with larger group. This acrylic tape. Voila was a lesson to ‌a drum. Each cusremember and chertom made drum was ish. not only unique in This Sunday, appearance but also Ben Freidman, Elaine Marcus, Grace Isler, in sound as everyone Josh Parsow, Eric Freidberg, and Nancy Isler Aug. 21, 1 p.m., was soon to find out. finding the beat with Michael Fitzsimmons at Yachad will be going With the gentle Yachad music workshop. to the Family Fun soothing beat of the Day at the Joslyn Art drum Michael slowly drew everyone out Museum. Your drumbeat would add a of their own busy world into a more quiet new and important dimension to the place. Before long everyone had joined in rhythm and dynamics of the Yachad gaththe musical experience guided by what erings. Call 334. 6491 for more details.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 13
ORGANIZATIONS JEWISH WOMEN INTERNATIONAL The annual Rainbow House Shower is Thursday, Sept. 8, noon, to support the facility with Checks, Cash, Supermarket gift certificates, paper products and groceries. The program will be “Yesterday’s Kids�--a musical group. Please call in your reservation to Lila Jacoby at 397.4617 before Sept. l. Free lunch will be served with program to follow. Please join us at the Rainbow House at 7815 Harney and please be generous this year with your donations.
Gilley Show. Send reservations to: Anne Skolkin, 1010 Regency Parkway, #302, Omaha, NE 68114.
VISIONS Reminder: For those members going to Chalco Hills for the Visions Annual Summer Picnic on Sunday, Aug. 21, the door to the Resources Center opens at 12:30 p.m. (no earlier). Don’t forget to bring a side dish to share. Don’t miss the trip to Branson Sept. 19-23! The trip includes show and dinner cruise on Showboat Branson Belle, Yakov Smirnoff, The Lowe Family, Shoji Tabuchi, Broadway and the Mickey
LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursday, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343-1638.
BREADBREAKERS Dr. Keith Lutz will be the guest speaker at B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Aug. 24, noon, at Regency Lodge, according to Gary Javitch, chairman. Lutz, Superintendent of the Millard Public School System, will express his views on the OPS annexation proposal. Cost is $11 for a full lunch and $2 for beverage service only.
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA Troop 218 Kick Off picnic is Sunday, Aug. 21, 1 p.m. at Standing Bear Lake. Meet at the JCC parking lot. Bring your boys. Bring your parents. For more information and questions, call Rick Emas at 932.8200.
Academy Receives Gift Continued from page 1 Randi Sherman, Gellman’s sister, believes her father’s success as a businessman, “enables us to make financial donations� to meet that end. Providing continual support for Friedel is “a way to honor my father’s memory and to honor my mother. My father was the last Friedel, and having the school means so much to all of my family. It’s a way to carry on the family name.�
Sherman currently lives in Scottsdale, AZ, with her husband, Dave, and their two children, Lyndsi, 15, and Matthew, 11. Founded in 1964, the Omaha Jewish Day School moved from its original building, on the current site of the Beth Israel synagogue, to its present location in the Jewish Community Center Campus in the heart of Jewish Omaha. Principal Cookie Katskee maintains
(OW WE HELP PEOPLE LEAVE A
' 2 % !4 % 2 , % '!# 9 3ECURING YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE FOR FO OR THOSE CLOSEST CLOSE SEST TO YOU REQUIRES STRUCTURED AND CAREFUL AREEFUL PLANNING PLANNING G /UR NOW WLEDGE INTEGRITY
INTEG GRITY
PROFESSIONALS APPLY YEARS OF KNOWLEDGE
AND WISE COUNSEL IN ASSISTING YOU U TO MAKE K THE TH HE RIGHT DECISIONS IN PREPARING FOR TOMORRO TOMORROW MORROW 4RUST 0RIVATE "ANKING z )NVESTMENT -ANAGEMENT z )NVESTMENT #ENTER
that “if we want our Jewish community to remain strong, then Jewish education is the key. Financial gifts, both large and small, benefit Friedel Jewish Academy and help the school grow.� Friedel has seen a significant increase in student population at the school over the
past several years, and with continued financial and community support, Katskee anticipates that the school will continue to thrive and expand. For more information about Friedel Jewish Academy, call principal Cookie Katskee at 334.0517.
Leonard Friedel
OMAHA’S REAL ESTATE EXPERTS Residential • Relocation • Investment Self Employed • Commercial GO WITH A TEAM YOU CAN TRUST Work with Dan and Mike on the sale or purchase of your home and they will give back up to $300 to the Jewish Family Services.
‘Your Personal Mortgage Consultant’
Protect & Serve
my clients
their needs
My Oath to You!
z
• Over 25 Years • Experience • Installation • Parts & Repairs • Custom Work • Sandblast Designs Visit Our Showroom
Craft Shower Doors
778-9596
z
402/926-3334 x15 402/612-1751 Mike Storrs mike@teamkomor.com dan@dankomor.com Dan Komor www.teamkomor.com Builder-Supplier Franchise Major Appliance Division General Electric
GREATWESTERNBANK COM
,/#!4)/.3 ). '2%!4%2 /-!(! 3ECURITIES THROUGH 3PECTRUM #APITAL )NC -EMBER .!3$ 3)0# .OT A DEPOSIT .OT &$)# INSURED .OT INSURED BY ANY &EDERAL 'OVERNMENT .OT GUARANTEED BY THE BANK -AY GO DOWN IN VALUE
13237 B St.• Omaha,NE
HARMAN
APPLIANCE SALES, INC. 334 N. 115 St. • Omaha, NE 68154 (2 1/2 blocks south of Dodge)
Serving homebuilders, architects, remodelers and designers since 1959 We are known for customer service and product knowledge GE Proudly Representing: GE Monogram Gaggenau Jenn Air Kitchen Aid
Showroom Hours: 10909 West Maple Road • 402/397-0694 www.alkarbilliards.com
Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00 Saturday 8:00-12:00
Marvel Scotsman Bosch Sub Zero
Wolf Thermador U-Line
Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath
402/334-1883 fax: 402/334-7949
Page 14
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 19, 2005
In My Autumn Garden
STAYING IN TOUCH by OZZIE NOGG “To everything there is a season,” says Ecclesiastes. “And a time for every purpose under heaven.” The poetry in these familiar words is unmistakable, but so are the generalities. Everything -- season --time--purpose. Now, if we’re free to choose a specific thing and season, I nominate White-Shoes-AreDeclasse-After-Labor-Day, but such trivialities (though concrete) are surely not what Kohelet--the biblical bard -had in mind. For the text continues, “A time to be born, and a time to die. A time to plant, and a time to pluck that which is planted.” Ah, good. Our melancholy poet-teacher has stopped beating around the bush. This is life and mortality we’re talking about. This is the bittersweet process of looking back, looking inward and looking ahead as we age. And on this journey through my autumn garden, Kohelet-and a seed catalogue--are my chosen guides. When I was young, spring arrived with fists full of lilies of the valley. They grew in clumps near the back door of my parent’s house, and even more than robins or the crocus that pushed its way up through the snow, fragrant lilies of the valley meant spring to me. My mother loved lilies of the valley. She understood their preference for shade, their need to shun bright light. She approved of the modest green capes in which the tiny blossoms wrapped themselves. At the time, our family owned an impressive collection of empty Kraft Cheese Spread glasses (from pimento and olive, mostly), and mother often filled the glasses with lilies of the valley and arranged the bouquets around our duplex--on the kitchen table, the dining room buffet, the window sill above her sewing machine. The blooms never lasted long. No matter how often we changed the water, the bell-shaped flowers soon drooped on their delicate necks, bowed their heads, and died. But the plants returned, every spring, to our garden. And why not? After all, seed catalogues promise that lilies of the valley --when well rooted--will spread indefinitely, need almost no care, and live for many years. When I was young, summer arrived on the ruffled skirts of hollyhocks. They grew in sturdy rows beside our wooden backyard fence, and even more than monarch butterflies or morning glories scrambling up the porch rail, hollyhocks meant summertime to me. The hollyhocks stood taller than I. The flowers -- pink, peach, red, white -- big as saucers, sheer as tissue paper -- hung like Lilliputian dresses at an outdoor bazaar. In
