Vol. LXXXII
No. 51
Omaha, NE
24 Av, 5763
August 22, 2003
SPECIAL SECTION ON “SIMCHAS” STARTS ON PAGE 13
Terror Relief Campaign Funds Humanitarian Aid, Security and Summer Camp in Israel by PAM MONSKY, Federation Communications Director In April of 2002, the Jewish Communities (UJC) the following proFederation of Omaha joined with gram categories have been identified Federations across North America in as “critical needs” in Israel today and a grassroots response to combat the are being funded by Israel Terror unrelenting economic, humanitarian Relief Campaign dollars. Allocations and financial needs of Israeli citizens to date include: resulting from the ongoing terror • Child safety and protection proattacks by Palestinians. grams, such as security around To date, more than $341.5 million schools--$8 million; has been pledged to the Israel Terror • Summer camp programs that Relief Campaign, including $940,000 have been substantially upgraded-raised by the Omaha Jewish commu- $25 million; nity in 2002. • After school activities in a The funds, collected through the secure setting--$16 million; immense generosity of Omaha Jews, • Humanitarian aid to Israeli citand Jews throughout North America, izens directly impacted by the terrorare directed at improving emergency ist acts-- $50 million. health services for Israelis, preventMembers of the Partnership 2000 ing and relieving trauma and provid- Midwest Consortium, which includes ing social services to Israel’s most vul- the Omaha Jewish community, met nerable populations. last fall and recommended that 20% of Through a collaborative effort the money raised by the Consortium involving Israeli officials, the member’s Israel Terror Relief American Jewish Joint Distribution Campaigns be designated for terror Committee (JDC), the Jewish Agency relief projects in our Partnership area for Israel (JAFI) and United Jewish in Israel’s Western Galilee.
Mona Golabek Brings Powerful Performance to Women’s Campaign by PAM MONSKY Federation Communications Director I didn’t know much about Mona Golabek when I learned she was going to be the keynote speaker for the Jewish Federation of Omaha's 2004 Women’s Campaign Event. But after interviewing her on the phone, reading her book and listening to her radio program, you can now count me as one of her most Mona Golabek ardent admirers. Golabek will perform her unique brand of music and memory on Thursday, Sept. 18, 7 p.m., at Ironwood Golf and Country Club. The event is free and open to all members of Women’s Campaign who make an increased gift to the 2004 Federation Annual Campaign. Golabek is a Grammy-nominated pianist and host of her own syndicated radio program called “The Romantic Hours”on NPR. She’s also the author of a new book titled The Children of Willesden Lane, a memoir that recounts her mother's experience during World War II. Her mother Lisa was 14-years-old when she boarded a London-bound train in December 1938 to become one of the 10,000 children to be saved by the Kindertransport. She ended up at a hostel at 243 Willesden Lane where her piano playing and her quest to win a scholarship to London’s prestigious Royal Academy of Music, inspired her fellow refugees. Golabek’s mother died in 1998 of ovarian cancer. Golabek attributes her intense passion for music to her mother and her performance is a remarkable blend of music and personal stories. When I asked her why she thought she was getting such rave reviews for her show from across the country, she seemed flattered and explained “because my mother’s story is one of hope, guts, faith, loss and perseverance. (Continued on page 8)
Israel Terror Relief funds have been used for security at a preschool, Photos courtesy UJC. above left, and for emergency aid in Tel Aviv. The 13 Midwest Consortium communities allocated $793,761; Omaha’s contribution to that total was $180,000. The donations funded security and surveillance equipment at Western Galilee College, security vehicles and bomb shelters for the Mate Asher Regional Council (which is similar to an American city government), community police outposts and secure
youth centers for the city of Akko and emergency medical equipment for Western Galilee Medical Center. Palestinian terror attacks on Israeli citizens have not abated, and the humanitarian needs in the Jewish homeland persist. In fact, according to the Independent Media Review and Analysis, which translates the Arabic and Palestinian press, “P.A. Culture (Continued on page 7)
A Family Celebrates in Buenos Aires
Grab Your Hard Hats:
by CAROL KATZMAN, Editor Celebrating a daughter’s Bat Mitzvah is always a special occasion; celebrating with family and friends left behind in Argentina for a new life in Omaha, NE, is really a simcha! For Beth El Synagogue’s Rabbi Mordechai Levin, his wife, Susi Frydman Levin, and their three children, this was more than just a family trip--it was their first trip together to Buenos Aires since they arrived in Omaha, almost exactly a year ago. All during the long 20-hour trip--through Chicago and Miami to Buenos Aires, the family anticipated what it would be like. Would the children’s friends be excited to see them? How would the grandparents, aunts and uncles react to seeing the family after a year’s absence? And, of course, what was life like in Argentina now, since the election of a new president? Had economic conditions improved? The first thing the Levin family did was realize that Argentinians now have hope (well, the second maybe--the first was picking up their favorite pastries at the bakery in their old neighborhood). A year ago, the country was in dire economic straits; more than 30,000 Jews alone (out of a population of 200,000) were living in poverty. (Continued on page 6)
by BETH COHEN, Executive Director
Beth Israel Schedules Tours of Building Site
An Open House at Beth Israel’s new building site on 126th and Pacific will offer tours to visitors on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 4 p.m. and again at 4:30 p.m. Members of the architectural and construction team will be on hand to explain the floor plan and answer questions about the new building. The $3.5 million 18,000 square foot structure includes a sanctuary with seating for 300 with expansion possibilities to the adjacent social hall to seat an additional 200. According to architect Marty Shukert, a fan-shaped floor plan, combined with careful attention to ceiling height, allow for natural amplification if sound that can easily be heard in all parts of the sanctuary. Because Beth Israel is an Orthodox congregation, microphones are not used on Shabbat and Jewish holidays. (Continued on page 6)
INSIDE: Rabbi Stiel to be Installed at B’nai Jeshurun in Lincoln ............... page 3 Jewish Communities Cope with Power Outage....................................................page 7 Rabbi Mordechai Levin, Susi Frydman Levin and their children, Tali, 12, Gabriel, 8, and Ariel, 15, celebrated Tali’s Bat Mitzvah in Buenos Aires last month.
UNMC Researcher Gets $6 Million Federal Grant .................... page 12 Simchas Section Starts on .................. page 13
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 22, 2003
Pulverente MONUMENT CO. 60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials
SPARKS FROM THE WORD
1439 So. 13th 341-2452
Look Here and Listen Up!
Frank L. Ciciulla, Jr.
by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE
Now accepting superheroes.
A Torah Umesorah School
etz chayim preschool Call 402-384-2032 located at the corner of Maple and N. 90th St.
MAKE YOUR PICK
THE BEST PICK...
WISE BUYS Direct From Chrysler Resale Centers
★ RED HOT CLEAR THE LOT! ★
2003 Dodge Grand Caravans
16,995
$
7 Passenger, Dual Doors/Air, Sunscreen Glass, Luggage Rack, Low Miles! Several To Choose From! From
JIM’S
DODGE
COUNTRY THE RIGHT CHOICE 54th & L St. • 1-800-735-5402 • 734-5402 www.jimsdodgecountry.com
CLIP & SAVE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, AUGUST 22 Amos Oz event, 5:30 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, AUGUST 23 OTYG Event, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel C L I P & S A V E
SUNDAY, AUGUST 24 NCJW Board Training, 9 a.m. Congregational Picnic, noon, at Beth El Nebraska Jewish Historical Society Annual Meeting, 3 p.m. Temple Israel Family Miniature Golf Outing, 4 p.m., (location: tba) MONDAY, AUGUST 25 YES Program, 10 a.m. Temple Israel Golf Outing, noon, (location: tba) Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel
C L I P & S A V E
TUESDAY, AUGUST 26 JELS/ADL Lunch & Learn, noon BBYO Night; AZA & BBG Council Meetings, 6 p.m. Federation Executive Committee Meeting, 6 p.m. Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27 B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers, noon, C at the Park Inn Regency Lodge L American Friends of Ateret and Maon Buffet Reception and Speakers, 6:30 p.m. I P & S A V E
C L I P THURSDAY, AUGUST 28 & Walk-in Drop-in Activity, 10 a.m. S Yiddish Group Meeting, 1 p.m. A Teacher-in-Service, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel V All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated.The Jewish Press is not E
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)
GREAT Food at GREAT Prices Expect More From An Employee Owned Store
Peony Park 7910 Cass St. 384-8668
Parashat Re’eh The opening verse of our Sidra is not for the casual worshipper or for the faint of heart: “See,” the text demands, “See, this day I set before you blessing and curse.” Then there is the demand to dramatize the choice, by setting up blessers and cursers on two facing mountains, while the people in the valley below must hear the life-laden words and make a fateful choice. They are about to cross the Jordan. Will they be worthy of the new Land, the blessed Land? Or will they forfeit their good fortune by abusing the privilege before them? The language Moses uses in placing the decision before them is precise and clear. Life is a continuum of choices, choices surrounded by a plethora of diversions and temptations. This theme is repeated again and again as Deuteronomy proceeds. There is an intriguing question in my mind. We all know the challenge of Shema Yisrael, Hear O Israel. Compare it now to our opening verse, “See, this day I set before you blessing and curse.” Which is more powerful, “Hear O Israel,” or “See, I set before you...”? Hear or See? Both demand the immediate transfer, whether from eye or ear, to cognition and will. It seems to me that in our Text they are of equal force. But if the destruction that Moses threatens were pictured before the people, “See” would be more powerful than “Hear”. One picture, we are told, is worth a thousand words. But the Torah is not an illustrated Text. There are no graphics to accompany the typesetters’ labors. Both “See” and “Hear” are not complete. There are no pictures and there is no sound. It is only the mind that is addressed, and it must transfer the impression to emotion and determination. I remember once, long ago, in the pulpit I discussed the immensely popular movie, The Ten Commandments. I can still see the rolling back of the waters of the Sea of Reeds for the Children of Israel to pass through. I must admit that that mind picture is more impressive, Hollywood shlock though it is, and it pounds more heavily on the emotions even than the daily morning prayer which is so much more enduring in its literary excellence: “And the waters stood up like walls on either side.” I told my congregation, “You’ve seen the picture. Now read the Book.” I should not be so quick to judge. Are there some of my human colleagues as sensitive as I, as open to impression as I, who are moved more by descriptive words than by a quickly passing picture? There is no question about which has more value, permanent power. The picture, even seen many times, wears out its welcome and effect. But words, repeated even many times, do not wear thin, nor do they lose their clutch at heart and guts. Nonetheless I know I must not assume that my own reactions are universal and that everyone else has the same feeling as I. Perhaps “See” and “Hear” depend for most of us on the context in which they appear or are heard. At any rate, they are both striking and both force us to stop and think, to consider, to ponder the words that follow for their full value and their full weight. “See now” and “Hear now”. Both phrases are weighty; both give us pause. Both command attention.
I can make anything out of wood in my shop. If you want quality at reasonable prices please call:
Richard Cleary 572-8774 Sol S. Parsow, Sponsor
DEATHS TOBY RICHARDS Toby Katelman Richards dies at the age of 93. Services were held Aug. 14 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Council Bluffs, IA. The last survivor of the 10 Katelman siblings, she was preceded in death by her husband, Nathan. She is survived by her step-children, nieces and nephews. SOPHIE KAHN Sophie Kahn died at the age of 95 on Aug. 16. Services were held Aug. 18 at Beth El Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Kahn. She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. Guinter and Judy Kahn of Miami, FL, and Marcel and Ilse Kahn of Omaha, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Memorials to Beth El Synagogue, the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or charity of choice.
Terrorists Cite ‘Revenge’ by JEWISH PRESS News Service
Twenty people died, including several children, and 100 were injured when a suicide bomber detonated a bomb aboard an Egged bus in Jerusalem’s Shmuel Hanavi neighborhood Tuesday night. The bus, which was returning from the Old City, was mostly full with Jews who were returning with their families from a visit to the Western Wall. A second bus and a private car also sustained damage and injuries. This was one of the worst incidents of its type since the beginning of the Copyright: ISRANET. Intifada.
Hillel Reopens at UNL by JOSH GITLITZ for Hillel Join UNL’s Jewish Student Association/Hillel on Sunday, Aug. 24, 6 p.m., when it kicks off the school year with its first ever participation in the Big Red Welcome Street Fair, in front of the City Campus Union on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Restarted last year, the UNL Hillel now has a handful of students participating in Jewish life on campus and invites any interested students to stop by or contact the organization for more information on what is looking to be an exciting year. Hillel is still seeking to coordinate activities with Jewish students at other area college campuses, synagogues and organizations. For more information, e-mail: unljews@yahoo.com or check out the group online at: www.unl.edu/judaic/html/hillel.html.
Our First Sale in Over 5 Years! Come Thurs., Fri., Sat. • August 21-23
Because it may be 5 years before we do it again. Accessories • Lamps • Art Ready Made Frames
8025 West Dodge Road • Omaha
391-7733 Hours: Mon-Fri: 9-6; Sat: 9-3
August 22, 2003
SYNAGOGUES
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
Candlelighting Friday, August 22 .............................................. 7:55 p.m.
TEMPLE ISRAEL
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE
Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations
Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
7023 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556-6536 templeisrael-ne.org
Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America
1502 No. 52 St., Omaha, NE. 68104 -5013 556-6288 BethIsrael@novia.net
14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492-8550 WEB--www.bethel-omaha.org
FRIDAY: Men’s Club, 11:45 a.m. All male members of Temple Israel are invited to a weekly informal get together at Spirit World, 7517 Pacific St. Join us for some relaxation and great conversation; Shabbat Evening Service, 5:30 p.m. Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate and give the sermon. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30 a.m., in the Milder Center; Morning service, 10:30 a.m. SITTER SERVICE During the months of July and August, available for the 5:30 p.m. Shabbat Services. There will be no sitter service Saturday mornings. Please make a reservation through the Temple office. Cost is $2 per family. Sorry, there are no facilities for infants.
Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m. West Minyan, 7:30 p.m. at the home of Donald and Maggie Gerber. SATURDAY: Morning service, 8:45 a.m. Free babysitting begins at 10 a.m.; kiddush sponsored by Allan and Rini Gonsher in honor of their children, Ben and Aviva Gonsher. Mincha, 8:05 p.m., followed by Shalosh Suedot, Ma’ariv and Havdalah. SUNDAY: Morning Services, 9 a.m. Evening Services, 7 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. MONDAY: Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner, 7:30p.m.
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. FRIDAY: Join us in prayer and song at a joyful Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Be with us at Morning Services, 9:30 a.m., as Nikolai Salkin becomes a Bar Mitzvah. Following services, Trudy and Mike Salkin will sponsor the Kiddush in honor of their son. Evening services at 8:05 p.m. SUNDAY: Services at 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. BESTT classes resume at 10 a.m. Adult Learners will meet 11 a.m. in the Library. The Annual Congregational Picnic 12:30 p.m. at the Zorinsky Recreation Area, Shelters 3 and 4. WEEKDAYS: Services at 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN SOUTH STREET TEMPLE
Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations
2061 S. 20th St., Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435-8004 jewishnebraska.org Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays, all day. You may reach her 9-5 weekdays at 416-2321 (local for Lincoln), or at rabstiel@aol.com. FRIDAY: Shabbat Services, 7:45 p.m., Lay led. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. TUESDAY: Board Meeting, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: AA Meeting, 7 p.m. in the Library or Social Hall. THURSDAY: Choir Practice, 7:30 p.m.
BEYT SHALOM
An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation
3012 S. 119th St., Omaha, NE 68139
P.O. Box 390352 402-660-2395
FRIDAY and SATURDAY: Shabbat in the Home.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway, Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294-6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423-8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org
618 Mynster St., Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 Phone: 322-4705 E-mail: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday & Thursday, 7:15 a.m. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.
FRIDAY: Evening Service, 7:30 p.m. Oneg will follow.
CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Movement
1866 So. 120th St., Omaha, NE 68144-1646 Phone: 330-1800 E-MAIL--chabad@aol.com WEBSITE: www.nebraskajudaism.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Monday-Friday: Services at 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Services at 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Services at 8:30 a.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m., led by Steve Riekes. All services are held in the Herbert Goldsten Chapel and are open to the community.
BAT MITZVAH Tali Levin, daughter of Rabbi Mordechai and Susi Levin, became a Bat Mitzvah in her native Argentina, on July 11-12. They will mark the occasion of her becoming a Bat Mitzvah and celebrate again, this time with their Beth El family, at Shabbat morning services followed by a Kiddush luncheon, on Aug. 30. Tali is in the seventh grade at Westside Middle School. Her extra-curricular activities include playing the clarinet, Israeli dancing, volleyball, and art. She has two brothers, Ari and Gabriel.
