Vol. LXXXVIII No. 52 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 88 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
22 Elul 5769
September 11, 2009
Born in aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, unusual Reform-Orthodox partnership blossoms by GAIL NARON CHALEW NEW ORLEANS (JTA) -- An act of compassion to help a fellow congregation in need during the chaos following Hurricane Katrina has evolved over the course of four years into an unusual partnership spanning a Jewish religious divide. Born of catastrophe, the unique partnership between the rabbis of two congregations in New Orleans -- one Orthodox, one Reform -- has brought together two disparate synagogues for social, educational and even ritual programs. Now the partnership is set to receive concrete expression, when the Orthodox congregation breaks ground for its new building -- to be built on the Reform synagogue’s property. Soon after Congregation Beth Israel, a Modern Orthodox synagogue, was inundated by 10 feet of floodwaters in August 2005, the Reform temple -- Gates of Prayer -- offered a temporary home. Since then, Beth Israel has held services each week in the Reform chapel and leased office space at the temple. At a ceremony last month commemo-
New Orleans’ Congregation Beth Israel President Myron Goldberg, left, and Richard Katz unveil a sign announcing the Orthodox shul’s building project in a ceremony on Aug. 30. Credit: Alexander Barkoff rating Katrina’s fourth anniversary, Rabbi neighborliness. Robert Loewy of Gates of Prayer said he They had been introduced the Friday knew from the day he met Beth Israel night that Topolosky came to town from Rabbi Uri Topolosky that the offer of his synagogue in Riverdale, N.Y., to interhospitality soon would transcend mere view for the position in New Orleans.
Friedel welcomes new music instructor by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Lentz Outstanding Band Director Award, and served as At the end of last school year, Friedel Jewish Academy President of the Nebraska chapter of the National students and staff said goodbye to their beloved music Association of Jazz Educators. In 2001, he was elected teacher, Tuffy Epstein, who volunteered at the school into the Nebraska Music Educators Hall of Fame. from 1996 until 2009. Currently, Schmitt performs as a trombonist in the “Thirteen years is an amazing time to dedicate your talents, for any volunteer,” Principal Ron Giller said, “and we were very fortunate to have his help for so long. He will surely be missed, but all good things eventually come to an end.” Seeing Epstein go wasn’t easy, and he’s left some big shoes to fill. However, Giller managed to find a replacement in Rodney Schmitt, a 23-year veteran of the Bellevue school system. “I have taught music for a total of 35 years,” Schmitt said, “and I’m eager to work with the students at Friedel. My hope is to get these kids involved, establish a band and give the children something they can truly be proud of. Hopefully, they Rodney Schmitt give Friedel fifth-grader Eliana Schuller lessons on the trumpet. will develop an appreciation of music for the rest of their Street Railway Company Jazz Band. At Friedel, he will be lives.” teaching fourth through sixth grade students. “I am very Schmitt grew up on a farm in southeast Nebraska, excited about the small classroom size, and about the facilgraduated from Cook High School in 1957, and went ity as a whole,” he added. “I am confident that parents will on to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he show the same enthusiasm as the kids, and will be supearned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Music portive when they practice their instrument at home.” Education. After teaching in Sterling and Fall City, he “Music is an important part of education,” Giller said, ended up at Bellevue, where he stayed for 23 years. “and we are so glad that we found Rodney Schmitt. He has served as President of the Nebraska School With him on board, we will be able to continue to offer Band Directors Association, was awarded the Donald this to our kids.”
Inside Opinion Page see page 8
This Week: Lee Terry addresses health care reform: Page 2 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’
Questions about the High Holidays? Page 3
“After leading Beth Israel’s services in the chapel, Rabbi Uri walked through the building to our sanctuary, where our Shabbat services were just beginning, and he sat down in one of our pews,” Loewy recalled. “When I heard him singing along to the Reform tunes of the service, I knew he would become a partner. And even though I had driven my car to the synagogue that night, I walked him home.” (Editor’s note: Omaha’s Beth Israel Synagogue has a unique connection to its namesake in New Orleans. Rabbi Benjamin Groner, who served as rabbi of the Omaha shul for 12 years prior to the arrival of Rabbi Isaac Nadoff, moved to New Orleans in 1965 and was rabbi of its shul, according to his daughter, Gladys who was interviewed by Joan K. Marcus for the Jewish Press in the Dec. 8, 2006, issue. Rabbi Groner died in 1992; his wife Frances continued living in New Orleans until 1993, when she made aliyah to Israel at the age of 79. She died there in 2008.) A graduate of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, a Modern Orthodox rabbinical seminary, Continued on page 3
What does Judaism say about health care? by SHERRIE SAAG Center for Jewish Education When Rabbi Michael Broyde last visited Omaha, a severe tornado warning and sirens wailing forced those in the Jewish Community Center to move to safety in hallways. Showing great flexibility in adapting to the unconventional location, Broyde went ahead and gave his well received address on religion and the American political scene. Rabbi Broyde returns to town Wednesday, Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m., to lead a panel discussion, “What does Jewish Law and Jewish Tradition Say about Health Care Reform?” The lecture at the JCC, which is followed by a question and answer session with comments by local respondents, is free and open Michael Broyde to the public. The discussion will focus on how Jewish tradition allocates health care. “How do we view universal health care? The answer to that question is clear -- the Jewish tradition thinks that society needs to provide health care to all its members, even the very poor, if it at all can,” said Rabbi Broyde. “Right now, the question being asked is, how to do that? Public vs. Private will be the thrust of our debate, within the context of the ethical virtues and vices of each system.” Patrick Jensen, chairman of the Adult Education Committee of the Center for Jewish Education, added, “I am really looking forward to exploring the Jewish perspective on health care reform. We are fortunate to have Professor Broyde here to discuss this hot topic. I can’t think of anyone more qualified to lead our discussion. We are deeply appreciative to the Klutznick Fund Continued on page 2
Coming Next Week: New Year’s issue WRJ and NCJW join up for Race for the Cure: Page 4
Beyond rallies, how you can stop Iran: Page 9
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 11, 2009
Health care is issue of the day for area Congressman motorcycles roadsters scooters ATVs
utility vehicles snowmobiles watercraft trailers
9004 S. 145th St. Omaha, NE 68138 (402) 333-0655 333-0414 fax www.leisurelifesports.com
DON’T BLINK. YOU MIGHT MISS
SOMETHING. The average margin of victory in six of the last seven races at Kansas Speedway:
0.47 SECONDS. The average blink of an eye:
0.40 SECONDS. DON’T MISS A MOMENT. Get your tickets at 866.460.RACE or visit KansasSpeedway.com.
THE DECISIONS YOU MAKE TODAY CAN HAVE A LASTING IMPACT ON YOUR FUTURE. START BY CHOOSING EDWARD JONES.
Market volatility can make you second-guess your long-term investment strategy. You may have questions, and it’s essential that your financial services firm and financial advisor provide you with the attention you deserve to help ensure you’re on track to meet your long-term financial goals. At Edward Jones, we believe our unique, face-to-face approach makes us best-suited to serve long-term investors, especially when it comes to meeting their current needs and future financial goals. Call today to schedule a complimentary financial review.
