September 5, 2003

Vol. LXXXIII

No. 1

Omaha, NE

8 Elul, 5763

September 5, 2003

SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA SINCE 1920

Jewish Groups Celebrate Outcome of Alabama Case, but Worry for Future

Federation Establishes Community Development Position

by MATTHEW E. BERGER

by PAM MONSKY Federation Communications Director After months of conversation among community leaders, professionals and rabbis, an important step is being taken by the Jewish Federation of Omaha to attract newcomers to Omaha. “The need for a professional community development position has been growing over the past few years, explained Steve Pitlor, Federation President. “We’re all aware of our community’s demographics and the Federation leadership has made a decision to be proactive. “The goals of the Community Development Director are much larger than welcoming newcomers to our community, although that certainly is important. This newly-created position also focuses on actively marketing Jewish Omaha and recruiting Jewish people to the Omaha community,” Pitlor added. To reach those goals: marketing Omaha and the Jewish community, attracting newcomers, and recruiting them to live in the Heartland, the Jewish Federation has announced the establishment of a new professional position--a part-time, one-year position partially funded through the generosity of the Nick Newman Foundation and a private donor. As the Federation’s first Community Development Director, Janie Murow said her work will benefit every sector of the Omaha Jewish community. “I plan on working with the Federation’s Centers of Excellence, the synagogues and the Jewish organizations,” she explained. “We’ll be relying on native Omahans as well as those who haven’t lived here very long to help us welcome new families to our community.” Janie Murow Developing an employment-networking program is also a high priority. Working with Jewish business people, corporations, universities and recruiters, Murow plans to develop ways to connect Jewish professionals with area employers. “Our goal is to create an atmosphere where Jews in the workforce can meet one another and maybe help one another out,” Murow stated. “With a newcomer and employment-networking structure in place, we can also begin developing a plan to welcome Argentinean Jews to our community.” Rabbi Mordechai Levin, spiritual leader of Beth El Synagogue, and his family, as well as Cantor Gastón Bogomolni and his wife, Lena, have already begun working with the Federation in exploring ways to help bring Jews from Argentina to Omaha. Argentina has been in the midst of an economic crisis for several years, forcing more than 30,000 Jews into poverty. Others--who do have financial assets-are unable to immigrate to the United States without work permits. A newcomer’s event is being planned for the fall. Murow began work Sept. 2 and can be reached at her Federation office, 334-6566, or via e-mail at: jmurow@jewishomaha.org.

WASHINGTON (JTA)-waiting and watching as Jewish leaders praised Moore defied the court the removal of a monuorder. ment of the Ten State officials took action Commandments in the Aug. 27 to move the monuAlabama Judicial Buildment from the building’s ing but are concerned by rotunda to a private area, some of the developments while Christian religious the case has spawned. activists who support “The result was what we Moore prayed outside. wanted,” said Deborah “We’ve been happy to Lauter, the Antijust let Judge Moore self Defamation League’s destruct,” Stern said. Southeast Region Despite often taking a Director. “We celebrate religiously conservative the rule of law prevailing.” stance on church-state Despite the legal victory, issues, the fervently some in the Jewish comOrthodox group Agudath munity are concerned by Israel of America has not the amount of support taken a position on the Alabama Chief Justice Ten Commandments case. Roy Moore has received in “God and the concept of the state and in Congress. morality does not violate They worry that he will be Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore showed his the church-state separaportrayed as a martyr in Ten Commandments monument to visitors at tion,” said Rabbi Avi future clashes over the state Judicial Building in Montgomery in Shafran, Agudah’s direcrecent months. church-state issues. tor of public affairs. “But Photo by Larry Brook, Deep South Jewish Voice something that is blatantThey also worry that public response to the Ten Commandments case ly in support of a particular religion would be very might cause some federal judges to let other unpop- clearly unconstitutional.” ular orders go unenforced. Other Jewish organizations filed briefs seeking “What is symbolic about any discussion is the the monument's removal last year, claiming it viodepths of feelings on both sides,” said Marc Stern, lated the Constitution’s ban on government promothe American Jewish Congress’ general counsel. tion of religion. The briefs argued that the monu“These two sides really don’t understand each ment not only endorsed religion, but also backed a other.” particular religious perspective. Jewish groups were active while the case was in “The display of the Ten Commandments sends a the courts, supporting efforts to force Moore to message of exclusion to those who do not share the remove the monument, which he installed one night Judeo-Christian religious tradition and a message two years ago. of favoritism to those who do,” said a brief filed by But since the federal court ruled in their favor last ADL, the American Jewish Committee and the year, Jewish groups have taken a less active role-(Continued on page 7)

Omaha’s Jewish Women “Drive Through” for Kickoff of 2004 Campaign by PAM MONSKY, Federation Communications Director Volunteer workers for the 2004 Women’s Campaign chose their campaign donors the easy way. They simply pulled up to the front of the Jewish Community center for “drivethrough donors” and received all of their campaign materials and details for the Women’s Campaign Event, featuring Mona Golabek on Thursday, Sept. 18, 7 p.m. at the Ironwood Country Club. Chairwomen in the Women’s Campaign Cabinet are: Lion of Judah: Anne Shackman and Susie Cohn; Pomegranate: Marcia Pitlor, Barb Platt and Anne Cohen; Leadership: Patricia Newman and Janey Dann; Life Savers: Pam Friedlan(Continued on page 2)

INSIDE: Read It & Eat ........................................... page 7 Teen Age ................................................... page 8 ADL Prepares Teens to Respond to Anti-Semitism on Campus .............. page 11 Vicki Sanford chooses the donors she will solicit from Womens’ Campaign Director Kathy McGauvran. Overall Women’s Campaign Chairwomen are Ruth Erman and Bobbi Leibowitz.

Former Omahan to Lead Israeli Dancing at Beth El ................................................ page 12

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 5, 2003

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 L.O.V.E. Grandparents Day Celebration, 1 p.m. Building Tours, 4 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. C C at the new site of Beth Israel, L L 126th and Pacific

I P & S A V E

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 YES Program, 10 a.m. Third Year Melton Class, 11 a.m. & 7 p.m. JFS Board Meeting, 6 p.m. Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m., at Beth Israel

I P & S A V E

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 JELS/ADL Lunch & Learn, noon UNO Kabbalah Class, 6 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers, noon, at the Park Inn Regency Lodge Adult Education, 6:30 p.m., at Temple Israel C JCC Maccabi Games Reunion, 6:30 p.m. L I P & S A V E

C L THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 I Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. P NCJW Garage Sale, 10 a.m. & Yiddish Group Meeting, 1 p.m. S Jewish Women International Pot Luck Dinner, A 6 p.m., at Corinne Levin’s Home 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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by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Ki Tetze It has been remarked that the idea of humanity was first placed on the agenda of human thought in the Book of Deuteronomy. No better example of this idea is found than in our Sidra, Ki Tetze. If we are talking about humanity, we are talking about the feeling of person-for-person, soul-for-soul. But humanity is perhaps best expressed as it is in Deuteronomy, by the attitude of the normal person with clout toward one who is among us only on sufferance. In Deuteronomy, this last class is represented by the usual formula: the stranger, the widow, the orphan. Our Sidra gives attention to all of these. KiTetze also gives some attention to the poor, the borrower, and the dispossessed. We must almost blush in embarrassment when we read that the lender must not enter the home of the borrower, when he comes to accept a garment or some other pathetic possession as pledge. He must wait without, as our text tries to protect the dignity of the impoverished borrower. The Torah cannot, obviously, look to every possible event in the relationships of people, but it has, for example, the situation of a man whose brother has died. What is his relationship to the widow? Ordinarily he must not have amorous regard for his sister-in-law. But now with her as a widow, he is offered the possibility for him to marry his widowed sister-in-law. (Later Jewish tradition upped the possibility to preference that he should.) There is much more. Where judges, for example, issue a ruling that So-and-So is to be lashed for his offenses, the number of strokes must be limited to 40. Later Jewish tradition, of course, reduced this to 39. Whether or not, this sounds like special humanity to us, it apparently was in ancient times, where among many people,s punishment might simply be a whipping that would end in death. And one more: Israelites were admonished not to hold Egyptians in low esteem: “For you were strangers in their land.” (!) Strangers? Visitors? Slaves! Israelites were slaves there! They were slaves for hundreds of years! But Ki Tetze assures us, still it was their land, not yours, and you were “guests” there. Therefore do not hate them nor underestimate their position as owners. Remember, too, the famous rebuke of the Lord to the angels, who rejoiced at the escape of the Israelites and the drowning of the pursuing Egyptians: “Do you dare rejoice when My creatures are drowning?!”