The Interior Design Firm my hands the blooms morphed into brides with their attendants, princesses surrounded by ladies-in-waiting, a line of headless ballerinas. In my summer garden, make-believe grew real as hollyhocks, but by September the flowers had gone to seed. Not to worry. Horticulturists say hollyhocks are a robust lot, and once established can last a long time. Soon the short days of autumn will be here, with asters, goldenrod and mums blooming through chilly wind, frost and the first snow. But eventually we must deadhead the plants, rake up twigs and leaves, renew depleted soil. We’ll cast away stones, gather stones together, and put our gardens to bed for the winter-our hopes for renewal waiting like seeds in the earth. Today, however, I remember a trip Don and I took to Holland some years ago. In a village near the Zuider Zee we visited a tulip farm where acres of cut tulips were piled in heaps--luminous purple, blue, orange, crimson, yellow, green--like splendid dead parrots. While the cut blossoms lay unattended, workers gently placed the tearshaped bulbs in burlap bags for shipment overseas. The flowers would be burned and plowed back into the earth. “This process may seem heartless,” the tulip farmer said, “but the transient beauty of young flowers is less prized than the enduring wisdom in the bulb.” “One generation goes, another comes,” says Ecclesiastes, and to rail against this certainty is a waste of precious time. Unlike hollyhocks or lilies of the valley, our seasons will not last indefinitely or even (in some cases) many years. This autumn I ask, who will tend my garden when I’m gone? Perhaps the answer--and some comfort--lies in these words from a seed catalog: “Mature tulip bulbs produce offset buds that are clones of the parent bulb, endowed with the same characteristics and genetic code. Nourished by the mother bulb, offsets grow into daughter bulbs, and the original mother shrivels and slowly disappears. When separated from the mother bulb, the young bulbs start flowering themselves, and even if planted upside down, they instinctively turn, turn, turn and grow towards the sun.” Freelance writer and author of Joseph’s Bones, Ozzie Nogg can be reached at: ozmom@cox.net.
by the JEWISH PRESS News Service Serving the Omaha community since 1977, The Interior Design Firm has been a key design resource. In 1982, the founder, Charlotte Dann partnered with Pam Stanek. The two talented designers continued to make a name for themselves and the firm. In March of 2001, The Interior Design Firm moved into its present location in Lakeside Hills Plaza. The 14,500 square foot space was designed by The Interior Design Firm and houses a showroom, design studio, and offices for its 20 employees. Of the 20 employees, The Interior Design Firm has 16 designers who are members of The American Society of Interior Designers. Of these 16 designers 14 are professional members with their NCIDQ certification. Among the impressive certifications and affiliations, the firm boasts over 125 years of combined experience. The Interior Design Firm offers a comprehensive array of services that include: • A full-spectrum design studio providing residential, commercial and hospitality designs as well as health care • Both new and remodeling construction consultation including plumbing and fixture selection, flooring, tile designs, lighting and wall finishes • Space planning including furniture layouts • Design studio and showroom to highlight examples of the latest styles • Hundreds of fabrics, wall coverings, carpets, lighting fixtures, accessories and artwork as well as furniture manufacturers • Custom designed furniture, bedspreads, window coverings, slipcovers, fabricated in private workrooms • Project management You can utilize the extensive experience of The Interior Design Firm designers to manage any or all aspects of the project. The Interior Design Firm maintains relationships with local and national suppliers to ensure you get the best product and service possible. Whether you are looking to re-arrange your present furnishings or require a complete makeover, The Interior Design Firm can help. PAID ADVERTISEMENT
LINCOLN CENTER Elaine Wolf of Albion, NE, left, was presented the Lion of Judah pin by Marcia Kushner, President, for her support of the Jewish Federation of Lincoln. The Wolf family has been a long term supporter of the Lincoln Jewish community and many other Jewish causes. Wolf has continued this commitment following the death of her husband, Jim, in April, 2002.
Enterprise Bank Enterprise has money for your Bank commercial real estate needs. Whether you are an investor in need of financing for an office building, a business owner needing a loan for a new facility, or a home builder in need of a financing source for your construction projects, Enterprise Bank has financial solutions for your project.
Call today (402) 330-0200 N.A.
David Olson EQUAL HOUSING
LENDER
V.P. Commercial Lending
August 19, 2005
Built-in Sukkah Helps Those Tired of Cinder Blocks and Ladders by MICHAEL JACKMAN When Steve and Sharon Berger planned to renovate their kitchen and add a deck last year, they decided the new design wouldn’t be complete without one other addition: a built-in Sukkah. The Bergers purchased their two-storey colonial home 30 years ago in the Northfield area of Louisville, KY. Until they remodeled, each Sukkot found the couple erecting a version more familiar to many Jewish families: a jury-rigged frame of The Berger’s built-in Sukkah incorporates the deck railing four-by-four posts support- and one wall of their brick house. Photo courtesy Steve and Sharon Berger. ed in each corner by stacked Owning a semi-permanent sukkah cinderblocks; wooden lattice to make up the walls, and wooden slats placed across frame doesn’t eliminate all labor. To convert the frame into a fully-functional and the top for the roof. Steve Berger explained that he grew legal sukkah, the Bergers attach plastic tired of lugging out the cinderblocks and lattice to the two long sides and loosely wooden posts each year, not to mention thatch the roof with branches. They also climbing up and down a ladder to add hang ornaments, which they have collectthe roof and decorate it with branches. ed over the years, from hooks drilled into But there was an even more important the bottom of the roof beams. Surprisingly, the builder, cooperative in reason the couple were happy to abandon all other ways, balked at perhaps the simtheir former design. “Whenever there was a heavy wind the plest task-adding the many hooks. “Finally we convinced him to do it,” sukkah acted like a sail and blew over. One Steve says. time it smashed some patio furniture.” To his great relief, Berger, 57, can now So the Bergers seized the opportunity to adorn the roof without construct a festive dwelling having to climb a ladder. place that would not only His method, however, involve less work to build and does involve climbing dismantle, but would protect stairs. their furniture (and their “I carry four loads’ guests) from gusts. worth of branches in a The Berger’s contractor laundry basket up to our agreed to build a permanent second floor window, and sukkah frame for little addithen drop them out the tional cost--once he underwindow onto the (sukkah) stood what he was being asked to create. Explanations Sharon Berger enjoys dwelling roof. Very convenient,” he initially proved difficult. in her new semi-permanent, states, satisfied. As the child of an obserSharon recalls that the non- sturdier sukkah. Photo courtesy Steve vant family, Berger is Jewish contractor wanted to and Sharon Berger familiar with the joyous add decorative touches; he didn’t understand why they would want festival and the ritual of sukkah-building. something so plain. But misunderstandings Yet as a former president of Adath Jeshurun, one of Louisville’s two conserwere eventually cleared up. The frame for the new 10x10 Sukkah vative congregations, Berger is also aware still consists of four-by-fours in each cor- of the need to encourage Jewish obserner. But now they are taller, as well as vance. A built-in Sukkah may be one way securely fastened to the deck. One post is to do just that. “It’s a fun way of participating in Jewish incorporated into the deck’s railing. The roof uses evenly spaced boards with life,” he says, adding with just a touch of attractively cut corners, attached to sup- wry self-deprecation, “And it’s a nice thing porting beams. The north side, which for people whose facility with ladders is remains open, is used for the sukkah’s decreasing as years have gone by.” And as if a less labor-intensive obserentrance; part of the home’s south wall, and its pretty multi-colored brick, make vance of ritual weren’t encouragement enough, he points out, “It looks good up the south side. After consulting with clergy, Sharon even when it is not a sukkah.” This article was first published in the made sure the design didn’t include Jewish Federation of Louisville’s built-in electricity, or lights. “It’s supposed to be temporary, so you Community, Oct. 15, 2004. Jackman can only put in the frame, no walls,” she can be reached at: mjackman@mjfreelancer.com. reminds would-be Sukkah remodelers.