visited there during his first year in Congress and he by JOAN K. MARCUS Congressman Lee Terry recently addressed the B’nai wants to go back. “I have become an advocate,” he Brith Breadbreakers. He told the group, “It has been an added, “and I will continue to advocate for Israel and its interesting time in Washington. Since January, we’ve safety and future.” The question he asked the group was: “How do we been on an incredible journey of massive, significant pieces of legislation. These pieces will have an impact resolve the nuclear threat in Iran?” Terry responded by saying, “I think that just allowing and not just in an immediate sense but for the long term. them to continue is dangerous. Certainly, I don’t think They are items of reformation.” Rep. Terry is in his sixth term representing Nebraska’s that Israel should act unilaterally because I think that is Second District. In the House, Terry was voted in the equally as dangerous. Somehow, we need to get Russia and China and the Europeans more involved in this so top five of representatives who are bipartisan. He attended Omaha Public Schools and graduated that Iran knows that they have definite and real opposifrom Northwest High School in 1980. After earning an tion -- even among their friends.” Then, the group moved right into health care discusundergraduate degree in Political Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Terry went on to sions. “The Health Care Bill passed out of our committee Creighton for his law degree. Although he lives in Washington during the week, his wife, Robyn remains in 31-29. Frankly, I’m very concerned about the bill, HR 3200 and the direction Omaha with their three that it goes. I believe, and sons, Nolan, Ryan and would back this up with Jack. The boys attend sections of the bill, that Millard Public Schools this would create the while their father goes pathway to the single back and forth to reprepayer nationalized syssent us in Congress. tem,” Terry explained. Terry practiced law for “As a free enterprise, seven years with the limited-government perSchrempp and Salerno son, it cuts against all of law firm. In 1994, he my beliefs as to whether broke off and started his or not government is the own firm. In 1991, he was best entity to be in charge elected to the Omaha City of health care delivery sysCouncil and he remained tems in the United States. there until 1999. So I voted against that bill While still on the Council, he decided to Harold Bernstein, left, has an “up close and personal” conversa- in committee. Considerrun for the congressional tion with Rep. Lee Terry during a recent Breadbreakers meeting. ing that the Speaker of seat that he still occupies. Although, when he was elect- the House, Nancy Pelosi, is the co-author of the bill and ed, Terry said that he would run for a maximum of six is bringing it to the floor, I doubt that it will be signifiterms, he soon found out that he needed to rescind that cantly changed.” He continued, “From my point of view, we can statement. He was told that if he limited his stay in Congress, he wouldn’t be able to serve in “good com- accomplish the goals of making sure that everyone has access to health care without having to go to a governmittees” and didn’t pledge more years. Because his two main interests are telecommunications ment-run plan for the entire spectrum. Under the curand energy, Rep. Terry feels fortunate to serve on the rent Democratic leadership plan that passed out of our Energy and Commerce Committee, one of the most committee, the bill says that you have to be a legal resiinfluential in Congress. His main goal is for the United dent or citizen to enroll. The second part is that there’s no verification process.” States to become energy independent. The Jewish Press asked Terry, “How does the current “It started off with the stimulus bill which was supposed to help ‘right size’ our economy at a time when bill address the needs of people who have pre-existing we needed to do something. I voted against it because I conditions?” He responded, “First of all, in an amendsaw it as stimulating government and very little of it ment vote by our committee on pre-existing conditions, actually went out into the private sector,” he said. “I we voted to ban the use of ‘pre-existing exclusion’ lanwant every business to be wildly successful, because, guage. More importantly, it limits the ability of the when a business is successful, there are lots of employees insurance company to find a technicality and cancel the putting food on their tables.That’s how I see the success policy.” Terry has an alternative plan which would allow of our country.” Terry went on to say that after the stimulus program, employees the option of choosing a company for health Congress went on to things such as the budget and insurance with their company contributing toward the automobile bail-out. Later, congress went on to cap and premium. This is the way government workers choose trade. That included what Terry calls, “A direct attack on their insurance. They are allowed to pick from a menu of manufacturing and industry in The United States. This a variety of different coverages. “This embraces the principles of competition and free put a cap on CO2 greenhouse gases and their impact on the environment. I thought this bill was very draconian market,” he explained. “The employer-mandate clause and actually benefited government more than it benefit- in this bill states that the employer supplies insurance to their employees or, if they don’t, the penalty is an 8% tax ed the environment.” He added, “On the international side, we still have the on the salary of each employee that isn’t covered. The economic recession -- except in China where they’re 8% seems high but, the average cost for businesses to actually growing at a positive rate. China has no problem supply health insurance is 11% to 12%.” Terry added, “So, that’s almost an incentive to trying to recruit our jobs away and they refuse to participate in world-wide CO2 reduction. They see that if they employers to dump their plans because its cheaper! I aren’t participating, they will be a magnet, especially for think that we can reach a mutual goal of universal coverheavy manufacturing and industry that uses a lot of ener- age without having to use the government or public secgy and natural resources. So, we have to be cognizant of tor to do it!” As a final question, Terry was asked, “These days, the global competition. And, he continued, “we need to have economic everyone is tightening their belts. Within your own reforms here to make us competitive world-wide. We office, what changes have you made to reduce expenses?” have to look at this economically and in a global sense.” He answered, “I hate to admit this, but we’ve reduced He then moved on to the subject of Iran. When ques- our staff by one employee and we watch every dollar that tions about Israel’s sovereignty and safety arose, Rep. goes out. I was stingy before and we’ve set a goal of setTerry replied that he has been an advocate for Israel and ting aside 10% of our budget each year to give back.”
Health care Mike Sigmond
Financial Advisor .
1830 N 144th St Omaha, NE 68154 402-498-6401
www.edwardjones.com
Member SIPC
Continued on page 2 for sponsoring this program.” Broyde is Professor of Law at Emory University School of Law and the Academic Director of the Law and Religion Program at Emory University. He received his juris doctor from New York University. Additionally, Broyde is ordained as a rabbi by Yeshiva University and
is a member (dayan) of the Beth Din of America, the largest Jewish law court in America. Rabbi Broyde’s lecture is presented by the CJE and sponsored by the Philip and Ethel Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization at Creighton University. For more information, please call 334.6445.
September 11, 2009
Reform-Orthodox partnership Continued from page 1 whose mantra is openness, Topolosky said he was drawn to New Orleans by the prospect of cooperation with Gates of Prayer and, beyond that, with the entire New Orleans Jewish community. Now the two rabbis set aside time each Friday morning to study together, bounce sermon ideas off each other, discuss how to advance the process of synagogue cooperation and “solve the world’s problems,” they said. Joint initiatives at the congregations have sprouted from their partnership -what Loewy calls “finding ways to be Jewish together.” The congregations have sprouted from their partnership -what Loewy calls “finding ways to be Jewish together” -- holding joint Israeli film series, Hebrew literacy programs and Jewish history classes. Implementing joint ritual programs has been more challenging. Where ritual is not set in stone, the synagogues collaborate. For the Selichot service before Rosh Hashanah, they participate in a joint concert and then worship separately. Some of the ritual interaction occurs naturally. During the High Holidays, when the Gates of Prayer sanctuary expands into the social hall adjacent to the chapel where Beth Israel worships, the singing of the female cantor wafts in. Throughout the day, some members of the synagogues go back and forth between the two services. “We have stopped focusing on our differences and started focusing on what we share,” said Gates of Prayer President Janet Krane. In the long hours of negotiations on
building the new Orthodox synagogue on the Reform temple’s property, synagogue lay leaders focused on financial issues and other issues, like parking -but mostly on how they could make it work. “The lay leaders kept trying to figure out how this could work out in the best interests of each synagogue,” Loewy said. “They kept asking the question, ‘How will this benefit the other group?’ ” National Reform and Orthodox organizations, both of which sent substantial aid to the two congregations in their rebuilding efforts, have supported the model of cooperation. Rabbi Brian Zimmerman, Southwest Regional director of the Union for Reform Judaism umbrella group, noted the importance of the model given the current financial crisis, when so many congregations have looked inward. “Beth Israel and Gates of Prayer have shown us that looking and reaching outward makes us stronger,” he said. Locally, their close relationship is one of the many silver linings of Katrina that now animate the New Orleans Jewish community. “On the fourth anniversary of Katrina, people are looking forward, not back on what we lost, but on how can we improve what we have,” said Michael Weil, executive director of the New Orleans Jewish Federation. “Frankly, before Katrina, New Orleans was a declining Jewish community. Now we are upbeat and energized. The 900plus newcomers who have chosen to live in New Orleans since the storm are a clear sign that New Orleans is the place to be, that we have a rosy future.”
JEWISH PRESS EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE There is no regular news in the New Year’s issue which publishes next week on Sept. 18, 2009, entitled “What we did THAT summer!” The Press office will be closed on Monday, Sept. 28 for Yom Kippur. The deadline for the Oct. 2 issue is Wednesday, Sept. 23. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.
C O X A C T I V I T Y C E N T E R AT N O R T H E A S T C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E
Friday, Sept. 18 Saturday, Sept. 19 7:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
7:00 a.m.- Noon
HEALTHFAIR
Free Health Demonstrations, Screenings & Presentations 61209
Page 3
Questions about the High Holidays? by SHEVI KATZMAN Chabad of Nebraska Sunday, Sept. 13, is your chance to ask. Really. Following the final Global Unity Lecture of this year, presented this time by Dr. Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski, Rabbi Mendel Katzman will lead an interactive High Holiday Squares game and test your knowledge of this awesome beginning of the Jewish New Year. The lecture, “Together We Can Fill the World With Light” begins at 2 p.m. and your questions are welcome – even solicited (and will be answered) – at 2:45 p.m. Those knowledgeable of the Holiday rituals or daring are welcome to be team leaders in the High Holiday game. The Global Unity Lecture was established by the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute this year, 5769, corresponding to 2008-09, which is a Hakhel year – a year of unity. It is a mitzva to gather as many Jews together this year to connect and spend time together studying Torah. This is the fourth and final lecture which was broadcast in more than 300 communities worldwide. Dr. Twerski is the founder and medical director emeritus of Gateway Rehabilitation Center, a not-for-profit drug and alcohol treatment system in western Pennsylvania, cited nationally as one of the 12 best drug and alcohol treatment centers by Forbes magazine and as one of the top 100 rehab centers in the guide to treatment: The 100 Best Treatment Centers for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. An ordained rabbi, he held a pulpit until 1959 when he graduated from Marquette University Medical School and went on to complete his psychiatric residency at the University of Pittsburgh Western Psychiatric Institute. For 20 years, he served as clinical director of the Department of Psychiatry at St. Francis Hospital, Pittsburgh, and was an associate professor of psychiatry at the
We olve Debt Problems
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Twerski is recognized as an international authority in the chemical dependency field. He began the first Pennsylvania program for nurses with alcohol or drug problems “Nurses off Chemicals”, served on the Governor's Council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse, and was Chairman of the Pennsylvania Medical Society Committee on the Impaired Physician. Scientific contributions and community efforts have earned him honorary degrees from St. Vincent’s College, Duquesne University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Twerski has received numerous awards during his career including the Nelson J. Bradley Life Time Achievement Award from the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) and the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s greatest honor, the Distinguished Service Award. He has also written more than 60 books and articles including: Substance Abusing High Achievers, Life’s Too Short -- I’d Like to Call For Help but I Don’t Know The Number, Do Unto Others, Coping With Stress --- The 9/11 Generation, and in a collaborative effort with Peanuts comic strip creator Charles Schulz, When Do The Good Things Start?, Waking Up Just in Time, I Didn’t Ask To Be In This Family and That’s Not A Fault ... It’s A Character Trait. Dr. Twerski’s most recent groundbreaking book is entitled Happiness And The Human Spirit: The Spirituality of Becoming the Best You Can Be. The Global Unity Lecture will be held at Chabad House and is open to the entire community. Refreshments will be served. To participate, please call Carol at 330.1800 or send an e-mail rsvp@OChabad.com. This article includes information from UnityLecture.com.
