August 22, 2008

Vol. LXXXVII No. 50 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 87 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

21 Av, 5768

August 22, 2008

Jews caught on both sides of fighting between Georgia and Russia by GRANT SLATER TBILISI, Georgia (JTA) -- Tina Pshavtoshvili is a refugee, living in a borrowed room in a strange city and facing an uncertain future -- again. Last time she was forced to flee a war zone she was running from Tskhinvali, capital of the breakaway Georgian province of South Ossetia. Her daughter was a baby, along for the escape during the first war for Ossetian independence in the early 1990s. Now Bella Pshavtoshvili is 18 and in her second year at a local college, and the mother and daughter are refugees again, this time from the Georgian city of Gori. Tina wants to go to Israel, where her brothers live, but Bella wants to stay in Georgia, the only country she knows. Tina is afraid that she won’t be able to afford to give Bella the opportunities she wants in either Georgia or Israel. Tina and her husband have no work; they rely on $182 in monthly handouts from the Georgian government and the local Chesed welfare center. Her secret desire is to find someone to take Bella in and send her to a good college so she can become a lawyer. But their home in Gori is under the thumb of the Russian army in a city at the center of a once-frozen, now-simmering

conflict. Tina’s husband stayed behind to protect the family home against looting in the lawless zones where the Russian army now patrols Georgian territory. Of the more than 200 Jews who have fled the conflict zone since war broke out about a week ago, more than half find themselves without any means to escape or rebuild their lives. The refugees here in Tbilisi didn’t know war was upon them until bombs started falling on Aug. 8 -- the day the 29th Olympic Games opened in Beijing. Then the mad scramble for safety began. Jews, luckier than most, found representatives from the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and the Jewish Agency had driven to Gori, a Georgian city near South Ossetia that has come under Russian attack, to find them and arrange their transport out of the war zone. Tina and Bella Pshavtoshvili spent Saturday night in the basement of their apartment block with no electricity and no contact with the outside world. When they emerged, they found a JDC representative to take them from Gori, and they fled. Tina said she knew that the fighting in Tskhinvali would spread soon to Gori.

Maccabi teens medal in San Diego by RACHEL BLUM JCC Program Director Every year, the Omaha Jewish Community Center sends a group of teens to compete in the JCC Maccabi Games for a week filled with sporting competitions, community service projects, and Judaic, educational and social programming. The mission of the Games is to instill and cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of Jewish values, enrich Jewish identity in an informal setting, and encourage identification with the State of Israel. And every year, though the goals of the Games remain the same, our athletes come away with a little something different than the year before.

JCC Maccabi Games participants and chaperones cheer at their victories in San Diego. This year, 15 Jewish teens from Omaha and two from Israel participated in the Games in San Diego during the first week of August. These athletes competed in basketball and golf tournaments, tennis matches, bowling competitions and swim meets and returned home with seven medals, smiling faces and 100% satisfaction. Continued on page 3

Inside Opinion Page see page 8

Georgian Jews emigrating from their war-torn country arrive at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel Credit: Abe Selig on Aug. 10, 2008. She had seen it before. when they fled the city. “I was not surprised, but frightened,” The Georgian government ministries she told JTA in a barely furnished apart- responsible for recording and aiding ment around the corner from Tbilisi’s refugees have buckled under the weight historic synagogue. of more than 50,000 people fleeing the Vissarion Manasherov, head of the conflict zone. Jewish community of Gori, said that what Jewish organizations have set up their little Gori’s Jews had, they left behind Continued on page 2

Artists bring creative collaboration to Partnership with Israel by LISA LIEB The resulting artwork was amazing. “We created large Federation Communications Director scale photograms on fabric that had everyone buzzing After a successful pilot launched in June of 2007, the around us with curiosity,” she said. Greenspoon found Federation’s Partnership with Israel Artist in Residency working with the high school students to be very Program returned this summer for five days filled with rewarding, and hopes to collaborate with Kishon again creativity and collaboration. on future projects. Omaha participants Ellie Magder and Englander Greenspoon and Kim made yarn dolls with kinderGoldberg joined Judi garten students. Once the Magder and Fran Englander dolls were made, the chilfrom Louisville for the five dren were invited to discovday program in the Western er their doll’s name and speGalilee. cial power or ability. Greenspoon, who has One child named her doll been involved in a number “Love,” saying that she of Artist in Residency probrought love to all the grams, said this particular Jewish people. Another program affected her deeply. described her doll as having Having lived in Israel as a the power to make everyyoung child in a moshav not body good. far from the Western Galilee, The women worked with she says that “The experithree different groups of ence brought back my true kindergarten students over love of Israel.” the course of the week, Greenspoon’s project touching the lives of almost involved photograms, which 100 children. The children are images made by placing were very proud of their opaque objects upon photodolls, and Magder and sensitive material and exposEnglander would later dising it to light. She worked cover that many of them had with students from Sulam never had a doll of their own Tzor High School and their Omahan Ellie Greenspoon and photography teacher before. own photography teacher, Yochanan Kishon display a photogram created by students For her project, Goldberg Continued on page 3 Yochanan Kishon. from Sulam Tzor High School in the Western Galilee

This Week: More Olympics coverage on pages 6-7 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’

Temple CD to celebrate Israel’s 60th birthday: Page 4

Coming Next Week: The Learning Curve Blumkin Home introduces two new programs: Page 5

Jewish Film Festival to premiere four films in Omaha series: Page 12

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

August 22, 2008

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, AUGUST 22 Beth El - Shabbat comes to the RBJH, 2:30 p.m. Temple Israel Shabbat Comes to You at Remington Heights, 4 p.m. C L I P & S A V E

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23 BBYO Council Campout SUNDAY, AUGUST 24 Reading the Rambam Class, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Hebrew Crash Course, 10 a.m. at Beth El Visions Brownville Trip, noon

C L I P & S A V E

MONDAY, AUGUST 25 Temple Israel Golf Outing TUESDAY, AUGUST 26 JSS/RBJH Board Meeting, 11:30 a.m. Eye on Israel, noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Jews and the Environment, 7 p.m. at Beth El C L I P &

THURSDAY, AUGUST 28 Friedel Jewish Academy Curriculum Night Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. LOVE Board Meeting, 7 p.m. Class with Rabbi Gross, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel

S A 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)