South Street Temple Celebrates the Installation of Rabbi Stiel by SARAH KELEN for Congregation B'nai Jeshurun On Friday, Aug. 29, 7:45 p.m., Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be installed as the 21st rabbi of Congregation B'nai Jeshurun, Lincoln’s South Street Temple, a congregation whose history dates back to 1884. Although Rabbi Stiel has been leading the congregation since July 1, this service is the community’s official welcome to her, and it promises to be a warm and meaningful event in the life of Congregation B’nai Jeshurun. Rabbi Stiel was Associate Rabbi of Omaha’s Temple Israel from 1994 to 2002. Her former colleague Rabbi Aryeh Azriel will officiate and give the sermon at her Installation Service. Rabbi Azriel said that B’nai Jeshurun will be “blessed with an amazing, caring, knowledgeable, ethical leader” in Rabbi Stiel. He added that “being able to honor her in the midst of her new congregation brings a flood of emotions and memories of eight years of intense collaboration at Temple Israel in Omaha.” For her part, Rabbi Stiel is pleased and honored to share this event with Rabbi Azriel. “Rabbi Azriel has been an amazing mentor and an incredibly dear friend during the last nine years,” said Rabbi Stiel. “I am so grateful that he will be giving me his words of wisdom and a blessing as I begin my relationship with South Street Temple.” Rabbi Stiel has already met many members of B’nai Jeshurun, and is getting to know the Lincoln Jewish community. Her skill at reaching out to peo-
Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Rabbi Debbie Stiel. ple was one of the strengths that attracted the notice of the Temple’s search committee. Search Committee Co-Chairman Alan Frank said, “From what we learned from her application and her references and, most importantly, through meeting with her, the search committee saw that Rabbi Stiel was a great match for our congregation. She is a spiritual person who is a great teacher and communicator, and she cherishes helping people at the important moments in their lives. She loves Judaism and is anxious to accept the challenge of helping our small synagogue grow and prosper.” This time of transition has allowed B’nai Jeshurun to reconsider its place in both the Lincoln
and Nebraska Jewish communities, and to recommit its energies to working productively with members of other local Jewish organizations. As Rabbi Stiel noted, “I think it is also very important in this small community that the two congregations and the Jewish Federation work together. I see great promise for doing even more collaboratively. I have felt very warmly welcomed by this congregation and the rest of the Jewish and nonJewish community in Lincoln. I am excited by all the possibilities for growth and action.” Having a new spiritual leader means exciting new changes for the Temple, from a newly painted office to a new religious school curriculum and the development of new adult education opportunities. Rabbi Stiel is looking forward to “working with the congregation to build a vibrant future,” and said she is “very impressed by the commitment and input of our core leaders.” She hopes that more people will also want to get involved, especially because “we have started creating some very exciting new educational and spiritual opportunities” over the past month. Rabbi Stiel, the Temple Board, and the whole congregation have been working hard toward this transition. All are welcome to join the Congregation in celebrating Rabbi Stiel’s arrival at the Installation Service, or to call the Temple at any time, at 1-402435-8004, to find out about its new or ongoing programs.
Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 22, 2003
EDITORIAL So You’re Having a Simcha! And we wish you a mazal tov! It’s not every day that one gets the opportunity to celebrate a special occasion. Simcha means “joy” in Hebrew; generically it applies to any happy event, from the birth of a baby or a Bar or Bat Mitzvah to a wedding or an anniversary. It’s a milestone that brings together families and friends from near and far to share a special moment together. The Jewish Press is proud to introduce its very first Simchas issue, featuring advertisers who will help readers plan their next joyous event and informative articles to make those events more meaningful. It’s one more way the staff and committee of this 83-year-old newspaper can serve the needs of our readers. A mazal tov of our own goes to those readers who graciously shared their family photos with us, so we could share them with you! We extend another big thank you to our expanded team of proofreaders who quickly responded to our request for additional help: Margie Alperson and Judy
Feldman, who’ve helped committee member Jean Duitch proof the last few issues, and soon to come on board: Sandy Canfield and Suzanne Singer. (Please, please don’t blame them if they, too, miss a few mistakes; we’re all trying very hard to minimize the errors, but--we’re only human and we’re bound to miss a few!) We hope readers will take advantage of the fine facilities available in Omaha to host their next simcha. And please pay special attention to the services available to add that unique touch to your next event (don’t forget to say “I saw your ad in the Jewish Press!”). One other note: when planning a simcha, don’t forget the Jewish component--whether it’s the required mitzvah project of Temple Israel’s B’nai Mitzvah students or Beth El’s suggestion that 3% of the cost of a meal be donated to MAZON, the Jewish fund for the hungry--consider requesting donations to your favorite charitable organization. Then you’ll really have cause to celebrate!
OUR MAN IN ISRAEL by CARL ALPERT Haifa--It’s not easy to be a Christian Arab in this part of the world these days. It is estimated that as a result of steady emigration, they today comprise only about 35,000, or 1.7% of the population in the Palestine administered areas of the West Bank, and the number continues to dwindle from year to year. They have become an inconsequential element in a country which is still recognized as the birthplace of Christianity and contains many spots holy to the faith. Few of them are willing to talk about their problems, but it is obvious that they are under constant pressure from their Muslim neighbors to identify with the anti-Israel cause of the Palestinians. A few have indeed become active in that cause, even to the extent of serving as a spokesperson for the Palestinians. The great majority, however, are aware that their religious independence is much more secure under Israeli sovereignty than under a dominant Islamic rule, as evidenced by the plight of Christians in general in Muslim states. And let’s not forget the plight of the Christian Copts in Egypt. Most recently, local Christians were upset when their Muslim neighbors in Nazareth began to build a huge and towering mosque on a site from which it would hide and eclipse their landmark Church of the Annunciation. Since none of the necessary building permits had been obtained, the Israeli authorities took proper legal action and then did not hesitate to move in and destroy the foundations that had already been laid. The city of Nazareth, revered in Christian tradition, was once home to a Christian majority. Today, in the city with a population of 70,000, Christians account for only 30%. Father Peter Madros, a Roman Catholic priest in Bethlehem, explained that the dwindling Christian population is due to the fact that the Palestinians emphasize the Islamic nature of the area and make their Arab Christian neighbors feel like second class
Christians in Danger and the World is Silent citizens. What hurts, too, is the failure of the Christian world to speak up in support of their coreligionists. It has not been forgotten, and still rankles deeply, that last year a group of Muslim terrorists overran and occupied the famous Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, holding the monks there as hostages. There was no indignant reaction from the Christian churches of the world. The explanation at the time was that it was more important to save the lives of the hostages. Local Christians felt let down. More outspoken was Father Iosif, a Russian Orthodox priest, who observed that Christians living under the Palestine Authority “are secretly hoping to be liberated by Israel.” He further noted that “the Jerusalem Patriarchy of the Greek Orthodox Church is a de facto hostage of Arafat and cannot openly criticize his despotic, terrorist, antiChristian regime.” The Vatican is aware of the pressures, but appears unwilling to bring about a confrontation. Nevertheless, the Pope has recently authorized a generous grant to provide economic assistance to needy Catholics in the area, thus encouraging them to remain, and not leave. Haifa’s newly elected mayor, Yonah Yahav, noting that the Church owns considerable property in downtown Haifa, where the bulk of the city’s Christian Arab population resides, has urged the Vatican to develop the property and improve the living conditions of the Christians there. Parenthetically, it was noted that more and more Christian Arab youth are volunteering for service with the Israel Defense Forces. A new film /video, Holy Land Christians in Peril, by Pierre Rehov, tells the story dramatically and (Founded in 1920)
Nebraska Press Association
National Newspaper Association
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, Jewish Senior Services. 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.
Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager
Ray Pred The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $28 per calendar Account Executive year U.S.; $32 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402-334-6448; FAX: 402- Timothy J. Ketelsen 334-5422; e-mail editorial material, photos and address changes to: ckatzman@jew- Bookkeeper ishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jon Gates Production Assistant Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198.
deals with the factors contributing to the exodus of the Christians. Economics plays a role, but the most significant reason is “the religious persecution these Christians encounter from their Muslim neighbors.” Ongoing Christian emigration out of the Palestine-controlled areas is estimated these days at about 500 to 2000 a year. Within Israel, it must be noted, the number of Arab Christians is slowly growing. By way of contrast, look at what has happened in Lebanon. As a result of the continuing exodus, Christians have now become a marked minority in that country. What we can’t understand is the continued silence of the Christian world as Islam seeks to take over full control of the land where Christianity was born. Alpert@techunix.technion.ac.il
LETTER TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: I am compiling a family tree for my wife’s family, and I am trying to locate relatives of the Margolis and Breen families who used to live in Omaha in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. Joe Margolis, who was born somewhere around Shumsk or Katerburg, in Ukraine, about 1880, had a son Leonard Margolis, who was living in the Los Angeles area in the 1960s, and a daughter Marilyn, married to Jack Kaye (originally Kaminsky), who was living in Arizona in the 1970s. Joe Margolis also had a sister living in Omaha, whose married name was Breen. Joe’s mother, Chana Gold Margolis, was a sister of my wife’s great-great-grandmothers: Adya Dvora Shprecher and Gitel Winokur (later Weiner). If anyone can help me get in touch with the Margolis and Breen families and bring the family tree up to date, I would be grateful. Michael Gerver mjgerver@aol.com
JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Nancy Skid; and Melanie Weinstein. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish Community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.
August 22, 2003
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
Improving Islam’s Reputation
BEHIND THE HEADLINES by DANIEL PIPES Americans are increasingly negative about Islam and Muslims--or so reports the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press in an important opinion survey published last week. Perhaps the most dramatic change over time has been the jump in Americans who find that Islam, more than other religions, is likely “to encourage violence among its believers.” In March 2002, 25 percent of the sample advocated this view. Now 44 percent do. (Technical aside: Conducted during the period June 24-July 8, 2003, replies in the Pew study titled “Religion and Politics: Contention and Consensus” have a 95 percent confidence level and accuracies of +/- 2.5 percent or +/- 3.5 percent.) Other trends concerning Islam are also negative. • Muslim Americans: In November 2001 59 percent registered positive views. That number declined to 54 percent in March 2002 and now stands at 51 percent. • Presidential candidate: Americans are much more disinclined to vote for a Muslim for U.S. president than a candidate of another religion: 31 percent say no to a Muslim, versus 20 percent negative an evangelical Christian, 15 percent a Catholic, and 14 percent a Jew. •Shared values: Asked if “the Muslim religion and your own religion have a
lot in common,” 31% answered affirmatively in November 2001, 27% in March 2002, and just 22% this year. What explains this increasingly worried attitude? Clearly, much of it results from the on-going reality of terrorism, hatefilled statements, and other problems connected with militant Islam around the globe. But some of it also results from the problems concerning militant Islam’s control of the institutions of American Muslim life. Whether it be the imam at the local mosque, the principal of the Islamic school, the Muslim chaplain in a prison or the armed forces, the editor of an Islamic publishing house, or the spokesman for a national organization, the American scene presents an almost uniform picture of apologetic for terrorism, conspiracy theories about Jews, and demands for Muslim privilege. The Council on American-Islamic Relations, with seventeen offices across North America, has emerged as the powerhouse of Muslim organizations and best exemplifies this prob-
BEHIND THE HEADLINES by JOSHUA RUNYAN, Staff Writer, PHILADELPHIA JEWISH EXPONENT PHILADELPHIA--Two American Philip Covington. American ambassacitizens have been missing in Israel dor Daniel Kurtzer did not attend. for more than two weeks, and the famAccording to Assaf Alster, Bennet’s ily of one of them has accused the U.S. half-brother, Covington informed the government of only being tangentially family that while the FBI is receiving involved in the search. updates from Israeli authorities, San Francisco resident Danna “there are no G-men here.” Bennet, 17, was last seen walking “I knew immediately at that point toward her Tiberias apartment early that this was going to be a fairly futile in the morning on Aug. 1 after work- meeting,” shared Alster, who flew ing a late-night shift at her uncle’s from the United States with his and restaurant. Bennet’s father upon hearing of her Two days later, Jerusalem yeshiva disappearance last week. “He told us student and Brooklyn, N.Y.-native how he has a kid of his own ... yada, Eliezer Zusia Klockhoft, 19, disap- yada, yada.” peared near Mount Meron in northern Alster added that Covington pointed Israel during a trip with friends. out that Palestinian security chief Thus far, neither the Israeli police Mahmoud Dahlan has pledged the nor its Shin Bet security service have creation of a Palestinian Authority been able to locate either of the miss- task force to look for the two youths. ing teenagers. “I look at that with the same critiLast week, members of Bennet’s cism of the P.A.’s announced hudna family met with U.S. Consul General (cease-fire). I don’t take anything the
lem. Consider the sentiments of its leadership: • Omar M. Ahmad (chairman) says suicide bombers “kill themselves for Islam” and so are not terrorists. • Nihad Awad (executive director) proclaims his “support” for Hamas, the Palestinian terrorist group. •Ibrahim Hooper (spokesman) declares “I wouldn’t want to create the impression that I wouldn’t like the government of the United States to be Islamic sometime in the future.” Not does CAIR just excuse violence. Two of its former employees, Bassem Khafagi and Ismail Royer, have recently been arrested on charges related to terrorism. And a member of CAIR’s advisory board, Siraj Wahhaj, was named by the U.S. attorney as one of the “unindicted persons who may be alleged as co-conspirators” in an attempted terrorist assault. Despite this ugly record, the U.S. government widely accepts CAIR as representing Islam. Nationally, the White House invites it to functions, the State Department links to its webpage, and Democratic senators rely on its research. In New York City, the mayor appoints its general counsel to the Human Rights Commission and the police department hosts its “sensitivity training” seminar. In Florida, public schools invite it to teach “diversity awareness.”
The national media broadcasts its views. Which Muslim, for example, did the Los Angeles Times quote responding to the Pew report? Why, Ibrahim Hooper, of course. CAIR, in brief, has established itself as the voice of American Islam, thereby battering Islam’s noble reputation among Americans. Moderate Muslims, of course, reject CAIR’s representing them. The late Seifeldin Ashmawy, publisher of the New Jersey-based Voice of Peace, dismissed CAIR the champion of “extremists whose views do not represent Islam.” Tashbih Sayyed of the Los Angeles-based Council for Democracy and Tolerance accuses CAIR of being a “fifth column” in the United States. Jamal Hasan of the same organization discerns CAIR’s goal as spreading “Islamic hegemony the world over by hook or by crook.” Improving Islam’s reputation will require two steps: that the great institutions of American life reject all contact with CAIR and like groups, while moderate Muslims build sound organizations, ones that neither apologize for terrorism nor seek “the government of the United States to be Islamic.” Daniel Pipes is Director of the Middle East Forum and author of Militant Islam Reaches America (W.W. Norton). He can be reached at: www.DanielPipes.org.
Missing: Two Americans in Israel, and the Search Is On P.A. says seriously,” said Alster. “It’s a nice gesture, but I couldn’t even say for sure they would give her back to us if they found her.” In Washington, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Kelly Shannon would only say that the agency is “aware that American citizens are missing. We are in contact with the families, with the Israeli national police, and we continue to pursue information rigorously.” Early reports in the Israeli media centered on the possibility that both Bennet and Klockhoft were kidnapped by Palestinian terrorists, a not-
improbable scenario given the frequency of political abductions of late. But Israeli police spokesman Gil Kleiman dispelled any rumors of terrorist links in the cases, telling the JTA that “there does not seem to be any link between the different cases.” For his part, Alster suspects that his sister is being held “in an Arab village within Israel proper.” He refers to a signal from the town of Migdal traced to Bennet's cell phone one hour after she was last seen as evidence something is amiss. “She would have no reason to be there,” he said.
333 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE | 68154-2198 | Fax 402/334-5422
BERNINA
NewYear’s Featuring: Newcomers
Special Edition
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
for the Creative Sewing Enthusiast Now available with Artlink/CPS Software Computer Hookup at no cost. • LCD Touchscreen
• 250 Stitches, 45 CPS Stitches • Maximum stitch width 9/45mm • Maximum stitch length 5mm • 7 alphabets
Issue Information NO INTEREST NO PAYMENT FOR 6 MONTHS
September 26, 2003 August 29, 2003 September 5, 2003
WITH APPROVED CREDIT
BERNINA SEWING CENTERS 3407 S. 84th
Publishing Date: Space Reservation: Camera Ready Deadline:
(Westgate Plaza) 392-0430 • 10144 Maple (Maple Village) Mon & Thur: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. • Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
572-1212
To advertise in this annual special edition, call Allan Handleman, 402/334-6451 or Ray Pred, 402/334-6559 today.
Page 6
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 22, 2003
Legal Notices WRITTEN NOTICE OF MEETING OF MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY OF THE BIKHOR CHOLIM OF COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA TO:
THE MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY OF THE BIKHOR CHOLIM OF COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA: Notice is given that at a meeting of Board of Trustees of the Society of the Bikhor Cholim of Council Bluffs, Iowa held on the 28th day of July, 2003, it was determined by the Board or Trustees that a merger of this Corporation with Council Bluffs Hebrew Cemetery Association, a Corporation organized under the law of the State of Iowa, is desirable, and the Board of Trustees determined to submit to a vote of the Members of the corporation the question of such merger, in accordance with the terms approved and recommended by the Board of Trustees, and by resolution ordered and directed that a special meeting of Members of this Corporation be called to be held on the 3rd day of September, 2003, at 6:00 p.m. at the Law Offices of Reilly, Petersen, Hannan & Dreismeier, P.L.C., 215 South Main Street, Council Bluffs, Iowa, for the purpose of considering and voting on the question as to whether Council Bluffs Hebrew Cemetery Association shall merge with The Society of the Bikhor Cholim of Council Bluffs, Iowa, in accordance with the terms of such merger, approved and recommended by the Board, and further to consider and act on any and all matters that may properly be brought before the meeting. Pursuant to such action and order, notice is hereby given that a special meeting of the Members of The Society of the Bikhor Cholim of Council Bluffs, Iowa will be held at the time and place aforesaid to consider and vote on the questions of merger of corporations and terms thereof, and for the purpose of considering and acting on any and all matters which may properly be brought before the meeting. Further pursuant to such action and order, notice is hereby given that if the Members of the Society of the Bikhor Cholim of Council Bluffs, Iowa adopt the proposed Agreement and Plan of Merger, then at said special meeting the Members of the Society of the Bikhor Cholim of Council Bluffs, Iowa shall consider and vote on the Restated Articles of Incorporation as proposed by the Board of Trustees. A copy of the Agreement and Plan of Merger and a copy of the Restated Articles of Incorporation are available for inspection at the law offices of Reilly, Petersen, Hannan & Dreismeier, P.L.C. located at 215 South Main Street, Council Bluffs, Iowa. Dated: July 28, 2003. THE SOCIETY OF THE BIKHOR CHOLIM OF COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA By SISSY SILBER, its Secretary
A Family Celebrates (Continued from page 1) “There’s a new president now,” explained Rabbi Levin in a recent interview with the Jewish Press, “and people have hope now. “Their lives are still the same; some of our friends are still trying to leave. Others have lost their homes, their health insurance, their cars,” he added, “but President Kichner did come to the AMIA memorial last month (in memory of the 85 people killed a decade ago at the Buenos Aires Jewish Community Center). He’s made it clear that he wants to be a ‘man of the people.’ He wants fewer bodyguards and more freedom.”