Women’s Drive Through (Continued from page 1) Friedlander, Ilse Kahn, Dorothy Spizman and Terri Zacharia; Heritage: Kate Kirshenbaum, Dottie Rosenblum, Vicki Perlmeter and Susie Shyken; Ben Gurion Society: Louri Sullivan; Young Women’s: Robyn Belgrade, Kim Schwartz, Deb Marburg and Diane Shandell; and Young Energetic Seniors (YES): Kay Ferer. For more information about the Annual Campaign or the Women’s Campaign event, contact Kathy McGauvran, the Federation Women’s Campaign Director, at 334-6427 or e-mail her at: kmcgauvran@jewishomaha.org.

SALES/FUNDRAISER

DEATH SELMA NOODELL Selma Noodell died at the age of 89. Service were held Aug. 29 at Mount Sinai Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ben Noodell. She is survived by her son, Steven Noodell of Omaha; daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Ralph Holzman of Baltimore, MD; grandsons, Ben and Nate Holzman; brother, Marshall Geller of Tulsa, OK; and sister, Esther Mazvinsky of Omaha.

JTA NEWS BRIEFS • The Palestinian Authority prime minister reportedly is threatening to resign. The Palestinian Authority’s information minister, Nabil Amer, said Mahmoud Abbas would resign if Palestinian legislators do not give him a vote of confidence on Thursday. Abbas is engaged in a power struggle with P.A. President Yasser Arafat. Amer later denied making the statements, which were reported by Reuters. Meanwhile, the speaker of the Palestinian Parliament, Ahmed Karia, said there would be no vote of confidence on Thursday, when Abbas is to present his accomplishments in office in an address to the Parliament. • Iranian-British tensions continue to rise following the arrest in Britain of an Iranian diplomat accused of anti-Jewish terrorism. Iran withdrew its ambassador from Britain on Tuesday, and shots were fired at the British Embassy in Tehran on Wednesday. Iran is furious over the arrest of Hade Soleimanpour, Iran’s ambassador to Argentina at the time of the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center, which killed 85 people and wounded 200. Soleimanpour was detained in Britain last month after an Argentine judge issued a warrant for his arrest. No one was injured in the shooting at the British Embassy, but there was damage to the building. • President Bush should remove trade restrictions on Russia that were linked to Jewish emigration, a U.S. legislator said. Rep. Curt Weldon (RPa.) said Tuesday that lifting the Jackson-Vanik Amendment before Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet later this month would be a way to recognize the changes in Russia since the end of Communist rule. The 1974 amendment ties Russia’s most-favorednation trading status with the United States to permission for Russian Jews to emigrate. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia has been given a waiver each year from Jackson-Vanik’s emigration requirements. Jewish groups in the United States and Russia generally are supportive of Russia's “graduation” from Jackson-Vanik but want assurances that Russia will work to ensure human rights freedoms and fight against anti-Semitism if the measure is lifted. • A fake bomb attached to an anti-Semitic sign was found near a Russian synagogue. The antiSemitic sign, along with a device with wires sticking out of it, were found Tuesday near the Novgorod shul in northwestern Russia, the RIAN news agency and the Anti-Defamation League’s Moscow office reported. Police who arrived at the site determined that the device was a piece of a radio.

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• No pardons should be given to police officers involved in quelling Israeli Arab riots in October 2000, Israeli officials said. Both Israeli President Moshe Katsav and Attorney General Elyakim Rubinstein said the next step in examining the behavior of police, who killed 12 Israeli Arabs and one Palestinian Arab during the riots, should be the investigation recommended this week by the Orr Commission. The comments followed reports that Israel’s police chief is looking into “pre-emptive pardons.”

If you are interested in working on behalf of Israel, send your resume, cover letter and salary history in confidence to: jobs@israelbonds.com (Please be sure to specify the job title, “Minneapolis Field Rep” in the subject line of your email)

• A terrorist group linked to Al-Qaida may have carried out an attack in Germany that targeted mainly Jewish immigrants. German investigators are investigating whether terrorists connected to the Al-Tawhid cell carried out the July 2000 attack in Dusseldorf, according to the DPA news agency.

September 5, 2003

SYNAGOGUES

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Candlelighting Friday, September 5 ....................................... 7:32 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, 7:30 p.m. New families will be called to the bimah for a blessing and introduced to the congregation. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Craig Marantz and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. Rabbi Azriel will give the sermon. An oneg will follow to meet the new congregants SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30 a.m., in the Milder Center; Morning service, 10:30 a.m. Zachary Spooner, son of Gayle and Jim Spooner, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. SITTER SERVICE Sitter service is available for the Friday evening Shabbat Services and Saturday morning service when their is a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, as well as on Sunday mornings when Religious School is in session. Please make a reservation through the Temple office. Cost is $2 per family. Sorry, there are no facilities for infants. SHABBAT COMES TO YOU Friday, Sept. 12, 4 p.m.: Rabbi Azriel and the Temple Youth Group will lead a Shabbat Service for residents of Remington Heights.

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 Maggie and Donald Gerber, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 8:45 a.m. Free babysitting begins at 10 a.m.; kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood. Mincha, 7:25 p.m., followed by Shalosh Suedot, Ma’ariv and Havdalah. SUNDAY: Morning Services, 9 a.m. Tour the new Beth Israel building on 126th and Pacific St. at an Open House, 4 and 4:30 p.m. For safety reasons, visitors may only tour the building site as part of the tours. Evening Services, 7 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. MONDAY: Rabbi Kutner resumes his regular Monday night Talmud class, 7:30 p.m., with a discussion on Tractate Berachos, using the English translation from the Artscroll Talmud.

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: We come together for Morning Services at 9:30 a.m. as Gabrielle Waesch becomes a Bat Mitzvah. Her parents, Devorah and Guenther Waesch, will sponsor the Kiddush in her honor. Evening services at 7:50 p.m. SUNDAY: Services at 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION Sunday, Sept. 7, 11 a.m., Adult Learners will meet in the Library. Wednesday, Sept. 10, 7 p.m., Adult B’nai Mitzvah class. A THOUGHT FOR SHABBAT To receive Rabbi Mordechai Levin’s weekly “Thought for Shabbat,” please send your e-mail address to exec@bethel.org. This is free and open to all members of the community regardless of synagogue affiliation.