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Continued from page 1 Russian and paramilitary To send donations: The United Jewish Communities has forces. One JDC worker own systems of spreadsheets and phone lists to launched an emergency appeal for the embattled citizens of trying to deliver food to keep track of the scattered Georgia. The organization’s overseas partners, the American Jews in the area turned mass. The Jewish Agency Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and the Jewish Agency for back when he was conhelped evacuate 31 Israel, have been assisting the local Jewish community, a num- fronted by Russian solGeorgians to Israel ber of whom have made aliyah to Israel in recent days. diers who fired into the aboard special flights on Donations to the campaign can be made online at air and at the ground. Aug. 12. The agency said www.ujc.org or mailed to P.O. Box 30, Old Chelsea Station, Gregory Brodsky, the others have applied to New York, NY 10113. Jewish Agency’s local repmake aliyah and their resentative, said it was paperwork is being expedited. much more difficult to convince the elderly and infirm Alex Katz, the Jewish Agency’s emissary to the former to uproot from the only place they know and run from Soviet Union, accompanied Gori’s community leader a conflict zone. Manasherov to the city on Aug. 11 and saw columns of Miriam and Zina Jinjikhashvili, 60 and 68, decided to Georgian troops leaving the city. leave Gori only when a Russian bomb struck part of their “The situation is tense now -- very, very tense,” Katz apartment building and set it ablaze. The two sisters live said. “We are used to this as Israelis, but it is a very com- with a third sister in a small apartment. They had been plicated situation now.” in contact with JDC staff members throughout the The JDC, meanwhile, has eight representatives in the weekend who tried to convince them to leave the city region helping to locate and rescue local Jews, as well as but they had refused. For two days, the sisters argued provide food and medical relief in both Georgia and among themselves. Russia. The head regional representative said the JDC The JDC crew made it to the outskirts of Gori when had helped evacuate a Jewish family from a bombed-out the sisters called them to say their home was on fire. building in Gori last week. When JDC staff showed up, Most of the more than 200 the sisters were in a full-on Georgian Jewish refugees shouting match, replete with who have made their way to tears as their building Tbilisi are staying with relaburned behind them, said tives and friends there. Amir Ben Zvi, a JDC staff Between 10,000 to 12,000 member at the scene. Jews live in Georgia, mostly “This was the kind of war in the capital. that is only in cinemas,” said The local Chabad commuZina Jinjikhashvili. “The nity, headed by Rabbi bombs were huge.” Avraham Michaelashvili, In the end, the two organized a three-day blood younger sisters decided to drive for victims, and leave. On Thursday, they Chabad rabbis have worked fretted over the fate of their to ensure safe passage for a older sister in a dimly lit group of 50 Israeli tourists apartment in central Tbilisi. vacationing on the Black “Every second, I’m thinkSea, according to reports Several hundred people fleeing the hostilities between Russia ing about my sister. I’m from the Chabad website. and Georgia arrived at Ben Gurion Airport on specially ready to leave Tbilisi and go Georgian troops withdrew arranged El Al flights. Among them were 30 newly arrived home to Gori,” Miriam Aug. 10 from South Ossetia, immigrants. Israel Army Radio reported that about 60 Jinjikhashvili said. a pro-Russian de facto state Jewish families in Georgia have approached Jewish Agency They have heard that four since 1992. Russia has issued representatives and asked for help. There are an estimated fire trucks on the scene manCredit: ISRANET aged to put out the flames at passports to South Ossetian 12,000 Jews still living in Georgia. citizens for years and served as a peacekeeping force in their building, but the third sister has not been back to the region. check on the condition of their apartment. Before wave after wave of ethnic conflict shook the More than 40 refugees have immigrated to Israel on foundations of Tskhinvali starting in 1992, there was a flights packed with Israeli citizens fleeing Gori. El Al growing Jewish community of more than 2,000 people Airlines is one of the few companies flying to Tbilisi. The in the city of 30,000. most recent flight left Aug. 15 for Tel Aviv with a mix of The JDC listed the number of Jews in Tskhinvali at 19, Georgians and Israelis. as of one month ago. Nothing was heard for days from At the Jewish Agency office, staff members rushed these refugees. between rooms with stacks of passports and spreadsheets But the JDC representative in Vladikavkaz, the full of names in a mad dash to get ready for the plane. Russian regional capital closest to the conflict, said they Jews from Gori crowded in one room and shuffled had located five of the Tskhinvali Jews, including girls through stacks of documents that could send them to aged six and 16. The girls had made their way to the Israel if everything was in order. Russian city with the younger girl’s grandmother after Some already had intended to move to Israel and were spending several days huddled in a basement without taking advantage of the expedited process to make the food or water. trip now, while others were fleeing to Israel primarily The representative, who spoke on condition of because of the conflict, Brodsky said. anonymity owing to safety concerns, said the experience The yard of the Israeli Embassy in Georgia had been of hiding from the shelling in the Ossetian capital had packed for days with would-be immigrants and people badly shaken the teenager. seeking assistance, and the embassy only returned to On the Russian border, the representative said the normal hours on Friday. Russian government was refusing help from internationRussian media have portrayed Saakashvili, the al aid organizations and JDC was the only nongovern- Columbia University-educated president who has courtmental organization operating in Vladikavkaz. ed U.S. favor and sought Georgia’s membership in Mark Petrushansky, the chairman of the Vladikavkaz NATO, as a puppet of the West. They have broadcast a Jewish community, said emotions were running high on loop of his interviews with Western news organizations the Russian side of the conflict, stoked by sometimes such as CNN and pronouncements from his presidential shocking images on television of the aftermath in desk in English. Tskhinvali. Israel has a longstanding defense relationship with Petrushansky said he saw television footage of a Jewish Georgia and over the years has sold rockets, night vision child he knew from a local school fleeing Tskhinvali with and aerial drones to the former Soviet republic. A drone her grandmother to Russia. Incensed, he placed the that was shot down by Russian forces in the breakway blame on Georgia and Saakashvili for starting “this hor- republic of Abkhazia earlier this year came from Israel. rible massacre.” In contrast, soldiers and citizens in the midst of the “The American agencies are broadcasting and we’re fighting in northern Georgia have expressed a sense that watching these lies meant to manipulate people,” he the United States betrayed them by not providing more said. support as the conflict unfolded. They see Russia’s The refugees from Gori can't return to their city, actions as heavy-handed, a return to the Soviet mentaliwhich is guarded and patrolled by Russian tanks. There ty in which neighbors are either puppets or enemies. are reports of Ossetian irregular military forces threatenThe Conference of Presidents of Major American ing the local population and perpetrating ethnically Jewish Organizations, alongside a group that advocates motivated violence. for Jews in the former Soviet Union, NCSJ, released a Delegations from the JDC who tried to reach the statement rebuking Russia for its forays into Georgian embattled city in recent days were turned back by hostile territory and calling for an end to the hostilities.

August 22, 2008

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Creative collaboration with Partnership Continued from page 1 them, and had extensive conversations ranging from polworked with five 11-12 year old girls, all struggling with itics and history, to religion, philosophy, and the meanself-confidence due to probing of art. What a rich, full, lems in their personal backand stimulating time!” she grounds. The group created added. a mural as a thank you to the Goldberg, who also took Regba School and the part in last summer’s pilot Welfare Department of the program, was recently With so many different types of art, one goal of the Artist-inMatte Asher Municipality for named Central Region Residency program is to feature artists from a variety of backfunding the school program Consortium Chairman of grounds. So if you have a special talent in art, music, theater, that attends their special Partnership’s Arts Taskforce. photography, film, architecture or other creative media, this needs. In addition to the Artist-inmay be an ideal opportunity for you. To learn more about how “I feel blessed to have Residency program, the trip you can participate, contact kim_goldberg@gallup.com. worked with these wonderto Israel gave her the oppor-

Are you the next candidate for Partnership’s Artist-in-Residency program?

An Israeli kindergarten student proudly displays the doll she made with Artists in Residence Judi Magder and Fran Englander. Magder and Englander are from Louisville, which is part of Omaha’s 15-city consortium in the Partnership with Israel program. ful girls and their teachers to create an experience to build their self-esteem and belief in their talents,” she said. Goldberg was joined by Caroline Rockman, daughter of Omaha Partnership Chairman Stacey Rockman. “Caroline was a huge addition to the experience. The girls were so excited to have a new friend their age to practice their English with, to teach Israeli dances to, and to socialize with.” In addition to the art projects, each participant of the Artist in Residency program enjoyed home hospitality, toured the country and made new connections. “We all schlepped together through Rosh Hanikra, Acco and Tzfat, and we loved every minute of it,” Greenspoon said. “There is so much to exclaim about and on top of the list is the wonderful hospitality we received.” Magder and Englander agreed. “The program balanced out our time in the schools with accommodations and food that were luxurious beyond expectation. We were also given multiple opportunities for sightseeing and meeting members of the community in a way that most tourists would miss,” Magder explained. “We had dinner in people’s homes, traveled with

Kim and Stacey infused into each day,” she exclaimed. “I thank them for bringing this opportunity to me.” Goldberg says she looks forward to helping the program grow in the years ahead, adding that she hopes future programs will feature participants who come from a variety of artistic backgrounds. People whose talents are in music, theater, film or architecture are just a few examples of candidates who would be a good fit for this unique experience. For Goldberg, the program has been both an unforgettable experience for participants and a key part of Omaha’s Partnership with Israel. “I truly believe this is one of the most successful ways to bring the mission of Partnership with Israel to life,” she said. For more information about the Artist in Residency program, contact kim_goldberg@gallup.com.

Maccabi teens bring home medals

Central Region Consortium Arts Taskforce Chairman Goldberg and Caroline Rockman (daughter of Omaha Partnership with Israel Chairman Stacey Rockman) gather with their fellow artists in front of the mural they painted. The mural was a special thank you to the Regba School and the Welfare Department of the Matte Asher Municipality for all of their help. tunity to plan future Partnership programming with her Israeli counterpart, Arts Taskforce Chair Albert Ben Shloosh. Projects that are in the works include a new Performing Arts Series, a 60 Years of the Western Galilee Photography Exhibition, and a Teen Jewish Identity Photography Project. There are also plans underway for future Artist in Residency Programs, to take place both here and in Israel. The participants were all appreciative of the staff at the Jewish Agency, who does such an outstanding job of running the Partnership program in Israel. “Sagit and Smadi encouraged and reassured, and escorted us on a delightful supply spree along with our fellow artist, Ellie. Efrat and Orly from the Music Center and the Art Center respectively, were generous with their time, support, interpretation skills, and encouragement,” Magder said. In addition to her gratitude to the Jewish Agency, Greenspoon was also very appreciative of Omaha’s Partnership with Israel leadership team. “How can I not mention the infectious passion and love of Israel that

Continued from page 1 Though the sporting events may be the ultimate motivator for our kids to participate in the JCC Maccabi Games, the week consists of so much more. Athletes participated in community service projects, packaging items for homeless shelters and hospitals and sending cards to Israeli soldiers. When they were not in competition or volunteering their time, athletes spent their afternoons with Israeli sh’lichim learning about Israeli culture, history, and current events, and also had the opportunity to create Judaic art pieces. They also participated in the annual Day of Caring and Sharing project, during which they ran carnival games for underprivileged youth. By evening, the teens were brought together to spend time with their new friends in socially conducive environments, including an evening at Sea World and a dance party at the USS Midway Museum. Medal winners included: Grant Glazer, gold medal for longest drive in the fairway; Jessie Morris, silver medal in the 4x50 meter free swim relay, and bronze medal in the 4x100 meter freestyle swim relay; Arielle Pilley, gold medal for individual bowling score, Brenna Robinson, silver medal for individual bowling score, Sydney Robinson, bronze medal for individual bowling score, and gold medal for team competition. For more information about the annual JCC Maccabi Games, please contact me at 334.6404.

