September 16, 2005

Vol. LXXXV No. 1 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 84 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

12 Elul, 5765 September 16, 2005

Israel Aids Gulf States After Hurricane Katrina

Magen David Adom staffers prepare cartons of bottled water as part of an 80-ton aid shipment for victims of Hurricane Katrina on Sept. 7 in Tel Aviv. In addition, an Israeli Defense Forces delegation, led by the army’s chief medical officer, left Israel to coordinate the delivery of Israeli aid to New Orleans. Credit: MDA/BP Images/JTA

A ZAKA volunteer boats through the submerged streets of New Orleans last week to remove the body of a Hurricane Katrina victim. ZAKA’s teams, trained to identify and handle bodies, often assist in the aftermath of terrorist attacks in Israel. Credit: ZAKA Archives More stories and photos on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina on pages 6-7.

Live from NY’s 92 Street Y Broadcast Series Returns for Fall 2005 Season by RACHEL BLUM JCC Program Director This fall promises to be an exciting time for the Jewish community, as we gear up to begin the “Live from NY’s 92nd Street Y” satellite broadcast series. The 92nd Street Y in New York City has set the standards for cultural programming, bringing in some of the most intellectual thinkers and Alan Dershowitz speakers of our time. Through the latest in satellite technology, the JCC is able to bring these lectures, discussions, and readings to the Omaha Jewish community at a minimal fee. We will kick off our 2005 Season of “Live from NY’s 92nd Street Y” with “Peace in the Middle East,” an interview with Harvard Law Professor Alan Dershowitz and Israeli Minister Natan Sharansky on Sunday, Sept. 25, 6:30 pm. In the wake of events that raise new hopes for peace in the Middle East, Dershowitz and Sharansky, interviewed by Foreign Affairs Magazine editor in chief, James F. Hoge, will discuss the possibilities and pitfalls that lie ahead. Prof. Dershowitz has been described by Newsweek as

Women’s Division Co-Chairmen Answer, “Why Do We Do This?”

“the nation’s most peripatetic civil liberties lawyer and one of its most distinguished defenders of individual rights.” More than 50 of his articles have appeared in the New York Times Magazine Book Review, and Op-Ed Pages. He has also published more than 100 articles in magazines and journals such as The Washington Post, The New Republic, Saturday Natan Sharansky Review, The Harvard Law Review, and the Yale Law Journal. Dershowitz is the author of The Case for Peace, the sequel to his best-selling The Case for Israel. Sharansky is the Minister of Jerusalem and Diaspora Affairs and a former Soviet dissident and political prisoner, who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Freedom for his struggle against tyranny. He is the author of the bestseller, The Case for Democracy: The Power of Freedom To Overcome Tyranny & Terror. James Hoge, who will interview Dershowitz and Sharansky, is editor of Foreign Affairs Magazine, the premier journal on international affairs and foreign policy. Continued on page 5

Shlicha Arrives from Israel for New Position at JELS by MARY SUE GROSSMAN JELS Administrator For the first time ever, Jewish Educational and Library Services has hired a shlicha (literally translated as “messenger”). Rachel Ochana will work with congregational religious schools to develop city-wide programs for students, provide teacher training, serve as an adult education instructor, Rachel Ochana and develop other community-wide programming for the agency. Ochana, a native of Israel, will serve as shlicha for JELS for the next two years. She has a master’s in education and a bachelor’s degree in educational counseling. She has worked as a counselor and teacher for more than 10 years and most recently as Vice-principal, homeroom

Inside Opinion Page see page 8

teacher, and parent instructor of Mamad Torani at Ramat Beit Shemesh, near Jerusalem. “Thanks to our relationship with the Jewish Agency for Israel, we were able to bring to our community a highly trained Jewish educator.” states Guy Matalon, JELS Executive Director. “Rachel will help us provide high quality Jewish educational opportunities for all ages. Working with Beth Israel, Beth El, Temple Israel and Friedel Jewish Academy, she will be able to support all of the educational institutions that make up our vibrant community.” Ann Goldstein, JELS Board Chairman, said, “We are so glad Rachel is here and she will truly help enrich our educational opportunities to both teachers and the community.” Reflecting on her first few days in Omaha, Ochana said “I am very happy to have the opportunity to know a new community. In the two weeks since I’ve been here, everyone has been so kind, warm, and welcoming. I will do my best to meet all the expectations!”