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 a.m.5 p.m. weekdays at 416-2321 (local for Lincoln), or at rabstiel@aol.com. FRIDAY: Shabbat Services, 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Religious school teacher training, 10 a.m.-noon. THURSDAY: Choir Practice, 7:30 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION Congregation B’nai Jeshurun will be running adult education mini-courses throughout the year on Tuesday evenings from 7-8:30 p.m. The first course is “Finding Our Way: A Look at what Judaism has to say about God and Spirituality.” The course is made up of the following subjects: TUESDAY, Sept. 9: An Overview of Biblical and Rabbinic Views on God. Sept. 23: What the High Holy Day Prayer book says about God. Sept. 30: An Introspection: The Personal Journey. Oct. 14: Some Modern Jewish Views of God. Oct. 28: Modern and Ancient Approaches to Accessing God/Spirituality. Participants are encouraged to come to all, but are also welcome to attend even if they cannot make all of the classes. There is no charge.

PERSONALS We wish to express their sincere thanks for the love and support that was shown during our time of sorrow. Cards, gifts of food and contributions meant so much to us. Your care will always be remembered. A special thanks to Cantor Wendy Shermet for the care and kindness she gave us. The family of Jeff White Thank you to all our relatives and friends for cards, gifts and donations given for our 60th wedding anniversary. A special thanks to our children for helping to make this weekend so special. Berniece ad Don Cohen

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster St., Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 Phone: 322-4705 E-mail: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

FRIDAY: Evening Service, 7:30 p.m. Oneg will follow.

3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423-8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org

BEYT SHALOM

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.

An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

3012 S. 119th St., Omaha, NE 68139

P.O. Box 390352 402-660-2395

FRIDAY: Shabbat at the Synagogue, 7 p.m. SUNDAY: First day of Religious School, 3 p.m. at the JCC.

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 Andy Greenberg. All services are held in the Herbert Goldsten Chapel and are open to the community.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway, Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294-6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

B’NAI MITZVAH Andrew Taylon, son of Alain Taylon and Susan Bernard, will become a Bar Mitzvah at Temple Israel on Saturday, Sept. 13. Andrew is a seventhgrade honor student at Beveridge Magnet School and plays baseball. He has a younger brother, Eric. Grandparents are Dr. and Mrs. Stanley Bernard of Nashville, TN. Erica and Sarah Chapman, twin daughters of Doug and Debbie Chapman, will celebrate their B’not Mitzvah at Beth El Synagogue on Saturday, Sept. 13. The girls are eighth-grade honor students at Beveridge Magnet School and were both selected to participate in the Duke Talent Identification Program. In addition to playing cello in the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra, the twins also participate in drama. Sarah has participated in plays at Beveridge and also plays in Beveridge’s jazz band, while Erica plays piano.

Erica Chapman

Sarah Chapman

The girls are also members of the swim team and enjoy skiing. For their mitzvah project, Erica and Sarah decorate the hotel rooms for Make-a-Wish children who stay in Omaha the night before leaving on their “wish” trips. In addition, Erica will make a donation to Makea-Wish, while Sarah makes a contribution to the Nebraska Special Olympics. The girls also have another sister, Leah. Grandparents are Jackie Chapman of Omaha, Howard Chapman of Saugatuck, MI, and Jim and Sandy Saulsbury of Spicer, MN.

Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 5, 2003

EDITORIAL A Big Step for the Jewish Community It’s no secret that members of this community have voiced their concerns over the demographics of the Jewish population here. Numbers are down; young people are leaving the state and those remaining are having fewer children. At first glance, it’s depressing news. However, several leaders have stepped up to the plate to do something to remedy the situation. Starting this week, the Jewish Federation of Omaha will have a professional in place to help us change directions. The job of Community Development Director not only includes the past responsibilities of welcoming newcomers and planning an annual event, but some new, very important additional ones: responding to Jewish individuals, couples and families who inquire from out of state (or even out of country!) about Jewish life in Nebraska, networking with businesses, academia and healthcare institutions to put prospective employees together with employers, and finally, and maybe most importantly, marketing Omaha to the rest of the world.

We’ve long maintained that Omaha is the country’s best kept secret. With a lower-than-national-average cost of living, mostly hassle-free driving, good public schools, easy access to the arts and entertainment, an overabundance of air carriers (and low prices), two medical schools, a dental and pharmacy school, and law schools in both Omaha and Lincoln, this community should be--and can be-attracting more Jews. Add to that this large, beautiful campus on 132nd Street and recent, brand-new and possible future facilities for our three major synagogues, this community can easily support 1000 more Jews! Our hope is two-fold: • first, that all Jewish organizations, agencies and synagogues reach out to work together with the new Community Development Director in promoting Omaha and environs, and, • make this project so successful in attracting and retaining Jews to our area that the position becomes a permanent, full-time job (alevai, with an assistant even!). Where can we sign up to help?

There Goes the Neighborhood

JOURNAL ENTRY FROM ISRAEL by TEDDY WEINBERGER Mishol Ha’admonit (Peony Lane) has lost its token gentile family: the Gerloffs have moved away. I’ve referred to the Gerloff family in several of my columns over the past few years in that they allowed me to think clearly about the implications of a majority Jewish culture. The Gerloffs have the distinction of being doubly “other” in Israeli society: not only are they Christian, they are German as well. Johannes and Krista Gerloff arrived in Israel in April, 1994. The Gerloffs are pious, religious Christians. Krista is actually a Czech native, and they speak both Czech and German in their family. Initially, Johannes worked for the International Christian Embassy, an organization of Christians from 23 nations who support Jewish life in the Jewish State. Krista had primary responsibilities for their then two very young children. Johannes and Krista did not know how long they would remain in Israel. Only in January of 2000, when they brought over their furniture in a lift from Germany, were they ready to declare their long-term intentions to live here. Life in Israel was especially hard for Krista at the beginning. “I hated it here at first,” Krista told me. “I cried every night. We came from the Black Forest (in Southwest Germany) where everything is lush and green. Here it was all dry, and dusty, and dirty. “And the country seemed very secu-

lar. I had expected Israel to be something different. I had expected it somehow to be more spiritual. It took me a while to get used to things.” Though Johannes was enjoying his work at the International Christian Embassy, he wasn’t blind to Krista’s predicament, noting, “I made the move here with a lot of trembling. I was afraid that Krista would say ‘I can’t stand it anymore.’ I said to the Lord, ‘You gave me this wife and if you want me to be here you will make this part of her.’” A turning point came with the series of bus bombs in 1996. “It changed something in my heart,” says Krista. “I went on my knees to God. After that, I felt much more a part of it here.” Citing Isaiah 40 (“Comfort, oh comfort My people . . .”), Johannes says that they realized that “our very being here in this time of terror and attacks and war is important to Him.” In addition to the support that they receive from friends and family back home in Germany and the Czech Republic, another factor in keeping the Gerloffs in Israel has been their reception by Israelis. Krista explained, “We have always felt a lot of encouragement here. If we had felt that the people of Israel don’t want us here, it would be a different matter.” I have to admit that the Gerloffs “blame” me in part, for only a few days after they arrived in Givat Ze’ev, in the spring of 1998, Sarah and I had

their family over for a Shabbat lunch. Johannes is quick to make clear a reason for why he is not here, adding, “I don’t see myself as a representative of the German people embarked upon a personal reconciliation mission. I cannot make undone what has happened. I cannot pay for it. What I can do and what I did do and what my parents and sister did too is to work with people who suffered in the Holocaust, who are still suffering, and to try to ease their pain somewhat.” The brunt of being a German Christian living in Israel has been borne by the Gerloff ’s five children (Netanel 13, Sara 10, Shuli 8, Benny 3, and Mihal 6 months). Kids will occasionally call them Nazis. Sometimes Krista interferes, such as the incident several years ago when the kids were playing in the nearby park, a short distance from their house. A kid kept saying to Sarah, “You’re a German Nazi, you’re a German Nazi.” After a while, Krista couldn’t take it anymore and said: “If she is a Nazi why would she play with you? Why would she be your friend?” As to the future, the future that they envision for their children in Israel, and how it will be possible for them to continue as they are (trilingual German-Czech Christians), Johannes