To order a gift subscription to the Press... Send a check for $15, made out to the Jewish Press and prorated for the year, to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. For more information on how to connect your outof-town relatives and friends, call 334.6448.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

August 22, 2008

Temple CD to celebrate Israel’s 60th birthday

Beth El’s Hebrew High School to sponsor back-to-school barbecue bash

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple’s High Holiday choir conductor; Temple Israel Communications Coordinator and Maria Harding, principal flutist with Members of Temple Israel are getting a the Omaha Symphony; provided the present -- for Israel’s 60th birthday. instrumental music. Cantor Wendy Shermet of Temple In April, the singers and musicians Israel and Temple soloists Tamara Field, spent eight hours at Warehouse Jonathan Rathsam, and Jeffrey Taxman Productions in Omaha recording the CD. recorded a CD this spring. From the orig- “It’s really been amazing,” Cantor inal 44 songs, 33 made the final cut to the Shermet remarked. “The studio time was CD. Selections range from solos to quar- interesting, because I was conducting and tets, and the singing at the categories of same time for song include many of the liturgical, pieces. Mixing the Israeli, art song, CD was fun, and I holiday, and life like working with style. Tami, Jon, and Selections Jeff. I think the such as “Elohai CD will have N’zor,” and something for “Ma Tova” by everyone. I’ve Danny Maseng, been singing “Oseh Shalom” some of the music by Nurit Hirsch, at Friday night and “eleven services with the wonderful intent that they Israeli songs,” will be familiar are among those when the CDs featured on the arrive.” The CD, said Cantor Cantor Shermet holds a copy of the CD she recently cover, graphics, made with Tamara Field, Jonathan Rathsam, and Jeff and copies were Shermet “The idea Taxman. taken care of at came up two years ago,” she added. Media Services downtown. “Some people suggested we make a CDs will be mailed about the end of recording, and due to Jon’s departure August to each Temple household along from Omaha coinciding with Israel’s with the annual brochure featuring classanniversary, we did it this year.” Rathsam es and events sponsored by Temple’s recently received his Ph.D. from the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong University of Nebraska at Lincoln and Jewish Learning. “I want to reiterate that moved to the Washington, D.C. area as a this is a gift to Temple Israel families,” research intern in acoustical systems. said Cantor Shermet. If anyone from the Cantor Shermet spent many hours greater Jewish community would like a selecting the music and held four or five CD, they are available at Temple for an rehearsals with the group. Julie Sandene, $18 donation to the Music Fund. An Temple’s accompanist for the past 17 anonymous donor made the project posyears; Jerry Brabec, music minister of St. sible for which Cantor Shermet said she is Paul United Methodist Church and deeply grateful.

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator As a welcome-back-toschool treat, Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah (BESTT) and BILU USY are inviting all Jewish high school students to a special barbecue bash on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 67:15 p.m. Teens are promised a great evening, complete with delicious food, a DJ, karaoke, Frisbee, volleyball and football -- at no charge! All Jewish eighth-to12th-graders are welcome to join in the fun, and are encouraged to bring their friends, according to BESTT Education Director Judy Rubin, who added that following the picnic, an orientation Top photo: teens took in the nice weather and enjoyed last meeting will be held for year’s back-to-school picnic, as did teachers, Bottom: Andy this year’s Merit Greenberg, Beth Seldin Dotan and BESTT School Committee Scholarship participants. Chairman Gloria Kaslow. For more information, Robert Mosenkis at 492.8550 or contact Rubin at 498.0904, or eddir@ youthdir@bethel-omaha.org. bethel-omaha.org or Youth Director

Senior NCSY game night to kick off the year by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue With the school year starting, it is also time for high school students to gear up for Beth Israel’s Senior NCSY. The kickoff event for the year will be a Game Night on Thursday, Aug. 28, 7-9 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. Senior NCSY is for ninth through 12th graders. “You don’t have to be a member of Beth Israel to be a part of NCSY,” said Patti Adler, who is coordinating Senior

NCSY this year. “We’re getting ready for an exciting year. Every month there will be different activities - we’ll have dinners, game nights and ‘latte and learns.’ That is in addition to the NCSY conventions that will be held throughout the year.” She added, “We’re jump-starting the year with the Game Night on August 28th. Bring your friends, and come and be a part of the fun.” For more information about NCSY, call Beth Israel at 556.6288.

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Two new programs come to the Blumkin Home Along with Paws for Friendship that residents already enjoy weekly, the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home has added two new programs. Raptor Recovery Nebraska will visit the Home three to four times a year and Domesti-Pups will visit twice a month. “Our residents so enjoy the feathered and four-legged friends that visit us,” says Linda Resident Ida Herzoff and visitor Fitzgerald, one of the Activity Denise Ipock, enjoy the compaDirectors at the Home. ny of Sunnie.

Annie Molyneaux meets Summer, while Nancy Epstein holds Libby, and Linda Molyneaux with Sunnie.

August 22, 2008

IN THE NEWS Governor Dave Heineman has appointed Joan K. Marcus to a special three-month task force to study Legislative Resolution 156, a resolution to examine and provide recommendations relating to the waiting list for people with developmental disabilities. The task force will also provide recommendations on any proposed changes to the methodology used for the payment of service providers. Marcus has been a longtime advocate for people with disabilities and their families. She has served on the Nebraska Planning Council for 20 years and has been a registered lobbyist for most of that time.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

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Local freelance writer Annette Van-de-Kamp-Wright has been accepted as a member of the American Jewish Press Association. She writes frequently for the Jewish Press and will now be offering her columns to other AJPA newspapers. On Sunday, Aug. 31, 1-4:30 p.m., the Conference for Inclusive Communities (CFIC), with presenting sponsor, Omaha Steaks and media sponsors, KETV and Metro Monthly will host the 10th Annual Walk for Inclusion Community-Building event at Heartland of America Park in downtown Omaha. Indie rock band Eagle Seagull performs and an international food tasting will close out the event. CFIC, formerly NCCJ of the Midlands, was founded in 1927 as the National Conference for Christians and Jews, is a human relations organization dedicated to confronting prejudice, bigotry and discrimination through educational programs that raise awareness, foster leadership and encourage advocacy for a just and inclusive society. For walk details and information on how to start a walk team, please contact Amanda Harner, at the CFIC office, 402.391.4460, or email at cfic.walkforinclusion@gmail.com. Registration is also available online at the CFIC website: www.cficonline.org.

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Denise Lewis shows off Flash, the Peregrine Falcon.

Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh group to focus on relationship between “Minyan and Me”

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator The Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group will welcome the month of Elul during a special get-together at the synagogue entitled, “Minyan & Me: Could It Be?” on Tuesday, Sept. 2. The meeting, led by co-hosts Diane Axler-Baum and Carole Lainof, will explore daily services and their significance to the women who attend. “For the past several years, my weekly or twice weekly attendance at morning minyan has given me an unparalleled sense of belonging and meaningful purpose, said Axler-Baum, who began attending to say Kaddish for her mother. “It was extremely difficult at first, because I did not know Hebrew and was completely unfamiliar with the service,” she recalled, “but minyan coordinator Michael Gerson and other regulars offered encouragement and guidance.” Because an increasing number of women are attending and participating in daily services, Axler-Baum and Lainof (another regular service-goer) said they liked the idea of a Rosh Hodesh meeting which explored the minyan from a female perspective. The event will begin with 5:30 p.m. minyan (attendance optional); afterward, a light buffet dinner will be served, featuring a make-your-own-salad bar and refreshing desserts. Following dinner, the meeting will convene at 7 p.m. in the chapel for several presentations: Cantor Beth Schlossberg will share an overview of daily services as one of the significant practices within Conservative Judaism; Michael Gerson will discuss the development and current status of Beth El’s daily services; and several women who are regular minyannaires will also address the group. A question/answer session will follow. Looking forward to the upcoming meeting, AxlerBaum remarked that, “I believe the insights we'll have from our speakers will add immeasurably to our meeting, and hope many Beth El women will join us.” To make reservations, contact Axler-Baum at 496.7455 or Hypelady@aol.com or Lainof, at 293.0321 or thelainofs@cox.net.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Idina Menzel, winner of the 2004 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance as Elphaba, a role she originated in the Broadway blockbuster Wicked, will headline the Broadway Ball Emerald Extravaganza. This fundraising event hosted by “The Presenters”, a volunteer organization supporting Omaha Performing Arts, begins at 6 p.m. on Sept. 5 at the Holland Performing Arts Center. Themed around the upcoming Broadway performance of Wicked, the evening will feature potion-like cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a spellbinding dinner, live auction and musical performance by Menzel. After the performance, guests can dance the night away to Lincoln-based band, BossPhilly. Dress is cocktail attire. General admission tickets are $150. Patron tickets are $300 each and include preferred valet parking and best seats available for dining. To purchase tickets, contact Holly Kaffenberger at 402.661.8454 or hkaffenberger@omahaperformingarts.org by Aug. 28.