Major Overhaul or Just a Facelift? by MIKE STORRS Personal Mortgage Consultant, Mortgage Alliance If you’re thinking about taking out a home improvement loan, there are several options to consider. First, your mortgage consultant needs to know why you want a home improvement loan. Here are some factors to take into consideration. If you have built up equity in your home and are geared up for some major renovation, the Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) or fixed rate second mortgages are your options. HELOC’s allow you to use your equity as a line of credit, so if you have improvements that are phased in over time you can simply write a check when you need to pay a bill. It’s like a having a credit card with a much lower financing rate. In fact, the HELOC can be used for
any reason at all--even paying off that credit card debt. In most cases, this action turns that revolving debt payment into a tax-deductible payment with a lower interest rate. If you want to sell your home and you simply want to improve the curb appeal, it makes sense to go with a HELOC. Make sure you’re aware of current market value of homes in your area so you’re not going over the limit on the fair market value of your home. Regardless of your reason for home improvement, make sure you share your goals with your mortgage consultant. He or she can walk you through the various loan options and confer with your tax advisor to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible. PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 15
Wyndham Street Ltd.
A N T I Q U E S , C O N T E M P O R A RY A RT & M O R E
LIKE NO OTHER STORE
August Sale and Clearance Now in Progress Sale ends August 31, 2005
FURNITURE • HOME D ECOR • HOME A CCESSORIES A NTIQUE J EWELRY • A NTIQUITIES AND M ORE GREAT PRICES • GREAT SELECTION • GREAT SERVICE 10817 Elm Street • Rockbrook Plaza
397-5958 www.wyndhamstreetltd.com
Cabinet Fronts, Inc.
“HAVE A NEW KITCHEN” • Replace All Door & Drawer Fronts & Reface Cabinet Bodies with New Wood • Custom-Made Doors & Drawer Fronts • Custom Stained & Finished
CABINET REFACING AT ITS FINEST IT’S ALL WE DO Personal & Professional Work Since 1982
Local References
402/978-8152 CONTRACTING SPECIALISTS
EMANUEL CONTRACTING, INC. Residential
Commercial
Premier Built Executive Homes Custom Additions & Remodeling
New Buildings Tenant Buildouts Remodeling
Bart Emanuel, President 6946 N. 97th Circle, Omaha, NE 68122
402/343-0600 402/690-9307 Cell | 402/334-0606 Fax Artistically Designed… Skillfully Crafted
• Our framing abilities are only limited by our imagination •
Since
Frederick Plaza ( 3 blocks south of 84th & W.Center Rd)
8495 Frederick St - Omaha, NE 68124
402-391-6440
Galleria Collection ( South side of 145th & W.Center Rd)
14477 W.Center Rd - Omaha, NE 68144
402-334-5889
Page 16
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 19, 2005
Making a House a Jewish Home What makes a house Jewish? Is it the mezuzzah on the door (see Mark Mietkiewicz’s column on page 12) or the inspiring gardening column on Kohelet--to everything there is a season--by Ozzie Nogg on page 14? Is it the beautifully designed sukkah, described by Michael Jackman on page 15, or the recipes using lavender in Lois Friedman’s “Read It and Eat” column on page 9? Yes, to all of these...and more. There are lots of ways to turn an ordinary home in a Jewish one, starting with the mezuzzah on the front door and a never-ending supply of books inside. These books--from among the many available at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library--offer unique ways to make the Jewish holidays a family affair: Susie Fishbein’s Kosher by Designs Entertains and Jewish Holiday Style by Rita Milos Brownstein. Even little ones can help decorate a sukkah or make matza vases for Pesach. On the walls, consider personalized Judaica. If you don’t have an original ketubah (marriage contract), commission one from an artist in America--or in Israel. Not only will this work of art add beauty to your home, it will be like no other--created just for you. You can find a list of artists who hand paint, papercut or design ketubot at www.Jewish.com and other websites, too. Don’t forget to visit your synagogue gift shop--and not just for gifts for others. Buy something for yourself--start a dreidel collection, replace your worn out challah board or frame a hand painted silk matza cover (also available at Jerusalem’s Yad LaKashish, Lifeline for the Elderly, at www.lifeline.org.il). Speaking of synagogues, order your etrog and lulav for Sukkot through them--and ask for help in building your own sukkah. If you’re
nervous about a building project, sukkah kits be ordered through can www.sukkahkits.com and other sites as well. It’s not just the Jewish holidays, however, that should command attention when attempting to create a Jewish atmosphere at home. Along with how-to books on decorating and cooking for the holidays, every Jewish home should have four books--at a minimum-a Hebrew bible (all the books, not just the Five Books of Moses), a siddur (a prayerbook), Dennis Prager’s Nine Questions People Ask About Judaism, and Rabbi Joseph Telushkin’s Jewish Literacy, a concise intro to all things Jewish. Don’t stop there, however; add Jewish history books--From Time Immemorial: The Origins of the Arab-Jewish Conflict over Palestine by Joan Peters is excellent an start, as is James Michener’s The Source, a fictionionalized look at the history of the Land of Israel. For more guidance, ask the staff at the Kripke and Library your rabbi. Create Jewish memories in your home. Your children-and grandchildren will long
(Founded in 1920)
remember the sweet smell of challah baking on a Friday afternoon or the temptation of a bubbling pot of chicken soup. If you’d like to expand your repetoire, call Chabad of Nebraska; they offer a once-a-month cooking class. Finally, nothing says Jewish home more than a pushke--a tzedakah box--sitting in the dining room or kitchen. Before Shabbat each week, drop in some coins (and have your children participate, too). Before Rosh Hashanahh and Passover, empty the pushke and ask your children to count the money and help you decide where it should go. Jewish Family Service distributes food baskets prior to those holidays, a good place to start. Look around your home--and garden. What can you do to make it more Jewish?
Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press the Jewish Committee, Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.