Security System! FREE Home
$
85 L U 0 E V A
at NO COST to you for parts and activation with only a $99 Installation Fee and the purchase of alarm monitoring services. Terms and Conditions below.
CALL NOW and get an advocate on your side! bankruptcy and maintain We’re experts at negotiating Avoid your dignity reductions with the credit card companies Have an advocate deal with your creditors We can arrange one affordable monthly payment
Low Cost: • Blood Workups, • PSA • Heel Dexi-Scan • ABI/PAD • Hemoglobin A1C
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Save money - Get out of
debt FASTER than you can on your own
If you have over $12,000 in debt,
CALL NOW! FREE Consultation
D No Obligation D Confidential
1-888-248-1637 Not available in all states
Our state-of-the-art system includes: ■ Front and Back Doors Protected ■ Infrared Interior Motion Detector ■ Digital Keypad with Police, Fire, and Medical Emergency Buttons ■ Interior Siren ■ Control Panel with Battery Back-up ■ Lawn Sign and Window Decals Your home security system is monitored by ADT professionals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As an added benefit, installing a Security System may qualify you for a Homeowners Insurance discount.
Act Now and Receive a
FREE
Wireless Remote Control $99 Value! To take advantage of this promotion, you must call no later than 30 days from the postmark of this advertisement. Not valid with any other offers or discounts. Must mention this coupon.
Reservation Code: DF-MBIDS-09
Act Now and Receive a
FREE
Medical & Fire Panic Alert To take advantage of this promotion, you must call no later than 30 days from the postmark of this advertisement. Not valid with any other offers or discounts. Must mention this coupon.
Reservation Code: DF-MBIDS-09
1-888-669-4896
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-Midnight EST Sat-Sun 8am-8pm EST
$99.00 Customer Installation Charge. 36-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $35.99 per month ($1,295.64). Form of payment must be by credit card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account. Offer applies to homeowners only. Local permit fees may be required. Satisfactory credit history required. Certain restrictions may apply. Offer valid for new ADT Authorized Dealer customers only and not on purchases from ADT Security Services, Inc. Other rate plans available. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Licenses: AL-09-1104, AZ-ROC217517, CA-ACO6320, CO-110357041, CT-ELC.0193944-L5, DE: 07-212, FL- EC13003401 GA-LVA205157, ID: 39131, IL-127.001042, KY-City of Louisville: 483, LA-F1082, MA: 1355-C, MD: 30339155,107-1375, MI- 3601204877, MN- TS01807, MO-City of St. Louis LC7017450,CC354, MS-15007958, NC- 25310-SP-LV, NE-14451, NJ- 34BF00021800, NM-353366, NV-68518, City of Las Vegas: B14-00075-6-121756, C11-11262-L-121756, NY-Licensed by the N.Y.S. Department of State UID# 12000286451, OH- 53 89 1446, OK-1048, OR- 170997,RI-3428, SC- BAC 5630, TN- C-1164, TX-B13734, UT-6422596-6501, VA-115120, VT-ES-2382 WA- 602 588 694/PROTEYH934RS, WI- City of Milwaukee M-0001599, WV- WV042433, WY-LV-G-21499. For full list of licenses visit our website www.protectyourhome.com/MBIDS
Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 11, 2009
Temple women join NCJW to race for breast cancer cure
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ)Omaha and the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), Omaha Section are teaming up Sunday, Oct. 4, to go the extra mile and raise funds for the fight against breast cancer. They will be walking, running, and even sleeping in that day as participants in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The organization, founded in 1982, stresses the importance of positive breast health practices and encourages women to take charge of their health. Women as well as men and children are encouraged to join the effort to raise funds by participating in the one-mile walk or five kilometer run/walk beginning at the Omaha Civic Auditorium, 19th and Capitol. The walk begins at 8 a.m. and the run/walk starts 30 minutes later. Nebraska’s affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure raises funds to support the Komen Promise to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all, and energizing science to find cures, according to the organization’s website. Seventy-five percent of donations raised by the Nebraska affiliate provide services to women in Nebraska for educational, screening, or treatment support services. Special emphasis is focused on breast health education among minority women in culturally appropriate formats for underserved and uninsured women in the community. Donations are also directed toward breast cancer research. “Wellness -- Mind, Body, and Spirit” is WRJ’s theme this year which led the group to join with NCJW which sponsored a team of 48 last year. “We think this will be a fun way to kick off our programming year,” said Mimi Silverman, WRJ Co-Vice President for programming, “by enjoying some fresh air with friends and family while we join the fight against breast cancer which, unfortunately, is very prevalent within the Jewish communi-
ty.” She hopes “we can get all the Temple Israel participants to meet at Temple to ‘caravan’ downtown to the Civic Auditorium to begin the race together.” Jennifer Meyerson is the co-captain of the WRJ team along with Susan Rothholz, co-captain for NCJW. Anyone interested in participating can go to the Nebraska website for the Komen Foun-dation at www.komennebraska.org to register and to join the NCJW-WRJ team. Click on Komen Race for the Cure on the top line. Click “join an existing team” from the right hand column and choose NCJW-WRJ. Choose your distance and then begin check-out. Call Meyerson at 926.4112 if you have questions. Team captains will be notified of registrants. Information will be sent to each person who registers prior to the race. For anyone not available to participate in the walk, a Sleep in for the Cure option is available for $20, and you’ll receive a Sleep in for the Cure pillowcase. The deadline for all registrations to be completed online is Wednesday, Sept. 16. In addition to Race for the Cure, Temple is offering two other related events during October. Ken Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., director of UNMC’s Eppley Institute, director of the Eppley Cancer Center, and professor of oncology, and Elizabeth Reed, M.D., associate professor, internal medicine section of hematology and oncology at UNMC, will provide current information about breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and research at the Four B’s discussion on Sunday, Oct. 4, 10:30 a.m. at Temple. On Sunday, Oct. 18, 5 p.m., a new composition of Jewish music by Jonathan Leshnoff of the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, Maryland, will be premiered at the Florence Eisenberg Memorial Concert at Temple Israel followed by a reception hosted by WRJ. Proceeds, which also features Cantor Wendy Shermet and the Amphion Ensemble, will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
SEWING CENTERS 3407 S. 84th
10144 Maple
(Westgate Plaza)
(Maple Village)
392-0430
572-1212
Mon & Thur: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. • Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Pointe is Choice
Beth El’s BBQ & Barchu offers attendees a special Shabbat reprieve by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator They came after work, after school, after busy weekday routines and responsibilities -- to enjoy “BBQ & Barchu,” a unique Shabbat experience at Zorinsky Lake hosted by Beth El several weeks ago. About 130 people took advantage of the lovely weather and were treated to a peaceful, relaxing segue into the weekend. Children climbed on playground equip-
said that, “The opportunity to enjoy Shabbat with so many old and new friends always makes it special. Getting outside and enjoying the sun and fresh air is always nice, and kudos to the Beth El staff for making it such a great event. [My wife] Toby and I are already looking forward to attending next year.” Amy Raffel, who attended with her husband Andy and their children Julia, Michael and Brandon, summed up the
ment, played tag and catch, and collected pine cones; adults gathered on blankets and lawn chairs, chatting with friends and family members; dogs lounged next to their families. After Kabbalat Shabbat services led by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg, everyone enjoyed a leisurely picnic dinner. Attendees sang the praises of the event, including Linda Saltzman, who attended with her son, Ari. “BBQ and Barchu was a terrific way to ring in Shabbat,” Saltzman remarked. “What could be better than beautiful music, good food and wonderful friends?” She added, “The weather that night was absolutely perfect. Celebrating Shabbat in such a joyful, beautiful setting definitely adds to the spirituality of the celebration.” Helen Epstein attended with Photos from top: Rabbi Levin and Cantor Schlossberg, her husband, Tuffy, who also pro- at far right, lead musical Shabbat services; sisters vided musical accompaniment. “It Hannah and Leah Dysico, left, Ari Saltzman and his is so rewarding to see people of all mother, Linda, and Ruti Margalit (with back to camera) ages coming together in an enjoy some quality canine time with Aydee, the absolutely beautiful setting to Margalit family’s dog; a sunglasses-clad Brandon Raffel welcome the Sabbath,” she said. and Simon Slovut snack on chips and watermelon dur“It’s comfortable for everyone; ing services. we wouldn’t miss a BBQ & Barchu!” evening’s celebration by saying, “There is For Emily and Gabe Meyer, making the something very magical about celebrating trek to Zorinsky with 16-month-old such a special day among the very beauty twins Ella and Owen, gave them an God has created. The fresh, clean air and opportunity to connect with acquaintanc- serene landscape offers a tremendous feeles they hadn’t seen in awhile. Emily ing of oneness with God. Being together added that, “It was great to be able to as a family in such a beautiful environment have the babies there and not worry and celebrating our love of Judiasm allows about screams or noises. They could run us to feel connected on a different level.” around and we could be at the park, yet She asked, “We love being outside -still hear and participate in the service.” what could be a better venue? I know that Calling his first BBQ & Barchu experi- schlepping all the food to the park isn’t ence “truly enjoyable,” James Blasingame easy, but it sure is worth the memories.”
As Omaha’s premiere assisted living and memory support community, Heritage Pointe offers:
The weather is always great in a Malibu Sunroom! 402/715-5300
• A full range of apartment sizes from studios to two bedrooms with multiple baths
www.malibusunrooms.com
• Six levels of personalized care provided by our certified staff • Choice of dining times for superb meals prepared by our executive chef • Concierge & transportation services • On-site wellness center, plus so much more
It’s good to have choices. Come visit our family and your choice will be Heritage Pointe!