WRITTEN NOTICE OF MEETING OF MEMBERS OF COUNCIL BLUFFS HEBREW CEMETERY ASSOCIATION TO:
COUNCIL BLUFFS HEBREW CEMETERY ASSOCIATION:
Notice is given that at a meeting of Board of Trustees of the Council Bluffs Hebrew Cemetery Association held on the 28th day of July, 2003, it was determined by the Board or Trustees that a merger of this Corporation with The Society of the Bikhor Cholim of Council Bluffs, Iowa, a Corporation organized under the law of the State of Iowa, is desirable, and the Board of Trustees determined to submit to a vote of the Members of the corporation the question of such merger, in accordance with the terms approved and recommended by the Board of Trustees, and by resolution ordered and directed that a special meeting of Members of this Corporation be called to be held on the 3rd day of September, 2003, at 6:00 p.m. at the Law Offices of Reilly, Petersen, Hannan & Dreismeier, P.L.C., 215 South Main Street, Council Bluffs, Iowa, for the purpose of considering and voting on the question as to whether Council Bluffs Hebrew Cemetery Association shall merge with The Society of the Bikhor Cholim of Council Bluffs, Iowa, in accordance with the terms of such merger, approved and recommended by the Board, and further to consider and act on any and all matters that may properly be brought before the meeting. Pursuant to such action and order, notice is hereby given that a special meeting of the Members of Council Bluffs Hebrew Cemetery will be held at the time and place aforesaid to consider and vote on the questions of merger of corporations and terms thereof, and for the purpose of considering and acting on any and all matters which may properly be brought before the meeting. Further pursuant to such action and order, notice is hereby given that if the Members of the Council Bluffs Hebrew Cemetery Association adopt the proposed Agreement and Plan of Merger, then at said special meeting the Members of the Council Bluffs Hebrew Cemetery Association shall consider and vote on the Restated Articles of Incorporation as proposed by the Board of Trustees. A copy of the Agreement and Plan of Merger and a copy of the Restated Articles of Incorporation are available for inspection at the law offices of Reilly, Petersen, Hannan & Dreismeier, P.L.C. located at 215 South Main Street, Council Bluffs, Iowa. Dated: July 28, 2003. COUNCIL BLUFFS HEBREW CEMETERY ASSOCIATION By ROBERT I. KULLY, Its Secretary
Kids-Go-Round “Where Cute Kids Shop For Back To School Fashions”
Children’s Consignment Shop Monday: 11-5 Tuesday-Friday: 10-5:30 Saturday: 10-5
3042 North 90th Street
573-9102 Helen Patterson|Tracii Hunter
Argentina’s new President, Nestor Kirchner, shakes hands with the Secretary-general of the World Jewish Congress, Israel Singer, during a meeting with U.S. Jewish leaders in New York on July 24. Kirchner told the group that he is committed to investigating the 1994 bombing of the main Jewish community center in Buenos Aires. “Impunity has ended in Argentina,” Kirchner told representatives of 12 American Jewish groups in New York. Argentine officials believe Iranian intelligence agents and Hezbollah were responsible for the bombing of the AMIA center, which killed 85 people and wounded more than 300, but the investigation has been slow and Photo, courtesy of WJC. inconclusive. According to Susi Levin, “Buenos Aires is still insecure. The economic crisis created millions of new poor. The rate of kidnappings, burglary and robbery are up because, for these people, there’s a feeling that there’s no other way to make money.” Twenty years ago, Susi recalls driving home alone after exams. “A woman could walk alone in the city at 3 a.m. and be safe,” she said. “Today, I would check to the left and to the right before entering my house.” Part of Omaha’s Israel Terror Relief Campaign was directed at helping poor Argentinian Jews, too; the money was given through the Joint Distribution committee for food and housing and for counseling for former middle-class families now facing poverty. “They don’t need ‘charity’,” Rabbi Levin insisted. “They need jobs.” He hopes that a project began by the Federation last year to bring Argentine Jews to Omaha will be revived. “The Omaha Jewish community is interested in attracting more Jews. And besides attracting Jews from other American cities, we can attract Jews from Argentina too. This may help the community grow.” One difference both Rabbi and Susi Levin noticed
was the increase in the number of volunteers trying to help others in need. Like the reaction of New Yorkers after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, Argentinians are showing “more solidarity,” according to Rabbi Levin. “This is the silver lining in the cloud--more people are trying to help.” But this was not a tourist trip, nor a fact-finding trip (though the Jewish Press suggests a community trip to Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, and Santiago, Chile, for a look at Jewish life in South America). The family did, however, enjoy eating out in kosher restaurants that serve world-famous Argentine beef. This was the family’s opportunity to share a special moment with their family and friends. The Bat Mitzvah girl: The children all spent a Tali Levin. day at their former Jewish day school, Tarbut, attending classes with classmates and friends. Tali, Ari and Gabi enjoyed eating pizza from their favorite restaurant and getting snacks and cookies not available in the U.S. Tali, who started seventh-grade at Westside Middle School last week, read Torah and lead the service at both the Friday night and Saturday morning services. Since girls usually become Bat Mitzvah at age 12 in South America, Tali was one of the last to do so among a group of friends she’s known since she was a toddler. More than 600 friends, family members, and members of their former congregation and the Jewish community, joined the Levins at the Latin American Rabbinical Seminary--the Conservative movement’s school in Buenos Aires, which provides rabbis and Jewish educators for all of South America--and now Omaha! “It’s a special place for us. Our wedding was there. I attended as a student for seven years,” noted Rabbi Levin, “and then worked there for 18 more in charge of the conversion to Judaism program, and in charge of the placement of rabbis. We always wanted to celebrate again something important there.” “Ask me what we served for lunch!” Susi Levin laughed. “I can’t tell you, because we spent so much time catching up with people we hadn’t seen in a year that we didn’t get a chance to eat!” Asked if the family had mixed emotions about this trip, Susi replied, “There was a moment--when we were all singing Adon Olam--when I looked out over the congregation. I smiled when I saw the faces of so many people I know and love, but I realized I missed the Omaha faces!” If one celebration wasn’t enough, the Levin’s are planning another for Tali’s Bat Mitzvah--a congregational Shabbat luncheon on Saturday, Aug. 30, following morning services. Tali will again lead part of the service and read some Torah--and her new Omaha friends and the family’s new friends will share this time.
Grab Your Hard Hats (Continued from page 1)
Alison Lindhjem OWNER Westridge Shopping Center • 132nd & W. Dodge Rd.
Enterprise Bank
493-3893
Enterprise Bank has money for your 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
Great progress has been made over the summer on construction of the new synagogue. Steel framing is nearing completion; concrete for the parking lot has been poured and masonry work on the lower level is complete. In the next few weeks, the concrete will be poured for the main floor, as the walls are framed and brick work begins. The congregation’s rich history will be reflected both inside the building and on its outside. A series of alcoves on the sanctuary's west wall will hold memorial plaques from the current facility. There will also be a “Hall of History” that incorporates Masonry work has begun on the pillars of the main historical plaques and photographs from entrance, shown above. The peaked roofline of the new the 52nd Street location, and from Beth building can be seen from Pacific St. Hamedrosh Hagadol and B'nai Israel, the syna- building site as part of the organized tours on Sept. 7. For more information about the Open House or gogues that merged to form Beth Israel in 1950. Due to safety reasons, visitors may only see the Beth Israel, please call the office at 556-6288.
August 22, 2003
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
Loss of Power Brings Communities Closer, but Shows Unpreparedness by RACHEL POMERANCE NEW YORK (JTA)--It was Thursday afternoon, three days before 1,800 Jewish kids were to arrive for the final week of the JCC Maccabi Games, and 40 delegation leaders were ironing out the logistics at a New Jersey hotel. That’s when the lights and the air conditioning went dead, and the room quickly became hot and sticky. But the organizers kept planning, hardly skipping a beat. “I gotta tell you,” said Lenny Silberman, North American Continental Director of the JCC Maccabi Games, “doing this for the games for 20 years and working with those communities, the potential for a big balagan”--brouhaha--“was definitely there.” But “it was amazing,” he said Monday from his cell phone at the site of the games, the Jewish Community Center on the Palisades. Thanks to the organizers’ calm, the blackout didn’t create even “an ounce” of anxiety--and all the athletes, hosted by local families, arrived in time for Sunday’s opening ceremonies. “We knew there was no power, but we also knew that we had 1,800 kids that are depending on us on Sunday, so we had to do what we had to do,”Silberman said. A mix of determination and calm was found in Jewish communities across the Northeast that were impacted Aug. 14 by the massive blackout, the
largest in the nation’s history. Jewish communities also mirrored the mood of the population at large, which was relieved to learn that the outage was the result of a system overload, not terrorism. Yet the incident highlighted Jewish organizations’ lack of preparedness for an emergency situation. David Gad-Harf, Executive Director of Detroit’s Jewish Community Council, praised the spirit of communal cooperation--people took to the streets for block parties, cooking steaks that had defrosted in their freezers--but called the power failure a “wake-up call not only for the Jewish community, but for America as a whole.” Without an “old-fashioned” non-electric phone on hand, Gad-Harf said, the agency was unable to contact local federation leaders or other Jewish agencies. “We realized that we were really not prepared for a crisis of this kind,” he said. Hannah Rosenthal, executive director of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, the umbrella organization for local federation community-relations councils, agreed. “We learned how completely dependent on electricity we are,” she said, noting that even the organization’s national contingency plan is dispatched through computers.
Israel Terror Relief (Continued from page 1) Minister Ziad Abu Amer, who serves as a liaison officer to all the Palestinian factions, said (last week after the two suicide bombings in Central Israel) that the P.A. has no plans to disarm the local militias or arrest their members. ‘We have no internal conflict with the opposition,’ he stressed.” According to a recent JTA story by Jessica Steinberg, “In the three years since the intifada began, security guards and personnel have become Israel’s fastestgrowing industry. This country of some 6.5 million people has 100,000 security guards and 300 security companies,which have expanded their business by up to 30 percent during the last two years. “Israel is currently seven weeks into the threemonth hudna, or cease-fire, declared in late June by the main Palestinian terrorist groups. Despite the relative quiet of the last weeks, however, security is still at a premium in Israel. “There are two kinds of guards: shomrim and
Specializing in Your Long-Term Care Insurance Needs Representing Mutual of Omaha, GE Capital, MET Life, UNUM, John Hancock, Prudential, Physicians Mutual & more
me’avtichim. “Shomrim, the average guards who may stand sentry at a bank, supermarket or mall, can be aged 20 to 60 and may or may not be armed, depending on the amount of training they’ve received. “Me’avtichim, or security personnel, are more highly trained guards who must be 30 or younger and who typically come straight from the army’s combat units.” Contributions to the Israel Terror Relief Campaign will continue to be accepted through the Jewish of Omaha as long as the need remains. To contribute or to be added to the Federation’s Israel e-mail list, please contact me at 334-6431, or e-mail me at: pmonsky@jewishomaha.org. Note: “The Magen Fund,” formerly the “Friends of Ateret” is not supported or endorsed by United Jewish Communities or the Jewish Federation of Omaha.
The alternative plan is to use telephones--which, if they were typical office phones, depend on electricity and didn’t work in the blackout--followed by cell phones, whose networks quickly were overloaded. “None of those three plans worked for us,” she said. A new backup system has been in the works, Rosenthal said, explaining that a computer motherboard located in the Midwest could release information remotely. But even that wouldn’t have helped last week, as parts of the Midwest went as black as Manhattan. As a result, every Jewish agency had to fend for itself in the blackout--without the national mobilizations or alerts that are customary in emergencies. There was “not the time or the communications capacity to mobilize,” said John Ruskay, Executive Vice-president and CEO of the UJA-Federation of New York. “Our first responsibility was to deal with the safety and security of our people. “Every agency with whom I’ve spoken was better prepared and had a better system in place than we did on 9/11, and yet there are times when you still need to call audibles,” he said, using a term for football plays that are improvised in response to unexpected circumstances. While commending the efforts of his federation’s social service agencies, Ruskay noted that Jewish agencies realized they must establish more effective backup modes of communication. Many rose to the occasion with resourcefulness. Some 150 young people were staying in the hostel at Manhattan’s 92nd St. Y when the lights went out. Borrowing yoga mats from the gym, the staff turned the senior lounge into a makeshift boarding room. They served meals paid for with IOU’s from local grocery stores and brought games and cards from their children’s and seniors’ centers and a transistor radio for news and music. Despite the enormity of the power failure, Jewish communities across the country took it in stride and were only minimally hindered. Most Jewish organizations escaped Thursday’s mishap without much difficulty. “In a way it was magic,” said Naomi Rose, Executive Director of the Miles Nadal JCC in Toronto, which closed early on Thursday. “We got to see the stars,” which usually are obliterated by the city lights, she said. “People sort of felt reasonably positive about it,” viewing it as a “pause in their hurried lives,” she said.
YOU DO HAVE ACHOICE! WE HOPE YOU CHOOSE WISELY.
Call and compare your Medicare Supplement rates
Gary A. Katelman, CSA, CLTC 8420 West Dodge Road, Suite 510 Omaha, NE 68114-3446 402/397-3311 • email: gary@seniormarketsales.com
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
T
he best choice for the finest home care is St. Joseph Villa Homecare & Hospice ... a name you can trust. St. Joseph Villa’s superior professional and supportive services are brought to you in the comfort of your home by a compassionate, concerned staff. Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Rehabilitation Specialists and Social Workers create our multi-disciplinary team. Choose your home care wisely... choose St. Joseph Villa Homecare & Hospice.
❏ I want to make a wise choice. Please send more information.
JP
Name _________________________________________ Address _______________________________________ City ______________________ State _____ Zip _______ Phone (
) ___________________________________ Please complete and return to St. Joseph Villa Homecare & Hospice 3035 S. 72nd St., Omaha, NE 68124
St. Joseph Villa Homecare & Hospice • 3035 S. 72nd St., Omaha, NE 38124 • 926-4444
Page 8
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
LANDSCAPES DESIGNED,
August 22, 2003
INSTALLED & MAINTAINED
A Fashion Advantage
• Lawn & Landscape • Renovations • Shredded Mulch • Shrub Trimming • FREE Estimates
Enter the world of fashion! Represent a New York/ European Women’s Designer Sportswear Collection. Luxurious Fabrics. Supurb Tailoring. All sold in the comfort of the home, offering significant income, flexibility and personal growth.
MONTEMARANO
Trends Collection LTD 1-800-658-7015
LANDSCAPES, INC.
332-3641 PRINTING, COPYING and DIGITAL NETWORK 3706 South 132nd Street • 402/330-5050
Letterhead • Brochures • Newsletters Business Cards • Mailers • Postcards
TASTEFULLY SIMPLE Want to create a gourmet meal in minutes instead of hours of preparation? Looking for Gifts for Personal or Business Gift giving? Want to custom build a business that suites your needs, your values, your life? Want to host a Taste Testing Party? Fundraising Opportunities Available
Call Felicia Weaver - Team Leader 402/431-0885 • email: fm9995@cox.net
Beware of Low-Yeilding CDs! Most people do not associate CDs with risk. After all, they offer guaranteed income and are FDIC-insured up to $100,000 per financial institution. But CDs can become risky if you depend too much on them to reach your long-term financial goals. When you’re planning for retirement or saving for your children’s education, you may have to look elsewhere for the growth you need. Before your CDs automatically roll over, call me to find out about alternatives—such as tax-deferred annuities—that may help you make progress toward long-term goals. Annuities have limitations and withdrawl charges.
Joseph M John, CLU, ChFC Pruco Securities Registered Representative 440 Regency Pkwy., Suite 150 Omaha, NE 68114 402/926-2850
Annuities ARE NOT INSURED BY FDIC OR ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
MAY LOSE VALUE
ARE NOT A DEPOSIT OF OR GUARANTEED BY ANY BANK OR ANY BANK AFFILIATE
Annuities issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, 751 Broadstreet, Newark, NJ 07102-3777, and its affiliates. The Prudential Insurance Company of America and its affiliates are Prudential Financial Companies. Each company is solely responsible for its respective financial condition and contractual obligations. Guarantees are based in the claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Prudential Financial is a service mark of The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Newark, NJ and its affiliates. IFS-A078727 Ed. 3/2003
LAKESIDE HILLS Apartment Community “Brand New”
1 Bedroom $845 • 2 Bedrooms $1100 Includes garage spaces in your building • Climate Controlled Underground Garage • Elevator Service • Indoor Trash Chutes • Controlled Access Entries • 9 Foot Ceilings/Crown Molding • Gas Log Fireplaces • 7,000-sq.-ft. Clubhouse • 24 Hour Exercise Room • Outdoor Pool • Walking distance to new Baker’s Store, SuperTarget, • restaurants, banks, medical and wellness center and • many more shops. (Only five minutes to Oakview Mall, • Lowes and WalMart) •Lakeside Hospital Coming Soon
Call for our RENTAL SPECIAL 2 blocks north of
934-5253
171st & West Center Rd. Professionally managed by Vacanti & Randazzo Companies
JOLT II Class Underway by PAM MONSKY, Federation Communications Director The second class of Jewish Omaha Leadership Training (JOLT) commenced programming this week with a presentation by keynote speaker Michael Brooks, the Hillel Director at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. In addition to Brooks, eight other national and local experts will serve as the faculty for the JOLT II curriculum. JOLT is a leadership development program sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Omaha and made possible by grants Harry Berman, left, Jay Gordman and Susie Norton, all JOLT I gradufrom the Herbert Goldsten ates, comprise the Advisory Committee for JOLT II. ues like tzedakah, mitzvot and tikkun olam.” Trust. Harry Berman was impressed with the variety of “The skills and insights I learned from the first JOLT class in 2001 have made a tremendous differ- topics and skills JOLT offers. “We covered everything from the characteristics of ence in my life,” said Gordman, one of the advisers for JOLT II; the other advisers are HArry Berman a leader, decision making, conflict resolution, ethics and more,” he explained. “I also like the fact that and Susie Norton. “It gave me the inspiration and the confidence to one of the goals of the JOLT program is to provide serve on boards and committees in the Jewish com- competent and educated Jewish leadership for all munity that are working to improve the quality of organizations in the Omaha Jewish community. “Everyone benefits,” he said. Jewish life here in Omaha and all over the world,” JOLT students are carefully selected from recomGordman added. Susie Norton pointed out, “Even though there are mendations submitted to the Federation by the synother Leadership Development programs for com- agogues, Jewish organizations and the Federation munal service, JOLT is unique because it focuses on Centers of Excellence. Approximately 25 communihow to be a Jewish leader emphasizing Jewish val- ty members are part of the JOLT II program.