“Today Gaza, Tomorrow Jerusalem”
BEHIND THE H EADLINES by DANIEL PIPES Are Israel’s critics correct? Does the “occupation” of the West Bank and Gaza cause the Palestinians’ anti-Semitism, their suicide factories, and their terrorism? And is it true these horrors will end only when Israeli civilians and troops leave the territories? The answer is coming soon. Starting on Aug. 15, the Israeli government will evict some 8,000 Israelis from Gaza and turn their land over to the Palestinian Authority. In addition to being a unique event in modern history (no other democracy has forcibly uprooted thousands of its own citizens of one religion from their lawful homes), it also offers a rare, live, social-science experiment. We stand at an interpretive divide. If Israel’s critics are right, the Gaza withdrawal will improve Palestinian attitudes toward Israel, leading to an end of incitement and a steep drop in attempted violence, followed by a renewal of negotiations and a full settlement. Logic requires, after all, that if “occupation” is the problem, ending it, even partially, will lead to a solution. But I forecast a very different outcome. Given that some 80% of Palestinians continue to reject Israel’s very existence, signs of Israeli weakness, such as the forthcoming Gaza withdrawal, will instead inspire heightened Palestinian irredentism. Absorbing their new gift without gratitude, Palestinians will focus on those territories Israelis have not evacuated. (This is what happened after Israeli forces fled Lebanon.) The retreat will inspire not comity but a new rejectionist exhilaration, a greater frenzy of anti-Zionist anger, and a surge in
anti-Israel violence. Palestinians themselves are openly saying as much. Ahmed al-Bahar , a top Hamas figure in Gaza, says that “Israel has never been in such a state of retreat and weakness as it is today following more than four years of the intifada. Hamas’s heroic attacks exposed the weakness and volatility of the impotent Zionist security establishment. The withdrawal marks the end of the Zionist dream and is a sign of the moral and psychological decline of the Jewish state. We believe that the resistance is the only way to pressure the Jews.” Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas spokesman, says likewise that the withdrawal is “due to the Palestinian resistance operations. … and we will continue our resistance.”
The retreat will inspire not comity but a new rejectionist exhilaration, a greater frenzy of anti-Zionist anger, and a surge in anti-Israel violence. Others are more specific. At a mass rally in Gaza City last Thursday, some 10,000 Palestinians danced, sang, and chanted, “Today Gaza, tomorrow Jerusalem.” Jamal Abu Samhadaneh, commander of Gaza’s Popular Resistance Committees, announced on Sunday, “We will move our cells to the West Bank” and warned that “The withdrawal will not be complete without the West Bank and Jerusalem.” The Palestinian Authority’s Ahmed Qurei also asserts, “Our march will stop only in Jerusalem.” Palestinian intentions worry even Israeli leftists. Danny Rubinstein, Arab affairs specialist
Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Amanda Marcuccio Sales & Marketing Intern Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Jamie Meyerson; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joe Shyken; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; Dorothy Spizman; and Melany Weinstine. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a constitutional committee of the Jewish Federation.
for Ha’aretz, notes that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon decided to leave Gaza only after antiIsrael carnage there had escalated. “Even if these attacks were not the reason why Sharon came up with the idea of disengagement, the Palestinians are certain that that is the case, and this has reinforced their belief that Israel only understands the language of terror attacks and violence.” Israel National News has collected other leftist comments. • Yossi Beilin, former justice minister and chairman of the Yahad/Meretz Party: “There is a concrete danger that following the disengagement, the violence will greatly increase in the West Bank in order to achieve the same thing as was achieved in Gaza.” • Shlomo Ben-Ami, former foreign minister, Labor Party: “A unilateral retreat perpetuates Israel’s image as a country that runs away under pressure... In Fatah and Hamas, they will assume that they must prepare for their third intifada - this time in [the West Bank].” • Ami Ayalon, former General Security Service chief: “Retreat without getting anything in return is liable to be interpreted by some of the Palestinians as surrender.... There is a high chance that shortly after the disengagement, the violence will be renewed.” • Eitan Ben-Eliyahu, former Air Force commander: “There is no chance that the disengagement will guarantee long-term stability. The plan as it stands can only lead to a renewal of terrorism.” Events, I predict, will prove Israel’s critics totally wrong but they will learn no lessons. Untroubled by facts, they will demand further Israeli withdrawals. Israel’s one-car crash is dismally preparing the way for more disasters. Daniel Pipes is director of the Middle East Forum and author of Miniatures (Transaction Publishers); his articles can be found at: www.danielpipes.org.
Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $35 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
Nebraska Press Association
National Newspaper Association
August 19, 2005
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 17
‘Now the Stones Will Speak’ Discovery Offers Glimpse of Both Ancient Israel and the Travails of the Modern State
BEHIND THE HEADLINES by JONATHAN S. TOBIN For those who hate Israel, one of the most dangerous things a Jew can do in Jerusalem is to start digging. Because the more you dig there, the worse it gets for those who would like to pretend that Israelis are alien colonists imposing their rule on the so-called indigenous people of the region. That’s why an interest in archaeology has always been a key factor in the centurylong struggle to recreate and then maintain Jewish sovereignty in the land of Israel. You might think arguments claiming that the Jews were alien to the place are limited to the nonsensical propaganda that emanates from the less enlightened portions of the Islamic world. Claims from the Muslim Wakf that administers the Temple Mount in Jerusalem that the place has been a mosque since the days of Adam and Eve are, we hope, laughed off by those who read the mainstream press. Upending David But though few in this country outside of academia have noticed, the notion of Israel being the historical homeland of the Jewish people has been under attack from far more reputable sources. In recent decades, a new front in the war on Israel was opened in intellectual journals and classrooms. Its goal? To trash the notion that the Bible’s accounts of the history of ancient Israel have the slightest value, and to debunk the idea that the United Kingdom of David ever existed. For a growing number of academics and intellectuals, King David and his kingdom, which has served for 3,000 years as an integral symbol of the Jewish nation, is simply a piece of fiction. Building on the work of deconstrutionists, who have turned the study of literature into a morass of moral relativism and intellectual cant that seeks to undermine the very idea of historic truth, a new school of historians has arisen since the 1970s. Their purpose is to challenge not only the veracity of the biblical narrative, but the very idea of Jewish nationhood having its roots in the distant past. As professor Jonathan Rosenbaum, former Omahan and President of Gratz College here in Philadelphia and himself a leading authority on Ancient Near East studies, said: “If you can upend the idea that King David was a historic figure and that ancient Israel was real, then you can delegitimize modern Israel.”