168th & Blondo (402) 614-5222 www.heritagepointeomaha.com
Independent Dealer of
Call Today for a Free Design Consultation. Omaha’s Trusted Name in Sunrooms, Solariums & Conservatories
September 11, 2009
High Holy Days at Temple Israel offer time for reflection and reparation
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator With Rosh Hashanah quickly approaching, there’s an urgency in many Jewish homes around the globe, across the nation, and here in Omaha. Special dinners, complete with round challahs and apples and honey, are being planned, greetings have been sent to friends and relatives in other cities and countries, preparations are in the works for guests arriving from out of town who will arrive soon to spend the High Holy Days here with loved ones. It’s a time to reconnect with family, friends, ourselves, and God, Who gave the gift of time to seriously reflect on whom we have become and to dream once again about whom we can be. In contrast to the secular new year observed with others throughout the world, instead of fireworks, champagne, and watching the ball drop in Times Square, Rosh Hashanah is an opportunity for seriously and sincerely improving lives and repairing broken relationships. It’s a time to rediscover a renewed sense of meaning and mission in life as we pray for a year filled with peace, good health, and joy. This is the message sent to the congregation of Temple Israel along with a schedule and description of the High Holy Days worship services beginning with Erev Rosh Hashanah on Friday, Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m. The following day, Saturday, Sept. 19, a tot service for families with preschool-age children in the Livingston Chapel and a children’s service for families with children in kindergarten through fourth grade in the sanctuary will both begin at 9 a.m. and will be clergy led. The younger children’s service emphasizes simple songs and holiday stories. At the older children’s service, adults and children will participate in Torah reading, a story sermon, and shofar blowing. At 10:15 a.m., the morning service will begin in the sanctuary. On Sunday, Sept. 20, at 1 p.m., a memorial service at the Schrager Memorial Chapel at the Temple Israel Cemetery, 6412 No. 42 St., will remember and honor those in our past who continue to inspire us today. Shabbat Shuva, the Sabbath of Repentance, emphasizes the return to values which enhance life and its meaning on Friday, Sept. 25, 6 p.m. On Saturday, Sept. 26, 9:15 a.m., at Regency Lake Clubhouse, 606 Regency Parkway, the “Sparks Beneath the Surface” study session will explore the history and structure of the High Holy Day liturgy. The clergy will discuss with participants how liturgy and ritual were originally constructed and how they have evolved over time. Shabbat services will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Regency Clubhouse. Tashlich, meaning “cast away,” is a ritual performed as a physical reminder of the effort to cast off one’s sins and begin to change one’s ways. After the Shabbat service, the Tashlich service, at the lake side, will offer the opportunity to symbolically throw transgressions into the water and begin the new year afresh. After Tashlich, options will be available to take a walk
with Rabbi Azriel, take a physically challenging bike ride led by David Goldberg at Lewis and Clark Park in Council Bluffs, or follow Cantor Shermet on a motorcycle ride. Kol Nidre, (one service only) on Sunday, Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m., will set the mood for what is generally considered the holiest day of the year, Yom Kippur. Throughout the day on Yom Kippur, food will be collected for the Omaha Food Bank. Bags filled with nonperishables such as cans of tuna, pinto beans, lentils, chili beans, and canned meats will be loaded directly on to trucks located in the parking lots of Temple Israel, First United Methodist Church, and the Omaha Community Playhouse. Volunteers, many of them Omaha Temple Youth Group (OTYG) members, will assist with loading the bags on the trucks. The Hunger Project is sponsored by the Reform Movement to involve synagogues across the country. Tot services in the Livingston Chapel and the children’s service in the sanctuary begin at 9 a.m. followed by the morning service at 10:15 a.m. Following the morning service, David Jacobson will lead members of the congregation and the clergy in a panel discussion on “The Health Care Debate: Understanding the Issues and Proposed Solutions.” At the conclusion of the panel, a silent meditative walk outside (weather permitting) will be a chance to contemplate leaving behind the past year and anticipating possibilities of the new year. Also on Yom Kippur, Moments of Remembrance, in the Livingston Chapel at 2:30 p.m., is a time to prepare for yizkor and share solace and comfort with others who have recently or in the past lost special people in their lives. Marla Cohen, a member of Temple who earned a master’s degree in counseling, a National Counselor Certification, and a certification in psychotherapy from the International Psychotherapy Institute, will assist participants in sharing important memories of dear ones who are mourned. Participants are encouraged to bring a photograph or a memento of the person lost. A family service, led by members of OTYG, begins at 2:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. Suggested for families with children in fourth grade or older, the service emphasizes music, communal singing, Torah readings, and commentaries created by youth group members. Parents should accompany their children to the service. Afternoon services start at 3:45 p.m. followed by yizkor, neilah and havdalah when Religious School students will be called up to the bimah to participate. Registration is necessary for the walk, bike ride, motorcycle ride after Tashlich, and for child care (for two to 10-year-olds, $10 per family) which will be provided on Erev Rosh Hashanah, Sept. 18; Rosh Hashanah morning, Sept. 19; Kol Nidre, Sept. 27; Yom Kippur morning, Sept. 28, and Yizkor and Neilah, Sept. 28. Reserved seats can be requested for anyone who is hearing impaired. Please call the Temple office at 556.6536 for registration and reservations or return the registration form mailed to congregational members.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
ASK FOR...
TONI ROSEN MULTIMILLION DOLLAR CAREER SALES
For Experienced Professional Service In The Sale Of Your Home
Res: 334-7257 Bus: 498-8300
JOE KOPECKY BUILDERS Custom Homes Remodeling Kitchens Bathrooms Basements
30 years of experience
402/676-9533 jokopecky@gmail.com
"
!
ORGANIZATIONS
CENTER FOR JEWISH EDUCATION The next “Eye on Israel” program is on Tuesday, Oct. 13, noon-1 p.m. in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. “Eye on Israel” is an interactive forum to debate current Israeli and Middle East political issues and American foreign policy. The program is open to the public and is free of charge. For more information, call 334.6445 or email mgrossman@jewishomaha.org. B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Don Kleine, Douglas County Prosecutor will update us on crime, law and justice on Wednesday, Sept. 16, noon at Regency Lodge. And on Wednesday, Sept. 23, noon, we’ve invited Trev Alberts, who will talk about UNO and his experience as the new AD. 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 Jenny at 334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org. YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Join us on Monday, for a special New Year’s party with a musical program with Tuffy Epstein. Lunch will be served at noon and the program will begin at 12:30 p.m. Come play bingo at 10 a.m. Call Theresa for transportation at 330.4272. 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., at the JCC. For information, call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.
VISIONS Join is for the annual Mystery Trip on Thursday, Oct. 1. Depart from the JCC at 9 a.m. (be at the JCC by 8:45) to return by approximately by 3:30 p.m. The cost of $16 per person includes a deluxe coach bus (compliment of the Visions Treasury), admission, lunch, tax and gratuities. Bus space is limited. Send reservations to Harry Alloy, 11317 Harney Plaza Circle, Omaha, NE 68154 by Sept. 23. Visions luncheon meeting is Friday, Oct. 16, 12:30 p.m. at Caniglia’s Venice Inn. Celebrate Visions 17th birthday as members Maxine Noodell and Esther Wax share their musical talents. Send Reservations to Tootie Simon, 8725 Izard St., Omaha, NE 68114 by Oct. 9. Call Harry Alloy for information at 697.8709. For transportation to the JCC, call Florence Hauss at 571.4583. Make check payable to Visions. JEWISH SOCIAL SERVICES JSS invites you to CARFIT on Friday, Oct. 9, 1- 3 p.m. at the JCC parking lot. This program helps healthy drivers age 65 and older make sure their car fits them properly as they age. Drivers will be seen by appointment only. Call Sherri in Occupational Therapy at 334.6535, M-F, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Appointments are for 20 minute sessions. There is NO COST for this program. Note: This event is focused on driver’s safe fit to his/her vehicle. At no time is a participant at risk to lose his driver’s license.
Concerned about your baby’s development? ¿Se preocupa por el desarrollo de su niño?
Call: Nebraska ChildFind 888-806-6287 www.childfind.ne.gov Today’s answers for children and young adults with disabilities
Out
Dining
Page 6
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 11, 2009
Temple Youth Group “nabs” new members on daylong excursion
THE GREEK ISLANDS 3821 CENTER • 346-1528 Greek Specials Daily Greek Beer & Wine Homemade Pastries Dine In/Carry Out Party Room We Cater Too! Full Service Bar Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator How do you get high school teens to wake up exceedingly early on a Sunday morning? Apparently, you “kidnap” them or you’re one of the “kidnappers.” Starting last month, members of Omaha Temple Youth Group (OTYG) boarded a tour bus early in the morning and went from house to house waking up and “kidnapping” freshmen. After each freshman received an OTYG tee-shirt and boarded the bus, the entire group of 23 made it to Starbucks Coffee in two hours. Freshmen received awards for appropriate achievements of the morning such as messiest room and best bedhead.
Two Great Cuisines Under One Roof
Japanese Sushi
Chinese
Mon-Sat: 11:30-2, 5-10 | Sun: 12-9 Every Fri & Sat Late Night Happy Hour 10-12am South of 129th & Maple (Eagle Run Plaza) | 884-3909
Have a Happy and Healthy New Year from
Bagel Bin
Baked fresh • 17 Varieties of Bagels • Coffee Shop • Homemade Cream • Chesse Spreads
Holiday Breads Available September 16 and 17 & September 27
Bagels & Pastries Baked Fresh Daily Large Selection of Bread... Rye • Rolls • Challah Wholesale • Retail Est. 1978
Bagel Bin, Inc.