This Week: Continuing Hurricane Coverage: Pages 6-7 Recipient Selected for Keiser/Stoms Scholarship: Page 3

Selichot Concert Features Music of Israeli Artists: Page 5

by OZZIE NOGG During the summer of 2002, Marcia Pitlor and Jody Malashock co-chaired the JCC Maccabi Games in Omaha. Their job description required them to set the tone and vision in welcoming over 1500 athletes, coaches and delegation heads to our community. The pair recruited hundreds of volunteers, oversaw every aspect of the event and, for their efforts, they were named 2000-2001 JCC Volunteers of the Year. In 2005, as Federation Campaign Event Co-Chairmen, the two women planned and coordinated seven community parlor meetings, featuring visits by active-duty Israel Defense Force officers. “Maybe the Maccabi Games and the IDF soldiers were an audition for our current assignment,” Marcia says with a grin, referring to the role she and Jody have assumed as Women’s Division CoChairmen in the 2006 Federation Campaign. “We’re more than ready,” Jody Malashock and Marcia Pitlor Jody added. “In fact, with the help of our dedicated division leaders and workers, this should be a piece of cake.” “There was a time when we asked donors to give until it hurts,” Marcia continued. “This year’s campaign theme, ‘Live Generously’, seems so much more positive to me. It’s a message that people can accept without feeling pushed. We know that Omaha women make their pledges voluntarily, and their contributions to the total campaign are measured in far more than dollars.” Both Marcia and Jody are passionate about helping the Omaha Jewish community, but realize not everyone shares their degree of commitment. “There’s sometimes a disconnect in our age group,” Marcia explains, “and when people can’t see a concrete result that’s beneficial to them, they don’t feel it’s real important to give.” Jody acknowledges that, “Some women say, ‘I don’t work out at the JCC. I have no one in the Child Development Center or the Blumkin home. My kids are grown and out of town, my grandchildren live far away. So why should I keep contributing to Campaign?’ In those cases, we try to remind women that a Jew is a Jew wherevContinued on page 2

Coming Sept. 30: New Year’s Issue More Op-eds on Hurricane Aftermath: Pages 8-9

KC Arts Festival Features Rick Recht and Josh Nelson: Page 12

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 16, 2005

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Va’ad HaKashruth and various programs for newcomers and leadership development. A percentage of campaign dollars is also sent directly to Israel. “Our needs in the community don’t change,” Jody says. “They only increase--an Alzheimer unit, more counseling for teens at Jewish Family Service. And people’s dollars are stretched thin. Each of us wants to support our synagogue and contribute to causes in the larger community that are important to us. We respect the choices people make. “As part of the Campaign leadership, we also have to spread the message that Federation is the only entity charged to take care of the entire Omaha Jewish community. Sometimes, friends tease us and say, ‘What? You two are taking on another project? Enough already.’ Well, I’ve been involved in Campaign for twenty-five years and consider it a privilege to do this work. We’re lucky to live in a community that gives us so much. My goal is to see it continue to thrive and transmit that feeling to others.” Marcia echoes Jody’s sentiments. “Why do I do this? I wouldn’t consider not doing this. As our community grows older, we lose leaders and donors. Our age group, and younger, needs to step up to the plate. If your parents or grandparents hadn’t led and contributed, hadn’t lived generously, where would we be? Now it’s our turn.” For more information about the Jewish Federation of Omaha and its 2006 Live Generously Campaign, please call the Federation office at 334.6485.

We Know You Know What To Do, But ... Take the Women’s Division Campaign Leadership Quiz

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Continued from page 1 er she lives, and because their children and grandchildren are thriving in another community-- enjoying the benefit of other people’s dollars--we need their continued support for our Federation agencies and programs. All of us enjoy the fruits of this community because of what people gave in the past. We must continue that tradition.” Marcia and Jody’s efforts to maintain a tradition of Living Generously begin at home. “We both involved our kids in the Maccabi Games,” Marcia says. “They were proud to be part of it, and happy to have met so many other Jewish teens, from Israel and all over the country.” “I try to set an example for our kids,” Jody says. “They know the kind of volunteer work I do. When Erin was at college, she once attended a meeting where Federation was being explained and she told the group, ‘Oh, I know all about that. My mom and dad do that kind of stuff.’ When she shared that story with me, I knew she ‘got it’. Now I hope that wherever my kids end up living, they’ll understand it’s their responsibility to help, to be part of that community and contribute to it.” Currently, the Federation agencies serving Omaha and worldwide Jewry include: the Community Relations Committee (CRC), the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service and Jewish Senior Services. Campaign dollars also help continue the work of the Jewish Press, Young Jewish Omaha, the synagogues, Friedel Jewish Academy,