And in the spirit of the in hand?’ ” she says. post-Zionist fashion that Mazar, 48, is the granddaughter of piohas swept over Israel in the neering Israeli archaeologist Benjamin last decade, these ideas have Mazar. She grew up in the world of digs and been embraced by a number worked with her grandfather as a research of influential Israeli archae- assistant on his excavations on the Temple ologist, too. Most promi- Mount. She had talked with him before his nently, Israel Finkelstein of Tel Aviv University has written that the death 10 years ago about the possibility of this project idea of the and, building Davidic kingthe upon dom is not work of past based on fact, that generations and of archaeoloD a v i d ’ s gist and by Jerusalem was reading a crunothing but a vilcial verse in “poor the book of lage.” II last Samuel But (Chapter 5, week, the Verse 17), debunkers of decided that Jewish histoif David had ry got some gone down bad news. from where And all it he was to his took was for a fortress, then d e d i c a t e d An ariel view of the dig at the City of David. archaeologist Photo: Courtesy of the Shalem Center. Silwan was the spot to start digwhere David’s abode might be found. ging. The dig was sponsored by the Hebrew Dr. Eilat Mazar, senior fellow of the Shalem Center’s University and Shalem, financed by Jerusalem-based Institute for the Archaeology of the American investor Roger Hertog and carJewish People, made public the results of ried out with the help of the Ir David the dig she had been conducting since Foundation, which owns the land. But February in an area south of the walls of after years of work and planning, the the Old City of Jerusalem, where scholars proof was waiting in the ground. “Once I started to excavate,” says believe the city of David existed. What she produced ought to help quiet those Mazar, “it was as if I had written nothing. Now, the stones will speak, not me.” who think Jewish history is bunk. And speak they do. Amid the soil and rocks of the place For those who contend that what she that is now the village of Silwan, Mazar uncovered the ruins of the building she’s found was more likely the Jebusite fort sure was the palace of David itself--the David conquered or something else that very same structure that was built, predates his kingdom, Mazar said that the according to the Bible, by King Hiram of placement of the Iron I pottery right Tyre for Israel’s greatest king, around underneath it makes such a conclusion “problematic.” 1,000 BCE. “How come I didn’t find any remains “It was obvious from the first glance that we are not speaking about a private of any construction underneath it? It house,” recounts Mazar via phone from doesn’t make any sense. If this is the Jerusalem. “The walls are huge. The con- fortress, it was erected a day before King struction involved was massive.” Directly David captured the city. “[This] fantastic building [is a] big, obviunderneath the structure that was uncovered were “masses of pottery” all dating ous answer to those who say Jerusalem was to the 11th and 12th centuries BCE, the an unimportant settlement.” era that archaeologist call Iron Age I, ‘A Name Is a name’ which predates the era of David. By its Just as telling was an artifact only 1 cenposition in the site, this pottery, which timeter long, uncovered from a slightly later was a unique find in of itself, makes it period. It was an impression of an ancient clear that “Iron I was over or almost over seal, or “bullah,” which bore the name of by the time the building was started,” Jerucal, son of Shelemiah, son of Shevi. said Mazar. Who was he? Nothing less than a min“I had to ask myself, ‘What do we have ister of the Kingdom of Judah in its last
days before the Babylonian destruction of the city in 586 BCE. We know of him only because he is mentioned in the book of Jeremiah. But the bullah proves his existence isn’t a literary flight of fancy. The find shows again, as many other archeological discoveries have also proven, that the Tanach is a credible historic source. For Mazar, this tiny piece of clay--found amid thousands of years of remains--“goes straight to the point” to understanding the role of the biblical text in reconstructing history. “Layer by layer, we must take the Bible much, much more seriously than was ever thought, and treat it as a most important historic document that contains a lot of realistic descriptions,” declares Mazar. Any source that is the work of human hands (as scholars consider the Bible) is fallible, but, she says to those who doubt its role in understanding Jewish history, “a name is still a name.” While Mazar and the Shalem Center have tried to steer the discussion of the find away from politics, she knows firsthand that contemporary struggles are never far away from the study of Israel’s past. As spokeswoman for the nonpartisan Committee Against the Desecration of Antiquities on the Temple Mount, Mazar tried to alert the world in recent years to the vandalism being done to site by the Muslim Wakf. Much to her amazement, her pleas fell on deaf ears and the government of Israel refused to intervene. The result is that, due to politics, a treasure trove of antiquities in this sacred place may well be lost to us forever. Similarly, Mazar knows there will be those who will assault her work for nonscientific reasons. As Rosenbaum noted, many modern scholars now seem to think that if you have an argument between those who claim the earth is flat and those who see it as round, “both are equally legitimate.” Thus, it can be asserted, despite the archeological evidence of the Bible’s historicity, “there is no such thing as biblical history and no such thing as ancient Israelites.” Though Mazar says she “welcomes controversy over the meaning of the evidence,” she urges her colleagues to deal with facts and not fantasies. But by uncovering the remains of David’s palace, Mazar has struck a blow not only for the cause of archaeology, but helped make clear just how deep the Jewish roots of this place run. Jonathan S. Tobin is Executive Editor of the Jewish Exponent in Philadelphia. He is reachable via e-mail at: jtobin@jewishexponent.com.
Disengagement is About More Than Losing Territory
LETTER FROM ISRAEL by HARRY ALLEN Those of you readers who are part of my generation will surely remember the old black and white serials that the movie houses ran prior to the main movie. We sat enthralled as the heroine, tied to the railroad tracks as the speeding train bore down or was being pushed to the ever present circular saw, was suddenly rescued by the handsome hero. The dashing hero came upon the scene as the sub title on the screen read, “And the great big saw drew nearer and nearer”. The serials alone were worth the 10 cent admission charge. Like the serial heroine of old, the Gaza settlers are watching the speeding train of disengagement bear down on them. But unlike the movies there is no hero who will suddenly ride to their rescue. This past week, the move out of Gaza began--the “greater land of Israel” movement will be over for better or worse depending on where one sits. Long time readers of this
column (and hopefully there are still a few) know that I firmly support the disengagement, while recognizing the trauma that it will cause in this country. Separating ourselves from two million Arabs is the only thing that can save Israel as a Jewish state.
It is also disengaging a significant part of the Israeli population--the young religious Zionists--from the State itself. While the disengagement will affect all segments of Israel society it is the religious--Zionist adherents who will be most adversely impacted. Since the six day war of 1967, the religious--Zionist rabbis have been inculcating successive generations of yeshiva students with the proposition that the victory was messianic in character-the beginning of redemption following the philosophy of Rav Kook. Settling the conquered areas became the touchstone of religious Zionism. In this they were abetted by successive Israeli govern-
ments to be sure, but until the Likud came to power the settlements were thought of more as defenses than permanent cities. But that was then and now most of the larger places will stay in place. Evacuating 9,000 people from Gaza is like a Sunday afternoon picnic compared to evacuating 80,000 people from the smaller settlements in Judea and Samaria. Let us be clear: the disengagement from Gaza is imperative. Let us be equally clear that leaving large parts of Judea and Samaria will be incredibly more problematic--if not impossible. This disengagement is not only about territory. It is also disengaging a significant part of the Israeli population--the young religious Zionists--from the State itself. It is this latter disengagement with which we must be most concerned. It is the one which may have the most far reaching consequences and which the government will have to address along with the 80% of the Israeli population which is not part of religious Zionism. Former Lincolnite Harry Allen made aliyah with his wife, Annie, and lives in Jerusalem. He can be reached at: hsallen@internet-zahav.net.
Page 18
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 19, 2005
Candlelighting Friday, August 19, 7:59 p.m.
Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. There will be no Shabbat Services on Aug. 26 and Sept. 2.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 jewishnebraska.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
The Neighborhood Minyan 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethlincoln.org
If you’re looking at this space, so are others! YOUR AD CAN GO HERE...
to reserve space, call Allan Handleman, 334.6451.
FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.; Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon sponsored by Sheri and Michael Abramson, in honor of their daughter Jaime, as she becomes a Bat Mitzvah; Evening Service, 8:10 p.m. SUNDAY: Bible Study Class with Leonard Greenspoon, 10 a.m.; “Living Hebrew,” with Susi Frydman-Levin, 10 a.m.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah class with Cantor Bogomolni, 10 a.m.; Jewish Pot Pourri Class, 11 a.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Weekdays, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION: Beginning Sunday, Sept. 11, a new class, “From Your Heart to God’s Ears” will begin, led by Andy Greenberg. Participants will explore the meanings and interpretations of prayers. Cost is $18 per semester; contact Program Director Harriet Einziger in the office to register. COMMUNITY JEWISH SINGLES Sunday, Aug. 21, 7 p.m., at Boulder Creek Amusements, 14208 ‘S’ St., for an evening of miniature golf. Cost is $5 for 18 holes. For information, contact Harriet Einziger. PATTER Begins again Wednesday, Aug. 31,10:45 a.m.-noon. Class engages children 18 months to age three in Jewish learning through storytelling, songs and creative movement. Led again by Helen Epstein, PATTER is open to all families in the Jewish community. For information, call the office.