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says, “The most important thing for me is that my children have a relationship with the living God. Their cultural identity is not as important to me. It helps too that we come from Christians who understand that Christianity is rooted in Judaism.” Ironically, while the Gerloff children are the only religious Christians in the schools they attend, Johannes maintains that such was his experience in Germany: out of 2000 students in his huge high school, Johannes says that he was the only believing Christian. Krista added, “Here in Israel, we send our kids to religious kindergartens, and then for their schooling they are exposed to values and Torah through the Tali system (a Jewish enrichment track for regular Israeli public schools). Their lives are much more in relation to the Bible than they would be in Germany or the Czech Republic.” So Mishol Ha’admonit is saying good-bye to the Gerloffs, but it’s more of a ‘see ya soon’, an auf wiedersehen, a nashledanou, a l’hitraot--because the Gerloff ’s new home is just three blocks away. Teddy Weinberger is a freelance writer and educator in Israel. He made aliyah five years ago with his wife, former Omahan Sarah Ross, and their five children.

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.

September 5, 2003

BEHIND THE HEADLINES

A Truly Historic Lawsuit

by RABBI AVI SHAFRAN The loud chortling sound you may have heard last One supposes that Dr. Hilmi was unfamiliar with week was the collective mirth of countless Talmud- that page of Talmud, and perhaps with the underconversant Jews as they read about a lawsuit being lying Biblical narrative on which it is based. prepared by a group of Egyptian expatriates in His gift to us, though, is more than a good laugh. Switzerland. For by sending us to Sanhedrin 91a, he provides us The news came in the form of an interview, pub- great consolation and hope in these trying times. lished in the Egyptian weekly Al-Ahram Al-Arabi, For the very next account on that page concerns with Dr. Nabil Hilmi, Dean of the Faculty of Law at yet another historic lawsuit--ancient and yet as the University of Al-Zaqaziq. The article was trans- timely as tomorrow’s headlines. lated and made available by the invaluable Middle This suit was filed by “the children of Ishmael and East Media Research Institute (MEMRI). Keturah (Abraham’s second wife, identified by the Dr. Hilmi’s lawsuit is ostensibly being filed Midrash as Hagar).”Ishmael, of course, is claimed against “all the Jews of the world” for recovery of by many Arabs as their ancestor. property allegedly stolen during the exodus of the The plaintiffs in this suit claimed that Canaan, or Jewish people from Egypt approximately 3300 the Land of Israel, was really theirs, as the Torah years ago. identifies their anteCiting the Torah, Dr. ...(the) lawsuit is ostensibly being cedents, no less than Isaac, Hilmi is demanding, preto be progeny of Abraham. filed against “all the Jews of the sumably on Egypt’s Once again, Geviha behalf, the return of world” for recovery of property responded on behalf of the “gold, jewelry, cooking allegedly stolen during the exodus Jews. “Your source?” he utensils, silver ornaasked. “The Torah,” they ments, clothing and of the Jewish people from Egypt responded. “If so,” he conmore,” not to mention approximately 3300 years ago. tinued, “I too will invoke interest thereon, taken by the Torah, which says that the ancestors of today’s Jews “in the middle of the Abraham gave ‘all that was his to Isaac; and to the night”--a--“clear theft of a host country’s resources children of his concubines (other wives), he gave and treasure, something that fits the morals and (only) gifts, and he sent them away from Isaac his character of the Jews.” son... eastward’ [Genesis, 25:5,6].” According to Dr. Hilmi’s mathematical computaIntriguingly, the Talmud mentions no Ishmaelite tions, which include an annual doubling in value of or Keturite reaction in Alexander’s court--not even the material in question, 1,125 trillion tons of gold a request for time to formulate a response. It’s are owed by the Jews for each of the 300 tons he almost as if those plaintiffs simply refused to estimates was taken. And that doesn’t include acknowledge the unarguable case that had been interest, which he claims, without explanation, presented, as if they were utterly unable to counteshould be calculated for 5758 years. nance the idea that the Holy Land was in fact The merriment that greeted the report was born of bequeathed in its entirety by Abraham to Isaac, the fact that the Talmud tells of precisely such a claim who in turn bequeathed it to Jacob; and he, to his lodged over 2000 years ago in a world court of sorts children after him, the Jewish people. presided over by none other than Alexander the Great. According to the Jewish religious tradition, The story is recounted in Sanhedrin 91a, where it though, the entire world, including Ishmael’s is recorded that one Geviha ben Pesisa responded descendants, will one day come not only to counteon the Jews’ behalf. A paraphrase of the excerpt nance the idea but to fully embrace it. That day has follows: not yet arrived, to be sure, and it will not be mili“What is your source?” Geviha asked the Egyptian tary or political actions in the end that will bring it, representatives. “The Torah,” they replied. but rather our merits as a people. “Very well,” said Geviha, “I too will invoke the It will arrive, though. As the prophet Jeremiah Torah, which says that the Jews spent 430 years tells our Rachel, one of the mothers of the Jewish laboring in Egypt. Please compensate us for 600,000 people: “Restrain your voice from crying and tears men’s work for that period of time.” from your eyes...for there is hope for you in the end The Egyptians, the Talmud continues, then asked ...the children will return to their borders.” Alexander for three days during which to formulate Rabbi Avi Shafran is Director of Public a response. The recess was granted but the repre- Affairs for Agudath Israel of America. This sentatives, finding no counter-argument, never article is courtesy of Am Echad Resources. He returned. can be reached at: shafran@agudathisrael.org.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: During a recent trip to Omaha to visit my mother, who became a widow five months ago, we visited the Golden Hill Cemetery to try to find some peace during this very difficult time. It is hard enough to go to the cemetery where a precious loved one is buried, but it was nearly heartbreaking to find the cemetery in such an untidy state. The sidewalk to the back of the cemetery was so overgrown with weeds, that in some places you couldn’t even see the cemented path. How is it possible to let such an important place in our life cycle develop into such a disorderly condition? I have been told that the situation arose due to the high turnover rate of the maintenance staff responsible for the upkeep of the cemetery. This situation should and must be dealt with in order to help those of us still on this earth deal with our intense loss.