WORLD PREMIERE

ORGANIZATIONS WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going on the day trip to the Ameristar Casino on Thursday, please meet at the JCC by 8:45 a.m. For information, call Maggie Conti at 334.6521. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish brings us closer to our roots! Come join us every Thursday, 1-3 p.m., in the social hall of the JCC. For information, call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638. B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Beth Schlossberg, the talented new cantor at Beth El will introduce herself, according to Gary Javitch, chairman for the Wednesday Aug. 27, noon program at Regency Lodge. All men and women in the community are invited. The program is free. An optional buffet lunch is $13; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to get on the email list, contact Lois at 334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

FRI, SEPT 12, 2008 | 7:30pm Holland Performing Arts Center

SAT, SEPT 13, 2008 | 7:30pm The Arts Center, Iowa Western Community College Made possible, in part, with support from Additional support comes from Iowa West Foundation

For Tickets: Call 34-OPERA (346-7372) | Click operaomaha.org Visit Opera Omaha’s Box Office at 17th & Farnam Tickets also available at 345-0606 omahaperformingarts.org OPERA OMAHA’S WEB SITE IS SPONSORED BY:

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

August 22, 2008

Israel brings largest contingent of athletes, great expectations to Beijing

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by ALISON KLAYMAN gram for sporting excellence. BEIJING (JTA) -- The largest contingent in Israeli “He is a kind of role model, as someone who made Olympic history was eyeing its biggest medal haul, with aliyah when he was young and became a successful part one Israeli competitor narrowly missing out and anoth- of Israeli society,” Zinger told JTA. er still in the mix on the first full day of competition at Kolganov won the bronze in the K1 500 meters in the 2008 Games. Sydney and finished fourth in the 1000-meter race, But Judo competitor Gal Yekutiel lost a bronze-medal falling just short of becoming the only Israeli to earn two match Saturday in the under-60 kg class to 2007 world medals in a single Olympics. champion Ruben Houkes of the Netherlands and finArik Ze’evi was back after taking the bronze in judo at ished fifth. In judo, two bronze medals are awarded in the 2004 Games in Athens. With third-place finishes in separate bouts. Henk Grol of the Netherlands beat Arik the 2007 and 2008 European Championships, expectaZeev in the 100 kg men’s judo event on Aug. 14. tions for him are high. “I am divided in my feelings,” said Yekutiel, 27. “On Gil Fridman, who won the gold in men’s windsurfing the one side I am happy for fifth place, but was so close in Athens, was not on this year’s squad. But the 470 to the bronze, so I also feel sad and disappointed.” men’s sailing duo of Udi Gal and Gidi Kliger is coming But Gal Nevo did make it into the Men’s Swim 200 off three straight bronze medals in the World meter medley semi-finals, though he placed 13th and Championships and a bronze in the European didn’t quality for the finals. his teammate, Nimrod Championship. Shapira Bar-Or placed second in the 100m free in his Israel, which has never won more than two medals in heat and eighth in the 200m free semi-final. Tom Beeri an Olympics, was also looking for hardware from its also came in second in his heat for the men’s 200m men’s doubles tennis team of Andy Ram and Yoni breast and fourth in the 100m breast. None of the Erlich. Ranked No. 5 in the world, Ram and Erlich capIsraelis, however, made it to the finals. tured their first Grand Slam title at the Australia Open in Meanwhile, Israeli artistic gymnast Alexander Shatilov January, and reached the quarterfinals last month at advanced to the men’s floor exercise medal round on Wimbledon before they were eliminated. Aug. 17. Shatilov earned a score of 15.60 to finish The third-seeded men’s doubles team with perhaps the eighth, making him the last qualifier for the final. In the best chance at a medal among the Israelis on the court, all-around qualifications were upset Aug. 12 by the round, he finished 29th out unseeded tandem of Arnaud of 98 individual competitors Clement and Llodra Michael to fall just short of making it of France, 6-4, 6-4, in their to the medal round. first-round match. Shalitov, 21, a native of Also that day, Tzipora Uzbekistan who moved to Obziler fell to Mariya Israel six years ago, is the Koryttseva of Ukraine, 5-7, only Israeli competing in the 7-5, 6-4, in a grueling threeevent. hour women’s singles match. Yekutiel defeated TsagaanThat same evening, Obziler baatar Hashbaatar of and Shahar Peer dropped a Mongolia, the bronze women’s double match, 6-3, medalist at the 2004 Games 6-2, to Gisela Dulko and in Athens. He also beat the Betina Jozami of Argentina. 2007 World Championship Beijing welcomes Israel to the Olympic Games Peer, the 24th seed in Credit: Alison Klayman women’s singles, was elimisecond-place finisher Dimitri Dragin of France, 2007 European champion Russian nated in the second round by Russia’s Vera Zvonareva, Ruslan Kishmakhov and Nestor Khergiani of Georgia, 6-3, 7-6. who won the silver medal in ’04. With sailing competitions in Qingdao up and running “I will continue fighting into next year, but I’m not Aug. 15 after being postponed due to insufficient wind, thinking about the next Olympic Games,” Yekutiel said. Israel’s Olympic delegation has something to be happy “I want to rest. I’m tired mentally and physically.” about again. Duo Nike Kornecky and Vered Bouskila Two of the five medal winners in the country’s moved up to third place in the rankings for the Women’s Olympic history are among the 43 athletes -- nearly half 470 event, and Shahar Zubari is still ranked first in the females -- competing in China. Plus there are hopes for Men’s Windsurfer competition. several others. Zinger says the Israelis do not have any extra security Michael Kolganov, who won a bronze medal in kayaking accommodations in China. Eleven Israelis were murat the 2000 Games in Sydney, was the flag-bearer for the dered by Palestinian terrorists at the 1972 Games in opening ceremony. Israeli President Shimon Peres, who Munich. composed a poem about the Olympics, joined Kolganov “We live in the Olympic Village like all the other athand others from the Israeli delegation at the ceremony. letes, and we rely on the experience and expertise of the While the expectations were high, most of the athletes local authorities to do their best so we can compete are making their Olympic debuts and are relatively peacefully and go back safely,” said Zinger, who noted young. “Many will continue on to the next Games” in that the Israel Olympic Committee has invested some London in 2012, predicted Ephraim Zinger, the Israel $20 million over the past four years in preparation for Olympic Committee secretary-general and mission chief. the Beijing Olympics. Zinger told JTA that Kolganov was chosen as the flag “The Olympic Security Department made an assessbearer for his “personality.” A native of the former Soviet ment and drew up a list of countries with the most senUnion, Kolganov made aliyah as a teenager, eventually sitive security issues, and I can tell you we aren’t the only moving from Haifa to a Jordan Valley kibbutz. He ful- ones, and we aren’t at the top of the list either,” Zinger filled his military obligation by serving in the army’s pro- said.

BIRTHS

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Sarah Kelen and Ken Bloom of Lincoln announce the Aug. 8 birth of their son, Moses Ephraim Bloom. He has a sister, Eva. Grandparents are Miriam and Erwin Kelen of Minneapolis, and Estelle and Joel Bloom of Kintnersville, PA. Great-grandmother is Sarah Bloom of Yonkers, NY.

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Rabbi Yosef and Shanny Katzman of Columbus, OH, announce the Aug. 11 birth of their son, Moshe, named for his great-grandfather, Maury Katzman. He has two sisters, Rena Bracha and Kochava Meira. Grandparents are Carol and Mike Katzman, and Levana Kovo of San Antonio, TX. Grandparents are Madeline Katzman, and Janie Levin of Miami, FL, and the late Marvin Levin.

Visions sponsored a “Shabbat Comes to You” for the residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home recently with a special dance performer, Brooke Shulewitz, pictured here with her grandparents, Phyllis and Norm Roffman.