THE ART OF JEWISH TEACHING A new course, designed to train congregants (and interested Jewish community members) to be substitute teachers at Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah (BESTT), will run from Aug. 31Dec. 14, meeting Wednesday evenings from 7:15-8:40 p.m. For information or to enroll, contact BESTT Education Director Judy Rubin at 498.0904 or at eddir@ bethel-omaha.org. SISTERHOOD HONEY SALE Orders are being taken through Sept. 2. A six-oz. wrapped bottle is $5.75; $5.50 ea. for 10 or more; $5.25 ea. for 30 or more. Orders include New Year’s greeting, and both in-town and out-of-town orders are welcome. Proceeds benefit Sisterhood, which helps fund the synagogue’s youth activities, education, community and social services. Order forms are in the synagogue’s mid-month mailing and in the office.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat with YU Torah Tours, 7:30 p.m. followed by dinner. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free Babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; Concurrent NCSY and adult classes, 7 p.m.; Mincha, 8 p.m.; Havdalah, 9 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Contact the synagogue office for Mincha/Ma’ariv time. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Contact the synagogue office for Mincha/Ma’ariv time.
BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi
B’NOT MITZVAH Shir Palmon daughter of Roni Reiter-Palmon and Ophir Palmon, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Aug. 27, at Beth El Synagogue. Shir is a eighth-grade honor student at Ralston Middle School. Her interests include singing, reading, and writing. For her mitzvah project, Shir is volunteering at the Council Bluffs Animal Shelter. Shir has a brother, Tomer. Grandparents are Avia Reiter and Ze’ev Peer of Tel Aviv, Israel, and Miki Reiter of Holon, Israel, and Ora and Shlomo Palmon of Ramat Gan, Israel. Jaime Abramson daughter of Sheri and Mike Abramson, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah this Saturday, Aug. 20, at Beth El Synagogue. Jaime is a seventh-grade superior honor roll student at Kiewit Middle School. Her interests include cheerleading, basketball, and tennis. Jaime has a brother, Bradley, and a sister, Erin. Her grandparents are Doris and Alvin Abramson, and Roberta and Sidney Weissman of St. Louis, MO.
Mendel Katzman. Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Gift Shop open during office hours or by appointment. FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Services, 9:30 a.m., followed by a Kiddush luncheon. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. Mishne class, 9:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Halacha, 7 p.m. TUESDAY:Torah for Teens, 4:15 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought class, 12:45 p.m. Programs are open to the community. For information or to register, call the office or visit: www.nebraskajudaism.com.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m., led by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel, with oneg following. SATURDAY: Bat Mitzvah of Emma Feldman at Tifereth Israel, 9:30 am; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. led by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel; Game Night/Potluck, 6 p.m. SUNDAY: Help sort and bundle the school supplies that are being collected for Saratoga School with exact time TBA. THURSDAY: Choir practice, 7 p.m. RABBI’S INSTALLATION Celebrate the installation of Rabbi Ilan Emanuel Aug. 26-28. Friday Aug. 26: Service starts at 7:45 pm with reception following. No reservations required. Sunday, Aug. 28: Dinner and dance at Cornhusker Hotel, 5:307 p.m. cost $36 per person or Dance and dessert only starting at 7:30 p.m. $18 per person. Reservations due by Aug. 15.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Services, 6:45 p.m. led by Nancy Rips. SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Craig Marantz and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. Summer worship-study discussion: “Praying in the 21st Century.” SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. JOIN TEAM TEMPLE! Temple is assembling a team to ride in the MS Society’s Ride Aug. 28 in memory of Joel Brodsky. (See page 3 for full article.) Temple Israel Annual Golf Outing, Monday, Aug. 29, noon at Ironwood Country Club. Golfers are treated to lunch, dinner, and 18 holes. Contact Director Dennis Executive DePorte, 556.6536 or ddeporte@templeisraelomaha.com.
NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Kabbalas Shabbos, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharis, 9 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Royi Shaffin. Minyan, MONDAY & THURSDAY, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m.; Bat Mitzvah of Emma Feldman with Oneg Shabbat host by her parents, Lori and Howard Feldman. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Bat Mitzvah of Emma Feldman; Kiddush luncheon hosted by her parents, Lori and Howard Feldman. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066.
RBJH/L.O.V.E. Name Irv Forbes as Volunteer of the Year by RITA SHELLEY JSS Publicity Coordinator Volunteer of the Year for the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and League Offering Volunteers for the Elderly (L.O.V.E.) is Irving Forbes. He, along with the other Volunteers-of-the-Year will be honored at an open board meeting of the Jewish Federation, this Tuesday, Aug. 23, 8 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center. Community Service and Spirit of Federation recipients will also be recognized, followed by a reception in honor of the honorees. Several days a week, Forbes helps out at the Blumkin Home. The list of ways in which Irving enriches the lives of residents of the Home is lengthy. He lights
candles and says prayers before meals on Sabbath and assists with holiday services. His presence at the Home, where he often helps residents who use wheelchairs get to and from daily activities, is a day brightener for many. Forbes also works at the Home’s front desk during the receptionist’s lunch break, and pitches in on holidays so staff can spend more time with their own families. For Forbes, the time he spends at the Home is a way to show continuing gratitude for the care his wife, Ida, received during her years living there. Residents and staff also are continually grateful for his “can do” attitude and innumerable contributions to the quality of their lives.
August 19, 2005
What Kind of God is He?
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat V’Ethanan From the time I was a small boy, six or seven perhaps, not more than eight, I objected strongly to the beginning of this Sidra. It pictures Moses pleading with the Lord for the right to enter the Promised Land. But the Kadosh Baruch Hu is cold, almost unpleasant to Moses. “The matter is closed; let Me hear no more about it.” I remember being upset and arguing with my teacher, at that point, a private teacher who was simply an itinerant melamed, about the right of Moses to enter the Land, toward which he had been leading a stubborn and ungrateful people for 40 years. Now, without a helicopter, he was supposed to view the Land from afar and be satisfied not to enter it. This seemed to me to be very far from justice. It was only after childhood that I realized that justice is an ideal, but it is not always achieved. There is a wonderful pun at the beginning of the Sidra which, unlike usual plays on words, can be carried into English with approximate success. The pun has to do with the word “to cross”, that is to say, the Jordan. The
DEATHS DOROTHY PARILMAN Dorothy Parilman died as the result of a car crash on Aug. 12. She was 83-years-old. Services were held Aug. 15 at Golden Hill Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Parilman. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Bart Epstein; son, Gary Parilman; grandchildren, Ben and Kara Epstein, Miriam Epstein, Joshua Parilman and Lindsey Parilman; sisters-in-law, Sylvia Parilman and Vera Lewis. Memorials are to charity of choice. GLADYS BERCUTT Former Omahan Gladys Bercutt died Aug. 13 at the age of 90. Services were held Aug. 16 at Fisher Farm Cemetery. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and Ely Fishkin and Paula and Robert Borsody, and son, David Bercutt; grandchildren, Stephanie and Jim Kiley, Michael Fishkin, Daniel, Sarah, and Alex Borsody, Rachael Bercutt; and a great-grandson. Memorials are to charity of choice. NAOMI COHN Naomi T. Cohn died Aug. 13 at the age of 90. Services were held Aug. 15 at Beth El Cemetery. She was preceded in death by husband, Seymour Cohn; sisters, Ruth Fiedler and Frances Bernstein; and a brother, Norman Bordy. She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Stern; a sister, Betty Cutler; sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Hanon Swiskay of Great Neck, NY; grandchildren, Cynthia and John Stern, Lori and Richard Stern of Colorado Springs, CO, and Karen Thurman and Jeffrey Stern of Portland, OR; and four great-grandchildren. Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or the Arnold J. Stern Endowment Fund c/o Beth El Synagogue.