We Disp dding Sup lays & plies

by OZZIE NOGG The invitation to a training event held recently for Women’s Division Campaign leaders read, “We Know You Know What To Do, BUT ...” According to CoChairs, Marcia Pitlor and Jody Malashock, the phrase was designed to pique interest, and it worked. “I would have come anyway,” said Cindy Goldberg, “but the slogan really captured my attention, and Marcia and Jody’s multiple choice questions refreshed my understanding of Campaign needs in a novel way.”

a. Last year your gift was $100. I see you are driving a new car so you must have a lot of money. How about increasing your gift to $500 this year? b. Would you consider increasing your gift by $10? c. Would you like to get together for lunch or coffee to talk about your gift? “Some of the answers were obviously tongue-incheek,” Marcia said, “and after each question was asked, Jody and I took turns delivering the ‘real’ information regarding the responsibility of division leaders and their

Participating in the Women’s Campaign training on Sept 1 are, left photo: Jennifer Meyerson, Louri Sullivan and Debbi

Kutler; right photo: General Campaign Co-chairman Anne Shackman, Rita Novak and Janie Murow.

Quiz examples: 1. How many of Omaha’s 1800 Jewish women give to the Jewish Federation annual campaign? a. 700 b. 1300 c. None, they spend their money at the mall. 2. The 2005 Women’s Campaign raised a. $485,000 b. $760,000 c. the Million Dollar Baby 3. An increase in your 2006 gift to the campaign a. Can substitute for the money you spend on a new pair of shoes b. Can substitute for the money you spend on a new piece of jewelry c. Can help support the agencies and programs of the Jewish Federation. 4. The appropriate way to ask for a gift is

workers, and putting in a plug for the agencies that benefit from the dollars raised.” According to Jody, “It proved to be a fun way to present serious information about Federation.” After the meeting, Rita Novak said, “I’m probably the oldest one here, and it’s refreshing to see young people step up and get involved. I’ve been doing campaign forever. There are certain things you can’t say ‘no’ to.” Women’s Division leaders are now in the process of finding volunteer workers who will receive their cards during the Friday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m., “DriveThru” outside the JCC main entrance. The Drive-Thru, manned by Federation Campaign professional staff, allows workers to simply roll down their windows and pick up individualized solicitation packets without leaving their cars. Need answers to the Quiz Questions? 1. (a); 2. (a); 3. (all of the above); 4. (b & c).

CLIP & SAVE

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, SEPT. 16 “Ima and Me” Class, 10:30 a.m. at Chabad House Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El SATURDAY, SEPT. 17 “Out of Sight Saturday Night”, 6 p.m. C SUNDAY, SEPT. 18 L Jewish Federation Mission to Kiev & Israel I Sept. 18-27 P

C L I P

& “Living Hebrew” Class with Susie Levin, and Bible

&

Klutznick Symposium, 9 a.m.

S A V E

Study with Leonard Greenspoon, 10 a.m. at Beth El S Seventh Grade Family Program, 10 a.m. at Beth El A Prayer Class, and Jewish Potpouri, 11 a.m. V at Beth El E Beyt Shalom, 3 p.m.

MONDAY, SEPT. 19 Klutznick Symposium, 8 a.m. at Creighton Hadassah Board Meeting, 1 p.m. BEAM, 7 p.m. at Beth El ADL Program Reception, 7:30 p.m. Youth Commission Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth El ADL “Practice of Medicine in Nazi Germany”, 7:30 p.m. TUESDAY, SEPT. 20 C L BBYO Chapter Elections, 6 p.m. I Maimonides Society, 7:30 p.m. P

C L I P

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 21 & PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El

&

Hadassah Meeting, 7 p.m. S A THURSDAY, SEPT. 22 V United Way Fall Conference, 8 a.m. E JFS Love and Logic Classes, 6 p.m.