Mona Golabek (Continued from page 1) “In this day and age when it seems like we’re all looking for inspiring stories, this combination of music and the image of a young girl saying goodbye to her family at a train station. . . it truly becomes a source of inspiration,” Golabek added. “I would like the women in Omaha--especially the young women--to leave my performance feeling moved and motivated by this simple story of a young girl who lived through a horrific situation and was able to go on and live an incredible life.” When asked about how she views herself as a performer, Golabek said simply, “I’m just a performer who has a story to tell. It’s a heartfelt and powerful story of a mother and a daughter and the extraordinary Jewish legacy she left me. “My mother’s story reaffirms the very best in the human spirit,” she added. “It’s a story and a book that I hope will inspire a new generation of Jews and non-Jews alike.” Golabek will sign copies of The Children of Willesden Lane after her Omaha performance, and a limited number of books will be available for purchase at the event. It took Golabek 18 years to get her mother’s story published. Now that it’s out, she hopes the book will become an educational classic like The Diary of
Cultural Arts Scholarship Available Through JELS by KATHY HIRSHMAN, JELS Assistant Executive Director To perpetuate the memory of Dorothy Lustgarten Riekes and remember her love of music, her family established a scholarship fund for music lessons and other cultural arts lessons for children. Applications for financial assistance scholarships are now available in the Jewish Educational & Library Services office. Please call me at 334-6445 or e-mail: khirshman@jewishomaha.org for applications and information. The deadline for filing applications is Oct. 1.
EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press office will be closed Monday, Sept. 1 for Labor Day. Deadline for the Sept. 5 issue is Wednesday, Aug. 27. Questions? Call 334-6448.
Anne Frank. In fact, the Milken Family Foundation is helping her do just that by underwriting a study guide and CD for use in the classroom. Golabek is also speaking to educators, Jewish and secular, all over the country, and hopes to do so when she’s in Omaha. She also has a formed a non-profit organization called “Hold on to the Music,” to provide her book to underprivileged schools and children. To learn more about Mona Golabek, her music and her book, you can check out a couple of websites. The Milken Family Foundation website, www.mff.org, has all the information about the educational study guide and Golabek’s organization. To listen to an excerpt from her program and find out more about her book, go to www.theromantichours.com. The Kripke Federation Library also has a copy of the book in their collection, but it’s a hot commodity and almost always checked out. Co-chairs for the 2004 Women’s Campaign Event featuring Mona Golabek are the mother and daughter team of Barbara Kushner and Jill Belmont. The 2004 Women’s Campaign Co-chairs are Ruth Erman and Bobbi Leibowitz. For more information, contact Kathy McGauvran, Women’s Campaign Director, 334-6427 or kmcgauvran@jewishomaha.org.
RBJH Nurse Wins State Award by JEWISH PRESS News Service Director of Nursing at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, Shelley Cash, has won the annual Director of Nursing award from the Nebraska Health Care Association (NHCA). This award is given annually to a Director of Nursing that has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, as well as promoted the highest quality of life and quality of Shelley Cash care for residents in longterm care. According to Michael Silverman, Executive Director of Jewish Senior Services, “Shelley’s contributions to our facility are too numerous to mention and she is well-deserving of this award. “Please join me in congratulating her for this prestigious award,” he added.
August 22, 2003
JFS CORNER
Managing Difficult Life Transitions by TERESA DRELICHARZ Jewish Family Service Life is a process of beginnings and endings. In both life and nature, there are times when things move slowly and don’t seem to change very much. Then, suddenly, things change quickly. Moving from August to September, the weather changes gradually at first, and then it seems that suddenly summer is over. It is the same in our lives; transitions are as natural as the changing seasons. Life transitions are challenging because they force us to let go of the familiar and face the future with a feeling of vulnerability. Most life transitions begin with a string of losses: • The loss of a role • The loss of a person • The loss of a place • The loss of your sense of where you fit in the world Any significant loss makes most people feel fearful and anxious. Since your future may now be filled with questions, it is normal to feel afraid. We live in a culture that has taught us to be very uncomfortable with uncertainty, so we are anxious when our lives are disrupted. On the positive side, these transitions give us a chance to learn about our strengths and to explore what we really want out of life. This time of reflection can result in a sense of renewal, stability, and a new equilibrium. A life transition can be positive or negative, planned or unexpected. Some transitions happen without warning, and they may be quite dramatic, as in cases of accidents, death, divorce, job loss, or serious illness. Other life transitions come from positive experiences such as getting married, going away to college, starting a new job, moving to a new city, or giving birth to a child. Even though events like these are usually planned and anticipated, they can be just as life-altering as the unexpected events. Whether positive or negative, life transitions cause us to leave behind the familiar and force us to adjust to new ways of living, at
least temporarily. They can leave us feeling completely unprepared and we may be thrown into a personal crisis, feeling shocked, angry, sad, and withdrawn. Life transitions can include any of the following: • Accidents • Buying a house • Changing jobs • Divorce • Getting married • Having a baby • Leaving for college • Relocation • Retirement • Selling a house • Serious illness • Significant loss (of a person, job, pet, or anything important) • Starting a career Successfully moving through a life transition usually means experiencing the following stages: • Experience a range of negative feelings (anger, anxiety, confusion, numbness, self-doubt). • Feel a loss of self-esteem. • Begin to accept the change. • Acknowledge that you need to let go of the past and accept the future. • Begin to feel hopeful about the future. • Feel increased selfesteem. • Develop an optimistic view of the future. The process of moving through a transition does not always proceed in order, in these nice, predictable stages. People usually move through the process in different ways, often cycling back and forth among the stages. Times of life transitions offer you the chance to explore what your ideal life would look like. When things are in disarray, you can reflect on the hopes and dreams you once had but perhaps forgot about. Take this time to write about them in a journal or talk about them with a trusted friend or therapist. Now is a good time to take advantage of the fork in the road.
Page 9
Moving to the Center of the Canvas: Topic of Klutznick Keynote by ADRIAN E. KOESTERS, Creighton University Dr. Seth Wolitz, the Gale Professor of Jewish Studies at the University of Texas at Austin, will present the Sunday keynote lecture, “Moving to the Center of the Canvas: The Creation of Modern Jewish Art” on Sept. 14, 7:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, followed by a dessert reception. According to Dr. Wolitz, “I am a New Yorker whose son’s bris took place in Texas with a mohel wearing a 10-gallon hat! That was my introduction, 25 years ago, to Texas.” At UT, he is also Professor of French, Slavic and Comparative Literature. A specialist of modern Yiddish literature and culture, his recently edited book on Isaac Bashevis Singer called up his memory of meeting Singer by accident in Switzerland. “I placed my hands on the head of my Texan son, who spoke two words of Yiddish, and received the blessings of the writer,” Wolitz said. Wolitz received his BA from the University of Chicago, where Marc Chagall dedicated a drawing to him. Prof. Wolitz has since become a leading researcher in the emergence of modern Jewish Eastern European art, helping organize the first exhibit of Russian-Jewish art in the National Museum in Jerusalem, Israel and in New York City at the Jewish Museum.
Dr. Seth Wolitz At Yale, where he received his doctoral degree, his book, The Proustian Community, was the first major study of the central role that Jews play in the great novel, Remembrance of Things Past. He has been a frequent lecturer in Paris in both French and Yiddish, most recently at the Medem Bibliotheque and the University of Paris. He is working at present on a book about Abraham Goldfaden, the father of Yiddish theater, and has just returned from India where he lectured at Jaipur in Rajasthan on Yiddish theater and its parallel, Bengali Theater.
Can You Identify This Photo? by RENEE CORCORAN, NJHS Executive Director
Only a few of the baseball players pictured above have been identified by the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. If you recognize anyone from this 1920s photo, call NJHS at 334-6442. Join us this Sunday, Aug. 24, 3-5 p.m., to view the premier of the new NJHS oral history video.
2003 Honda Clearance Sale
HandymanServices ...beyond repairs!
2003 Honda Civic LX Sedan
Carpentry • Painting • Drywall repair Window sills • Shelves • Wood siding Doors • Caulking • Tile • and more! Trust our professional handymen to have certified skills so they can do your job right – the first time! They arrive at your home on time, in our fully equipped van, in uniform and with their I.D. badge. They’ve passed extensive background checks and are bonded, and insured. What’s more, our handymen actually put on booties before they step into your house. And they clean up after themselves, every time, every day. It’s a matter of trust...and a matter we take to heart.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
FREEs!
te a m i t s E
1.9 APR 2003 Honda Accord Sedan
2.9 APR
So call us for a FREE estimate!
829.0600
Take Advantage of These Special Rates
Fixed-price quote - not by the hour. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.
SM
HANDYMAN SERVICES CUSTOM CLOSETS HOME IMPROVEMENTS TM
Showroom hours: M-F 8-6 6520 South 118th Street, Omaha www.beyondrepairs.com
Showroom M-Th 8-8 F-Sat 8-6 Sun Closed
78th & Dodge | 402/393-7801 www.odanielhonda.com
Omaha’s Home for Honda for 30 Years
Service M-F 7:30-5:30
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 22, 2003
ORGANIZATIONS
IN THE NEWS Sarah Krieger completed a Masters degree in Architecture at the University of Colorado at Denver. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1996 from Tufts University with an Architectural Studies minor. Jessica Krieger graduated with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Environmental, Population, and Organismic Biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She will begin law school in this fall at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. They are the daughters of Angie and Stan Krieger. Barton “Bucky” Greenberg participated in the Cornhusker State Games in July, placing first in the 100 meter freestyle and the 50 meter breaststroke in his age group. He was also selected by the Honors Committee of the Nebraska State Games Organization as the 2003 recipient of the “E. Lee Todd Memorial Senior Athlete of the Year” award for his many years of participation in the Games, as well as more than 25 years as a U.S. Master Swimmer. The award will be presented at the group’s annual luncheon in October. The late E. Lee Todd was a long time competitor in the Games who was coach, athletic director and school superintendent in Grant, NE. Greenberg also presented Mike Phelan with the Swimmer of the Year award as the outstanding member of the JCC Swimming and Diving Team. Greenberg annually donates the cost of this award. Lincolnite Jeff Spinner Halev, the Schlessinger Professor of Social Justice at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, has been awarded two research fellowships to Hebrew University in Jerusalem for the upcoming academic year. First semester, he will be a Lady Davis Fellow in the Political Science Department and second semester, he will be a Fellow with the Institute for Advanced Studies. He will be leaving this month for Israel, accompanied by his wife, former Omahan Elyza Richmon Halev, and their children, Avishai Samuel, Davida Segal and Shoshana Sivan. Dan Marburg has earned a Master’s of Business Administration through the Executive MBA program at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He accomplished this while working full time as a Territory Manager for a division of Praxair, a Fortune 500 company, from whom he recently received a national award for the development and implementation of a new marketing initiative.
Dining
Out
B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Alan Parsow will speak Wednesday, Aug. 27, noon, at the Park Inn Regency, according to Marty Ricks, Co-Chairman. Parsow, managing and general partner of Elkhorn Partners Limited Partnership and Investment Co., will talk about the “Strategies in the Current Bull Market.” Cost is $9 for lunch and $2 for beverage service only. Breadbreakers is open to the community.
Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. Play bingo at 10 a.m. with Eileen Remer or exercise with Stacey Paskert at 10:30 a.m. Bring articles to share for “YES Talk” at 11 a.m. Lunch will be served at noon in the auditorium, followed by for Ballroom Dancing following lunch. These professional dancers will lift you off your feet. For transportation call Dee Dee at 330-4272.
OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING Rabbi Aryeh Blum will give his weekly parasha shiur, Saturday, Aug. 23, 5:30 p.m. Time for Talmud is Monday, Aug. 25, 7:30 p.m. The Beit Midrash meets on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 7:30 p.m., all at the OCTL House, 1313 No. 58 St. Join OCTL for the weekly discussion of Torah Topics at Lunch ’n Learn, Wednesday, Aug. 27, noon, at the Kripke Library. For information about OCTL, call Rabbi Aryeh Blum at 320-8055.
WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going on to the Bluffs Run Casino on Thursday, please meet at 8:45 a.m. at the JCC main entrance. Call Maggie Conti for transportation at 334-6521.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN A comprehensive training for all NCJW-Omaha Section board members will take place this Sunday, Aug. 24, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center. National Board Member Anne London, from Owings Mills, MD, will offer tips on how to be a successful board member and advance the cause of NCJW. For more information, contact NCJW President Kim Noddle, 391-7022.
VISIONS The Magical Mystery Tour leaves Tuesday, Sept. 2. The price of $20 per person includes coach transportation, lunch and tour. Depart from the JCC at 9:30 a.m. to return at approximately 2:30 p.m. Send reservations to: Harry Alloy at 11317 Harney Plz. Cir., Omaha, NE 68154. For information, call Betty Sanford at 399-2001. Deadline is Aug. 25. Our next luncheon meeting is Friday, Sept. 19, 12:30 p.m. at Caniglia’s Venice Inn. Cost is $9 per person. Special guest speaker is Omaha WorldHerald senior reporter C. David Kotok. Send reservations to: Mickey and Tootie Simon, 8725 Izard, Omaha, NE 68114. For information, call Harry Alloy , 697-8709. Deadline is Sept. 12. The Brownville Concert Series presents Sylvia NcNair on Sunday, Oct. 26 in Brownville, NE. Cost of $36 includes coach, show admission, dinner, tax and tip. Depart from the JCC at noon and return by approximately 7 p.m. Deadline is Sept. 24. Send reservations to: Ethel Goldston, 10530 Pacific #104, Omaha, NE 68114. For information call Jean Elkon, 551-6656. Make all checks payable to Jewish Senior Services.
MAGEN Ephraim de Haas of Ateret, a medic and ambulance driver, will be in Omaha next week to talk about security, psychological, medical, religious and social needs of the Israeli communities of Ateret and Maon. Omaha is the American headquarters of the Magen Fund, a new international charitable organization (formerly publicized as American Friends of Ateret and Maon), founded by de Haas and Lesli Shrago. Tax deductible directed donations are being processed by the Central Fund of Israel, which has 501(c)(3) status. (Magen is not sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Omaha.) Drs. Howard Gendelman and Bonnie Bloch will host a parlor meeting at their home, 125 So. 127 Plz, on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 7:30 p.m. On Wednesday, Aug. 27, 6:30 p.m., there will be a buffet reception at the JCC featuring an audiovisual presentation about Ateret and Maon. Both events are free and adults over age 21 are welcome. For more information, e-mail: magenfund@cox.net or call Lesli Shrago at 963-9889.
Neon Goose Inc. presents
LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Want a place to brush up on your Yiddish? Join us every Thursday, 1-3 p.m. at the JCC. Call Anne Skolkin for information at 343-1638.
JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES Join us for Vegas Night on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m. at the JCC. The Bill Chrastil Show combines music from the fifties, sixties and classic rock. There is no charge. Refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the David Krantz family in his honor. Call Maggie Conti for reservations, 334-6521.
VOTED OMAHA’S #1 ORIENTAL RESTAURANT Omaha Magazine--2002
PICKED ONE OF OMAHA’S 10 BEST RESTAURANTS Jim Delmont, Omaha World-Herald--1994 132nd
When you patronize these fine establishments, tell them you saw their ad in the Jewish Press.
NOW AT TWO GREAT LOCATIONS Dodge Street
431-0066 Lunch • Tues.-Fri. 11-2:30 Dinner • Tues.-Thurs. 5-10 • Fri. & Sat. 5-11 Sunday Brunch • 10-2
631 N. 132ND ST. in Westridge Plaza next to Earl May
1822 N. 120th St. • SW corner of 120th & Blondo
eli D e h T at
Open For Lunch
Casual Upscale Dining Featuring Hot Rock Cooking Of Exotic Meats and Fondue Also Serving Steaks, Seafood & Pasta Catering Available 1202 South 119 Street • 402/697-1313
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • Dine In/Carry Out • Daily Specials • Full-Service Bar and Lounge
ALL ROADS LEAD TO CHINA ROAD
898-1882
Now Open • Think Daily
BELLEVUE
Our Kitchen Can Prepare Your Favorite Box Lunch to Your Any Occasion Party! (BAR AND BAT MITZVAHS) luncheons - parties Call and Ask for Our Catering Department
Hwy 370
Sunday Brunch 10:30am-2:30pm
Seafood Grille
Spirit World 7517 Pacific Omaha, NE 68114 391-8680
291-8855 4006 Twin Creek Dr. Located in the Twin Creek Plz.
Kennedy Expressway
OMAHA
42nd
Page 10
Lunch Tuesday-Friday 11:00am-4:00pm
Specializing in Market Fresh Seafood party room or private dining - call for details
Dinner Tuesday-Friday 5:00pm-10:00pm Friday-Saturday
1212 S. 119 Street
Omaha, NE 68144
402.330.2003
5:00pm-11:00pm
August 22, 2003
READ IT AND EAT
Cooking for Parties
Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN
101 Things to Do with a Cake Mix
Cool Food
by STEPHANIE ASHCRAFT (Gibbs-Smith,$9.95) It’s all in the numbers. No matter how you figure, here are 101 reasons to create some sweet treats...count ’em. It couldn’t be any easier. Get out your electric mixer and whip up Brownies-Bars, Cookies, Fruity, Fancy and Bundt Cakes, MuffinsBreads and Children’s Delights all using a cake mix as part of the recipe. Following a brief list of helpful hints are 101 oneto-a-page recipes with short and sweet instructions. Grab a box of cake mix and make this fast and easy cake--just what the accountant ordered.