1215 S. 119th & Pacific • 334-2744 www.bagelbin.com
Temple youth group members surround Rabbi Aryeh Azriel (in the center) at the OTYG rush at Mahoney State Park. From Starbucks, the abductors and their willing “hostages” went to Village Inn Pancake House for breakfast. OTYG President Haley Burns informed the underclassmen of upcoming OTYG events such as the NFTY Missouri Valley Fall Conclave which will be in Omaha in November, haunted havdalah, tri-faith events, a Hanukah party, and the annual spaghetti dinner fund raiser. Later, they were off to Mahoney State Park where the teens enjoyed the water park, paddle boating, miniature golf, hiking, and a picnic for the rest of the afternoon. “I was part of the wake up and welcome,” said Rachel Scheet, a junior at Papillion LaVista High School. “It was so much fun! I had a blast! The best part was probably the wave pool and playing cards at Village Inn.” A freshman at Millard North, Morissa Miller said, “I loved it. It was fun getting to know all of the kids involved in OTYG. My favorite time of the day was when everyone was about to leave, and we played a game and realized that we all are connected in some way.” She added, “I think OTYG is a great youth group to join, because it’s a good way to stay connected with your religion and it’s a good way to meet kids that are like you and have the same problems that you do. You can be yourself. You’re not trying to impress anyone.” Rachel agreed that OTYG “is an amazing youth group to join, because you get to help out in the community and have fun at the same time like when we shared a night of Hanukah with the people at Remington Heights. It was great to meet new people and hear what they had to say while singing songs with cantor and eating latkes!” OTYG Advisor Amy Katz reports that 12 new members have joined the youth group since the rush event. As the upperclassmen celebrate OTYG’s growth, Temple Israel plans to honor all past and current OTYG Board members and advisors on Erev Yom Kippur, Sunday, Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m. at the Kol Nidre service. Please contact Program Director Wendy Goldberg at 556.6536 or at wgoldberg@templeisraelomaha.com if you are a past board member or an advisor.
For whom the bell rings ...
Classrooms were buzzing with activity two weeks ago, as Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah welcomed back students for the first day of religious school. Music teacher Emily Meyer has students hoppin’ and boppin’ in the synagogue chapel, as they sang about Jonah and the whale.
High Holidays observed at Beth Israel
by BETH COHEN Executive Director of Beth Israel The High Holidays will soon be upon us, and Beth Israel is providing the community with a variety of programs and services throughout the Yamim Noraim, the Days of Awe. “The yamim noraim have the complicated dual theme of being days of trepidation as well as celebration,” explains Rabbi Jonathan Gross. “Everyone knows about the trepidation, but unfortunately the celebration aspect of the holidays is sometimes neglected. At Beth Israel, we emphasize the celebration with joyful services and lively singing.” In order to prepare to sing-a-long during services, consider purchasing a copy of Beth Israel’s CD, “In Your Mouth and In Your Heart.” The CD features renowned Chazzan, Rabbi Ari Dembitzer, and many congregants singing the music of the High Holiday services. Rabbi Gross added, “The CD is a great way to help get prepared for the holiday services. The more familiar you are with the tunes and the meaning of what is being sung, the more you will appreciate Rabbi Dembitzer’s impassioned singing on yom tov.” Copies of the CD are available in the office at a cost of $18 each. On another note, sets of a lulav and an etrog for Sukkot celebrations may be ordered through Beth Israel for $48 per set. Orders must be placed with the office by Thursday, Sept. 17. As is the custom, Rabbi Gross will lead Kever Avot services at Beth Israel’s three cemeteries before Rosh Hashanah. Services will be held on Sunday, Sept. 13. The schedule includes services at 11 a.m. at Golden Hill Cemetery (5025 No. 42 St.), noon at Beth Israel/Mt. Sinai Cemetery (78th & Crown Point) and 1 p.m. at Beth Hamedrosh Hagadol/Fisher Farms Cemetery (8900 So. 42 St.). Rosh Hashanah observances begin on Friday, Sept. 18, Erev Rosh Hashanah with Selichot at 6 a.m., followed by Shacharit at 7 a.m. Minchah/Ma’ariv and candle lighting will be at 7:21 p.m. On both days of Rosh Hashanah, Sept. 19 and 20, morning services begin at 8 a.m., Torah reading begins at 9:15 a.m., and free babysitting starts at 9:30 a.m. The sermon will be given at approximately 9:45 a.m. each day, with the Shofar service following the sermon on the second day. Junior congregation will be held at 9:30 a.m. Minchah is at 7 p.m. on Sept. 19 and Minchah/Ma’ariv is at 7:15 p.m. on Sept. 20. On the first day of Rosh Hashanah, Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi will lead a class on the Rosh Hashanah machzor (prayer book) at 8 a.m. This is part of Rabbi Mizrahi’s monthly series, “Understanding the Prayer Book,” which takes place on Shabbat mornings. The Fast of Gedaliah is on Monday, Sept. 21., beginning at 5:49 a.m. and ending at 7:57 p.m. The fast commemorates the tragic events that led to the end of the last semblance of Jewish sovereignty after the First Temple’s destruction. Tashlich, meaning to cast away, is the widely accepted custom for Jews to gather near a body of water during the High Holiday season for a service that includes reciting psalms and prayers asking for forgiveness of God for our sins. Many people have the custom also of throwing bread crumbs into the water as a concrete expression of their desire to be free of their sins. Beth Israel’s Tashlich service will take place on Sunday, Sept. 27, 11 a.m. at Zorinsky Lake’s picnic area #2. Following the service, a picnic lunch will be available. Lunch is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Erev Yom Kippur is on Sunday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m., with Kol Nidre. Babysitting will be available during the service. Services on Yom Kippur day, Monday, Sept. 27, begin with Shacharit at 8 a.m. The Torah Reading and Junior Congregation both are at 9:30 a.m. The sermon is at 10 a.m., followed by the Yizkor service. Rabbi Gross will hold an afternoon class, “The Book of Yonah,” at 4:45 p.m. Minchah is at 5:45 p.m., Neilah is at 6:45 p.m. and the fast ends at 7:59 p.m. This will be followed by a break-the-fast dinner that includes Betty’s famous Mac-n-Cheese. Dinner is $12 for adults and free for children ages 12 and younger. Free babysitting service will be available through the morning services beginning at 9:30 a.m., and will resume for Minchah and Neilah. For more information, to obtain directions to the cemeteries, make meal reservations, or to order a High Holiday CD or lulav and etrog, please call the synagogue office at 556.6288.
September 11, 2009
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
EMPLOYEE OWNED
Your Rosh Hashanah Headquarters Omaha’s Best Meats
Freshest Produce
Bakery Seafood
Beautiful Florals Deli Don’t forget a Delicious Fruit or Cheese Tray.
Finish your table with a beautiful Floral Centerpiece.
5150 Center St.• 553-2664 • 50th & Center | 10808 Fort St. • 493-2089 • 108th & Fort | 11650 South 73rd St., Papillion • 597-5790 • Shadow Lake Towne Center 3505 L St. • 731-6107 • Stockyards Plaza | 3404 Oak View Dr. • 697-0811 • Oakview | 7910 Cass St. • 384-8668 • Peony Park | 9707 Q St. • 339-3047 • Applewood 747 North 132nd St. • 493-2911 • Westridge | 8809 West Center Rd. • 384-9072 • 90th & Center | 180th & Q St. • 896-4168 • Welch Plaza 156th & Maple • 493-0390 | 1706 North 16th St., Council Bluffs • 328-9762 • North 16th Street | 1745 Madison Ave., Council Bluffs • 322-9260 • Mall of the Bluffs
Products available while quantities last. All products not available at all locations.
Page 8
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 4, 2009
Remembering the past and being prepared for the future This month is the anniversary of several events that we wish wouldn’t have happened in the first place. Sept. 1, 2004: Islamic terrorists based in Chechnya hold more than 1,000 students and their teachers hostage in Beslan, in nearby North Ossetia. The situation deteriorates and an attempt to rescue the children leads to the deaths of 330 -- more than half of whom were children. The “insurgents” claim the attack was in retaliation for Russia’s incursion into Chechnya. Sept. 1, 2005: While “only” a Category Three storm, Hurricane Katrina hits New Orleans on Aug. 28. Its impact a day later on the Big Easy causes the levees to fail; water pours into the ninth ward and other parts of the city below sea level, causing $40 billion in damage and leaving thousands of the city’s residents homeless. After four days, conditions deteriorate at the Superdome; there is little food and no water for the 4200 residents trapped there. Sept. 11, 2001: Nineteen Saudi Arabian terrorists, mostly from middle-class, educated backgrounds, hijack four commercial jets, flying two of them into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in Manhattan, and a third into the Pentagon. The passengers of the fourth plane storm the cockpit and force the hijackers to nose dive into a field in Western Pennsylvania. More than 3000 people are murdered that day -- not just Americans, but foreign workers and visitors from more than 90 countries, just doing their jobs and going to work to support themselves and make better lives for their families. Eight years later, the new buildings that were to rise on the site of the WTC have yet to be constructed. It’s easy to blame G-d for these horrific
events, but don’t ascribe this to the theory of a man in a long white beard making choices for us. G-d did give human beings free will, even if we don’t always make good choices. So why is it important to remember these events and what can we learn from them? • Human nature doesn’t change. As much as we hope and pray for good will among people, we have to keep in mind that we do have some disturbing traits -- jealousy, envy, greed, self-righteousness, and more -imperfections that most of us try to overcome. And while many human beings do not exhibit such anti-social behavior, far too many delight in taking these negative traits to extremes. It’s ridiculous to expect those brainwashed by their leaders into thinking that Jews (blacks, women, insert names of other groups) are “monkeys, pigs and apes” one day and will offer to sign treaties with them the next. World War II was won by beating the Axis powers (Germany, Italy and Japan) into submission and dictating the terms of surrender, not by making excuses for evildoers who kill innocents in the name of their cause. Let’s try to remember that when the next attack is perpetrated on American soil. • Human beings don’t always take responsibility for their actions. It’s so much easier to blame someone else
than to change. “My dog ate my homework” is not a valid excuse for not preparing for emergencies -- manmade or any act of nature. In fact, we all should make plans. Do you know how to reach your family members, in town and far away? Do you have water and non-perishable food on hand, as well as flashlight batteries and a hand-crank radio? Have you backed up all your important files and stored them (hard copies and CDs) in a safe place? What about first aid supplies, blankets, tarps and the like? And if you’ve taken care of this at home, don’t forget to make plans for your business (and tell the non-profits with which you’re involved to do the same). That’s why we remember the past, so maybe we won’t have to repeat it. Depressing as all this is, we still have hope. Why? Because it’s one other attribute that humans share: hope for a better future and for peace. Happy 5770!