It is deplorable that it is taking so much time to rectify the situation. Our loved ones in the graves have no recourse. We must fight for their right and dignity. We, the descendents, must take up the cause for their dignity and rights. If the situation was for someone living, this situation would not take so long to rectify. I urge those of you who are disturbed by this situation, to get involved, voice your feelings and stay abreast of the status, in an effort to make the situation better. We owe it to our departed loved ones to make their final resting place on this earth one that each of them would want you to come to on a continuous basis. Wishing all of you peace in your hearts, peace in your homes and peace in your lives. Anne Richtman-Kaplan Highland Park, IL

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September 5, 2003

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Temple Israel to Welcome International Artists on S’lichot by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Wendy Eisler-Kashy and Allan world premiere Sternfield, both born in the United of his work States, started out in 1989 as the “Arias and Jerusalem Duo performing through- Barcarolles” in out Europe. In 1995, they became the Israel and Jerusalem Lyric Trio when Amalia London, and Ishak, a native Israeli, joined the was acclaimed group. They will perform at Temple by the composer Israel at S’lichot services on Saturday to be a “singer of night, Sept. 20. outstanding Eisler-Kashy, originally from San quality, possessing extraordinary Francisco, is the flutist and manager musicality and versatility.” of the Trio. She was lauded by the As a trio, the artists’ premiere perNew York Times at her Carnegie formance was at the Old Testament in Recital Hall debut for “remarkable the Arts Festival in Prague. “Often we depth of experience...complete techni- have been asked to represent Israel in cal control, and an underlay of sensi- international music festivals,” said tivity that lent distinction to her per- Eisler-Kashy. formance.” She “We have enjoyed presenting our moved to Israel unique repertoire--much of which was in 1975 at the composed for our Trio--to audiences invitation of the which have had little exposure to J e r u s a l e m Israeli musical culture. A number of Symphony to be our works are based on biblical its principal themes or texts or describe the beauty flutist and since of Jerusalem. The music has great then has become significance to Christian as well as a well-known Jewish audiences.” soloist. She is often chosen to preIn addition to performing throughmiere new works by Israeli com- out Western and Eastern Europe, posers. South America, Russia, and Israel, Sternfield, a native of Newport Eisler-Kashy and Sternfield continue News, Virginia, is the pianist of the to work together as the Jerusalem Trio. He studied at the Peabody Duo. All three artists perform in other Conservatory in Baltimore. Since ensembles, and they all teach. moving to Israel in 1976, he has been Four years ago, the Trio started active as a soloist with orchestras, in touring in North America, opening chamber music concerts, and solo with a concert at the Museum of recitals. He has appeared three times Jewish Heritage in New York City. in the prestigious Israel Festival. They have found that North American He has been warmly praised for his audiences are used to chazzanut, “artistic maturity, interpretive pow- klezmer, and Israeli folk and pop ers, and skill” by Japan Times, his singers. “impeccable technical “The Jerusalem Lyric Trio resources and musical doesn’t fit any of those cateapproach beyond reproach” gories,” explained Eislerby The Jerusalem Post, and Kashy. “We offer something his “complete mastery” by different. I have not found The London Daily another ensemble like oursTelegraph. Sternfield has -a group from Israel that been on the faculty of the offers a classical program Jerusalem Rubin Academy highlighting the religious of Music and Dance since and cultural heritage of the 1976. Jewish people.” Ishak made her debut with the S’lichot will begin at 7 p.m. with Israel Philharmonic Orchestra under Havdalah. Temple’s religious school the baton of Zubin Mehta. Appearing teachers will be given the honor of regularly in leading roles at the New changing the Torah mantles in anticiIsraeli Opera, Ishak is featured as a pation of the Holy High Days. guest artist with renowned orchestras Members of Women of Reform in Israel and abroad. The soprano Judaism will prepare the annual with the Jerusalem Lyric Trio, Ishak S’lichot reception, an array of chocowas personally selected by the late late desserts. Leonard Bernstein to perform the

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Mom’s Best Desserts

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Cookies, Cakes, Pies, Fruit Desserts, and Puddings & Ice Cream recipes--100 old classic favorites that are as delicious now as they were long ago are found in this delightful book: Mom’s Best Desserts. Think trifle, slump, fool, crunch, grunt, pandowdy and a walk down dessert memory lane-from Ambrosia to Zucchini Chocolate Cake and in between. Headnotes and sidebars give mom’s helpful tips and information as well as anecdotes and historical tidbits scattered in boxes throughout the cookbook. The recipes are one-to-a-page with numerical easy-to-follow instructions. You might want to thumb through this cookbook with a glass of milk at the kitchen table. For your holiday baking here’s mom’s trusty old recipe for a classic and traditional cake. HONEY CAKE 1 cup dark honey, such as buckwheat 1/2 cup strong brewed black coffee 21/2 cups sifted unbleached all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 3 large eggs

Self-Improvement Series to Start by ARIELLA HOFFMAN for the Omaha Center of Torah Learning Starting Thursday, Sept. 11, 7 p.m., in the auditorium of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Nursing Home, Rabbi Tuvia Hoffman will be giving a four week lecture series on self-improvement to help get ready for the High Holidays. Rabbi Hoffman learned for almost a decade in Israel’s finest intuitions of Torah learning amongst master educators. With a background in entertainment, Rabbi Hoffman’s classes captivate both the mind and soul. Here is a list of classes and dates: Sept 11: “One Step Away from Happiness”--Three things obstruct our happiness. Learn and smile with Rabbi Hoffman in this class, and we will explain what those obstructions are. Sept. 18: “Anger”--Our most dominant emotionwhat is the source of its fury? Discover the secret of its power. Sept. 25: “Sing Out Your Soul”--The Hassidic Master Rabbi Nachman from Breslov considered this lesson the source of self-empowerment. Unlock your potential in this class. Oct. 2: “Jealousy”-- One of the most puzzling of the 10 Commandments is the command not to “covet”. But how can we be commanded not to have an emotion?! Find the answers in this class. Please call Rabbi Hoffman at 981-0569, for more information.

cup firmly packed dark brown sugar 1/3 cup vegetable oil 2 teaspoons finely grated orange rind 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 2 tablespoons finely chopped candied orange peel (optional) Sifted confectioners’ sugar Preheat the oven to 300º. Thoroughly grease and flour a 9x5” loaf pan. Set aside. In a small saucepan, mix together the honey and coffee, over moderate heat, stirring until combined. Set aside; cool to lukewarm. Sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, baking soda, ginger, salt and cloves. Set aside. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the oil and continue beating until thoroughly blended. Add the orange zest. Add the flour mixture alternately with the honey mixture, mixing just until the batter is smooth and blended. Fold in the nuts and the candied orange peel (if using). Spoon the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes, until a cake tester inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Turn the cake out of the pan and cool completely. Wrap the cake in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and let it stand overnight to allow the flavors to intensify. Sprinkle with the confectioners sugar and cut into very thin slices. 12 Servings.

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IN THE NEWS The photography of Ellie Greenspoon is on display in the Michael Phipps Callerya t the downtow W. Dale Clark (Main) Library through the end of this month. Greenspoon’s collection, “Juxtaposed Photographic Images of Social Manifestations and Popular Culture,” is an eclectic mix of traditional large-format photography, electronic imaging and tinting. Need a helping hand to find funding, or assistance preparing a grant application? United Way of the Midlands is sponsoring an informal and informational monthly networking opportunity and grant writing technical assistance. The networking sessions will be on the third Thursday of each month, beginning Thursday, Sept. 18, 11a.m.-1 p.m., hosted by the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands, 115 So. 49th Ave. Bring a brown bag lunch, grant and foundation funding questions, information to share with grant seekers. There is no charge. for more information, contact:Lou Meyers, Director, Grants Development, at: lmeyers@uwmidlands.org. or call 522-7941.