Edited by Katherine Gasparini (Laurel Glen, $16.95) Summertime and the livin’ is easy... if you’re feeling lazy and looking for cool solutions, this big-little-cookbook is your answer. Packed with 200 sophisticated recipes for hot summer days and nights. The chapters are Starters, Entrees, Sides, Sweets and Drinks. Each one-to-a-page recipe is accompanied by a terrific color photograph and stepby-step, detailed instructions. Servings are for four to six people. International flavors and flavorful combinations of unusual ingredients that can be found at the grocery store, ethnic markets and gourmet shops--from Almond Semifreddo (a semi frozen delight) to Zucotto (a rich, sweet treat). From the Starters chapter, try this cool recipe to start your next meal on a hot day. POTATO, OLIVE OIL, AND GARLIC DIP 2 cups mashed potatoes 3 garlic cloves, crushed 3/4 cup olive oil 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 5 tablespoons milk 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs Combine the potatoes and garlic in a bowl. Using an electric beater, gradually beat in half the oil, then the vinegar, then the remaining oil. Slowly beat in the milk. Add the herbs and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Makes 21/2 cups. ReadItAndEat@yahoo.com
LEMONADE CAKE lemon cake mix cup frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed cup powdered sugar container lemon or vanilla frosting Heat oven to 350º. Prepare and bake cake as directed on package in greased 9 x 13-inch pan. Cool 15 minutes. Stir together lemonade concentrate and powdered sugar. Poke holes in warm cake with a fork. Drizzle lemonade mixture evenly over cake. Refrigerate cake until cold. Spread frosting over cold cake. Cover and refrigerate leftover cake.
1 1 1 1
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT For teachers looking for fun, Sept. 5 is already on the calendar. The Omaha Children’s Museum will host area teachers at its Educators Ed-stravaganza, Friday, Sept. 5, 5-8 p.m. “As a former principal, I know just how important teachers are,” said Tom Simons, Director of Education at the museum. “We want to make this a great night for teachers to learn about what the museum can do to enhance what they teach in the classroom.” On display will be the museum’s STARLAB, a portable planetarium, and Adventures with Lewis and Clark, both of which are outreach programs available for schools. The museum will also present one of its daily science presentations. The event is free and open to all teachers. Those attending will have the opportunity to enter a drawing to receive one of two free field trips. Refreshments will be served. All attendees will receive a packet containing classroom resources as well as a publication featuring all of the museum’s fieldtrips and outreach programs. For more information, call 342-6164. The Lincoln Community Playhouse will launch its 2003-04 mainstage series season with Larry Shue’s hilarious romp, The Foreigner, which opens tonight. The show runs Aug. 22-24, 28-31 and Sept. 4-7; curtain time is 7:30 p.m. on Thursday-Saturday with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday. For ticket information, call the LCP box office at 1-402-489-7529. The Omaha Symphony presents more than 200 performances from September 2003 through May 2004. In addition to MasterWorks, SuperPops, Chamber Orchestra, Family Concert and Neighborhood series, the orchestra also performs on tour, in education and community engagement concerts, and other special events. Combined with radio broadcasts, the Omaha Symphony reaches an estimated audience of 300,000 annually. For tickets or information on the Omaha Symphony, call 402-342-3560, or access the website at omahasymphony.org.
L’Chaim Havdalah at Temple to Benefit Jewish Community in Spain by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator To savor the final hours of Shabbat and to help a Jewish congregation in need, Women of Reform Judaism-Omaha and Temple Israel Men’s Club are hosting a L’Chaim Havdalah Saturday, Sept. 6, 7 p.m., at Temple Israel. “A lavish buffet of fine cheeses and irresistible hors d’oeurvres will be sponsored by Spirit World,” said Rosie Zweiback, Temple Israel program director. “Be sure to bring your appetite!” she suggested. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the evening, which also includes wine tasting, will be donated to the Jewish congregation of Catalonia in Barcelona. “This welcoming community shared a special Shabbat with our congregants last Interior of Cordoba’s February on Temple’s Monum Religioso Singoga. Journey to Jewish Photo by A. Garrido. Spain,” Zweiback said. Denny Lewis, owner of Spirit World, “wanted to do something concrete to help the congregation. He was the last to leave the Oneg Shabbat and spent a great deal of time speaking to the rabbi there.” Lewis said he was impressed with “the warmth of the community and the people” in Barcelona. “Here’s a Jewish community that can’t afford kosher wine for kiddush. The rabbi said they feel very isolated. This is a way to keep in touch with them,” Lewis commented. Cantor Gastón Bogomolni of Beth El worked at the synagogue in Barcelona before he came to Omaha. At the end of the L’Chaim Havdalah, about 8:30 p.m., he will speak briefly of his experience with the Spanish congregation. The community is invited to attend. Please send your check for $18 per person to Temple Israel, 7023 Cass, Omaha, NE 68132, by Friday, Aug. 29.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Dining
Page 11
Out
When you patronize these fine establishments, tell them you saw their ad in the Jewish Press. THE GREEK ISLANDS 3821 CENTER • 346-1528 Greek Specials Daily Greek Beer & Wine Homemade Pastries Dine In/Carry Out Party Room We Cater Too! Full Service Bar Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Marino’s E WE’R ! BACK
Deli Mkt & Ristorante Italiano COME SEE US!
Serving Omaha’s finest Italian cuisine since 1983
Serving Lunch & Dinner DINE IN or CARRY OUT
7910 HARRISON ST.
597-1476
FYI— Here’s th at Res taurant 6 9 7-5107 The Be st Lamb Salmon I ever ha & 12129 d! W. C e nter
Bis tro 1 21
697-5107 Reservations Accepted
12129 W. CENTER RD. Westwood Plaza
Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 22, 2003
UNMC Researchers Receive $6 Million NIH Grant for Studies Affecting Neurodegeneration by TOM O’CONNOR for UNMC The Center for Neurovirology and Neurodegenerative Disorders (CNND) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center has received a $6 million grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of the National Institutes of Health to study how the brain’s immune system can lead to damage of nerve cells in HIV-dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The research also will seek to determine how arms of the immune system can be harnessed to reverse different forms of dementia. The grant, which provides funding over five years, is a program project grant. Program project grants are highly competitive grants and given to large complex research projects requiring multidisciplinary support spanning distinctly different scientific areas. Because of their complexity, the grants often involve collaboration between several institutions. This, however, is not the case for this grant. Only one institution--UNMC--is involved and the support goes to CNND scientists. “We are proud that the CNND has reached a milestone in its development and that it can compete on its own merit for these sums of money,” said Howard Gendelman, M.D., director of the CNND and the grant’s principal investigator. “By any measure we have become a bona fide neurosciences center. A solid infrastructure that encompasses a wide variety of scientific disciplines is now in place including immunology, virology, protein chemistry, molecular biology, neuropharmacology, cognitive neuroscience and radiology.” The CNND, which was established in 1997, now includes more than 70 scientists and support staff. This diverse group includes scientists from nine different countries. Dr. Gendelman said the research will center around previous groundbreaking discoveries made by CNND investigators that inflammatory activities are implicated in a number of neurodegenera-
tive disorders including, drug or immune manipulations.” but not limited to, HIVBy 2010, it is estimated that nearly 1-associated dementia 60,000 Nebraskans will develop (HAD), Alzheimer’s disAlzheimer’s disease, Dr. Gendelman ease and Parkinson’s said. disease. The CNND sciFrom a scientific prospective, the piventists believe that the otal cells involved in neurodegenerative interplay between the disease are the microglia--the brain’s immune system and the scavenger--and a pivotal immune regubrain may be harnessed latory cell. It is thought that the to counter the death of microglia and other brain immune cells brain cells due to viral cause degenerative events by secreting infection or during neutoxic molecules. Such events link all rodegenerative processresearch efforts for this grant and proes. It is this balance vide a bridge between studies of between immune activiAlzheimer’s disease, HAD and other ties that may underlie degenerative brain disorders. the process of dementia “The diverse expertise of CNND invesand a number of motor tigators allows us to maintain a unified abnormalities associatfocus on how the immunobiology of the ed with the aging brain can both affect neurodegeneration process. and neuroprotection,” Dr. Gendelman Dr. Howard Gendelman The CNND will seek to said. “This is what makes the science so determine if altering the composition of immune strong and allows us to compete at the national level.” activities can positively affect disease and provide Most senior CNND scientists are involved in this new and novel directions to prevent or retard dis- research study and include Yuri Persidsky, M.D., eases and improve diagnostic capabilities. Ph.D., Tsuneya Ikezu, M.D., Ph.D., Jialin Zheng, Currently there are limited therapeutics available M.D., Huangui Xiong, M.D., Ph.D., Anuja to positively affect the disease course in most neu- Ghorpade, Ph.D., R. Lee Mosley, Ph.D., Michael rodegenerative diseases. Boska, Ph.D., and Larisa Poluektova, Ph.D. “Our primary focus will be to study the specific Although the greatest measure of the CNND’s immunologic bases of HAD and the linkages research has centered on HIV, this marks the third between HAD and other neurodegenerative disor- significant federal grant the CNND has received for ders,” Dr. Gendelman said. “Understanding how the studying brain disease extending beyond HIV. brain’s immune system becomes compromised is Earlier this year, Dr. Gendelman received the critical in developing vaccines or other therapeutic UNMC Career Research Award for Internal modalities in the search for better treatments for all Medicine as well as a merit award from the NIH for people afflicted with such horrific neurodegenera- his work in mentoring young minority scientists tive conditions. We believe strongly that neurode- through a collaborative program grant with the generation can be reversed, at least in part, through University of Puerto Rico.
Largest exclusive BMW Dealer in NE, IA, SD!
Now with the Highest Customer Satisfaction Index in NE, IA, KS, SD, MN!
Be Worry Free
Lease or purchase a new BMW and have the confidence of free Full Maintenance 4 yr/ 50,000 Mile Warranty (Including brake and brake pad replacement. See dealer for details.)
BMW Defines
2003 BMW325xi All Wheel Drive
Driving!
BMW Defines
2003 BMWX5 3.0
Lease For
299/mo
$
36 month, 10,000 mi/yr lease plus tax. $3000 cash/trade down plus 1st month payment and security deposit due at signing. Tax, title and license extra. WAC in stock units only. Call Markel for details. #9519W
Driving!
Lease For
449/mo
$
36 month, 10,000 mi/yr lease. $3000 cash or trade equivalent down plus 1st month payment and security deposit due at signing. Tax, title and license extra. WAC in stock units only. Call Markel for details. #9763W
Over 100 New & Certified Pre-Owned BMWs To Choose From
markel BMW
Continuously Serving Nebraska’s Automotive Needs For Over 95 Years
Westroads • 716 N. 102nd • 393-9700 • 800-593-6060 • www.markelford.com Mon-Thur: 8:30-8 • Fri-Sat: 8:30-6
More about BMW
325i X5 www.markelbmw.com Tel. 402-393-9700 Fax 402-255-3403
The Ultimate Driving Machine®
August 22, 2003
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 13
Pictured above: Troy Meyerson and Jamie Endelman at their wedding last summer at Temple Israel.
Newly Renovated ®
Group & Corporate Rates
❖ Free Deluxe Continental Breakfast ❖ 7 Days • 6-10 a.m.
❖ 128 Spacious and Comfortable Guest ❖ Rooms
❖ Free Local Calls
❖ 9 Two-Room Parlor Suites
❖ Exercise Room in Hotel
❖ FREE HBO, CNN, ESPN, WGN and TNT
❖ Westroads Shopping Mall Adjacent • 18 Fabulous Food Court Restaurants • TGIF Fridays • PF Changs • Macaroni Grill • Panera Bread
❖ In-Room Movies Available ❖ 100% Satisfaction Guarantee ❖ If you’re not satisfied with your room, ❖ you don’t pay!
Beautiful Guest Rooms For Out Of Town Bar/Bat Mitzvah and Wedding Guests
Hampton Inn 9720 West Center Road • Westroads • 391-5300
Mr. Tuxedo Formal Wear Rental & Sales
Hours: Mon.-Thur. 9am-8pm Fri. 9am-7pm Sat. 10am-5pm Sun. Noon-3pm (Returns Only) All Major Credit Cards Accepted Convenient Front Door Parking 2807 S. 108th Street 108th & Center Omaha, NE 68144
397-3933 Fax 393-8789 www.mrtuxedo.com
invitations collectibles and gifts unique gift baskets
One Stop Shopping For B’nai Mitzvah & Weddings Invitations Napkins Yarmulkas
“Dressing Up Omaha For 34 Years”
Baby Announcements
One of the Midwest’s largest inventories of designer fashions. Over 60 styles in-stock assures you of the look you want.
Stationery
Groom’s Tux FREE with 5 Paid Rentals Expert Consultations Exceptional Customer Service Business Suits Traditional & Designer Styles Including: After Six • Oscar De LaRenta Christian Dior • Ralph Lauren Chaps Perry Ellis • Pierre Cardin • Lord West
Complete In-Stock Service for: Weddings, Proms, Cruises, Parties Business & Black Tie Events
Beverly Clark Bridal Accessories Anniversaries & Special Occasions Since 1993
12039 Blondo • Omaha, NE
402/498-9770
Page 14
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 22, 2003
Th
Blue Marble Specializing in Balloon and Chocolate Bouquets Come see our large selection of Kosher Chocolate Confections Jer’s Handmade Chocolates Mild Mannered Chocolates Cowgirl Chocolates • Pastels Specialty Mints
Greeting Card Selection We Deliver
517 South 13th Street • Omaha
733-1025 Comfort Zone “Bring comfort for life”
B’nai Mitzvot Weddings Graduations
Marcus of Omaha Fine Photography for all Simchas
Anniversaries Brit Milot Pidyon Haben Confirmations Consecrations Birthdays
402|333|8588
Beth El Facilities ‘Ready’ for Simcha of Any Size
Temple Gift Shop Has Much to Offer Judaica Shoppers
by DIANE AXLER BAUM for Beth El Synagogue
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator From arks designed as Hanukkah menorahs to yads that point the way when reading Torah, the Temple Israel gift shop has gifts for all occasions including celebrating the births of new babies, B’nai Mitzvah, birthdays, confirmation, graduation, weddings, and Hanukkah. Sandy Nogg, self-described gift shop maven (authority) for about the past 12 years, does the ordering, display set-ups, advertising, and selling for the gift shop. Every Sunday during the Religious School year, she’s in her familiar spot behind the counter in the gift shop which was relocated and redesigned in 1996 during a remodeling project at Temple. Although the space is about the same size, the display area is improved, Nogg acknowledged. “This was built to be a gift shop” as opposed to the converted classroom the gift shop formerly occupied. “We have better visibility here,” she said, which has contributed to increased sales. “It’s all about location, location, location!” she pointed out.
The facilities of Beth El Synagogue can meet the needs of any simcha, from intimate to the most elaborate, thanks to the building’s basic design and the addition to the social hall completed in 1997. Beth El is now able to serve groups of 400 to 450 at a sit-down dinner. Among the very few facilities in Omaha that are equally large or larger, only Beth El offers a strict policy of kashrut that provides every Jew the comfort of eating any food item served. Simcha planners may utilize Beth El’s facilities in their everyday simplicity and loveliness. Or, they may opt for decorative changes ranging from minor to dramatic, said Executive Director Larry DeBruin. In recent months, he added, wedding celebrations have introduced lighting design, draperies, and table coverings that “transformed the social hall into a fairytale palace.” DeBruin takes pleasure in helping with decorations and in every stage of a special event. He offers his knowledge and advice regarding photography and video, printing and invitations, and the obtaining of cake, candy, chuppah (bridal ceremony canopy), ketubah (marriage contract), and kippot (head coverings). Nor does he back away from suggestions on menu planning, but he is far more likely to leave those matters to the professionals. “Our own Lucy White has been queen of the Beth El kitchen for 36 years, and she knows all there is to know about serving excellent food,” he said, pointing out that “Lucy and her capable aide, Pat Teal, have worked successfully with all of Omaha’s major caterers.”
www.marcusofomaha.com email: simchas@marcusofomaha.com
Baby Namings
Sandy Nogg has been Temple’s Gift shop maven for more than 12 years.
Temple Israel Gift Shop Gifts for All Occasions B’nai Mitzvah • Birthdays • Confirmation Births • Graduation • Weddings • Hanukkah There are hundreds of items for sale including Cards for Various Occasions, Jewelry, Toys, Tzedakah Boxes and Menorahs. Open 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday during the school year. Shoppers also welcome during Temple office hours.
7023 Cass Street, Omaha
556-6536
Omaha’s #1 Bagel Shop!
Bagel Bin
Now Available
At the Kohll-Persky wedding at Beth El Synagogue last August, AAA Rents supplied the linens. Beth El is prepared to orchestrate a memorable Bar or Bat Mitzvah party, engagement party, prenuptial dinner, or small to huge wedding. The synagogue is equally capable of handling events that often are smaller, such as a brit milah or naming ceremony, or celebratory kiddush luncheon. Even an occasional meal after a funeral, in the event that a family does not have a local home to return to, takes place at Beth El. Often the cozy Community Court is just right for a simcha. Sometimes the roomy social hall provides ideal accommodation. Other times, size of a function requires opening the doors of the social hall to incorporate the beautiful West Court. Some events are months or years in planning, while others come together overnight. “Whatever the needs of the simcha,” said DeBruin, “Beth El and its staff are ready and waiting.”
On Sundays during the school year, the gift shop is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., but shoppers can also make purchases during Temple office hours. Gift shop hours are extended for Hanukkah when additional volunteers help sell the merchandise. “My volunteers are wonderful!” Nogg emphasized. She encourages anyone who would like to help to call her. She has no idea how many hours she spends managing the gift shop. “It’s just part of my life,” she admitted. When she took on the gift shop, “I was a professional volunteer.” But she has continued her voluntary position despite having gone back to fulltime work five years ago. Proceeds from the gift shop help support projects of Temple’s Women of Reform Judaism, formerly Sisterhood. The group disperses the funds as needed. Among the hundreds of items for sale, there are cards for various occasions, adult and children’s jewelry, toys, and tzedakah boxes. Nogg’s favorites include a painted wooden Havdalah set made in Israel, a dozen or two yads, and the Noah’s ark menorah with separate pieces designed at her request by the English Pewter Company. “With this variety of Judaica in synagogue gift shops, where else would you want to shop?” she asked.