JOURNAL ENTRY FROM ISRAEL by TEDDY WEINBERGER
One of the benefits of living in Israel during September and October is that all of the Jewish tradition’s fall holidays are given their due: Succot and Simchat Torah as well as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Outside of Israel, Yom Kippur often concludes the holiday period for many Jews. There is, however, a negative aspect to the Israeli experience: For the Israeli secular public, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur assume less importance than in the diaspora and constitute just the first half of the holiday period. Whereas in the diaspora the “High Holidays” are of paramount importance to the Jewish identity of a great many people, in Israel only religious Jews experience Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as yamim nora’im, “days of awe.” In light of the above, one can understand how it is even possible on this Rosh Hashanah for Israel’s Davis Cup team (the men’s national tennis team) to be representing the Jewish State in the Cup’s semifinals. Given that I still have a good bit of my diaspora respect for the “High Holidays,” I decided to write about this situation to Limor Livnat, Israel’s Minister of Culture and Sport. I think the letter will interest you and so I include it below. Dear Minister Livnat, I am writing to you concerning the State of Israel's participation in the semifinals of the Davis Cup, scheduled to be played against host country Spain between Sept. 18-20. As luck would have it, this year the dates for Rosh Hashanah are: Sept. 18-20.
... there are excellent democratic reasons for Israel’s Davis Cup team to participate in the semifinals Sept. 1820, and there are excellent Jewish reasons not to play on Rosh Hashanah. I am well aware of the fact that some Davis Cup matches almost always occur on the Sabbath, including the quarter finals doubles match that Israel hosted in July against Russia. However, there is a difference between a regular Sabbath and Rosh Hashanah. It is not so much a religious difference (basically, according to halachah, organized sports participation on both is equally problematic)--it is a Jewish difference. The Jewish people have embraced Rosh Hashanah as its New Year, a time for penitence and self-reflection, which culminates on Yom Kippur. As individuals, Jews the world over are free to make of Rosh Hashanah what they want. It seems to me, though, that if one is representing the Jewish state, Rosh Hashanah cannot be treated as just an ordinary weekend. Israel has done wonders for the Jewish peoples’ self-esteem. Israel is the one country on earth where there are no stereotypes about what a Jew is, and Jewish people are free to
Jewish Press Board Andy Ruback, Vice President; Michael Sigmond, Secretary; Michael Siegel, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Immediate Past-chairman; Daphne Pollak Alperson, Marc Brodkey; Eric Dunning; Jason Epstein; Andie Gordman; Michael Kaufman; Bette Kozlen; Jamie Meyerson; Jim Simon; Dorothy Spizman. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service/Jewish Senior Services, and the Jewish Press . Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. 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.
Apples and honey and tennis Minister Livnat, the government of which you are a member has set as one of its goals the strengthening of Israel’s character as a democratic Jewish state. The government has emphasized the responsibilities of Israeli citizens toward upholding this democratic Jewish character. But as I’m sure you realize, the state itself also has responsibilities. For the State of Israel to cavalierly sponsor one of its national teams on Rosh Hashanah is to shirk these responsibilities.
(Founded in 1920) Bobbi Leibowitz President Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper
make out of their Jewishness whatever it is they want. And yet, for Israel’s Davis Cup team to play tennis on Rosh Hashanah is to wound this Jewish self-esteem. It shows the world that everything is flexible, that the Jewish tradition can always be repackaged to suit the moment. As I see it, there are excellent democratic reasons for Israel’s Davis Cup team to participate in the semifinals between Sept. 18-20, and there are excellent Jewish reasons for Israel not to send its national tennis team to play on Rosh Hashanah. Up until now, I have not heard anything coming from your office about this problem. I ask you to look into this matter and to try to come up with a solution that will be faithful to Israel’s character as both a democratic and a Jewish state. I also ask you to issue a directive to the governing bodies of Israel’s various sports associations to do what they can to reschedule competitions held on the Jewish people’s most sensitive days -- obviously in this case, the time to ask for a rescheduling was when the 2009 Davis Cup schedule was set, many months ago. There may be some creative solutions to this dilemma. Here are several possibilities that will allow for the fait accompli of Israel's participation in the Davis Cup on Rosh Hashanah that will also address the fact that this third weekend in September is special to the Jewish State: • Have at least two matches scheduled for Friday September 18 before the onset of Rosh Hashanah. • Sponsor a shofar-blowing contest before a particular tennis match. •Hand out apples and honey to the crowd. Wishing you a happy and a healthy New Year, Shana Tova. Teddy Weinberger, Ph.D.
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 it 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. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. 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 information, call the Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $35 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.
American Jewish Press Association Award Winner
Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008
September 11, 2009
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 9
Choose civility
FOCUS ON ISSUES by ERICA BROWN
ROCKVILLE, Md. (JTA) -Having shepherded hundreds of people through Jewish leadership workshops, I am asked frequently why we don’t have better, more competent Jewish leaders, lay and professional, in our institutions. My answer: We don’t deserve them. It’s often said that people get the leaders they deserve. Because we have made it so hard to lead, good people often don’t get involved. They reserve their precious time for institutional affiliations that will not become mired down in vitriolic arguments, uncivil debates, name calling and negativity. As Jews, we’re not always good followers. At a regional conference for Jewish communal professionals a few months ago, I asked a room of 200 people by a show of hands how many of them had experienced an egregiously hostile encounter with a layperson over the course of the past year. From where I was standing, it looked like everyone in the room had a hand raised. So I changed the question: “Has anyone in this room not had an egregiously hostile encounter with a lay leader this past year?” One person raised a hand. I asked him to stand up so that we could all congratulate him. It’s not only the lay-professional relationship that is
suffering. Internal work cultures can also become acidic. Sadly, we’ve created atmospheres of incivility where it becomes very hard for leaders to lead. It’s not only their failure; it’s also ours. We’ve created a consumer-savvy culture where if we don’t like something we take it back, return it or exchange it. And it has spilled over into our interactions on other levels. Listen to people in an institution complain: “If you don’t get rid of this teacher, I’m pulling my kid from this school.’ Or, “I don’t like this program. I’m revoking my membership.” Consumers do that. Stakeholders don’t. When things go wrong and we see leaders as the sole owners of our Jewish institutions, they become an easy target. But if we all saw ourselves as owners, investors and stakeholders in institutions, problems no longer belong to someone else. They belong to us. We each become more personally accountable. And we become more civil in the process because we understand up close how hard it is to navigate politics thoughtfully. It’s difficult to move people out of their comfort zone, but as one leadership guru says, resistance is information. People naturally push back when leaders push them. People should push back if change is authentic and the environments we create are diverse and tolerant. The question is not one of quashing resistance; it’s how we push back that has become the problem. We don’t need to say everything that we think. We need to teach ourselves what not to say in order to challenge leaders without humiliating them. When they feel denigrated, we all lose.
The medieval Spanish poet Solomon Ibn Gabirol is attributed with the following aphorism: “In seeking wisdom, the first step is silence, the second, listening, the third, remembering, the fourth, practicing, the fifth teaching others.” If we were able to apply this five-step process, we could create a sea change in leadership and followship cultures. Silence and listening would force us to hear the pain of leaders who just want out. We need to hear others and hear ourselves when we’ve gotten out of line, when we need to apologize and when we just need to stop interrupting. If we are able to remember and practice that which we know has worked historically, we could use more sane and civil methods of achieving our goals. Lastly, Ibn Gabirol has asked us to become teachers. We all can be teachers of civility. When we are spoken to badly, we must create educable moments and let people know that we can’t hear them when we are addressed in a way that is beneath our dignity, no matter who we are or where they stand in an organizational culture. We need to affirm that Jewish institutional life is about creating warm, nurturing and welcoming environments, and that we have a zero-tolerance policy to the use of any language that goes against the ethos of our Jewish values. We lovingly own this enterprise called Jewish life. We can’t give it up or give it back or exchange it. We can, however, do a lot to dignify it. Erica Brown is the director of adult education for the Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning, in the Greater Washington area.