August 22, 2008

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

Maccabiah bridge collapse survivor Israelis host Beijing ceremony to remember Munichthevictims beats the odds to reach Beijing by ALISON KLAYMAN Israeli government but also recalled

by DAN GOLDBERG SYDNEY, Australia (JTA) -- David Zalcberg has cheated death and defied his doctors to compete in Beijing. Zalcberg was 16, a rising Australian table tennis star, when he survived what he called the “horrendous experience” of the 1997 Maccabiah Games disaster. A footbridge collapsed, plunging him and the rest of the Australian team into the polluted waters of the Yarkon River. Four Australians died and scores were injured, including one of Zalcberg’s table tennis teammates, who broke both of his legs. Zalcberg would face more challenges. In 2006, during the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, the left-hander suffered a prolapsed disc, sending him to the sidelines for eight months. In January 2007, during his first training session, he crashed his bicycle and broke his arm in two places. “The doctors said I would never play again,” he told JTA on the eve of his departure for China. It wasn’t until mid-2007 that he began the long road to recovery. Last month he won the doubles championship at the Australian Open, with partner William Henzel, for the third time. Zalcberg, 27, says qualifying for Beijing was a bigger deal than competing at the Athens Olympics in 2004. “I feel very, very lucky,” he says. “The highlight of my career, for sure, would have to be qualifying for these Olympics.” Zalcberg is one of six table tennis players – three men and three women – from the Oceania region to reach Beijing. The top 64 players in the world qualify for the Olympics and compete in singles and a

Davis Cup-style team event, which begins Wednesday. He was the lone Australian Jewish athlete to make it to Beijing. Four qualified for Athens. Zalcberg, who grew up playing at Maccabi and has competed at the North American and Pan-American Maccabi Games, recognizes the irony of playing table tennis in China -- the overwhelming favorite to take the gold medal.

David Zalcberg in action at the Maccabi Pan Am Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in December 2007. Credit: Peter Haskin/Australian Jewish News “It’s ridiculous,” he said. “To the Chinese it’s the premier event; they are so good. They have 20 million players and we have 20 million people in the whole of Australia!” A graduate of Mount Scopus College, one of the largest Jewish schools in the country, Zalcberg just completed his medical degree and will begin working as a trainee doctor when he returns from China. Regardless of his medal chances, Zalcberg is grateful to be donning a green-and-gold jersey for his country. “I feel very lucky just to be able to get here,” he said. “This one’s pretty special.”

BEIJING (JTA) -- Hundreds of Israeli, Chinese and Olympic officials gathered Monday at the Hilton Beijing to commemorate the massacre of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Games. While it has become a longstanding tradition for the Israeli delegation to visit the memorial to the Munich victims in Tel Aviv on the eve of their departure for the Olympics, the tradition to hold a formal memorial ceremony during the Games only began at Sydney in 2000. The memorial is arranged by the Israeli Olympic Committee in conjunction with the local Israeli Embassy, but has never been incorporated as an official program under the International Olympic Committee, for which the Israelis have been pushing. The secretary-general of the Israeli Olympic Committee, Ephraim Zinger, opened the event by reading the names of the 11 athletes and coaches who were killed in the terrorist assassinations in Munich. Rabbi Shimon Freudlich of Chabad Beijing led the El-Maleh Rachamim prayer memorializing the dead. Fourteen members of the current Israeli delegation attended, as well as coaches and officials, all of whom had finished their competitions and were heading back to Israel the next day. “Part of their preparation is to learn and be aware of the heritage of our 11 slain athletes,” Zinger said. “All the athletes know and meet the families, and on the way to the Games they visit the memorial to the Munich victims in Tel Aviv. It is a part of their education.” Israel’s minister of science, culture and sport, Raleb Majadele, spoke on behalf of

having lost two close friends in the massacre. He said the proper way to honor the Munich tragedy was “to continue to train and to continue to participate in the Olympic Games, just as we are doing here in Beijing.” Others, however, took a more critical tone. Zvi Varshaviak, the president of the Israel Olympic Committee, called upon the International Olympic Committee to be involved directly in commemorating the Munich massacre. Zinger said the Israelis raise the issue at every meeting with the IOC, but without results. “Probably they are concerned about the reaction of those who will disagree with a memorial like this,” Zinger said. “There are 205 NOCs [national Olympic committees] participating in the Olympics, and there are more than a few dozen that will strongly disagree with this kind of event.” Ankie Schpitzer, whose husband, fencing referee Andrei Schpitzer, was killed in Munich, was one of the evening’s most powerful speakers in advocating for a wider memorial to be witnessed by all the world’s athletes. “This is not an Israeli issue, this concerns the whole Olympic family,” she said. “Our sons, fathers and husbands were no accidental tourists or visitors to the Games; they were part of it. They believed in the spirit and the dreams of the Olympics, but they all came home in a coffin.” “The overall mood of the night was that the IOC should recognize the 11 athletes who were murdered in 1972 as Olympic victims,” Zinger told JTA. “They were Israelis, yes, but they were Olympians.”

Save Save This This Date Date

“What the Olympics Mean To Human Rights In China” The Tenth Annual Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Lecture on Human Rights

Thursday, October 16, 2008 7:00 p.m. Dodge Room (Third Floor) UNO Milo Bail Student Center Public Welcome

The University of Nebraska is an affirmative action/equal opportunity instiatution. For special accommodations please call 554-2628.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

August 22, 2008

We want to hear from you ... Prior to the Internet age, news was delivered to readers (and viewers) in a top-down manner. In other words, publishers and editors decided what was important to deliver to their audience. And readers had no say at all. All that changed with the development of the Internet and World Wide Web. Today, news junkies can discover what’s going on in any part of the world any time of the day. Between the 24-hour cable news cycle and the rapid expansion of web capability, it seemed for a while at least, that print media was left behind. All is not doom and gloom however. In fact, a recent article in Editor and Publisher (a trade publication for the news industry), noted that newspaper websites had more visitors to their websites than Google News! Top sites included: the New York Times with twice the number of Google’s monthly visitors. Even the Tribune group and Gannett Newspapers beat out Google in the top spots. And that’s not all. According to a spring issue of American Journalism Review, “weekly newspapers are the only growing niche in print journalism.” Why, you ask? Because weekly newspapers -such as the Jewish Press -- can offer something that big city dailies (and big city websites) can’t: close personal contact with members of the community. Every week, there are nearly 50 names and a dozen photos of local residents and former

Omahans in the Jewish Press. It’s your hometown newspaper, where you can submit an announcement about the birth of a new grandchild or the Bar Mitzvah of your nephew now living 1200 miles away. It’s where you’ll find a schedule for every synagogue from Council Bluffs to Lincoln, all in one place. And it’s where news about your family -- from job promotions to the opening of a new business, from awards and honors to high school and college graduations -- can be printed, all for free! Where else would you get 45 stories about Jewish men, women and teens involved in politics like you will in the Sept. 26 New Year’s issue? (Don’t forget that you, too, can be a part of this by sending Rosh Hashanah greetings to your family and friends; call us at 334.6448 for details!) Readers won’t find stories like this anywhere else. And though our focus is on what’s happening locally, the Jewish Press is also the only place readers will discover who’s Jewish among Olympic athletes -- or what’s happening to the 10,000 embattled Jews of Georgia and South Osseita. So, yes, we want to hear from you. We want ideas for

stories, tips on who’s doing what, and news about you and your families. It’s what makes the Jewish Press a highly coveted target market for our advertisers, and what makes us unique in Nebraska. So while we’ve been publishing a print newspaper weekly every week for nearly 88 years, we also began posting stories, photos and announcements to the Federation website at www.jewishomaha.org. And we’re looking at ways to post more content and offer readers (and viewers) more from the Jewish Press; look for more about website changes during the coming year. We think that’s big news whether you look at it online or in print!