Baked fresh Low Carb Delicious Always Fresh Bagels ’n Toppings
Lunch Pies Catering Across the River by the Slice
Coffee • Espresso • Cappucino • Latte Mocha • Hot Chocolate • Carmelicious Melts & Sandwiches • Soups Est. 1978
Bagel Bin, Inc.
1215 S. 119th & Pacific • 334-2744 www.bagelbin.com
by GINA C. OTT for Harrah’s Public Relations/Community Relations Coordinator Harrah’s Council Bluffs Casino & Hotel is your ultimate wedding headquarters. With more than 12,000 square feet of convention center space, Harrah’s can accommodate rehearsal dinners, wedding ceremonies and wedding receptions for 50-800 guests. Our professional banquet and catering staff will ensure that you have the perfect day by providing customized menus, decorating services, complimentary
bridal accommodations, champagne for the head table and we’ll even cut and serve your wedding cake. Harrah’s also provides you with a private gift opening room and reduced room block rates for you and your guests at our newly $8.4 million renovated hotel. For more information, contact Kyle Steenson at 712329-6410. (ADVERTISEMENT)
August 22, 2003
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 15
Region’s Largest Celebration of Jewish Culture Opens Next Month in KC by SANDY CZARLINSKY FOR the KC Jewish Arts Festival The tents go up Sunday, Sept. 14, at the Jewish Community Center of Kansas City for the Fifth annual Jewish Arts Festival--presented this year by the Center, in partnership with Saint Luke’s Health System. This year’s festival includes: more than 88 artists from all over the U.S. and Israel; kosher
Joshua Nelson
food vendors, the Bayer Children’s Pavilion, a Jewish Homeland booth, a community service project and more. Entertainment includes performers such as Craig Taubman, The Rugrats, Robbo, Klezmerica, Listen UP! Accapella, Rick Recht and Joshua Nelson. Jewish gospel singer Joshua Nelson will per-
form with the Choir of the St. James Paseo United Methodist Church. In the 17 years since Nelson first sang along with a Mahalia Jackson album he discovered in his grandparents home at the age of eight, he has spread joy and spirituality to audiences from New Jersey to Jerusalem. Nelson has performed with such musical luminaries as Wynton Marsalis, Bill Preston, Aretha Franklin, Cab Calloway and Dizzy Gillespie.
Tickets are $2 in advance for children, ages three-15 and $5 for adults or $3 and $7 at the door. Tickets are available online at: www.saintluke’shealthsystem.org or from the JCC, 5801 W. 115 St., Overland Park, KS 66211. Free parking and shuttle buses to the JCC are available at the Sprint Garages. For more information or hotel accommodations, call the Center at 1-913-327-8000 or the hotline: 1913-327-8054.
Special Occasions Are a Reflection of You!
Send a Beautiful Letter
by MARY BERNSTEIN for Events, Inc. Magical, whimsical, spectacular, funky, entertaining, amusing, elegant, clever, dazzling, intimate, engaging, motivational, casual, eccentric, theatrical...no matter what type of event you envision, it is sure to be unique, memorable and carefree with Events, Inc. With unmatched resources, we create extraordinary occasions. Weddings and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Parties, Picnics, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Reunions Make your special occasions a reflection of you. We’ll discover your vision, desires, ideas, traditions and timetable. Then we’ll make suggestions that are aligned with your personal style and budget. To ensure that your celebration goes off without a hitch, Events, Inc., stays on top of the details. Behind the scenes, we’ll run the show so that you can relax with your guests,
by NANCI KAVICH for RSVP How much fun is it to get a personalized card or letter in the mail? I'm not talking e-mail or voice mail, I mean the handwritten note that we pay a mere 37¢ to have someone pick up from our mailbox and deliver for us anywhere in the continental U.S. Doesn’t it just brighten up your day to see that piece of mail--one that is sure to bring you good news and smiles? Well, it does mine, and that’s why I started my little business. My company is called RSVP and I sell stationery, invitations, birth announcements, holiday cards, personalized note pads, address labels, business cards and stationery, gift stickers, napkins, and much more. I’m like a little stationery store, but I work out of my home and I’m more con-
creating memories that will last long after the final goodbyes. Meetings, Seminars, Trade Shows, Conventions, Golf Outings, Fundraisers Events, Inc., does the work so you can get on with your business. Negotiate, strategize, build your business, thank your customers, recognize your staff. Professionally and unobtrusively, we’ll attend to every detail. You focus on your business, we’ll focus on making you look good. Details: Someone’s Got to Do It! How About Events, Inc.? We provide bartenders, caterers, cleanup, decor, entertainment, floral arrangements, food and beverage, incentive gifts, invitations, linens, menu planning, photos, press releases, program books, RSVPs, set-up, table assignments, themes, wait staff...whatever! Your event--our priority.
venient, friendlier and cheaper. I discount most of my products 20% off retail. I carry a wide range of lines from upscale to basic, traditional to contemporary, frilly to silly and everywhere in between. A few of the lines that I carry are exclusive in the state of Nebraska. The way it works is like this--I have a wide variety of albums you are free to peruse in the comfort of your own home or mine. You choose the style, the typestyle, the ink color, the wording, the envelope color or lining, and I order it for you. Items typically arrive within one to two weeks. I even will deliver the product to your door when it arrives! So brighten up somebody’s day with a personalized card or invitation. Call me at 991-1881; I’ll be happy to help.
(ADVERTISEMENTS)
Omaha’s Best Party Place McCormack’s • The Mac Dome 4428 S. 140th • 896-2775 Bar/Bat Mitzvahs • Corporate Parties • Picnics • Adult Birthday Parties • Full service catering from simple to elegant • Lots of games and activities for young people and adults to do both indoors or outdoors • Indoors 3 large party areas that can seat 140 people — 270 people — 2,000 people • 15 foot television screen for power point or VHS presentations (home video tapes) • Large stage and dance areas (bands, DJ’s, karaoke) • Capable of doing large inflatables
Page 16
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 22, 2003
PEOPLE OF THE BYTE
Meaningful Bar and Bat Mitzvahs
by MARK MIETKIEWICZ You probably don’t have to think too hard about a garish over-thetop Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration that you’ve attended. But if that’s not for you and you want advice from people have enjoyed themselves, grown spiritually and even helped others at the same time, you’ll find it on the World Wide Web. But first, the excess. If you really want to get an eyeful, check out the article “Bash Mitzvahs!” from New York Magazine-[ w w w. n e w y o r k metro.com/nymetro/ urban/family/feaMichael Friedman celebrated his Bar Mitzvah last spring at Beth El tures/2343/]. The article was writ- Synagogue; his brother, Alan, right, graduated a month later from ten in 1998 during the Millard North High School. They are the sons of Beth Friedman and stock market boom and Morris Friedman. • their interests, it catalogues quarter-million-dollar, multimedia, • what would they want to change in the world, themed extravaganzas that were held at such ven• whom they know to help get the job done ues as the Radio City Music Hall, Ellis Island and •“And finally: Why not?” the Tavern on the Green. Were you thinking of The site then gives examples of previous successdoing something different and booking Natalie Cole for your simcha? You’ll have to be more original ful projects, a healthy reading list of books on this than that. Natalie has already done a Bar Mitzvah subject and great suggestions for party centeron the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid. Her fee: pieces. If you’re have traditional flower arrangements, when the party is over break them up and $150,000 for 30 minutes. At the other end of the scale, there are many sites deliver them to hospitals or nursing homes. If you that emphasize how this coming of age is a perfect are going to have a sports-themed party, use a varitime to remember others. In Putting the Mitzvah ety of sports equipment as centerpieces and then Back in Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, several people tell of donate them to a local shelter where kids may not their genuine mitzvahs. Alexandra Alper collected have their own equipment. [www.ziv.org/Barclose to 900 toiletries from neighbors, dentists and Bat.htm]. The author of the Mitzvah99 website must be a supermarkets that she donated to a shelter for women. You can read Alexandra’s and other B’nai very modest young man. He tells us that when he Mitzvah stories at SocialAction.com. celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on March 6 1999, he tried to have both a fun and meaningful time. What [www.socialaction.com/barmitsva.html] One of the best pages with ideas for kids about to he doesn’t tell us is his name. However, he has put become Bar or Bat Mitzvah is on the Ziv Tzedakah together a very helpful site with suggestions for Fund website. Instead of telling kids how to make mitzvot you can do before, during and after your celtheir celebrations meaningful, it starts by asking ebration. Congratulations, whoever you are! [http://members.aol.com/mitzvah99/mypage/] them to think about: Here is another intriguing way to mark this • their own special talents,
important event. The Jewish Foundation for the Righteous provides monthly financial support for more than 1,700 surviving “Righteous Gentiles,” people who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. The Foundation’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program matches a young person with a Christian rescuer. As the site explains, “The JFR Bar/Bat Mitzvah program has the power to connect this special event in the life of a family with Jewish history and values, and provide the Bar/Bat Mitzvah with role models of human goodness and social responsibility.” [www.jfr.org/programs/bbprogram.html] Another popular way to celebrate a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is through a family visit to Israel. The Jerusalem Post reports that prior to the year 2000, over two thousand pre-teens came to Israel to celebrate their special day--94% of them from the U.S. Or Canada. Travel planners are becoming quite sophisticated and are offering extended through the dried riverbeds of the Negev desert. [http://makeashorterlink.com/?V4B823B63] However, the most popular spots for the actual Bat or Bar Mitzvah ceremony remain quite traditional: Jerusalem and Masada. You can follow along a picture album of one Bar Mitzvah’s trip to Israel and lovely shots of his ceremony at the Kotel. [www.chez.com/purplemike/jeudi1.htm] Emuna Braverman was in the throes of preparing her son’s Bar Mitzvah (“attractive but not ostentatious, joyful but not wild, the food delicious but not extravagant”) when she wrote about what she hopes her son will take away from the experience-[www.aish.com/family/heart/My_Sons_Bar_Mi tzvah.asp] “Of course the Bar Mitzvah boy must give charity from his gifts... But more important than these grand gestures are the daily acts of caring and honor and respect for others... It’s being patient in line, it’s being respectful to teachers, it’s sharing with sisters (yes even sisters!) that truly make the man... But if he internalizes the teaching of the day, if he recognizes the joy of a relationship with the Almighty, if he understands his ability to express that recognition through all his actions, if he’s able to communicate that pleasure to those around him, then it will be a great party!” Mark Mietkiewicz is a Toronto-based Web site producer who writes, lectures and teaches about the Jewish Internet. He can be contacted at: highway@rogers.com.
Serving Nebraska Since 1903
“Available for catering and private parties” 5912 Center Street • Omaha
402-551-0552
Omaha’s Most Trusted Video Imaging Facility L.L.C.
Corporate/Industrial Production Video To DVD Video Photo Albums Film Transfer - 8mm & 16mm VHS Duplication Foreign Standards Conversion
894-0105 4429 South 140th St. - Omaha, NE 68137 www.omahatransvideo.com
The following establishments are under the Supervision of the Va’ad Hakashrut of Omaha Albertsons Bakery (120th & W. Center Road) Bagel Bin (1215 S. 119 Street) Herman Nuts and Pears Coffee (6171 Grover Street) Krispy Kreme Donuts (120th & W. Center Road) Roberts Dairy (selected products only) Rose Blumkin Jewish Home
August 22, 2003
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 17
BERT’S EYE VIEW by BERT LEWIS Simchas--what a topic for a sentimental person like me! Where should I begin? I don’t remember being impressed with the word as a young girl. I must have been a married adult before recognizing a simcha as a joyous event, because my first memory of even hearing the word very often is connected to my wedding. In my family, where I was fortunate enough to have two sets of living grandparents plus a full contingent of aunts, uncles and cousins, there was Yiddish spoken and everyone knew the meaning of the word simcha. I especially remember the fact that my firstborn, a boy, had his bris on a Saturday, due to the day he chose to arrive. Saturday! Shabbos! Gevalt! My zayda, of blessed memory, wouldn’t have missed the event for the world, so he walked on that hot August day, from 30th & Burt to the old Lutheran Hospital. This was the simcha of his first great-grandchild and you better believe he was there to be sure it went as ordered! The arrivals of the rest of our kids, plus those of my brother’s children provided more important simcha days for our family. And, as the kids grew, so did both the reasons for more celebrations as well as other times when nobody felt like singing and dancing! But that’s the way life is, yes? The next big event was the 50th anniversary of my parents. This was certainly a good cause for jubilation, but my sweet dad was so darn superstitious, it was difficult to do the kind
of big fancy-shmancy thing I wanted. We managed to overcome the obstacles and to gather all the family members we could for a hamishe type of dinner party. While I certainly didn’t hear it, I’d bet anything my father recited a silent shehecheyanu on the occasion of the graduation of his first grandchild from law school. Now that was a joyous event! As were the weddings of all my children. I remember shlepping my parents off to New York for one of them, which wasn’t a terribly formal affair. My mother, in her inimitable fash-
ion, chose to wear a bright red dress for that simcha. Her reasoning was “it’s my granddaughter and I should be able to wear anything I want.” And she did! Yes, if you’ve had as many birthdays as I have, you should be able to make quite a list when someone says “tell me about all the simchas you remember.” I’m not the most observant Jewish woman you know, but I’ll admit I invariably associate a simcha with the shehecheyanu prayer. Shouldn’t everyone enjoying a beautiful occasion remember to express gratitude for the
Jerry and Pearl Gross celebrated their 65th anniversary this summer. The couple was married June 12, 1938, at the Blackstone Hotel and says they’ve “never had an argument!”
Fabulous Gifts for Every Occasion or No Occasion • Talitot, kippah, mezuzot, candlesticks, 14k & sterling silver jewelry. • Dreidels, menoras, weddings, bar/bat mitzvah, baby & toddler gifts. • Interesting books. • Unusual pieces from Gary Rosenthal, Tamara Baskin, Ayala Bar, Christopher Radko and others
Many of the pieces you saw at “Shop Shalom”
Beth El Judaica Shop
opportunity? I guess that wisdom was not born in my head, but rather on our first trip to Israel. There were countless times when thanks should have been expressed, but the thrill of rounding a curve in the road and looking out at the scene before our eyes was perhaps the most significant reason for saying the prayer. A panorama of Jerusalem at sunset was enough to leave the viewers nearly speechless. If the definition of simcha is joyous occasion, this then, was the perfect example. The point is, a simcha can come in many different forms. Is it my imagination, or are most of them family connected in some way? Whether a marriage, a birth, a bris, a baby naming, a birthday or an anniversary, a really impressive achievement, there are many times in our lives when we can enjoy the event we call a simcha. Sure, there are the other kinds too, but we need to remember which list ought to have the most attention. Think about it--what was the last really wonderful simcha in your life? I hope it was a short time ago, so you don’t have any trouble remembering it. And I hope it’s only a short time before there’s another one...another event in your life to bring you happy memories to put away for a rainy day. Maybe we ought to have a contest: “My Most Memorable Simcha.” If you were to enter in such a contest, what would you choose to share? Hmmm. Deciding which one ought to make you feel pretty good on a hot summer day! Bertlewis39@aol.com
cÄtÇ à{x cxÜyxvà jxww|Çz @
lÉâÜá
Wedding Packages Include: • Reception accommodations for 50 - 800 guests • Reduced rates for room blocks • Complimentary bridal accommodations • Gift opening room • Champagne for head table • Complimentary cutting & serving of wedding cake • And more! For Wedding Reception Consultation Contact (712) 329-6000
14506 California St. Omaha, NE (1 Block North of W. Dodge Rd.)
Must be 21 or older to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF or 1-800-522-4700 (for non Iowa residents).
Page 18
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 22, 2003
Anna and Benjamin Wiesman, seated, celebrated their anniversary at a surprise dinner party sponsored by their friends two days prior to their 47th wedding anniversary on June 24. J o i n i n g them were sons David, standing left, and Mark of Omaha and sons Stephen of Seattle, WA, and William from Philadelphia.