Beyond rallies, how you can stop Iran
BEHIND THE H EADLINES by SHAI FRANKLIN AND MICAH HALPERN
NEW YORK (JTA) -- Alongside many heads of state and prime ministers, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will address the annual opening of the United Nations General Assembly later this month in New York. Jews will turn out across the street to raise voices in protest. Jews have a legitimate concern about Iran. So should everyone else in the world. Iran’s nuclear program and ongoing support for terrorism are a threat to most nations. One of the most effective vehicles for countering Iran is getting non-Jews and non-Americans to take public positions. The Jewish community can have a substantive, indirect impact on Iran’s actions and policies. Here are some of the strategies that could bear fruit if pursued in a coordinated and consistent way: • A concerted nongovernmental effort must be launched to enlist non-Jewish allies and experts across Latin America, Africa and Europe, even in China. Such partners can push their governments to take a meaningful stand against Iran. Have them push their governments to publicly honor their commitments to international treaties and U.N. Security Council resolutions, and to their own laws. • Solicit governments to issue joint statements reaffirming sanctions and get governments to sign up their neighbors in the movement to pressure Iran. Most imme-
Plan to attend... nd
52 Annual MCH Auxiliary ue Antiq on i t c u A
RUMMAGE SALE
R affle
Largest in the Midwest!
at the Washington County Fairgrounds • Arlington, Neb.
diately, they should support President Obama if he announces new measures against Iran, which also could help Israel take more risks on the Palestinian track. • If leaders insist on attending Ahmadinejad’s U.N. address, they should be pressed to clarify at what point they will be prepared to walk out. Will it be if Ahmadinejad denies the Holocaust, if he questions Israel’s right to exist, if he promotes terrorism and the killing of innocent lives? The act of walking out, as has been proven in the past, leaves a lasting impression, as it did at the Durban Review Conference in Geneva in April. • Speakers from countries other than the United States and Israel must be encouraged to use part of their own addresses -- at the United Nation and at the rallies -- to directly confront Iran, telling Iran that the world’s patience has worn thin. They should underscore this message in their side meetings with other world leaders. The best example of how to use the U.N. General Assembly came two years ago when then-President Nestor Kirchner of Argentina used his address to criticize Iran for its sponsorship of the 1994 AMIA bombing, which killed 86 civilians. Kirchner had standing, since Iran was behind two horrific terror attacks in his country. He had credibility, as a major world leader. He had an audience, comprising most of his fellow heads of state. Iran does care what certain parts of the world think -just not what Americans or American Jews think. In 2007, Iran gave away millions of dollars and signed billions in trade deals in a failed bid to keep Interpol from issuing “red notices” against five of its senior military and intelligence operatives for their role in the AMIA
attack. Last April, Iranian voters watched Ahmadinejad be humiliated when European delegates walked out on his anti-Jewish rant at Durban II. For all the valuable words spoken at rallies and printed in expensive newspaper ads, the actual impact of public Jewish advocacy on impeding the Iranian threat is negligible. Massive public campaigns by American Jews are important to the Jewish community -- and to the U.S. government -- but they will not persuade other governments to tighten the screws on Iran. Jews certainly need to make their voices heard, but rallies have limited impact. Compared to the hundreds of thousands who recently marched in Iran against Ahmadinejad, 10,000 Jews in New York are at best a footnote to what everyone already knows: The Tehran regime is not legitimate, and it is a threat to regional and global peace. Continue the rallies. That is how future leaders are forged, that is how politicians learn our priorities. That is how we teach our children about the importance of standing up against modern-day Pharaohs and dictators. But Jewish rallies will not stop Iran. Iran watches every single diplomatic move in certain parts of the world. They send out their own people to do the convincing and secure their agenda. Jews must do the same in order to restrict and contain Iran. This means ensuring sufficient international pressure that the regime at last faces real consequences if it proceeds with its nuclear program. This means going government by government, and for this we won’t need cameras or microphones. Shai Franklin is senior fellow for United Nations affairs at the Institute on Religion and Public Policy. Micah Halpern, a Middle East expert and terror analyst, is the author of Thugs (Thomas Nelson, 2007).
VISIT COLORADO, GET A FREE HAT! Order yours at COLORADO.COM and pick it up when you visit any Official Colorado Welcome Center.
September 17-20, 2009 Proceeds to benefit MCH Health System’s Capital Campaign and digital Mammography Machine.
For more information or to volunteer, please contact Laura Willey at 426-1494 or lwilley@mchhs.org
SEE DO EAT STAY GO @ COLORADO.COM/hatgiveaway Offer good while supplies last. One free hat per customer. Must be 18 years of age or older. Some restrictions apply.
L&L
Parking Lot Sale
1
Saturday,
BIG DAY . 12th ONLY! S9EPT am- 4 pm
LOTS AND LOTS OF MERCHANDISE! • scratch & dent items • overstock merchandise • over 20 different closeout lines • specials inside the store • more markdowns throughout the week
L&L GIFTS & ENGRAVING 1410 E. 23RD ST. • FREMONT • 727-7275
Petite Tablet More Calcium & Vitamin D3
HIDE A:< 8G6BEH
with
7:;DG: I=:N HIDE NDJ# 8VaXZi ^h YZh^\cZY id ]Zae hide adl XVaX^jb aZ\ XgVbeh# ?jhi Vh` ndjg e]VgbVX^hi#
®
Helps fight leg cramps
For those with milk allergies
Fights osteoporosis CAL-09902 Rev 0709 Copyright © 2009 Mission Pharmacal Company. All rights reserved.
Page 10
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 11, 2009
Candlelighting Friday, September 11, 7:34 p.m.
Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 www.OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 323 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
The Neighborhood Minyan 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org
If you’re looking at this space, so are others! Your ad can go here... to reserve space,
call
Allan Handleman, 402.334.6451
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: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:30 p.m. SHABBAT TUNES AND TALES: Saturday, 11:15 a.m., led by “Miss Patty” Nogg. Open to all families; no charge. SELICHOT: Join us on Saturday, 9 p.m., for a thoughtprovoking program, What Are We Praying For This Year? Defining Success and Failure in This Current Economic Crisis, followed by a musical performance by Cantor Schlossberg, a dessert reception, and the Selichot service, at 10:30 p.m. Sitter Service is available during Friday night and Saturday morning services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. “CHILREN OF EDEN” AUDITIONS: Sunday, noon-4 p.m. Singing and dancing auditions for musical production in December. Auditions are open to all Jewish adults and children age five and older. YOU'RE “KID”- ING ME?: led by Andy Greenberg on Sundays from 10-11:30 a.m., beginning Sept. 13. Cost: $36 for Beth El members, $45 for non-members. To register, call the office, or e-mail programming@bethel-omaha.org. BESTT CHAVERIM: Youth group for fourth-sixth graders will kick off the new year with a bowling party on Sunday, 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Western Bowl, 4725 So. 131st St. To register or for more information, contact Jason Rich at youthdir@ bethel-omaha.org.
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 and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 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 Sisterhood; “Guard Your Tongue”, “The Great Midrash” and “Advanced Parshah Study for Kids” (ages 10 and up) one hour prior to Mincha, 7 p.m.; Havdalah, 8:20 p.m.; Selichot, 11:45 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Reading the Rambam will resume after the holidays; Sisterhood Hat Show, 10 a.m. In addition to the hat show, Liat Shyken will teach “The Mystery Beneath My Hat: Why We Cover Our Hair” and Talia Mizrahi will demonstrate how to tie a tichel (head scarf); Rabbi Gross will lead Kever Avot services (see schedule below); Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha, 5:45 p.m. MONDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. The office is closed for Labor Day. TUESDAY: Scholar’s Club for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home; Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Rabbi’s Gross’s weekly class, 7:30 p.m.
Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel; Joint Selichot Service, 9 p.m. with St. Mark’s on the Campus Episcopal Church. SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Grades 1-2, 9:45 a.m.12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at Tifereth Israel. TUESDAY: Women’s Lunch Group, noon at Wilderness Ridge. Contact Stephanie Dohner if you have questions. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. THURSDAY: Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 p.m. Programs exploring Jewish history will be featured on NET Television during Sept., starting with The Jewish Americans at on Sundays, Sept. 13, 20, 10:30 p.m., on NET1 and NET-HD. This documentary series examines the struggle of a tiny minority to make its way into the American mainstream. The hour-long special The Jewish People: A Story of Survival airs Tuesday, Sept. 22, 11 p.m. on NET1 and NET-HD.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m. MiniMensch title will be awarded; Kiddush lunch follows; join Rabbi Katzman from 12-1 p.m. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Unity Lecture, 2 p.m. followed by an interactive HIgh Holiday Squares game. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. TUESDAY: W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets, and Prayer, 9:15 a.m. THURSDAY: The Parsha Club for Level I beginners, ages 5-6; and Level II intermediates and experts, ages 7-9, 3:50 p.m. Please contact Shevi@ochabad.com with questions or to receive a guest pass. FRIDAY, Sept. 18: Service, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:30 p.m. All events and programs are open to the entire community.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg following. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning
To Submit B’nai Mitzvah Announcements 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. Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, by e-mailing the editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org or online at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Submit other announcements -- births engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Federation website: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press,’ scroll down to ‘Submit Announcements, and complete form.
including infants, are welcome. SUNDAY: Teacher Meeting, 9 a.m.; Religious School (K-6), 10 a.m.; Prayer Assembly, 10 a.m.; Consecration Checklist meeting for kindergarten parents, 10:45 a.m.; BBQ Lunch, noon; Children’s Choir Rehearsal, 12:30 p.m. immediately following BBQ; Club 56 Bowling, immediately following BBQ; OTYG Board Meeting, 12:30 p.m.; Kol Rehearsal, 1 p.m. TUESDAY: Executive Meeting, 5:30 p.m.; Kol Rina Rehearsal, 6:30 p.m.; Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: No Religious School; Madrichim Meeting, 5:30 p.m.; Grade 7 Orientation, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: CSA delivery for shareholders, 4:30-5:30 p.m. at South entrance.
NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. There will be no services starting Sept. 18 until after Simchat Torah. Services will resume Oct. 16.