B’nai B’rith Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)

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September 16, 2005

Women of Reform Judaism to Sponsor Needlework Show by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel members Joanie Lehr and Jane Rips will Temple Israel Communications Coordinator share their needlepoint expertise at the trunk show and Hundreds of needlepoint display some of their own canvasses will be on display, projects. ready to purchase, at Wynn has owned Personal Women of Reform Judaism’s Threads for about a year and needlework trunk show on a half. Prior to that, her Wednesday, Sept. 21 at mother, Carolyn Lewis, Temple Israel. There will be owned the boutique which shows from 4-5:30 p.m. opened 12 years ago next to and from 7-8:30 p.m. Lewis Art Gallery at 8025 “This selection, which West Dodge Road. Personal includes two collections, is Threads “grew out of a love going to be incredible,” said of art and beautiful things,” Julie Wynn, owner of said Wynn who has worked Personal Threads Boutique. at the art gallery for 23 There will be talit bags, kipyears pahs, dreidels, the Hebrew WRJ welcomes the comalphabet, scenes of Jewish munity to attend. Personal life, and other Judaica in Threads will donate a peraddition to generic needlecentage of the sales to projpoint designs--all ready to One of the many needlepoint threads available from ects and programs of WRJ. work. Personal Threads Boutique.

High Holiday Happenings at Beth Israel by MARY BORT Beth Israel Synagogue Blowing the shofar. Breaking-the fast meal. Building a sukkah. Dancing with the Torah. With the high holidays soon upon us, it’s time to note the special happenings scheduled at Beth Israel Synagogue for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. For a complete schedule of all services during the holidays, please contact the synagogue office. As is customary on the Saturday evening before Rosh Hashanah, a special Selichot service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24, 11:15 p.m. From Sept. 26-30, the community is also invited to join for Selichot prayers at 6:40 a.m. followed by regular weekday Shacharit services that start at 7 a.m. On Sunday, Oct. 2, Rabbi Jonathan Gross will lead Kever Avot services at three local cemetaries: 11 a.m. at Golden Hill Cemetery, 5025 No. 42 St.; noon at Beth Israel/Mt. Sinai Cemeteries, 78th and Crown Point; and 1 p.m. at BHH/Fisher Farms, 8900 So. 42 St. Don’t miss the Shofar blowing during Rosh Hashanah Services on Tuesday, Oct. 4 and Wed., Oct. 5. On both days, Shacharit Services start at 8 a.m., with free babysitting starting at 9:30 a.m. A tashlich picnic is planned at the Shyken’s Beaver

Lake house on Sunday, Oct. 9. Everyone will meet at Beth Israel at 11 a.m. and caravan to the Shyken’s. Rides will be available. On Erev Yom Kippur, free babysitting will be offered during Kol Nidre services, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 6:30 p.m. Beth Israel’s annual “Break the Fast” meal will be held on Yom Kippur, Thurday, Oct. 13, 8 p.m. The tradition of Sukkot includes using the “four species,” known as lulav and etrog. The synagogue is still accepting orders for lulav and etrog, at $48 per set. Members will gather on Friday, Oct. 14, 8 a.m., and again at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 16 to build a sukkah at Beth Israel. Everyone is invited to help with the construction and decorating process. A Sukkot lunch will be held in the sukkah Wednesday, Oct. 19, noon. On Sunday, Oct. 23, 5 p.m., Beth Israel invites the community to a festive Family Sukkot program. A special Hakafot and dinner, complete with “Torah dancing,” is planned at the start of Simchat Torah Tuesday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m. As part of Simchat Torah observances, Beth Israel will hold a special lunch at Wednesday, Oct. 26, noon. To make meal reservations, to order lulav and etrog, or for a service schedule during the High Holidays, please contact the office at 556.6288.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Anna Turetsky Chosen Recipient of Academic Excellence Scholarship by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Administrator, Jewish Educational & Library Services The Financial Aid Committee of Jewish Educational and Library Services has announced that Anna Turetsky has been selected as the 2005-06 scholarship recipient for the David Keiser and Lillian Keiser Stoms Foundation Education Endowment Fund for Academic Excellence. This award is based strictly on scholarship, with high school grade point averages and SAT/ACT scores used as the primary measure to determine the recipient. Anna, the daughter of Lazar and Margaret Turetsky, is a graduate of Millard North and participated in the International Baccalaureate program. She was ranked third in her class of 600. She is attending the University of Pennsylvania, as a biochemistry major, and plans to attend medical school. In choosing Anna Turetsky Penn, Anna said, “I was very impressed with the school and the availability of the Vagelos Scholars Program was a real plus.” The Vagelos Scholars Program gives students the opportunity to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in four years. Anna said the excellent reputation of the medical school was also a big factor in her decision. A native of Minsk, Belarus, Anna and her parents immigrated to the United States when she was two-anda-half-years-old. In addition to being a top student, Anna was also involved in dance, active in BBYO, and attended Beth El’s Hebrew High. Lillian Keiser Stoms and her brother David Keiser were native Omahans; this fund was established in their memory by their niece, Sally Clayman. Two other scholarships were also established in memory of David Keiser and Lillian Keiser Stoms. The Lillian Keiser Stoms Educational Fund was established to benefit and assist in the education of Jewish youth living in a single parent family or Jewish single parents who have custody of their children. The David Keiser and Lillian Keiser Stoms Foundation Education Endowment Fund was created to provide funding for university scholarships to Jewish youth who have earned a minimum 3.0 GPA. These two funds are awarded based on financial need. For information on any scholarship program, please call the JELS office at 334.6445. Those interested in contributing to or endowing scholarship and loan funds should contact Marty Ricks in the Foundation office at 334.6440.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 16, 2005