Only a “Click” Away by BOB OLSON for the Picture Man The Picture Man’s business started in 1974, specializing in doing special events photography and fine portraiture. Our product is photographs, but at events we are another form of entertainment. We give people something to do besides sit and dance. We are the “excuse” to put your arm around a friend, or stranger and smile for a picture! We generally take unlimited pictures and you can request anything. We are well known for photographing all kinds of events, high school dances and proms, sports teams, company parties, picnics, conventions, anniversaries, and large groups (hundreds of people). College Parties: We got our start in '74 doing fraternity and sorority parties and still do those. Weddings: We photograph over 100
weddings each year which makes us one of the biggest in the region. Bar and Bat Mitzvahs: We have photographed B’nai Mitzvah for 20 years. We take formal family photos as well as the celebration. Parties vary from formal dinners to parties at the beach house. Reunions: We photograph reunions of all types whether it’s a high school, a family, military or any other. We photograph all size groups and have a unique way to identify everyone in the picture. Portraiture: We have a complete studio and portraiture business using the highest quality digital equipment. Our portrait photographer is also an accomplished artist. Inaugural Balls: We have provided photographic services for Governors Orr, Nelson and Johanns. (ADVERTISEMENT)
THIS NORMAL LIFE Bar Mitzvah at Hogwarts by BRIAN BLUM Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix hit bookstores around the world. And with the media hype flying as fast as broomsticks, I got to thinking: somewhere in the course of the first three books, someone should have gotten bar or bat mitzvahed at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. But as you may have noticed, Jews are conspicuously absent from Hogwarts. Now you’re probably thinking--come on, none of the characters are identified in a religious context of any sorts in the Harry Potter books. That’s true. But you do hear about Christmas, big time, in all four books so far. Yet, is there any mention of Hanukkah or Kwanza or Ramadan? It seems to me that it’s high time for J.K. Rowling to stage a magical but tasteful bar or bat mitzvah at Hogwarts. The only question is: who’s the best candidate to be the world’s first Jewish 13-year-old? We have to rule out the main characters, they’re already too old. And the goblins who run Gringots Bank...well that’s just too obvious and inappropriate a stereotype. The only reasonable choice, then: it’s Dobby the House Elf. Yes, Dobby. We don’t really know how old he is, now do we? And, in any case, he could get religion late in life or have one of those adult coming-ofage bar mitzvah ceremonies. And what about that name. Dobby? Come on...it’s Dov-y, a good Hebrew moniker meaning “bear”. See, he’s already half way there! I’m imagining the grand hall in Hogwarts turned into a makeshift synagogue with all the students, teachers and administrators in attendance. A magical bima floats in the air, high above the crowd, with an ancient and highly elaborate Torah scroll placed carefully at center stage. Dobby picks up a wand and moves it along the page to read from his bar mitzvah portion. As he does, the letters fly off the page, swirl around the
room and burst into flames before diving back to the page as fast as a Jewish snitch. At Dobby’s side, another elf provides simultaneous translation into Elvish, just as in traditional Yemenite shuls there is a running translation into Aramaic. Never mind the fact that Elvish is more commonly identified with the “Lord of the Rings” and not Harry Potter. Dobby has to have some sort of mamaloschen, doesn’t he? At the conclusion of the ceremony, Dobby is lifted up on a chair (not hard for a school full of wizards) and Nearly Headless Nick and Moaning Myrtle lead the first dance with him, the infamous Hogwarts’ Horrible Hora. The bar mitzvah meal is naturally every bit as extravagant as the traditional Hogwarts December dinner, minus the Christmas pudding, of course. But as Dobby rises to give his bar mitzvah speech, the room descends into dramatic darkness and a thick mist envelopes Dobby. When it clears, Dobby has been transformed...into none other than He Who Must Not Be Named: the evil Voldemort! The students are too stunned to shriek at this shocking development, right in the heart of Jewish Hogwarts. Dumbledore and Snape raise their wands to the ready. Harry’s scar is aching. Ron is re-running chess moves in his head. Dobby/Voldermort opens his mouth to speak. “Today,” he begins, “I am a man.” “I wish to thank my teachers, my parents, and most of all, the students at Hogwarts for this humbling experience. I have seen the evil in my ways and I stand before you as a true penitent. I am a real hozer b’tshuva.” Magically, a black hat and tallit appear, and then he bellows in a voice Too Loud To Be Repeated: “Now who ordered the shrimp at my bar mitzvah!!” J.K. Rowling--are you listening? Brian Blum writes the syndicated column “This Normal Life.” Archives available at www.ThisNormalLife.com. E-mail him at brianblum@mail.com
Index of Advertisers Advertiser Page Artistic Impressions ............................... 16 Bag ’N Save .......................................... 24 Bagel Bin .............................................. 14 Baker’s .................................................. 19 Bernina Sewing Center ........................... 5 Beth El Synagogue ............................... 17 Beyond Repairs ...................................... 9 Bistro 121 .............................................. 11 Blue Marble ........................................... 14 Bob Olson Photography ........................ 20 Brandeis Catering ................................. 21 China Road ........................................... 10 Crowne Plaza ....................................... 18 Daily Grill .............................................. 10 Enterprise Bank ...................................... 6 Etz Chayim Preschool ............................. 2 Events Inc. ............................................ 22 Fast Frame ............................................. 6 Greek Islands ........................................ 11 Greetings .............................................. 13 Grillhouse .............................................. 11 Hampton Inn ......................................... 13 Harrah’s ................................................ 17 Hy-Vee .................................................... 2 Jewish Community Center .................... 21 Jewish Press ........................................... 5 Jim’s Dodge Country ............................... 2 Keystone Group .................................... 22 Kids Go Round ........................................ 6 Lakeside Hills Apartments ....................... 8
Advertiser Page Lewis Art Gallery ..................................... 2 Marcus of Omaha Photography ............ 14 Marino’s ................................................ 11 Markel Bmw .......................................... 12 McCormick’s ......................................... 15 Montemarano ......................................... 8 Mr. Tuxedo ............................................ 13 Nancy Mattly Culinary Services ............ 22 O’Daniel Honda ...................................... 9 Omaha E-Gifts....................................... 23 Omaha Marriott .................................... 21 Omaha Trans Video .............................. 16 Omni Grille ............................................ 10 Petrow’s Restaurant ............................. 16 Prudential Insurance-Joseph John ......... 8 Pulverente .............................................. 2 Residential Mortgage .............................. 7 Richard Cleary- Woodworker .................. 2 RSVP .................................................... 23 Senior Market Sales-Gary Katelman ...... 7 Sir Knight Formal Wear ......................... 23 Sir Speedy .............................................. 8 Spirit World ........................................... 10 St. Joseph Villa ....................................... 7 Tastefully Simple ..................................... 8 Taxi’s ..................................................... 10 Temple Israel Gift Shop ......................... 14 Trends-Rita Langman ............................. 8 Va’ad ..................................................... 16
August 22, 2003
Six Omaha business leaders who have had a major impact on the community were inducted into the Omaha Business hall of Fame in May. Among them were Benjamin Wiesman, Chairman Emeritus of Wiesman Development. Out of town guests included William Wiesman, from Philadelphia, PA, and Stephen Wiesman, from Seattle, WA. Pictured at the event are, front row: Cynthia A. Epstein, left, Beverly Robinson, Anna E. Wiesman, Brenda J. EversonWiesman and Aaron J. Wiesman; back row, David A. Wiesman, Stephen P. Wiesman, Benjamin Wiesman, William A. Wiesman and Mark J. Wiesman.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 19
Dave and Jeanne Dworkin celebrated their 65th anniversary this summer with a family reunion. Pictured above are, front row: Zachary Poscover, left, Jacob Poscover, Rachel and Benjamin Warren; second row: Sarah Warren, Dave Dworkin, Rebekah Poscover, Jeanne Dworkin, Marc Warren and Will Wolper; third row: Alice Kriz Warren, Mitchell Warren, Marty and Marilyn Warren, Randi Poscover, Luke Warren, Michael Poscover, Rikki Mor and twins Yarden and Maya Mor, Robyn Wolper, and Mel and Lois Epstein. Not pictured: Alon Mor and Barbara Benenson-Warren. The Dworkins were married on July 9, 1938, by Rabbi David Goldstein in his study on South 37 St.
Gifts for Any Occasion--or No Occasion by BOB BLUMENTHAL for Beth El Synagogue Judaica Shop If you haven’t been in beth El There are gifts for every possible pieces that have to be seen to be appreSynagogue’s Judaica Shop in a while occasion--and i every price rage. ciated. (or if you’ve never been there), make it The shop has tallitot, kipot, mezuzzot, Need candlesticks or a tray to keep a point to stop by. You’re in for a real candlesticks, menorahs, dreidels and them on? An unusual wedding gift, baby treat. just about anything you might need or gift or gift for a Bar Mitzvah or Bat We’ve been told the shop is one of the want. There’s gorgeous jewelry, in 14K Mitzvah? How about something very finest in the Midwest. Many of our beau- gold, sterling silver, and one-of-a-kind traditional? It’s all there. tiful items come from Israel or are hand(ADVERTISEMENT) made by Jewish artists.
Beth El’s Judaica Shop even carries many of the same items you saw during last May’s Shop Shalom at the JCC. Visit us soon. Our hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays (when Sunday School is in session), from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. You can also call us for an appointment: 334-5555.
We’ve got the Perfect Flowers for Any Occasion.
11122 Q Street,Omaha - Central Design - 331-9570 | 13215 West Center Road,Omaha 333-1090 | 4240 South 50 Street,Omaha 731-5913 801 Galvin Road South,Bellevue 292-3128 | 17370 Lakeside Hills Plaza,Omaha 691-9788 | 3026 South 24 Street,Omaha 341-9463 13250 West Maple Road,Omaha 496-8884 | 888 South Saddle Creek Road,Omaha 551-0613 | 7312 North 30 Street,Omaha 451-1527 3010 South 84 Street,Omaha 391-8506 | 8010 South 84 Street,La Vista 592-7517 | 5555 North 90 Street,Omaha 571-2565 5222 South 136 Street,Omaha 895-7373 | 505 North 155 Plaza,Omaha 498-5717
Page 20
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 22, 2003
Kosher Paradise by JAMES L. JANOFF, Jewish Standard of New Jersey TEANECK, N.J.--If Matthew Shollar never eats a frozen kosher meal again, he will be content. With a wife and six children in tow, he knows the nightmare of worrying about eating while on vacation. On one trip, his food was inedible because it was defrosted prematurely. He felt starved, and cookies and fruit became the nourishment of the day. He’s had enough. Shollar, a 35-yearold Pennsylvania rabbi who has an extensive background in Internet, marketing, and travel ventures, knew that there had to be a better way for observant Jews to travel. Shollar is Chief Executive Officer of Chosen Voyage, whose literature invites the reader to “think outside the Catskills.” For several weeks this fall and early next year, Shollar and his investors will charter the entire Windstar Wind Surf, the world’s largest sailing vessel, for kosher travelers. (The investors include Milton Cohen, a 30-year veteran of the travel industry, and Arthur Sbarsky, most recently Executive Vice-president and marketing and sales at Norwegian Cruise Line. Windstar is a subsidiary of HollandAmerica, which in turn is a subsidiary of Carnival Corp.) The ship offers 31 ocean-view suites and 123 deluxe ocean-view staterooms. “We are taking a very new and exciting approach to kosher travel,” he said during a recent trial run for Jewish journalists. “Chosen Voyage will present some of the best travel experiences in the world to an audience that has not had the ability to enjoy
upscale travel without compromises.” pastry chef,” he said. Chosen Voyage will feature Shabbat The first voyage out, a Chabad at sea under full sail in the middle of cruise Dec. 1-7 that will take open the azure Caribbean. The Wind Surf bookings, will begin at Fort provides many options for observance, Lauderdale and goes on to Salt Cay, including two pools for separate swim- Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, and San ming and a dedicated bet midrash for Juan. On this voyage only, passengers prayers and learning. All cabins are will spend a full day at Half Moon Cay, equipped with locks that do not need Holland-America’s private island, enjoy to be opened electronically on separate beaches for men and women, Shabbat. “We will even clean the milk both separate and private couples’ and meat watersports dishes on Shollar feels his travellers activities, s e p a r a t e deserve the ultimate religious and onshore decks to experience. kosher beach avoid any barbeques mistakes,” Shollar said. and lavish buffets for lunch and dinner. Through research and focus groups, Other voyages will leave from San Shollar and company found that Juan and go to Virgin Gorda, Marigot, observant consumers tend to travel St. Martin, Nevis, St. Barthelemy, and many times a year and have higher Dominica, and return to San Juan. than average household incomes. Matthew Shollar is a man with a Therefore, Shollar said, he wanted a mission. He works a 12- to 14-hour ship that could offer the finest ameni- day and has little time for other interties and facilities like separate meat ests. He mentioned the word “niche” and dairy kitchens. many times during our conversation “Windstar constantly ranks highest and told me that his research showed in the Conde Nast Traveler survey,” Jewish travelers make up over 30 perShollar added. “Besides, our guests cent of the luxury cruise market. will feast on the highest quality and He brought his extensive research selection of foods.” and investors to Windstar executives, Be prepared to nosh till you drop as who, he said, were quickly convinced. Shollar will choose from over 800 “As of now, we will be their biggest award-winning recipes made by charter customer. The Wind Surf Windstar chefs and adapt them to the accommodates 300 guests, which is laws of kashrut. Overeat? Not to worry. the perfect size for what we need.” The Wind Surf features a complete fitThe ship boasts three restaurants, a ness center and workout studio, two hot patisserie, poolside grill, a casino, and tubs, and two saltwater pools. The ship a business facility with Internet capawill be out of service 24 hours before a bility. Did I mention hot popcorn can voyage for kashering. be delivered to your cabin as you enjoy “We’re even bringing aboard our own a movie?
Shollar’s mind is always working. Detail-oriented, he’s like a general with a strategy and contingency plan for everything. Shollar feels his travellers deserve the ultimate religious experience. He buys new china and silverware; he rents a portable ark; he provides Torahs and books for the ship’s “learning centers”; orders more than 1,100 bottles of assorted kosher wines for tastings; and plans a complete Judaica exhibition. He wants his clients to return and bring their friends. I mentioned a possible voyage for singles or other niche groups and Shollar told me that he and his investors have looked into them. “Clearly,” he added, “there are many ‘branding’ opportunities for us.” The ship can be fully chartered, or partly chartered with open bookings, and, Shollar said, there will also be open booking weeks. He hopes to arrange two simultaneous cruises (with an added ship) next Passover, one heading to the Caribbean and the other to the Mediterranean. Chosen Voyage cruises are priced in line with standard Windstar cruises, even mirroring their early booking plans. Air fares, gratuities, and port charges are extra. Five seven-day sailings are planned for December and January. Cruises begin at $1,999 per person and climb to $4,099 for suites. The few days the Jewish journalists spent on board were close to paradise, luxurious, comfortable, and eventful, and the meals were delicious. For more information, go to chosenvoyage.com.
August 22, 2003
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 21
Now That You’ve Been Invited: A Guide to the Synagogue Service by RABBI DANIEL KOHN ST. LOUIS (JTA)--Congratulations! You have been invited to the Bar or Bat Mitzvah of a friend or family member. Now what? What are you supposed to do there? How do you act? Whether you are Jewish or not, the following is a brief guide to help you feel more comfortable at the worship service and enjoy the events as they unfold. It includes appropriate synagogue behavior, major sections of the service, the synagogue environment and service participants. Because customs vary from community to community, please contact the host family for further clarification. General expectations for synagogue behavior include: • Dress: Guests at a Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration generally wear dressy clothes -- for men, either a suit or slacks, tie and jacket, and for women, a dress or formal pantsuit. In more traditional communities, clothing tends to be dressier. • Arrival time: The time listed on the invitation is usually the official starting time for the weekly Shabbat, or Sabbath, service. Family and invited guests try to arrive at the beginning, even though the Bar/Bat Mitzvah activities occur somewhat later in the service. However, both guests and regular congregants often arrive late, well after services have begun. • Wearing a prayer shawl: The tallit, or prayer shawl, is traditionally worn by Jewish males and, in liberal congregations, by Jewish women. Because the braided fringes at the four corners of the tallit remind its wearer to observe the commandments of Judaism, wearing a tallit is reserved for Jews. Although an usher may offer you a tallit at the door, you may decline it, if you are not Jewish or are simply uncomfortable wearing such a garment. • Wearing a head covering: A kipah, or head covering (called a yarmulke in Yiddish), is traditionally worn by males during the service and also by women in more liberal synagogues. Wearing a kipah is not a symbol of religious identification like the tallit, but is rather an act of respect to God and the sacredness of the worship space. Just as men and women may be asked to remove their hats in the church, or remove their shoes before entering a mosque, wearing a head covering is a non-denominational act of showing respect. In some syna-
gogues, women may wear hats or a gogue service throughout the year. On a lace head covering. weekday, the Amidah contains prayers • Maintaining sanctity: All guests for the physical and spiritual well-being and participants are expected to of the one praying as well as of the respect the sanctity of the prayer serv- entire community of the people of ice and Shabbat by setting your cell Israel; on Shabbat we praise God for phone or beeper to vibrate or turning the joy of the Shabbat and the rest that it off, not taking pictures, not smoking we enjoy. It is perfectly acceptable and in the synagogue or on the grounds even desirable that people recite the and not writing or recording tapes. Amidah in English, and worshippers • Sitting and standing: Jewish are also encouraged to pray from their worship services can be very athletic, hearts if the printed words do not speak filled with frequent directions to stand to them. for particular prayers and sit for oth• The Torah Service. Following ers. Take your cue from the other wor- the Shema and the Amidah is a transhippers or the rabbi’s instructions. sition from prayer to study. The priUnlike kneeling in a Catholic wor- mary study text is from the ship service--which is a unique prayer Pentateuch, or Five Books of Moses. posture filled with religious signifi- This text has been written on the c a n c e - parchment s t a n d i n g All guests and participants are of the Torah and sitting by a expected to respect the sanctity scrolls in a Jewish specially service does of the prayer service... t r a i n e d not constiscribe. tute any affirmation of religious The Torah is divided into--and read belief; it is merely a sign of respect. in--weekly portions, according to a There may also be instructions to prescribed calendar, so that the entire bow at certain parts of the service, Torah is read in the span of one year. and because a bow or prostration is a The cover and accouterments of the religiously significant act, feel free to Torah scrolls recall the priestly garb of remain standing or sitting as you wish ancient Temple times, i.e., breastat that point. plate, robe, crowns and belt. • Following the service: Try to folUsually the rabbi, and sometimes low the service in the siddur, or the Bar/Bat mitzvah child or another prayerbook, and the Chumash, or congregant, delivers a d’var Torah, a Torah book, both of which are usually word of Torah, that comments on the printed in Hebrew and English. weekly Torah reading. Guests and congregants are encourOnce the Torah reading is over, aged to hum along during congregational melodies and to participate in the service to the extent that they feel comfortable. During the Torah service (described below), the entire congregation is encouraged to follow the reading of the weekly Torah portion in English or Hebrew. Major sections of the Shabbat morning worship service include: • The Shema (“Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One”). This passage from the Book of Deuteronomy and the three passages that follow constitute a central part of each morning and evening Jewish prayer service. Probably the most important single sentence in the liturgy, the Shema is not a prayer but rather an affirmation of the unity of God. • The Amidah (“Standing Prayer”). The Amidah, a series of prayers recited while standing in silent meditation, is the major liturgical piece of every syna-
another person--usually the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child--chants a portion from the prophetic writings of the Hebrew Bible. The haftarah, which means, concluding teaching, is usually chosen to reflect a theme or literary allusion in the Torah portion. The purpose of the haftarah is not only to provide an opportunity to teach from a different section of the Bible, but also to assert that prophecy serves to reinforce the laws of the Torah. • Mourner’s Kaddish. Although there is no mention of death in this prayer, the Kaddish is recited at the end of all worship services by family members who have lost a loved one in the past year or who are observing the anniversary of a death in years past. Despite sorrow and pain, the mourner rises to declare continuing commitment in praising God’s name, to which we all respond, “Amen.” Rabbi Daniel Kohn, a native of St. Louis, was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in 1991. He is the author of several books on Jewish education and spirituality. This article is reprinted from MyJewishLearning.com, a project of the Samuel Bronfman Foundation and the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation with additional funding from the Abramson Family Foundation, co-produced by Hebrew College and Jewish Family & Life.