FOCUS ON ISSUES by RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON (JTA) -- For Jews, the energy debate is a case where tough-minded hawks and feel-good liberals are in agreement. Whether one views the presidential candidates’ ideas to solve America’s energy problems through the lens of national security or the environment, Jewish organizational leaders say, neither aspirant’s proposals look very good. National security hawks say the quick fixes touted by the campaigns of U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), the presumptive Democratic nominee, and his Republican rival, U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), miss the bigger picture: America needs a comprehensive plan to wean itself from Middle Eastern oil, and fast. McCain advocates allowing states to open up offshore sites previously closed to drilling. Obama wants to reduce replenishment of the strategic oil reserve, the Energy Department's emergency stash. Both candidates also tout more comprehensive policies, but they back these interim solutions as a way to address painful gasoline prices hovering at $4 per gallon. Such salves are meaningless without planning, Jewish organizational officials say. “We are not interested in interim solutions,” said Neil Goldstein, the executive director of the American Jewish Congress, a group that has taken a leading role among Jewish organizations in energy advocacy and independence. “The long-term position has to be to become independent; we must get off of this dependence on foreign oil.” The AJCongress says the first priority should be to enact legislation to require America’s eventual transition to the manufacture of cars that run on alternative fuels. Continued dependence on foreign oil subjects the United States to the potential threat of a cut-off in supply. An Iranian blockade of the Straits of Hormuz, through which much of the Middle East’s oil must travel, would have immediate and catastrophic consequences. Likewise, President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela could follow through on threats to

... quick fixes touted by the campaigns of Obama and his rival McCain miss the bigger picture: America needs a comprehensive plan to wean itself from Middle Eastern oil ... and fast. tariff of 54 cents per gallon on importing sugar ethanol from South American and Caribbean nations. The tariff satisfies American farmers producing corn ethanol, but sugar ethanol has proven much more efficient to manufacture, as well as less damaging to the food supply. The tariff makes little sense given the exigencies of petroleum security, said Ami Greener, the AJCommittee’s energy policy specialist. Brazil, which is friendly to the United States, is a major sugar producer while Venezuela, which has cozied up in recent years to Iran, is a major oil supplier. “I’d rather see our money going to Brazil than Venezuela,” Greener said. The number of alternatives, including tax credits for using alternative fuel, research into more efficient coal use, the use of windmills and natural gas, and the development of electric cars -- an area in which Israel is leading -are vast, Greener said. That doesn’t necessarily count out drilling off-shore or in Alaska, he said, but it must be done in context. “We have 2-3 percent of the oil reserves, and we use 25 percent, and it won’t come down from drilling or political pandering,” he said.

Jewish Press Board Michael Sigmond, Vice President; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Michael Siegel, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Immediate Past-chairman; Marc Brodkey; Andie Gordman; Michael Kaufman; Bette Kozlen; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; Andy Ruback; Jim Simon; Nancy Skid; and Dorothy Spizman. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service/Jewish Senior Services, and the Jewish Press . Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’

In energy debate, Jewish groups concerned with security, environment stop oil sales to the United States, though the prospect is unlikely given that Venezuela is as reliant on America’s oil purchases as America is on Venezuelan oil sales. The Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs faulted both major U.S. political parties for politicking instead of working out a comprehensive plan. “Congress is still dithering about drilling, refining and building nuclear power plants,” JINSA said. “‘We can’t drill our way out of this,’ they chant. No, we can’t. But we can drill, refine, generate, reuse, reduce and recycle.” Another proposal, touted by JINSA and the American Jewish Committee, is to remove a

(Founded in 1920) Bobbi Leibowitz President Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Robyn Belgrade Sales Associate Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper

While AJCongress and AJCommittee take environmental issues into account when formulating energy policies and considering which energy-related legislation to support, some groups have made environmental concerns the determining issue. The Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life, a collection of about a dozen national groups that includes the Reform and Conservative Jewish religious movements, issued a statement last month calling for an emphasis on climate change and natural resources in creating energy policies. “It is the responsibility of every human, from every walk of life and every religious background, to protect the environment for ourselves and for the generations to come,” said the statement from the coalition, which operates under the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. The statement cited the “need for promoting domestic energy security, increasing fuel economy and supporting the development of new methods of renewable energy.” The JCPA has long opposed drilling in Alaska’s wildlife refuge, said Hadar Susskind, its Washington director. “It’s been used as a political straw man, throwing it out there knowing it’s not going to happen," Susskind said. He cited government figures showing that the drilling would have a negligible impact on prices. “It wouldn’t have any real impact,” Susskind said. “It’s bad and ineffective.” The Reform movement’s Religious Action Center has been especially aggressive in opposing Alaska drilling. “Jewish tradition insists that we care for the earth and preserve the goodness of God’s creation,” the center said in a backgrounder published last year. “We are instructed in the Torah not to destroy (bal tashchit). Rather, we are to become stewards and protectors of the land.” Most Jewish communities have yet to tackle the question of offshore drilling because it is a relatively recent proposal, Susskind said. In Florida, one of the states that could authorize offshore drilling should it receive congressional sanction, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz declared her opposition in a recent Continued on page 9

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $33 per calendar year U.S.; $72 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.

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August 22, 2008

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Page 9

Georgia should be on their minds Invasion illustrates the need to see the world as it is, not as we would like it to be

BEHIND THE HEADLINES by JONATHAN S. TOBIN

As the political calendar unfolded in this presidential election year, news analysts often reminded their audiences that the two weeks during August while the Olympic torch burned in Beijing would be very quiet. The upshot was that during the Olympic fortnight the vast majority of Americans would join the rest of the world in obsessing about sports that they only pretend to care about for two weeks out of every four years. Nobody, we were told, could or should even try to make news during this time period because we would all be too busy gobbling up details about such riveting spectacles as synchronized swimming and team handball. But apparently, Vladimir Putin didn’t get that memo. Instead of heading to a beach to chill out like Barack Obama or going to a State Fair for photo-ops with overgrown pigs, like John McCain did, the Russian leader apparently thought this would be an excellent time to play his country’s traditional favorite sport: invading and subverting the governments of its smaller neighbors. That was bad news for Georgia, one of the small independent republics in the Caucasus that gained its independence in the aftermath of the collapse of the Soviet empire. Though most Americans were, and probably still are, uncertain about the location of this country or anything about it (other, that is, than in the fact that it has the same name as an American state), the attack on proWestern and democratic Georgia was something that they should care very much about. Iraq Hangover It was another unwelcome reminder of something that most pundits have been working hard to obscure for most of the year -- namely, that the main duty of whoever’s elected president of the United States later this year is to direct the foreign policy of this country at a time when international affairs are more complicated and dangerous than ever. Despite the evident change for the better in the Iraq war, most Americans are still too turned off by the unpopular conflict in that country to be willing to get too worked up about any other far away place. Few seem to think even the prospect of a nuclear Iran is worth fighting about. So why expect anyone here to switch away from watching swimming or fencing to a discussion of the plight of Georgians whose borders are being overrun and cities bombed?

There’s no denying that it’s a complicated conflict that can be reduced to a tit-for-tat exchange of accusations about whose independence is being trampled: Georgia or the breakaway republics inside its borders that the Russians have used as a pretext to squash a democratic pro-Western government? There’s more than enough hypocrisy about the principle of self-determination to go around. People here who thought NATO’s war to create a Greater Albania via an independent Kosovo carved out of a beastly Serbian regime back in 1999 was a fine thing are now exercised about Putin’s attempt to do the same to a far more presentable Georgian government. Such ironies abound in international politics. Russians who care about the integrity of Abkhazia and Ossetia cheered as their army raped Chechnya. Similarly, those who think a terrorist-led Palestinian people have an inalienable right to create a 22nd Arab Islamic state at Israel’s expense don’t think the far more numerous Kurds are entitled to one. But let’s not kid ourselves. Putin has taken advantage of a Bush administration that was slow to see the danger from the rise of this former KGB agent whose drive to authoritarian power has been fueled by inflated oil prices. The re-emergence of an aggressive Russia is a threat not only to its independent and democratic neighbors like Ukraine and Georgia, but to the peace of Europe. However misguided the democratic government of Georgia might have been in some respects, Bush must step up now and use what leverage we have left to make it clear to the Russians that they will pay a price for their behavior. Taking away their membership in the G8 is one possible penalty that might impress the prestigeobsessed Russians that they’ve made a mistake. But as hapless as the administration’s bumbling approach to this crisis might be, just as discouraging is the general indifference of the public and the chattering classes to the plight of Georgia. While Bush famously erred when he claimed to have looked into the eyes of Putin and saw his soul, Putin has made no such mistake about the current political climate in the United States. He thinks the Iraq hangover we’re still reeling from means that we haven’t the stomach to resist him even on a symbolic level, and he’s probably right. Indeed, the reaction of many of our so-called wise men to the invasion of Georgia was fear of being forced into a new Cold War with Russia rather than in the consequences of a revived Russian imperialism. Nothing to Worry About At Time magazine’s blog, columnist and author Joe Klein waxed hysterical about the “overreaction� of the few Americans who bothered to notice Putin’s putsch. The influential pundit has been working hard lately with

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other war critics to pooh-pooh concerns about Iran’s drive for nuclear weapons, and burnishing the myth that the issue is a mere device created by Jewish neoconservatives who are more loyal to Israel than the United States. So it is was not much of a surprise to find that Klein viewed concern about Russia as being nothing to get worked up over. In a bizarre twist, the fact that Georgia actually is a thriving democracy devoted to free-market principles may be helping to turn off those who have come to associate the spread of democracy with the hated neocons and see any policy associated with its defense as inherently wrong. Others who want to ignore Georgia’s plight tell us, in a strange echo of leftist Cold War polemics, that Russia’s evil deeds are merely reactions to Western overreaching. But Putin’s policy has nothing to do with Kosovo or NATO, and everything to do with his cherished agenda of reconstituting the empire of the tsars and the commissars. The need to play down Georgia is similar to the impulses to return to a Sept. 10 mentality about Islamist terrorism or to brand those who urge action on Iran’s apocalyptic threats of a new Holocaust as war-mongering neocon alarmists. These misguided positions all stem from a desire to see the world as we would like it to be, not as it is. The antidote to these fallacies isn’t the sort of faux “realism� that is merely a cover for appeasement of evil promoted by a failed foreign-policy establishment. Nor is it mere talk about diplomacy from those whose grasp of the issues is shaky. As American politics reawakens next week from its Olympic-induced slumber, it would be prudent for more of us to remember that the ability to think clearly and act decisively about this sort of a crisis is the most important thing we need in our next president, no matter what his name or party affiliation might be.