TIFERETH ISRAEL 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 members of Hadassah. SATURDAY: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Alan Shulewitz; Selichot Services, 8:15 p.m., led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to You at Remington Heights, 4 p.m. led by Rabbi Aryeh Azriel; Shabbat Service: Prepearing for Elul, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Cantor Wendy Shermet. SATURDAY: S’lichot High Holiday Learner’s Study and Service Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m.; S’lichot Service, 7 p.m. SITTER SERVICE: Available Wednesday evenings during Family School hours, Friday evenings service except when there is a Tot Shabbat, Saturday mornings when there is a B’nai mitzvah, and Sunday mornings during Religious School. Advance reservations and a $5 donation appreciated. Young children,
Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. MONDAY and THURSDAY: Minyan, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch sponsored by Nancy and Charlie Coren in remembrance of Esther Rae Chesnin’s first yahrzeit and Talmud study; Yahrzeit service for Esther Rae Chesnin, 8:45 p.m. followed by Selichot service. SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Grades 1-2, 9:45 a.m.12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at Tifereth Israel. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066; Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.
EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed on Monday, Sept. 28, for Yom Kippur.. The deadline for all ads, articles and photos is 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, for the Oct. 2 issue. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.
MEMORIAL SERVICES Sunday, Sept. 13 Golden Hill Cemetery, 5025 No. 42 St., 11 am Mount Carmel Cemetery, 14th and Superior St. in Lincoln, 11 a.m. Beth Israel/Mt. Sinai, 78th & Crown Point, noon BHH/Fisher Farms, 8900 So. 42 St., 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20 Temple Israel Cemetery, 6412 No. 42 St., 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27 Oak Hills/Bikhor Cholim, Council Bluffs, 10 a.m. Beth El Cemetery, 84th and ‘L’ Sts., 11 a.m.
Pulverente MONUMENT CO.
September 11, 2009
DEATHS DON COHEN Don Cohen died last week. Services were held Sept. 3 at Golden Hill Cemetery. He was a longtime employee of NoFrills. He was preceded in death by his brother and sister-inlaw, Harry and Rose Cohen. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Bernice; sons and daughters-in-law, Mel and Anne Cohen, and Harvey and Fran Cohen; son, Eddie Cohen; and grandchildren, Rebecca and Ben. Memorials to charity of choice. HARRY SCHULMAN Harry Schulman died at the age of 95. Services were held Sept. 6 at BHH/Fisher Farms Cemetery. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ann Woskoff Schulman, and his second wife, Sophie Halperin Katz Schulman; granddaughter, Elizabeth Shukert; and son-in-law, Sam Shukert. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Nancy Schulman; daughter, Estelle Shukert; stepchildren, Miriam Katz, Helen Katz, David Katz and Ann Moses, and Richard and Amy Katz; 15 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. ELLIOT “BUS” RUBIN Elliot “Bus” Rubin died at the age of 90. Services were held Sept. 10 at Temple Israel. The founder of Rubin Distributing company, he recently celebrated his Bar Mitzvah. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty Kuklin Rubin; children, Tom Rubin, Daniel and Lynn Rubin, Susan Rubin; grandchildren, Jennifer and Erin Vik, Jay Rubin, Aaron Marsh, Danielle Marsh, Rachel Marsh; two great-grandchildren; and sister, Ethel Mogil. Memorials to the Blumkin Home or charity of choice.
Madonna pops in to see Bibi
Pop star Madonna, second from left, winding up a very successful visit to Israel, and her boyfriend, Jesus Lopez, right, made a Shabbat visit to the Jerusalem home of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara. Madonna participated in the lighting of the Shabbat candles. During her stay in Israel, Madonna gave two sell-out performances in Tel Aviv. Although not Jewish, she has taken the Hebrew name ‘Esther’ and claims a special bond with Jewish tradition, and in particular, the esoteric Credit: ISRANET Kabbalah.
Visions and 39th Forever celebrate the end of summer
Accountability
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parshiyot Nitzavim/VaYalekh It is not unusual for lawbreakers to be held to account. Their offenses may be simple, like overstepping parking regulations, or more important ones like robbery or murder. But the Torah here calls a whole nation, the people of Israel, before the highest court in the universe, the Heavenly Court. How appropriate it is then, that these Sidrot, Nitzavim and VaYalekh, with all their implications, come just before Rosh Hashanah, the Day of Judgment. I think, necessarily, of Isaiah’s chastisement of he people of Israel. He calls heaven and earth to serve as witnesses when he brings his indictment of Israel: Oh, you sinful people! A people laden with iniquity -- from head to toe, there is no sound spot! Cuts and wounds and open sores have not been treated nor softened nor soaked with healing oils, he says to them. But all is not lost. If we can get together, the Lord says, if you sinful people and I can discuss the situation rationally, perhaps we can find our way through this thick forest of troubles. The Holy One promises that under the right conditions, your sins, O Israel, now flaming red, can become white as snow. What are the conditions? Repentance and resolution. Thus we have the days after Rosh Hashanah, empty of anything other than time for repentance. And resolution: the solemn promise to ourselves to sin no more. But we are chagrined when we remind ourselves how often we have made this promise before: year after year, decade after decade. The hope lies in the immense capacity of humanity to repent, and the immense capacity of the Holy One to forgive. Thus we stand with our heads bowed in shame, but secretly knowing that we will be forgiven once again: for after the Day of Judgment comes the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur. But this is the great conundrum: we must not assume endless forgiveness. We must act as though the sentence of the Heavenly Court will be harsh and unyielding. Our conduct could be subject to dreadful punishment. If our repentance is sincere, however, than another year of probation is in order. L’shana tova tikatevu v’taihatemu. May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.
Prayerbooks Available for Visually Impaired 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; or fax 718.338.0653; or e-mail to Jewishheritage@gmail.com.
Get More ACTION for Your Dollar by using the Nebraska 2x2 Display Ad Network. Advertise in this amount of space for only $5.06*/newspaper. Reach over 900,000 Nebraska readers! Statewide cost is $875*. Additional sizes available.
Contact your local newspaper for more information or call 1-800-369-2850. www.nebpress.com
Buy or Sell a Classic Car at midwestclassiccars.com Members enjoyed a beautiful summers day at Chalco Hills Recreation area recently at the groups’ annual summer picnic. Participants enjoyed a potluck lunch with musical entertainment with Teddy Grable. For information about upcoming Visions and 39 Forever programs, call Jim Wax at 393.4442.
Just call this newspaper or 800-369-2850 today to place your classic car, truck or motorcycle for sale ad and photo on the midwestclassiccars.com website for RQO\ 2U JR WR WKH VLWH WR ÀQG \RXU GUHDP FDU ,WҋV your connection to classic vehicles for sale throughout the Midwest.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials
Page 11
1439 So. 13th 341-2452
Frank L. Ciciulla, Jr.
PEOPLE WHO READ NEWSPAPERS ARE
STUDENTS WITH BETTER GRADES It all starts with Newspapers.
To Submit Announcements to the Jewish Press: 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.
Statewide Classified ADVERTISE STATEWIDE for $210/25 word classified ad. Over 175 newspapers with circulation of more than 400,000. Contact the Jewish Press at 334-6448 or call 1-800369-2850. DIVORCE WITH or without children $95.00. With free name change documents (wife only) and marital settlement agreement. Fast and easy. Call us 24/ 7: 1-888-789-0198. NEBRASKA ANGUS Tour - September 18-19. Visit Angus ranches throughout Central Nebraska. For registration and more information check out the website at www.nebraskaangus.org or call 308-577-6700. SELL YOUR classic car, truck or motorcycle online. Call this newspaper or call 800-3692850 to place your ad on the national www.midwestclassiccars.com web site for only $25.00. Your ad runs until your vehicle is sold! BANKRUPTCY: FREE initial consultation. Fast relief from creditors. Low rates. Statewide filing. No office appointments necessary. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-8728327. www.steffenslaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code. DO YOU live in rural Nebraska and need a small business loan under $35,000? REAP can help! Call 402-656-3091 or visit www.cfra.org/reap. ALL NEW Happy Jack Kennel Dip II: kills fleas, ticks, stable flies & mange mites without steroids. Biodegradable. At Orscheln Farm & Home Stores. (www.happyjackinc.com). AQUAFFORDABLE HOT tubs $2,795 to $3,995. Walk-in bathtubs $3,995 up. Saunas $1,995 to $2,695. Call 1-800-869-0406 for free information package. FOR SALE: pasture or recreational land with large wetland, electric well, new fence. 164.7 acres near Holdrege, NE. Excellent wildlife habitat. Internet bids only, bids accepted 8/14-9/14/09. For details, go to www.ducks.org/landsales. FORECLOSED ONLINE home auction. 500+ homes must be sold! Open house: 9/12, 19, 20. REDC/bids open 9/21. View full listings & details: Auction.com. STOP WASTING $ on rent! Own a new single-wide home for as low as $400/ month W.A.C. Call for details: 307-635-3100. AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN needed for an ongoing GM dealership. Inquire at Pearson Motor Company, PO Box 488, Hartington, NE 68739 or call 402-254-6801.
Yes, for only $25 your ad runs until SOLD!!!
ESTABLISHED 19 year company seeking traveling sales rep. Gone Monday-Friday. Company average pays $910/week. Call 1-800-225-6368, ext. 333. www.brechtpacific.com.
Your connection to classic car buyers throughout the Midwest.
RV DELIVERY drivers needed. Deliver RVs, boats and trucks for pay! Deliver to all 48 states and Canada. For details log on to www.RVdeliveryjobs.com.
www.midwestclassiccars.com
Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 11, 2009