WE CATER ANY OCCASION AT YOUR CHOSEN LOCATION! Corporate Seminars Lunches & Events Proudly Serving:
More than just a good steak.
The Georgetowne Club
featuring Premium Heartland Omaha Steaks®
2440 South 141st Circle
Serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - 7 days a week Located in the
Marriott Regency Hotel 10220 Regency Circle Reservations Accepted 516-3600
W.H. Thompson Alumni Center 67th & Dodge Street (U.N.O.)
& Many Other Fine Facilities Throughout the Metro Area.
In Home Entertaining Bar Mitzvah & Bat Mitzvah Wedding Receptions & Brunches Funeral Luncheons Fundraisers Picnics
Your One Stop For Professional Event Planning & Catering. Call one of our professional event planners today.
(402) 334-5446 • www.brandeiscatering.com
“YOUR EVENT IS OUR NEXT SUCCESS!”
Cocktail Parties Graduations And More...
Page 22
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 22, 2003
The Jewish Wedding: Customs Meet Commerce by OZZIE NOGG From Genesis to Generation X, the Jewish Wedding continues to adapt and adopt. Today, the romance and ritual of Kiddushin is celebrated with new takes on old traditions. Take the chuppah, for starters. A Midrash tells us that God made not one, but 10 chuppahs for Adam and Eve’s wedding, each fashioned of gold and studded with jewels. Now, even couples who believe marriages are made in heaven, realize that a chuppah made in heaven is not available. So, when not satisfied with the chuppah supplied by their synagogue or temple, many couples choose to make their own or commission artists to create a chuppah that will knock their socks off. The Do-It-Yourself-Chuppah is often made of individually decorated cloth squares, fabric scraps, buttons, lace and other remnants of clothing once worn by family members or friends. The pieces are sewn together, and even if the stitches are lopsided, this one-of-a-kind chuppah resonates with family memories, making room (if only in spirit . . .) for long lost bubbies, zaydas and other loved-ones to stand beside the happy couple on their wedding day. The commissioned chuppah movement is an MBA’s dream. Case in point: Hollywood Huppahs (I’ve changed the name, but only slightly). This company invites the bride and groom to “send photos and we’ll create a chuppah complete with a picture of your home reproduced in hand-dyed silk!” (One glowing testimonial quotes a couple who wed under a chuppah with a rendering of the Brooklyn Bridge, visible from their balcony in Williamsburg.) Want an outdoor feel to an indoor wedding? Then contact the chuppah artist who makes canopies from tree branches and leaves. Obviously, this artist is familiar with two old traditions. The tradition of holding marriages outside, under the stars (so as to invoke the Abrahamic blessing to have descendants as numerous as the stars in heaven), and the tradition of planting a tree when a baby is born, and then using the branches and leaves from that tree to construct the chuppah for that child’s eventual marriage. This arboreal chuppah artist, by the way, encourages ecologically-minded couples to turn their tree branch wedding canopy into gazebos or playhouses
the
City
for future offspring. Bottom line? Custom-commissioned chuppah sales are going through the roof. Next, let’s consider the ketubah. Some call it the first prenuptial agreement, guaranteeing, as it does, the wife’s financial rights in case of (p’tui, p’tui) the husband’s death or divorce. Others consider the ketubah a sales receipt for merchandise received--200 zuz (about 15 cents) for virgins, and 100 zuz for women who’ve lived a little. Be it pre-nup or sales receipt, many couples in 2003 find the traditional ketubah out of touch with their views on relationships. The answer? Create new ketubot with an egalitarian spin.
Back in the shtetl, shy young couples didn’t ask, point blank, for samovars and feather quilts. No. They thankfully accepted what was given: typically, money. This move has generated an entire industry, where artists and calligraphers offer custom marriage contracts in mind-boggling styles. Celtic ketubot with Irish overtones. Pop Art ketubot that echo Warhol. Personalized ketubot where symbols important to the bride and groom-- golf clubs, Mah Jongg tiles, mountain ski trails, etc.--hide discreetly in the borders, making this kind of ketubah a veritable “Where’s Waldo” of wedding designs. (The practice of decorating ritual objects goes waaaay back, but let’s face it. Today’s market has elevated the concept of Hiddur Mitzvah--the beautification of a mitzvah to new heights.) Now, the wedding ring. According to Jewish law, the ring must belong to the groom, be of solid metal, and free of gems--plain and simple. But a recent trend finds couples ordering tall, ornate, ceremonial wedding rings like those popular in European Jewish communities during the Middle Ages. This, too, has created a new industry based on an old custom. Inspired by Medieval designs, contemporary artisans are crafting ceremonial wedding
Discover... the
Country
the
rings of precious metals and topping them with miniature buildings-the Jerusalem Temple, a local synagogue or the new home of the bride and groom. Some of these Lilliputian architectural wonders are complete with tiny hinged doors that open and shut, and rooftop flags that spin like weather vanes. Another new spin on an old tradition, you might say. Let’s not forget the shattered wineglass. Business is brisk in that department, too. “Break with tradition!” an on-line merchant says. “Take the magical moment when the glass was broken and freeze it in time, forever! Just send us the shards from the glass or bulb and we’ll suspend it in a clear plastic cube, mezuzah or kaleidoscope! It’s the ultimate gift for the bride and groom!” Another company will enclose the broken glass in a satin pillow, the use for which is unclear. And finally, the wedding gifts. Back in the shtetl, shy young couples didn’t ask, point blank, for samovars and feather quilts. No. They thankfully accepted what was given: typically, money. At each wedding, public announcements were made. “The groom’s uncle gives 12 rubles!” “The bride’s cousin gives 6 zlotys!” “The groom’s parents give a golden cup and the bride’s parents give two silver candlesticks and a tallis!” Not surprisingly, this show-and-tell custom kept the village gossip mill busy for weeks. Unlike their old-world counterparts, New Age couples are saying both “I do” and I want, resulting in the birth of a new tradition--“Welcome to Our Wedding” web pages. “Hi! We’re getting married!” one website sings. “We’ve compiled this page to give you the most upto-date information on our wedding. There are only 457 days, 18 hours, four minutes and 27 seconds left until the big day! You are visitor number 231 to our web page! Come again!” (Continued on next page)
River CALL MARY
Exquisitely elegant in every detail Our classic lodge decor, elegant grand staircase, worldclass catering and attentive service makes the Regency Lodge the perfect setting for the perfect event. Our flexible facilities can accommodate group meetings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, reunions and other special events.
Relax with: • Altitudes Bar & Grill • Indoor swimming • Our quiet Library • The indoor and outdoor stream • to listen to and enjoy Call 402/397-8000 to arrange your personal tour of the totally renovated Park Inn Regency Lodge to see how we can make your next event something to remember.
Complimentary features include: ◆ Light & healthy breakfast ◆ In-room coffee & weekday morning ◆ newspaper ◆ Local telephone calls and long ◆ distance access ◆ Fresh-baked cookies & coffee ◆ in the lobby
You’ll appreciate the extras:
◆ Spacious guest rooms & suites ◆ Indoor pool & whirlpool ◆ Golf courses, shopping & ◆ entertainment nearby
Ask about our Special Group Rates Special Group Rates for out-of-town guests for Bat/Bar Mitzvahs, weddings and reunions.
Come Cruise with Us on the River
Discover Omaha’s only premier river excursion vessel, the River City Star. Take a leisurely river boat cruise and experience the majestic Missouri river. Or take a special cruise for Sunday brunch, luncheon or dinner.
The River City Star is perfect for: ✯ Weddings ✯ Corporate Meetings and Functions ✯ School and Family Reunions ✯ School Cruises, Field Trips, Proms ✯ Birthday and Anniversary Parties ✯ Bat/Bar Mitzvahs ✯ Trade Exhibitions ✯ and much much more!
• Linen Rental • Bar/Bat Mitzvahs • Conventions • Corporate Outings • Fund-Raisers 352 N. 76th Street
BERNSTEIN TODAY!
• Galas • Golf Outings • Parties • Picnics • Seminars • Weddings Omaha, NE 68114
402/391-0708
Catering To Your Special Occasion Needs! Nancy Mattly Catering Services
Call for public cruises 402/342-7827.
Full Service Catering To Any Location
Certified Kosher Caterer A Cozy Stay at a Comfortable Price®
909 S. 107th Ave. • Omaha, NE I-680 & Pacific Street • 402/397-8000 For reservations call 1-800-670-7275 www.parkhtls.com
Omaha Airport West Omaha 2210 Abbott Drive 11818 Miami St. Carter Lake, IA Omaha, NE 712/347-5600 402/445-4445 For reservations call 1-800-456-4000 www.countryinns.com
Owned & Operated by the
Festivities Banquet Center
Accommodate Up To 150 ♥ B’nai Mitzvahs Wedding Receptions ♥ Any Occasion Located at Millers Landing on the Omaha Riverfront For reservations call 1-866-227-STAR (7827) www.rivercitystar.com
Keystone Group
7597 Main Street ♥ Ralston
339-6461
August 22, 2003
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 23
ENGAGEMENT GOLDSTEIN/GROOTHUIS Donald and Ann Goldstein announce the engagement of their daughter, Rebecca, to Derek Groothuis, son of Dr. Jessie Groothuis and Steven Lustig of of Northbrook, IL, Dr. and Mrs. Dennis Groothuis of Evanston, IL, and Dr. James Lustig and Joan Shepard Lusting of Holland, OH. The bride-to-be earned an undergraduate degree from Northwestern University in American Studies and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from Evanston, IL, with a degree in Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy Cognitive Science. He is employed by School of Government. She is currently the Citadel Investment Group in working in the office of Mayor Richard Chicago. His grandparents are Natalie Lustig M. Daley in Chicago, IL. Her grandparents are Leonard and of Denver, CO, and Bob and Nancy Greenbaum of Highland Park, IL. Shirley Goldstein. A March 27, 2004, wedding is Her fiancé also graduated from Northwestern University in planned in Chicago.
MARRIAGES HALVORSON/FREDRICKS Jill Halvorson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Halvorson of Rapid City, SD, and Jeffrey Fredricks, son of Sally Fredricks and the late Terry Fredricks, were married July 5 in Spearfish, SD. A reception followed at the Spearfish Convention Center. The bride’s sister Sally Wischmann was matron of honor; sister-in-law Claire Fredricks and friends Katie Sauvage and Molly Rausch were bridesmaids. Ushers included friends Dustin Jenner and Tim Rausch; brother Lee Fredricks and brother-in-law Mike Wischmann served as attendants,
along with friends Jeremy Shubert and Dusty Koppit. The bride is studying graphic design at Metro Community College. She is employed by Lerner New York as an assistant manager. The groom is studying management information systems at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He is employed as a computer intern at Farm Credit Services. He is the grandson of David and Arlene Fredricks and the late Dr. and Mrs. H.C. Henderson, Jr. Following a trip to Jamaica, the couple makes their home in Omaha.
GROSS/KRISTOFF Renana Gross, daughter of Cantor Michael Kristoff. Leo and Annette Fettman, and Steve The bride graduated from the Kristoff, son of Steve and Esther University of Wisconsin and is a land Kristoff of Hammond, IN, were mar- surveyor at McGill Smith Punshon in ried July 1 at the Northern Hills Cincinnati, OH. The groom, who Synagogue in Clifton, OH. Rabbis earned his doctorate in medical bioGershom Barnard and Joel Schwab physics from Indiana University, is a officiated with Cantor Fettman. teacher and chairman of the science, The bride, granddaughter of Fannie math and drama departments at the Sherman Chunovic, was attended by Oldenberg Academy in Oldenberg, IN. her sister, Aviva Schwab. The groom The couple makes their home in was attended by his sons, Steven and Cincinnati.
The Jewish Wedding (Continued from page 22) The site then details how the couple met, where the engagement ring was presented, the time and place of the auf ruf and other pre-wedding events, and provides maps of the city to help out of-town guests find their way around. The site also provides, with no punches pulled, an on-line list of desired wedding gifts plus the stores that carry them. The gift list covers the usual items-linens, kitchen tools, china and glassware, but today’s couples also request gifts that were rarely (or never) considered in the past. Movie DVDs (in one case the choices were The Princess Bride and Braveheart). Cash contributions to their honeymoon trip (snorkeling adventures head the list.) One wedding registry suggests you “gift” stock you already own or put money towards stocks for which the bride and groom have registered. (This idea was proposed before Wall Street imploded. One hopes that any couples who actually received stocks also got
enough sheets, woks and other basic necessities to see them through the hard times.) On the flip side of this coin, requests for donations to favorite charities are sometimes included on the wedding gift list. This on-line gift phenomenon apparently affects couples of all stripes, including Presidential Press Secretary Ari Fleischer and his bride. Fleischer was reportedly furious over news stories that he had opened a wedding-gift registry at Target, pronouncing it a “serious invasion of privacy.” Comics on National Public Radio logged onto the online Target gift registry, bought a $9.99 bundt cake for the couple, and threw in giftwrap and shipping costs. What more can be said? How about this . . L’Chaim to the Jewish Wedding! The embodiment of “Something Old, Something New” (and it’s good for business, too!) Omahan Ozzie Nogg is a writer and storyteller; she can be reached at: ozmom@cox.net
r sv p PSVW custom invitations • stationery • gifts By Appointment:
Nanci Kavich p 402.991.1881 f 402.991.2054 nancirsvp@aol.com (in home service available)
Weddings • Bar Mitzvahs Birthdays • Anniversaries Personalized Stationery Party Invitations Birth Announcements Holiday Cards • and more
20% Off Retail Prices
Page 24
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 22, 2003
As It Matures in Russia, Klezmer Begins to Make the Club Scene by LEV KRICHEVSKY MOSCOW (JTA)--A video of a klezmer show altered Stanislav Raiko’s career. “I just saw this one single show and realized that this was my music and I wanted to play it,” recalled the Ukrainian-born violinist. Raiko said he then began listening to old recordings of Eastern European Jewish folk music to help him master the genre. In the late 1990s, Raiko, a classically trained musician, started a group called the Kharkov Klezmer Band. “It takes a real team to make this music--something I couldn’t find in a classical orchestra,” he said while sitting in the semi-darkness of a Moscow club minutes before going on stage to play. On stage later, Raiko announced a popular tune, “Noch a Glezl Wein,” which he said “has been always played at Jewish weddings in Ukraine, Moldova, the States, or wherever Jews are.” Earlier last month, Raiko was among four dozen musicians and singers from across the former Soviet Union who took part in the seventh annual KlezFest in St. Petersburg. The event, a brainchild of the St. Petersburg Jewish Community Center, included professional workshops, Yiddish classes and jam sessions, culminating in concerts in St. Petersburg, Moscow and Kishinev, Moldova. Most music professionals in the field credit the KlezFest for the revival of klezmer in the former Soviet Union.
Each year, the festival brings in a professional from the West to teach music skills--although some of the local musicians now have a decade of experience of playing Yiddish folk music. “It’s so nice that people can be that open about what makes their roots,” said Alla, an 18-year-old Moscow student of architecture who attended the performance with some of her Jewish and non-Jewish classmates. “I’ve noticed that this music easily speaks to all types of audience. Perhaps the older folks make better listeners, but just anyone who has Jewish genes will start tapping one’s foot when listening to this beautiful, open, simple and very danceable folk music,” Alla said. The Russian KlezFest has been so successful that a group of enthusiasts recently started a similar annual event in Ukraine. This year’s KlezFest Ukraine is due to take place in late August in Kiev. The New York-based Jewish Community Development Fund in Russia and Ukraine supports both festivals. “We are glad to greet you in this club filled with smoke,” Yefim Cherniy, an Yiddish singer, who himself has just put a cigarette away, greeted the artist-student crowd that packed the basement of the O.G.I. club. “We will now try to get through this smoke to you with our Jewish songs.” The downtown Moscow club is known as one of the prime spots in the Russian capital's club scene for avant-
with the word “Brooklyn” on it sang a Chasidic song with unusual rhythmic interpretation. Another concert highlight was a performance by Arkady Gendler, an 81-year-old Moldovaborn Holocaust survivor. The Yiddish song enthusiast, who teaches Yiddish at a Ukrainian Jewish school, recently recorded a compact disc that was released by a California-based label. Matvey Gordon, Stanislav Raiko, right, and Matvey Gordon, left, another vocalist, was perform at the closing concert of KlezFest 2003 introduced to the audiin St. Petersburg, Russia, in July. ence as the “patriarch Photo by Mikhail Kheifetz. of youth Klezmer garde, jazz, folk and acoustic rock music.” The 16-year-old high school music. student from St. Petersburg said he But on a recent Friday night the club learned his first Yiddish song at age hosted a second concert in three five while attending Hebrew school. weeks by Jewish musicians playing “Four years ago, I began to study Yiddish folk music. A club manager Yiddish and Jewish tradition. Of said both shows sold as many tickets course you can learn just the lyrics, as a local rock artist with a solid fol- but I guess this wouldn’t be serious lowing. Many in the audience at the enough if you don’t go a little farther.” club came to see Psoy Korolenko, a Yevgeny Hazdan, a composer and popular member of the Moscow under- KlezFest artistic director, says local ground scene, whose own songs often Jewish communities benefit first from weave in elements of Yiddish folklore. the klezmer revival, but that the The singer has recently become klezmer movement has a broader goal. interested in klezmer, and this year “We are trying to make this music-took part in his second KlezFest. from traditional Yiddish songs to That night, the sturdy bearded per- Chasidic folklore--a part of Russia’s former who sported a baseball hat world music scene.”
75th & Dodge 114th & Dodge 90th & Maple
Kosher OPEN 7am-10pm...7 Days a Week Kosher Prices effective thru August 30th or while supplies last
Empire Chicken or Turkey Franks 16 oz. $1.39
Aaron’s Hot Dogs 16 oz. $2.39 Fresh Cut-Up
$
$
1 . 8 9 Ground Beef 3 . 9 9
C h i c k e n s lb.
Fresh
lb.
available starting Sunday, August 24th...Rubashkin
Remember BAG ‘N SAVE for your next Anniversary, Bar Mitzvah or Social Event... We have a LARGE selection of
Kosher Wines, Cheesecakes
Hors d’oeuvres and Parve Cakes
Parve Cakes by special order only