Jonathan S. Tobin is executive editor of the Philadelphia Jewish Exponent. He can be reached at: jtobin@jewishexponent.com.

Jews concerned about energy Continued from page 8 mailing to constituents. But the Democratic lawmaker, a leader on Capitol Hill on Jewish issues, suggested she was open to persuasion. “I am interested to know what you think about this topic, especially now that energy prices are increasing,� she wrote. Edwin Black, whose book on the topic, The Plan, is due to be published in September, said the key is a better educated public. “We have a confused public and an uninformed media that doesn’t know what questions to ask and politicians delivering malarkey and false promises,� he said.

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Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

August 22, 2008

Candlelighting Friday, August 22, 7:53 p.m

Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com

Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org

Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org

Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 www.OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com

Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org

Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 323 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154

Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org

The Neighborhood Minyan 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609

Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org

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B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg. FRIDAY: Shabbat at the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. Rabbi Levin and Cantor Schlossberg invite you to join them as they celebrate Shabbat with the residents at the Blumkin Home; Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m. Kiddush sponsored by Martha and Robert Senior, in honor of their grandson, becoming Bar Mitzvah; Minha/Ma’ariv, 8:05 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Bible Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m. SISTERHOOD HONEY SALE: Last day to order honey is Friday, Aug. 22. Send festively wrapped six-ounce bottles of honey for $6.50 each. Order 15 or more for $6.25. Questions? Contact Wendy Berenson at Munch765@aol.com, or 253.2028. JEWS & THE ENVIRONMENT: Mini course led by Professor Leonard Greenspoon, Tuesdays: Aug. 26 and Sept. 2, 7 p.m. HEBREW CRASH COURSE: Join teacher Susi Frydman-Levin for her six-week Hebrew Crash Course, on Sunday, Aug. 24, and 31, and Sept. 7, 14, and 21, 10 a.m. to noon. BESTT FAMILY OPEN HOUSE: This Sunday, 10 a.m.noon. Brunch will be provided by Men’s Club and Sisterhood, and families will have an opportunity to meet their children’s teachers, become acquainted with the textbooks and participate in an activity. At 11:30 a.m., Judy Rubin will introduce sixth-grade parents and students to Project Etgar, a middle-school curriculum offered through the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH GROUP: Tuesday, Sept. 2, at Beth El. Topic is “Minyan and Me: Could It Be?” with minyan (optional) at 5:30 p.m., followed by a light dinner and dessert; the meeting will begin at 7 p.m. To RSVP, contact co-hosts Diane Baum at hypelady@aol.com, or 496.7455; or Carole Lainof at the lainofs@cox.net, or 293.0321. WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB: Resumes Thursdays, Sept. 4., 1:15 p.m. TOT SHABBAT: This heartwarming monthly service, open to all families in the Jewish community, resumes on Friday Sept. 5, 6 p.m. services and 6:30 p.m. dinner. For reservations made by Wednesday, Sept. 3, cost is $5 per person; after Sept. 3, cost is $10 per person. No charge for children 6 and younger. RSVP to programming@bethel-omaha. org or call the office.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Kiddush is sponsored by Bruce and Linda Potash in honor of Dani Shrago for all she has put in preparing Sarah for her Bat Mitzvah; “Guard Your Tongue” and “The Great Midrash” are one hour before Mincha each Shabbat afternoon; Mincha, 7 p.m., followed by Seudah Shlishit, sponsored by Bruce and Linda Potash in honor of Sarah’s Bat Mitzvah; Havdalah, 8:55 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Senior NCSY Game Night, 7-9 p.m. at Beth Israel for 9-12th graders; Rabbi’s weekly class, 7:30 p.m.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Youth Minyan, where the Mini-Mensch title will be awarded, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows; join Rabbi Katzman from 12-1 p.m. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Heading Somewhere, studying the book of Numbers, 9:30 a.m.; Parsha study, 10 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Kabbalistic Insights for Women, 12:15 p.m.; Halacha, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: W.O.W. Prayer, Prophets, and Prayer, 9 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m.; The Parsha Club for Level I beginners, ages 5-6; and Level II for ages 7-9, 3:40 p.m. All events and programs are open to the community.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Outdoor Service and Potluck Dinner, 6 p.m. at Wyuka Cemetery led by Rabbi Emanuel. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel. THURSDAY: LJCS Teachers, 7-9 p.m. at Tifereth Israel; Choir Rehersal, 7:30 p.m. Back-to-School Supplies Drive: The Social Action Committee is collecting school supplies to donate to Saratoga Elementary School. Bring items to the stage area of the Social Hall. LJCS FIRST DAY OF CLASSES Sunday, Sept. 7 (except for the Gan Simcha kindergarten class); Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel. Wednesday classes will begin on Sept. 10, 4-6 p.m. for grades 3-7.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by Beth El Members. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to You at Remington Heights, 4 p.m. led by Cantor Wendy Shermet; Open House Shabbat Service, 6 p.m., led by Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Cantor Wendy Shermet. We invite the community to spend Shabbat at Temple. Join us for a savory Oneg Shabbat immediately following the service, meet our clergy, and discover our congregation. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m. Hannah Perry, daughter of Beth and Jay Perry, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. ANNUAL GOLF OUTING Monday, Aug. 25 at Ironwood Country Club. Call the Temple office for more information and to sign up.

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. MONDAY and THURSDAY: Minyan, 9 a.m. Contact the office to arrange for a minyan. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch and Talmud study. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group meets at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Call Yale Gotsdiner, 423.7066. POOL PARTY & PICNIC Sunday, Aug. 24, noon-3 p.m. at the home of Julie and David Brockman. All congregants are invited. Bring your swimsuit; food will be provided.

Jewish shmoozing but no galas on agendas of political conventions by RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON (JTA) – The first day of the upcoming Democratic convention presents a classic Jewish conundrum: Chew over ideas or nosh? A planned get-together at a Denver Jewish deli organized by top Jewish Democrats clashes with a keynote speech by a leading rabbi across town. The conflict encapsulates the political convention experience -like minds socializing beneath the roar of soaring rhetoric. Every four years, the conventions provide an opportunity for Jewish politicos and communal figures to flex some political muscle and mingle among the political elite. The Democrats are meeting in Denver from Aug. 24-29.

The Republicans are in St. Paul, Minn., from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4. Susan Turnbull, a vice president of the Democratic National Committee, issued a Facebook invitation to Jewish friends to attend a “nosh” at Zaidy’s delicatessen in Denver at 2 p.m. Aug. 24, the convention’s first day. Across town, the DNC is launching the convention at the same time with an interfaith gathering featuring Jewish, Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim clerics. The Jewish speaker is Rabbi Tzvi Weinreb, the executive vice president of the Orthodox Union. “We really wanted to kick off the week in a spirit of unity and inclusion,” said Damon Jones, a DNC spokesman. “There’s no

better way to do that than to bring people from multiple faiths together.” The theme is in keeping with efforts by the presumptive Democratic candidate, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), to build bridges to faith communities, addressing a perceived gap between Democrats and believing Americans. Obama has pledged to keep open President Bush’s faith-based office, funneling funds to faith groups to supplement government social service programs. The platform committee, which last weekend finalized the party's manifesto to be presented for approval at the convention, refers to that pledge, carefully hewing to Obama’s caveats: The program

must carefully observe churchstate separations. Critics say Bush has blurred those lines by giving money to programs that include proselytizing. Conventions always have featured last-minute elements but this year, after an especially long primary season, the organizers are less than organized. With just days to go, it’s still hard to pin down schedules at either event. Neither the platform nor schedules are available from the Republicans yet, either. McCain is hoping to make inroads into the traditional Jewish tendency to vote Democratic. In fact, the Jewish vote will figure prominently into the Jewish programming, with both the NJDC and the RJC planning sessions.