To Submit an Obituary Notice: Send full name, age, date of death, location of service and burial site to the Jewish Press via e-mail: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; fax, 402.334.5422; or mail, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Or visit the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s website: www.jewishomaha.org, and click on Jewish Press and go to ‘Submit Announcements.’ Complete form and click on ‘send’; it will automatically be sent to the Press--or call 402.334.6448 for guidelines and the form.
Lord became furious with Moses for asking to cross and enter the Land. Now if you use “cross”, that is to say, the Lord was cross, the play on words can be transferred form language to language. The only thing is that the Lord was “furious”, not “cross”. Our Sidra is full of familiar Jewish sanctities. The Decalogue, literally 10 Words, is mentioned here. Further, the Sh’ma, familiar to every Jewish child, and V’ahavta, “And you shall love...” are from our Sidra. The familiar passage from the Haggadah, Avadim Hayinu, “our ancestors were slaves to Pharaoh” is also in our Sidra. The picture of God is not only a God of anger. He is also pictured as close to the people of Israel, dwelling among them, a concept that challenges the intelligence and the imagination. The Israelites are reminded that the Lord’s covenant with them is not for their sake, for they have not earned it; the covenant with them is a reflection of the merit of their forefathers. The covenant, however, was not for their forefathers alone, but for all time. Perhaps I ought to quote here a statement from one of our contemporary theologians. He said, “When I pray, I speak to God. When I study Torah, God speaks to me.” It perhaps should be mentioned that we have here the first of seven Haftarot of consolation which follow the mourning--fast day--of Tisha b’Av, leading to Rosh Hashanah. (Did you know the holidays are so close?)
September Designated as Gaucher Disease Awareness Month by ROSINA CRISTALLI National Gaucher Foundation (Editor’s note: in hopes of continuing the momentum engendered by the Omaha Committee for Jewish Genetic Disease Testing, the Jewish Press will run articles on these diseases from time to time. For more information about genetic diseases common among Ashkenazi Jews, visit: The National Gaucher Foundation (NGF) has designated September as National Gaucher Disease Awareness Month to promote knowledge and understanding of the often painful and debilitating disorder, particularly within the Jewish community where it is most prevalent. Gaucher (pronounced Go-shay) disease is a relatively obscure condition in the general population, but it is the most common genetic disorder affecting Jews of central and eastern European ancestry, also known as Ashkenazi Jews. Although this disease may cause a variety of symptoms, it is generally a detectable and treatable condition. “For those most at risk, it is vital to know and recognize the warning signs of Gaucher disease and gain access to proper treatment,” said Rhonda Buyers, Executive Director of the NGF. “National Gaucher Disease Awareness Month has been established to educate at-risk individuals of the disorder and their physicians to ensure proper diagnosis and appropriate care.” According to current medical estimates, the most common form of Gaucher disease--Type 1--occurs in one out of every 450-600 births in the Ashkenazi Jewish population. It is caused by an enzyme deficiency, creating an excessive accumulation of lipids in bone marrow and various body tissues. Although only one in every 100 to 200 people in the general population may be carriers of a gene mutation that causes Type 1 Gaucher disease, as many as one in 10 Ashkenazi Jews carry this inactive genetic trait. Carriers are not affected, but are capable of passing it along to future generations. When two parents are Gaucher gene carriers, each of their children has a 25 percent chance of inheriting the disease. Gaucher disease can cause severe anemia, enlarged spleen and liver, a lack of stamina and energy, skeletal pain, increased tendencies of bleeding, and bruising and easily fractured bones. For more information, contact the NGF at 1.800.925..8885 or visit the organization’s website at www.gaucherdisease.org.
VIOXX Urgent news for people who took
Nebraska 2x2 Display Ad Network Climb On Board For Great Savings! Place your 2x2 display ad in over 170 Nebraska newspapers and get your message to over 900,000 readers. Statewide coverage for less than $4.40 per publication. Contact this newspaper for more information or call 1-800-369-2850. *Statewide coverage for less than $4.40 per publication. Regional ads also available in Central, Northeast, Southeast or Western Nebraska.
Offices in Phoenix & Tucson
1-800-THE-EAGLE (1-800-843-3245)
www.1800theeagle.com
You are the most powerful influence in your child’s daily life. Kids who learn from their parents or care-givers about the risks of drugs are: • 36% less likely to smoke • marijuana than kids who don’t • 50% less likely to use inhalants • 56% less likely to use cocaine • 65% less likely to use LSD
Page 19
Pulverent e MONUMENT CO.
Frank L. Ciciulla Jr.
60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials
1439 So. 13th
341-2452
For more information call:
1-800-648-4444 http://www.prevlink.org
Advertise by calling Allan Handleman at 334-6451.
Help keep siblings together!
CALL 1-800-7-PARENT
FOR SALE LUXURY CONDOMINIUM 1021 South 93rd Court 3 Bedroom,3 Bath Downsize without compromise. Call 402/880-9483
Statewide Classified CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING in over 170 newspapers. Reach thousands of readers for $185/25 word ad. Contact the Jewish Press at 402-334-6451 or call 1-800-369-2850. ADOPTION: YOUNG, married couple will give your newborn a life filled with love, happiness and security. Expenses paid. Please call Jackie/Kevin, 1-866-586-2555. BANKRUPTCY: ACT now to file under the old rules. Fast relief from creditors. Statewide filing. Affordable rates. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-872-8327. ALL CASH candy route. Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local candy route. Includes 30 machines and candy all for $9,995. 1-800-814-6040. LOW INVESTMENT franchise opportunity. Liberty Tax Service seeking 2 great entrepreneurs in area. Liberty’s on entrepreneur’s low cost and top 500 lists. Call 800-8192618. www.libertytaxfranchise.com. $$CASH$$ IMMEDIATE cash for structured settlements, annuities, law suit inheritances, mortgage notes & cash flows. J.G. Wentworth - #1 1-800-794-7310. PROPANE TRUCK for sale: (88 Mack, newly painted, engine overhauled, good tires) 40 assorted propane tanks; 11,000 gallon bulk plant; miscellaneous parts. Call 402283-4511/605-664-2014. SPAS, HOT tubs, State Fair prices in August, 50 in stock, $2,495-$5,995. For price list, call 1-800-869-0406. Town Center Showcase, Lincoln, NE. goodlifespa.com. STEEL BUILDING sale! Sentinel Building Systems. Agricultural, commercial, specialty. Free quote & estimated erection costs. www.sentinelbuildings.com, 800-327-0790. LOOMIX HAS an incredible opportunity with someone having feedlot contacts. Our company is looking for an individual to introduce an exciting new technology for starting cattle with proven results. Contact Terri Tonso at 1-800-870-0356. INSTALLERS FOR DirecTV HSP has full time positions for satellite installations. We need individuals who work with a sense of urgency and a strong focus on customer service & safety. Earn top wages. Paid training, no experience needed. Apply: 1-866-7397737 EOE. GROWING JOHN Deere, Bobcat dealership needs experienced parts manager and technicians. Hunting, fishing, skiing area, competitive salary, commission and benefits. Craig, CO. Call Tom 970-824-6163, fax 970-824-6344. SUBCONTRACTED COMPUTER and network technicians needed. A+, reliable transportation and ability to work unsupervised required. Please apply online www.syntechs.com/signup. RN STAFF nurse FT. Excellent benefit package. Contact Chris or Sue at Annie Jeffrey MCHC, Osceola, NE, 402-747-2031. Website: anniejeffreyhospital.org. DRIVERS & Owner operators: How sweet it is! High miles and home time with the family. Class A CDL/6 months OTR experience. 866-472-6347. www.giexpress.com.