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September 5, 2003

TeenAge My Shir La-Shalom by ALANA KINARSKY Al tagidu yom yavo--Don’t say that the day will come havi’u et hayom--Bring the day, ki lo chalom hu--because it is not a dream. u’v’kol ha-kikarot--And in all the city’s squares, hari’u lashalom--shout for peace. Lachen rak shiru shir lashalo--So sing only a song for peace… Tears roll down the faces of 17year-old Jewish teens as the words of the Shir La-shalom (A Song for Peace) escape their fragile lips. The pain of all the suicide bombings, the pain of all the heroic, yet premature, deaths, and the pain of living in a country surrounded by hatred formed the tears that were wept that day. Rabin’s square, Har Herzl, and Masada made us recall the battles Zionists have had to fight. I was one of those Jewish teens this summer fortunate enough to go to my Jewish Homeland and cry along side my people for the struggles we have been presented and the challenges we have overcome. Receiving the honor of partaking in Bronfman Youth Fellowship in Israel 2003 was an overwhelming feeling. To go to Israel and spend five weeks with 25 others who shared the passion for learning that was yearning within me was something I never thought I would be able to do. I no longer found myself sitting in a classroom; I was living what I was studying. I sat across from Golda Meir’s gravesite and learned about the wars that plagued Israel’s past. I woke up at two in the morning and climbed Masada, where I learned of the suicides executed where my feet were planted. It was I who stood in Independence Hall in Tel Aviv and sang the Hatikvah as I faced a picture of Herzl. I learned about rabbis in the Sanhedrin, I learned about the role women have within Judaism, I learned about Mordecai Kaplan and his revolutionary thoughts, and finally, in my shiurim (classes), I learned how to analyze Jewish text.

The Summer of a Lifetime by BEN GERBER Another school year is just around the corner and every one of my teachers will ask the age old question; “What did you did this summer?” Sounds like a simple and fair question. But for the first time I do not know how to begin to explain my summer experience in Israel. Do my teachers want to know about snorkeling in the Red Sea, or seeing the sunset while on a mountaintop in the middle of the desert? Perhaps they will be more interested in hearing about the permanent friendships that I developed with other Jewish teenagers from around the country. In any case, my summer experience in Israel was completely amazing. I was privileged to spend six weeks in Israel. The program I attended was through B’nai Akiva, an international youth group. The main objective, is to emphasize and educate Jewish people about the significance of the State of Israel. Some 350 teenagers and I, from across the United States, attended this program. I speak for everybody on the trip when I say that our time spent in Israel was amusing and unforgettable. Many Americans have developed an uncertain attitude towards Israel. They feel it is a precarious place, and anybody who goes there on their own is crazy. I strongly urge those who honestly think this way about Israel keep their mouths shut. Israel is a safe place with a strong military presence. I wish that everyone who has the opportunity to go to Israel takes advantage and goes! If you have any questions, or would like to hear more about the summer of a lifetime, PLEASE feel free to contact me!!! Ben is the son of Maggie and Donald Gerber and a senior at Burke. He is a member of AZA #1, NCSY and Beth Israel.

At first this was all history to me, but the more I began to fathom what I was hearing and seeing, the more I began to understand that this was not history, but events that are still shaping the lives of my people today. The prominent figures of our Jewish world also played a large role in the experience I had. Having the opportunity to personally talk with Daniel Kurtzer, the US Ambassador to Israel, shake hands with Shimon Peres, a Noble Peace Prize winner, and sit in the second row while Ariel Sharon, the prime minister, gave a speech about American and Israeli relations, was unforgettable. Getting into intellectual arguments with the editor of the Jerusalem Report and a Palestinian professor at Hebrew University is so overwhelming now that I look back. Listening to A.B. Yehoshua, a distinguished author, talk about his thoughts on Israel and its relation to the Diaspora was amazing! All these people helped make my summer full of complex questions and promising answers. Bronfman Youth Fellowship in Israel opened my eyes to a side of Judaism most living in the Diaspora do not get a chance to witness first hand. I now know that the gruesome images in the media do curse the daily lives of Israelis, but there is so much joy and safety in our homeland that fails to make the New York Times front page or CNN’s headline news. I now understand the importance in educating ourselves with the accomplishments and challenges the Jewish people have faced. We, the Jewish people of the Diaspora, have a responsibility to support Israel and fight anti-Semitism where we live. I have high hopes that the Jews of the world will travel to Israel to experience the overpowering journey one small country in the Middle East can take you on. I hope to see you next year in Jerusalem, but, until then, keep singing the song for peace. Alana is the daughter of Leo and Yulia Kinarsky and a senior at Burke. She is a member of MZ Yoshanah BBG and USY.

Wonderful Land of Israel by JOSH SWEET This summer I visited the wonderful land of Israel, and it was one of the most amazing summers of my entire life. We began our journey in the Czech Republic and Poland, visiting the concentration camps and ghettos of the Holocaust, and then set off for the Promised Land. We experienced so many things that I will never forget, climbing Masada at sunrise, a three-day trip through the Negev Desert, riding camels with a Bedouin tribe, floating across the Dead Sea, tumbling down sand dunes, snorkeling in the Gulf of Eilat, eating lunch with the Druze, and so many more unforgettable activities. I know many parents had difficulty deciding whether to send their sons and daughters to Israel this summer. I cannot argue with them, because they had a very good right to be concerned. It is a very dangerous place to go vacationing. But, I can tell them there was not one time where I felt threatened or scared. Also, we always had two armed guards, with whom we became very good friends. Whether I was shopping in the mall or attending services at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem I always felt safe. This journey through Europe and to our Jewish Homeland was not just all fun, even though most of the time it was. Our group leaders also taught us how to be at peace with ourselves, and the land we were in. They taught us how to respect not only God, but also the nature around us. Our leaders were able to get our entire group to look into themselves deeply and decide where they wanted to be in life, and how they could get there. I was spiritually changed by this trip in many ways. Our head group leader, Nir, told us that our goal was to go back home, and convince five more people to come to Israel. I hope in some way this letter will help. As for me, I have plans already to return to my homeland with the many friends I made while on this summers' trip.

Josh is the son of Mark and a Lynn Sweet and the late Lori Sweet. Hew is a junior at Millard North and a member of Chaim Weizmann AZA, USY, OTYG and Beth El.

Taking a Risk by ADAM GENDELMAN Taking that three point shot when the team is down by two points with three seconds left in the game; eating some new food for the first time; traveling overseas to a country at war where you may put your life at risk: These are all risks, risks that could be an incredible experience or have a very opposite outcome. After all, that uncertainty is what a risk entails; putting yourself on the line, not knowing the outcome. This is the excitement and risk of life and of learning new things. I didn't know what to expect before leaving for Israel this summer. There were going to be 350 kids attending a five and a half week trip to Israel and I only knew one other, Ben Gerber. I questioned whether it was a good idea to go to Israel due to the ongoing conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians. I had already been to Israel twice before, so what new things could I learn? Was it worth the risk? This time it was different. I was very excited to be back in the Promised Land. It was a very special feeling. Some kids

were shocked and frightened by the sight of soldiers at the airport with big black machine guns at their sides. By leaving a country with security and coming to one with uncertainty was a risk every person took. For the many rookies on our trip it took time to adapt to this new environment. However, after the first few days the newcomers quickly adapted, and everyone on the program (including me) had the best summer of his life. I don’t regret a single moment of the time we spent learning about different cultures and lifestyles—and about each other. Since Israel is a little bit smaller than the state of New Jersey we accomplished a lot in five and a half weeks. My bus, which consisted of 37 teenagers and six counselors, started the first week in the Old City of Jerusalem. There we prayed at the very spiritual site: the Western Wall. After touring for a short period, our bus headed up to the Galil region. This is where we started our daily hikes, rappelled, rafted, and toured. We had the option of what we wanted to do for a week. I chose working on an army base to help the Israeli military. After about two and a half weeks in the Galilee region we went to the army base Ziquim, which is south of Ashkelon and (five-minute) walking distance from the Gaza Strip. Here our group worked in the kitchen, armory, warehouse, and medical hospital to help our men and women who risk their lives everyday for the State of Israel. I had the best time down south for our last and final week. We hiked up Masada at five in the morning and were able to see the most beautiful sight: the sun rising over Masada. We went to the beautiful natural spring of Ein Gedi and the flour caves. Both sites were breath-taking. After, we went into the hot greasy water of the Dead Sea. Where everybody floats due to the high salt content. This summer was the most amazing experience of my lifetime. I recommend that every teenager go to Israel for one summer during school. Sometimes taking a big risk could lead to tremendous success. Adam is the son of Dr. Howard Gendelman and Dr. Bonnie Bloch and a junior at Burke. He is a member of AZA #1, NCSY and Beth Israel.