August 22, 2008

Life is larger than logic

SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Ekev Our Sidra reminds us of something we all know from life experience -- that one thing follows another in logical order. Indeed, the word “ekev” can roughly be translated into English as “on the heels of.” There is a difference, however, from normal life experience. In this case, as you might expect, the Torah says that life will be good in the Promised Land if you follow God’s commandments. But failure to do so will result in tragedy and Israelites will not last long in the new Land. How simple! Logically, there is a mathematical connection between one event and another. But life is larger than logic and more complicated. The Torah suggests, or rather insists, that there is a Divine Power, assuring that one type of behavior on the part of the Israelites will result in success, prosperity and well being. But another will bring quite different results. Every parent has stressed this simple point to their children. Is is the simple lesson of regard and punishment. The difference in the situation in our Sidra is only that Moses was addressing a people, not a child. The rewards and punishments affected history, not simply an afternoon with or without a child’s playtime. History itself does not necessarily follow the principle of Ekev. There is no natural restraint on aggression, as we are learning today where the actors are the powerful machine of Russia and the people of the small state of Georgia in the Caucuses. In fact, history ought to react in greater morality than it does. If you or I were in command of the military power of the nations of the world, we could demand and attain decency and morality. But alas, this remains for a future to which we long and aspire. It has not yet been achieved by the United Nations of the world. It will come; it will come. So we are assured by our Sidra. Perhaps our children will live in an era of international peace and morality. Or maybe or grandchildren. It is devoutly to be prayed for, but we know it will depend on human actions that history has not yet seen. Perhaps in later times, perhaps in the days of the Messiah ...

DEATHS SHERRY STOLLER BIESELL Sherry Stoller Biesell, formerly of Spirit Lake, IA, died in a car accident on Aug. 19 at the age of 65. A memorial service was held in Gass Valley, CA. She was preceded in death by her brother, David Stoller. She is survived by her husband, Donald Biesell of Gass Valley, CA; sister, Marsha Stoller of New York; step-sister, Lorrie Bernstein of California; and aunt, Ethel Grossman. Memorials to the Humane Society.

JTA series on Ford Foundation Due to the length of Parts II and II of the JTA series on the Ford Foundation and a lack of space in the newspaper, the Jewish Press is posting the entire series on the website. Go to www.jewishomaha.org and click on Jewish Press on the tool bar at the left.

Bone marrow donor needed Lincoln’s South Street Temple has received a request for a bone marrow donor. The request came through a congregant (Penny Berger), and comes originally from a classmate of Penny’s friend, on behalf of her brother-in-law. The following language is from the original request and tells a bit more about the situation: “[My brother-in-law] needs to have the help of someone with O+ blood who is Jewish. There are other factors that make a person a match, but this is a start. Being a bone marrow donor is no longer the difficult process it once was. To learn more about bone marrow donations; visit the Gift of Life organization at: www.giftoflife.org. If you are interested in pursuing this, please contact Rabbi Ilan Emanuel at the B’nai Jeshurun at: 402.435.8004 or Penny Berger at: 402-421.6684.

Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced the discovery of a Byzantine period olive oil production complex in Moshav Avihud in the Western Galilee. It appears that the complex, dated to the sixth or seventh century, was one of the largest ever found in Israel. It had been destroyed by fire as remains of a significant blaze was evident on the walls. In the middle of the building a central crushing mill, (a large round stone) was uncovered upon which a millstone, referred to as a memel was placed. The containers have a combined capacity of approximately 20,000 liters and were paved with mosaic floors and treated with plaster. This was an agricultural production center that served the farming ares of Akko – Ptolemais. Credit: ISRANET

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Prayerbooks Available for Visually Impaired

JEWISH PRESS EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE

The Jewish Heritage for the Blind announced the availability of the High Holiday Machzor in large print and in Braille free of charge for those who need them. A doctor’s note stating necessity is required. To receive a complimentary Machzor, contact our office at 718.338.4999;

The Jewish Press office will be closed Monday, Sept. 1, for Labor Day. The deadline for all ads, articles and photos for the Sept. 5 issue is Wednesday, Aug. 27, 9 a.m. All board lists for the New Year’s issue are due by Monday, Aug. 25. Lists of births, deaths, marriages and B’nai Mitzvahs are due by Friday, Aug 29; and all synagogue schedules for Shabbat and Rosh Hashanah services for the week of Sept. 26 are due no later than Sept. 2. Questions can be directed to the Press office at 402.334.6448.

Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 (with photos we will scan and return). Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, or by e-mailing: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org. Readers can also submit other announcements -- births engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements. Deadlines are normally eight days prior to publication, on Thursdays, 9 a.m. Check the Jewish Press, however, for notices of early deadlines prior to secular and Jewish holidays.

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Sixth century olive press discovered in Western Galilee

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

August 22, 2008

Jewish Omaha Film Festival premieres award winning movies

by GARY KATZ Administrator, Kripke Jewish Federation Library This is your chance to see the films everyone in the Jewish world is talking about at the Seventh Annual Jewish Omaha Film Festival, Sept. 17-25. Four award-winning, blockbuster films highlight the schedule: Refusenik, The Little Traitor, Noodle, and Jellyfish. The festival opens on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m., with the documentary Refusenik, in special partnership with Film Streams, and will be shown at their Ruth Sokolof Theater, 14th and Webster Sts. All other films in the festival will screen at the Jewish Community Center. Directed by Laura Bialas, Refusenik is the first retrospective documentary to chronicle the 30-year movement to free Soviet Jews. It shows how a small grassroots effort (including Omaha’s Shirley Goldstein) bold enough to take on a Cold War superpower blossomed into an international human rights campaign that engaged the disempowered and world leaders alike. Told through the eyes of activists on both sides of the Iron Curtain -- many of whom survived punishment in Soviet Gulag labor camps -- the film is a tapestry of first-person accounts of heroism, sacrifice, and ultimately, liberation. It was the

winner of the Best Documentary award at the 2008 Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival. Bialis came to Omaha in 2002 to show her first film, Tak For Alt, which she coproduced with Broderick Fox and Sarah Levy. That documentary tells the story of Judy Meisel, a Holocaust survivor turned Civil Rights activist. Meisel stayed on after the film’s showing to tell her story to students in Omaha and Lincoln. The premier of this film in Omaha is sponsored by the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation and the AntiDefamation League. Based on the novel Panther in the Basement by the worldrenowned author, Amos Oz, The Little Traitor will be shown on Sunday, Sept. 21, 7:30 p.m., at the JCC, preceded by a kosher deli dinner at 6 p.m. The movie takes place in Palestine in 1947, just a few months before Israel becomes a state. Proffy Liebowitz, a militant yet sensitive 11-year-old wants nothing more than for the occupying British to get out of his land. Proffy and his two friends spend most of their time plotting ways to terrorize and/or blow up the British until one evening, while he’s out after curfew, Proffy is seized by Sergeant Dunlop, a British officer. Instead of arresting him, he deposits

him back home, but what ensues in the weeks to come is a friendship between these two foes. It won the Best Picture Award at the 2008 Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival. Co-sponsored by the Henry Monsky Lodge of B’nai Brith, this Sunday evening program will be combined with dinner before the movie for an additional $10. Reservations are due by Sept. 15. At 37, Miri is a twice-widowed, El Al flight attendant. Her well-regulated existence is suddenly turned upside down by an abandoned Chinese boy whose migrant-worker mother has been summarily deported from Israel. The Israeli film Noodle is a touching comic-drama in which two h u m a n beings, as different from each other as Tel Aviv is from Beijing, accompany each other on a remarkable journey. A box office hit in Israel, Noodle was nominated for 10 Israeli Academy Awards and was the winner of the Jury Grand Prize at the Montreal World Film Festival. It premiers on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m. at the JCC. Two days later, the winner of the Camera d’Or at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival -- Jellyfish -- closes the series at the JCC on Thursday, Sept. 25, 7:30 p.m. Israeli storyteller Etgar Keret and his wife, Shira Geffen, spin in this dreamy tale involving three unrelated women in Tel

Aviv, whose intersecting stories weave an unlikely portrait of modern Israeli life. Batya, a catering waitress, takes in a child apparently abandoned at a local beach. Batya is one of the servers at the wedding reception of Keren, a bride who breaks her leg escaping a locked toilet stall, ruining her chance at a dream Caribbean honeymoon. Also attending the event is Joy, a non Hebrew-speaking domestic worker who is guilty for having left her son behind in her native Philippines. It was nominated for five Israeli Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Advance purchase of tickets for Refusenik are $8 general, $6 students/ seniors, and $4 for Film Streams members and will go on sale online at www.filmstreams.org and in person at the Ruth Sokolof Theater beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 3. Tickets for the other three movies at the JCC are $6 each and can be purchased anytime by calling the Kripke Library at 334.6462. The Jewish Film Festival is sponsored by the Center for Jewish Education, the Special Donor-Advised Fund of the Federation Foundation, and the Avy L. and Roberta L. Miller Foundation by Lindsey Miller-Lerman.

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