®
Many VIOXX® users suffered strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, chest pains, blood clots, serious bleeding and even death. If you or a loved one took VIOXX® and had any of these problems, call us now toll free at 1-800-THE-EAGLE for a free consultation. We practice law only in Arizona, but associate with lawyers throughout the U.S.
GOLDBERG & OSBORNE
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
ys da 7 ek en we Op a
DRIVER: COVENANT Transport. Excellent pay & benefits for experienced drivers, O/O, solos, teams & graduate students. Bonuses available. Refrigerated now available. 1-888MORE PAY (1-888-667-3729). OWNER/OPERATORS: I.T.L. needs full time & temporary owner operators to pull tank trailers. High revenue per mile. Call Brian M-F, 8-5 at 800-728-2675. CDL DRIVER wanted. Flatbed experience preferred. Must have clean DMV record. Good pay. Mileage & fuel bonuses available. References required. Call Tracy @ Scherz Trucking Inc. 1-308-232-4488. GOT TERMITES? Call Bear Termite Co. 28 years in business. We’ve earned the B.B.B. Excellence Award the last 6 years. Phone 800-241-7179.
Page 20
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 19, 2005
Art From the Heart...of Jerusalem
Settlers in Gaza Mourn
by RACHEL BLUM as well as gift objects, including picture frames and mezuzot. “Most people feel Torah ideas to be lacking in JCC Program Director The JCC Gallery will be filled with color Aug. 24- relevance to daily living,” says Shore. “I strive to express Sept. 29, as Rebecca Shore’s artwork will fill the halls. the immediate and dynamic message of Torah wisdom in “Art has always been a part of my life,” says Jerusalem an understandable way. My work makes you smile first; artist Rebecca Shore. “I received my first set of profes- and then imparts a lesson.” Shore lives in the Old City of Jerusalem with her hussional watercolors on my fifth birthday. It is a dream come true for me that I can use my art to express myself band and children. She loves animals and kids and is now surrounded by both, though the animals are admitand that there are other people who appreciate it.” Shore is the creator of “Art from the Heart...of tedly of a two dimensional nature. “I used to think I would live on a farm and Jerusalem”. Her line of enjoy horseback riding as I signed posters, mezuzot and did when I was growing up, picture frames features I guess this is the next best brightly colored images of thing.” Along with her huswhimsical animals. Her work band, her children are her is sold throughout the greatest critics. Once she United States, Canada, and designs a piece, she shows it Israel. to them. If they get the mesShe began Art from the sage and can distinguish all Heart in 1987 by painting the animals then she knows one of a kind name pictures she is on track. which pair a child’s name One of Shore’s favorite with a relevant biblical figure pieces is called “The and a quote from the Bible Ladder” where a variety of or other Jewish source. She Rebecca Shore works in her Jerusalem studio. continues to do them today. “My husband got me my colorful animals are climbing a ladder, each one at its first orders,” says Shore with a laugh. “He is truly the own pace. A rabbit hangs from the bottom rung, while founder of Art from the Heart. We make a great team.” the legs and tail of a lion are all that is visible from the Several years later, Rebecca and her brother Ken Spiro, top rung. Each animal struggles towards the top to the collaborated on a design of Noah’s Ark, which was her best of his ability. The Biblical quote surrounding the first piece to incorporate animals. Says Shore, “This picture is taken from “Ethics of the Fathers” which marked a turning point for me, I realized that there was teaches that “the reward is according to the effort.” “There are many images out there for kids,” says a tremendous opportunity to bring Torah wisdom to life Shore. “There’s Disney, and Looney Toons, among othand make it accessible for children as well as adults.” The initial response to the Noah’s Ark piece was ers. The list is endless. All of them are cute and enterextremely positive. Everyone who saw it wanted one-but taining, but none of them educates. I fantasize that due to its size and intricacy its price was beyond most some day a young adult will come up to me and say that people’s budget. Numerous people told Shore that if she they used to fall asleep staring at my pictures. I’ll know printed it, they would love to buy one, so she did just that I have done great work when the message and that. The rest is history. Sales of the Ark print went so image made them think and focus on what’s important well that she decided to design a line of work incorpo- and what they are living for.” Visit www.Rebecca Shore.com, or for more informarating joyous animals and Jewish themes. She expands her line every year to include new prints tion about the exhibit, contact me at 334.6404.
Continued from page 1 ments to be evacuated, according to government plans. People are even inviting each other to feasts of thanksgiving to be held should the withdrawal be averted by a divine act. Adiel Gehassi sits outside on the wooden benches removed from the Yemenite synagogue in Neveh Dekalim to make room for worshippers sitting on the ground. He says this Tisha B’Av feels extremely personal. He moved here when he was just two years old and remembers no other home or community. “This is much more difficult than a regular Tisha B’Av. You think more about your own home than the Temple,” Gehassi said. “What makes it especially sad is that this is Jews who are doing this.” Of course, based on a complicated financial formula, the Israeli government is paying compensation--estimated at between $200,000 and $300,000--to those families who leave voluntarily. Despite this, the estimated 9,000 Jewish settlers have been reacting to the approaching deadline in various ways. Some staunchly refuse to pack out of defiance; others hired moving vans and made their way to their new homes inside Israel. Some, like the Issak family in the settlement of Morag, southeast of Neveh Dekalim, chose the middle ground: They packed their belongings into army-issued shipping containers but vow to stay in their home until evacuation day. As Gabi Issak, 48, packed up his airy two-story home with the help of his four children, he said that he was preparing for the move--painful as it was for him-because he could not bring himself to break the law. “This is the law. We have to honor the law,” said the farmer who has been growing tomatoes, peppers and eggplant in hothouses on the settlement for the past 20 years. “Without laws, this country would cease to exist.” On Sunday as part of their commemoration of Tisha B’Av, relatives prayed by the gravesides of loved ones at the cemetery on the outskirts of Neveh Dekalim, some placing stones painted orange--the color of the anti- withdrawal movement--on the graves.The sun blared in the midday heat as people cried and wailed, coming to terms with what may be the last Tisha B’Av in Gush Katif.
USKER H AUTO GROUP
www.huskerautogroup.com
MERCEDES
6701 Telluride Dr. • Lincoln, NE 68521
G.S. “Jerry” Chesen
1-800-876-1598
BERNINA
Skilled staff are at your disposal in both Bernina stores. They are ready to discuss and demonstrate all that is new from Bernina
BERNINA 180 Pre-Owned
FREE BMW and Mercedes Loaner And Pick-Up & Delivery of Service Vehicles From Anywhere in Eastern Nebraska
for the Creative Sewing Enthusiast Now available with Artlink/CPS Software Computer Hookup at no cost.
ONLY 22 Minutes From The Gretna, NE Exit!
• LCD Touchscreen • 250 Stitches, 45 CPS Stitches • Maximum stitch width 9/45mm • Maximum stitch length 5mm • 7 alphabets
E-Class
NO INTEREST NO PAYMENT FOR 6 MONTHS
BERNINA SEWING CENTERS WITH APPROVED CREDIT
3407 S. 84th (Westgate Plaza) 392-0430 • 10144 Maple (Maple Village) 572-1212 Mon & Thur: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. • Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Contact us at 330-4272, info@rbjh.com. or http://www.rbjh.com .