September 5, 2003

Jr. Maccabi Is Back by RACHEL KATSKEE JCC Program Associate Jr. Maccabi is a club for Jewish fifth through seventh graders. Every Wednesday, from 3:30-5:30 p.m., is “Hangtime”, a chance for Jewish youth to hang out with each other in the Leon Fellman Teen Lounge at the Jewish Community Center. During Hangtime, kids can play pool, ping-pong and enter Playstation tournaments, enjoy snacks and make friends. There will also be Judaic programming for the holidays and recreational athletics whenever possible. Don’t miss our special Rosh Hashanah programming on Sept.24. Jr. Maccabi has many field trips and events planned for the year. This Sunday, Sept. 7, is a trip to the Omaha Children’s Museum and its new exhibit, “Theme Park: The Art & Science of Universal Studios’ Islands of Adventure.” Learn how to “control a robotic dinosaur, design a roller coaster, ride a simulator, create Seussian songs and learn all about what goes into designing, building and experiencing theme parks.” The cost is $12 and transportation from the JCC will be provided. For more information, contact me at 334-6403.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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BBG Garage Sale Generates Funds for BBG and Breast Cancer Research by TOM AND SUE FRIEDMAN for BBYO Working together One unusual aspect that allowed B’nai B’rith Girls made this garage sale difto accomplish a “win-win” ferent was that the girls for the Omaha communihad predetermined that ty. MZ Yoshanah and one-third of the proceeds Ediar BBG held their first would go to charity. The BBG Community Garage customers who bought Sale. The one day sale items at the garage were raised $1,000. asked to vote for a charity Members of the Jewish from a list of six charities community donated displayed on a board at clothes, books and housethe sale. hold items for this event. The Breast Cancer This was a fundraiser for Co-chairman Samantha Friedman, left, and Foundation will receive both chapters to support Abby Ginsburg, display the list of charities for $300 from the sale. By their efforts to be more which customers at the BBG Garage Sale could working together the self-sufficient. The girls vote. Breast Cancer Research garnered the BBGers fulfill the mitzvah said it was a great oppor- most votes, receiving a third of the proceeds. of tikkun olam. tunity for their chapters “A big thanks goes out to to learn about organization, merchandizing and everyone who donated items and worked on this advertising. Co-chairs for the event were cousins, very hot summer Sunday,” added Samantha Alyson Friedman and Samantha Friedman. Friedman, one of the co-chairmen.

Omaha Public Library Offers College Prep Tools by LINDA TROUT, Library Special Projects Manager

Alex Solomon and Joey Kahn enjoyed the Bowl-O-Rama Program, sponsored by Jr. Maccabi last May.

Metro-area high school students and their parents are invited to a free workshop presented by college experts and award-winning authors, Gen and Kelly Tanabe on Thursday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m., at the Westside Community Center, 3534, So. 108 St. Entitled How to Gen Into and Pay for College, the workshop will present information on how grades and extracurrucular activities influence college admission reviews. Attendees will also receive tips on writing powerful essays and finding financial aid and scholarship opportunities. The Tanabes have published several books, including Get Free Cash for College, Money-Winning

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Scholarship Essays and Interviews, Get Into Any College, as well as Accepted! 50 Successful College Admission Essays. “Writing a great essay for college applications and scholarships is essential,” said Mary Henriksen, Young Adult Librarian at the Omaha Public Library, “and the Tanabes are truly experts.” The couple are on tour throughout the United States, presenting their workshops in major cities. Thier appearance here is sponsored by Friends of Omaha Public Library. The workshop is free; for more information or to register, call 444-4800, or go online to: www.omaha.lib.ne.us.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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September 5, 2003

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ORGANIZATIONS L.O.V.E. Grandparents Day is Sunday, Sept. 7, 1-3 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center. Activities include facepainting, clowns, a magician, rootbeer floats, games, and family pictures. Events, sponsored by the League Offering Volunteers for the Elderly, will be held in the JCC auditorium and community room.

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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. Following lunch at noon, Alexander Ross, from the Omaha Conservatory of Music, will share the music of his trip to Russia. For transportation, call Dee Dee at 330-4272. Call Maggie for reservations at 334-6521 for Movie and Popcorn on Sept. 18; deadline is Sept. 11; deadline for Bluffs Run Casino on Sept. 25 is Sept. 18; deadline for Jewish New Year's Party on Sept. 29 is Sept. 22. B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Patrick McNamara will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Sept. 10, noon, at the Park Inn Regency, according to Gary Javitch, September Chairman. McNamara is Omaha’s Hate crime fighter and he will talk about the recent flurry of hate messages sent around one neighborhood in particular. Cost is $9 for lunch and $2 for beverage service only. Breadbreakers is open to the community. VISIONS Luncheon Meeting is Friday, Sept. 19, 12:30 p.m., at the Caniglia’s Venice Inn. Cost is $9 per person. Guest speaker is Omaha World-Herald senior reporter C. David Kotok. Send reservations to: Mickey and Tootie Simon, 8725 Izard, Omaha, NE 68114. For information, call Harry Alloy at 6978709. Deadline is Sept. 12. Join us for an Autumn Cruise on the River City Star, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 11:30 a.m. The price of $16 includes cruise and box lunch. Enjoy the change of colors of fall foliage and scenery along the riverfront while listening to a narrative about Lewis and Clark. Send reservations with check to: Sandy and Fred Bromley, 13419 Marinda St., Omaha, N# 58144. Deadline is Sept. 23. All checks payable to JSS.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Want a place to brush up on your Yiddish? Join us every Thursday, 1-3 p.m., the Yiddish Conversation Group at the JCC. Call Anne Skolkin for information at 343-1638. WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going on the Thursday trip to Treynor, Iowa, to the Rose Restaurant, please meet at the JCC at 11 a.m. Exercise will begin at 10 a.m. in the Social Hall. Call Maggie Conti at 334-6521 for transportation. OMAHA CENTER OF TORAH LEARNING Rabbi Aryeh Blum will give his weekly parasha shiur on Shabbos afternoon, Saturday, Sept. 6, 5:30 p.m. Time for Talmud is Monday, Sept. 8, 7:30 p.m.; the Beis Midrash is open for chavrusa-style learing on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 7:30 p.m., all at the OCTL House, 1313 No. 58 St. Join Rabbi Blum for Lunch ’n Learn at the Kripke Library, Wednesday, Sept. 9, noon. Want to read Hebrew by the High holidays? Join Rabbi Tuvia Hoffman for a crash course, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 7:30 p.m. at the OCTL House, sponsored by National Jewish Outreach Program. Brooke’s Teen Girls’ class has changed from Mondays to Thursdays, 7:30 p.m., starting Sept. 10, at her home, 805 So. 120 Ave. For more information, call 320-8055.

LETTER FROM Y.E.S REVIEW by ILENE PACHMAN I admit I’m pleased to note how well people like this “open letter.” We’ve had two lovely Mondays, featuring Richard Sladky’s singing. Maggie Conti’s sister, from Helena, MT, joined us, too. She played piano and her daughter, Rachael, played viola, while son, Jon, played piano. What a talented family! Our Mystery Trip took us to Council Bluffs and the Union Pacific Museum (which we all thought was in Omaha). Then we visited the CB Senior Center and were met by our old friend, Chuck Arnold, who invited us to lunch and took us on a tour of the building. September programming looks great. Don’t forget to make a reservation for our party on Sept. 29. See you later; bye for now!

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ADL Helps Teens Become Activists for Israel by EMILY MUSKIN, Jewish Press Student Intern What exactly does it take to be an activist for Israel, or in my case to at least have an intelligent conversation or debate concerning Israel? These were two questions that surfaced in my head as I walked into the Jewish Community Center to hear Guy Matalon speak about advocating for Israel. According to Matalon, I am not alone. Many Jewish high school and college students deal with anti-Semitism related to Israel all the time. Consequently, the Anti Defamation League sponsored two sessions on this topic, featuring Matalon. Approximately eight college students and 40 high school students and their parents met to learn how to deal with questions or ADL Director Bob Wolfson, left, assists an area high-school debates about Israel. One of the main questions in both student in understanding the challenges faced by Jewish sessions was: “When do anti-Israel students on high school and college campuses. feelings cross the line to become anti-Semitic feel- cating for Israel that one must always remember: • Israel has demonstrated its sincere desire for ings?” In Matalon’s opinion, anti-Israel feelings cross over into anti-Semitism when a person ques- peace and its readiness to make the difficult decisions required for peace. Israel is fully committed tions Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish homeland. Another popular question was the United States’ to pursuing negotiated agreements with her Arab part in advocating for Israel. The U.S. is a large neighbors so that it may finally live in peace and supporter of Israel because of Israel’s western style security. • There is no excuse for Palestinian terrorism. government and the United States’ trade interests • Israel has a right to exist in peace with secure there. Even though American press concerning Israel is often very negative, more than 60% of U.S. borders. If you or a friend are looking for additional inforcitizens support Israel. When advocating for Israel, it is very important to mation on this topic, you can find it at the Kripke know what one supports or doesn’t support. In any Jewish Federation Library or through the ADL. For debate, there has to be an atmosphere of mutual more information, contact the ADL at 330-6571 or respect for people to reach any ground on an issue. the Kripke Library at 334-6461. Emily Muskin was named Jewish Press The ADL presented copies of Advocating for Israel: An Activist’s Guide to everyone in attendance of the Student Intern last month. She is a senior at Central High School and the daughter of two sessions. In this guide there are three key points in advo- Bruce and Mary-Beth Muskin.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Dining

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JOLT Class Energized by Speaker Michael Brooks by PAM MONSKY, Federation Communications Director The first session for JOLT II (Jewish Omaha Marburg, Jenny Meyerson, Michael Miller, Stacey Leadership Training) had class members learning Rockman, Andi Scioli, Joey Shyken, Mike Siegel, JD innovative ideas for inspiring Jewish community Slosburg, Melany Weinstine and Keri Workman. members from guest speaker Michael Brooks, the The purpose of the JOLT program is to provide Hillel Director for the University of Michigan in organizations within the Jewish community with Ann Arbor for the past 30 years. Brooks is a highly leadership who are prepared to meet the challenges regarded national speaker as well as an in-demand of the future. JOLT students are carefully selected consultant for some of the country’s biggest Jewish from recommendations submitted to the Federation Federations. by the synagogues, Jewish organizations and the In addition to the members pictured below, the Federation Centers of Excellence. JOLT II class includes: Toba Cohen, Katherine JOLT is a program of the Jewish Federation and Finnegan, David Goldberg, Bob Goldberg, Andie made possible by a grant from the Herbert Goldsten Gordman, Michael Hoberman, Todd Hutton, Dan Trust.

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you choose?” Ted Friedland is in the background. Right photo: JOLT II Advisory Committee member Jay Gordman laughs with classmate Rosie Zweiback during the ice breaker activity. Dan Marburg is in the background. Harry Berman and Susie Norton also serve on the advisory committee.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 5, 2003

Ten Commandments (Continued from page 1) Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism, among other interfaith groups. The brief went on to argue that the monument was also offensive to many within the JudeoChristian tradition, as there is no universally accepted version of the Ten Commandments and Moore’s court therefore is “endorsing particular sectarian beliefs.” The debate has highlighted the fact that not everyone shares Jewish groups’ definition of the separation of religion and state. Lauter said she repeatedly has had to explain the difference between a tablet of the Ten Commandments in a courthouse and the words “In God We Trust” on American currency. “‘In God We Trust’ is not saying, ‘This is a Christian nation,’” she said. “The statue, with Judge Moore’s rhetoric, is saying, ‘This is a Christian nation.’” Stern said he also has been concerned by support Moore received in Congress. A measure earlier this year in the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee would have prevented the government from using federal funds to enforce Ten Commandments rulings like the one in Alabama. The measure passed the House, but it was not included in the Senate version of the spending bill. Sen. Wayne Allard (R-CO) introduced a bill this month that would give states the right to display the Ten Commandments on state-owned property. “These are no longer politically unthinkable things,” Stern said. “The absence of opposition is troublesome.”

Put on Your Dancin’ Shoes! by CHERYL LERNER for Beth El Synagogue Former Omahan Larry Denenberg will lead a master class in Israeli dance on Sunday, Sept. 14, 3-5 p.m. at Beth El Synagogue. “We’re trying out some new ideas at Beth El. And one thing we found is that people really want to dance,” was the recent reaction of Beth El cantor, Gaston Bogomolni, after a recent Friday evening ‘Dine, Dance, and Daven’ Shabbat. “About 170 people showed up for some Israeli dancing and food before our regular Shabbat service. We found out that a lot of them showed up because of the dancing!” Organizers learned of Denenberg’s visit through Larry’s mother, Eunie. “She called and told us what a great time her daughter-in-law, Tippi Denenberg, had at the ‘Dine, Dance, and Daven’ and said that Larry was coming to town for a family visit with his new wife, Rachael. She said he was an avid Israeli dancer and that he would love to dance while he was here,” added Bogomolni. In fact, Deneberg has been dancing for 27 years. He started dancing, he says, after a college friend complained that there were too many women and not nearly enough men in her Israeli dance group to do couples dances. “I said, ‘Count me in! Let’s go!’” he recalled. “I've been dancing ever since.” He has performed with several Israeli folk dance troupes and at dance festivals, including the celebrated Carmiel Festival in Israel, where his company was one of only four North American troupes to be selected to appear. He is a long time member of the MIT Folk Dance Club and of the Boston area

dance troupe, Zikukim, Hebrew for fireworks. In his professional life, Deneberg is chief technology officer for Oxy Systems, a software technology company in Cambridge, MA, and is on adjunct faculty at Harvard and Tufts University. There is no cost for the Sept. 14 program. This Rachael and Larry will not be a beginners’ Denenberg class so previous dance experience is recommended. For those wanting to learn the basics and dance on a more regular basis, Beth El will offer Come And Dance! on Thursdays, Oct. 6-Nov. 20, 7:30-9 p.m. at Beth El, (no class on Oct. 23). Sessions will be led by Cantor Gaston and Lena Bogomolni, Ophir Palmon and me. Dances will range from traditional Israeli folkdances to the more contemporary Israeli dances of today. No previous experience is required. Those who wish to come may attend any or all sessions. A $1 donation per session is requested to help pay for light refreshments and to add to a fund that will be used to buy additional dance music. Both programs are open to the public. For more information on these programs, contact me at: 3348430, or via e-mail at: cldancer@aol.com.

Last Send Rosh Hashonah Greetings Chance This is your last chance to get your ad or personal greeting in the Jewish Press New Year’s edition to be published on Sept. 26

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