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The University Library at UNO will host a free sixpart reading and discussion series called “Let’s Talk About It: Jewish Literature--Identity and Imagination.” The series explores Jewish literature and culture through scholar-led discussions of contemporary and classic books on a common theme. The library’s series will explore the theme of “Between Two Worlds: Stories of Estrangement and Homecoming”. One of 200 libraries nationwide receiving grants to host the series developed by Nextbook and the American Library Association (ALA), the Universiy Library has received local support from the Nebraska Humanities Council; community partners include the the Kripke Jewish Federation Library and the Omaha Public Library System. Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, Klutznick Chair of Jewish Civilization at Creighton University will lead a discussion of the book at each session. Join us on Sept. 25, 4-6 p.m. as we “kickoff” the series with a special musical celebration featuring a concert by the klezmer band, Tuffy’s Klezmorim. The event will be held at the Castle of Perseverance, a sculpture/amphitheater designed by internationally renowned sculptor Andrew Leicester on the UNO campus (west of the University Library). The first program will Tuffy’s Klezmorim will play at the explore the book Lost in series’ kickoff on Sept. 25. Translation by Eva Hoffman and will be held on Sunday, Oct. 2, 4-6 p.m. All programs will be held at the University Library on the UNO campus. Free parking is provided. “We are delighted to have been chosen to host this unique series that will allow patrons a chance to discuss themes in Jewish literature with fellow community members and with the help of a well-qualified scholar such as Dr. Greenspoon,” said Marvel Maring, Program Director, Fine Arts and Humanities Reference Librarian.For more information, contact Marvel Maring at 402.554.2992 or mmaring@mail.unomaha.edu or visit the University Library website at http://library.unomaha.edu/. EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE There is no regular news in the Sept. 30 New Year’s issue; deadline for the Oct. 7 Jewish Press is Wednesday, Sept. 28, noon.

ORGANIZATIONS BREADBREAKERS Cal Kirshen will speak at Breadbreakers on Sept. 21 according to Marty Ricks, chairman. Kirshen’s topic will be “Fifty Years Experience in Omaha Television”. Breadbreakers is held at the Regency Lodge, 107th and Pacific Streets every Wednesday at noon. Cost is $11 for a complete lunch and $3 for beverage service only. All in the community are invited to attend.

ple pay for their prescription drugs. The new program, known as Medicare Part D, will begin on Jan. 1, 2006. The program is voluntary. To get the drug coverage, seniors will need to enroll in a Medicare-approved private drug plan. To help seniors and their families learn about and evaluattheir options, Jewish Senior Services will host informative sessions Thursday, Sept. 22, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., in the Blumkin Home auditorium.

WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going on the day trip to the Ameristar Casino on Thursday, please meet at the JCC main entrance at 8:45 a.m. For transportation to the JCC call Maggie Conti at 334.6521

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.

VISIONS The Magical Mystery Tour is Thursday, Oct. 27, 9 a.m.. The cost of $20 per person includes transportation, lunch, tour, tax and gratuity. Depart from the JCC and return by 2 p.m. Send reservations to Harry Alloy, 11317 Harney Plz. Cir., Omaha, NE 68154. The Brownville Concert Series presents Barbara Brussel in Almost Like Being in Love, The Lyrics of Alan Jay Lerner on Sunday, Oct. 30. Cost of $42 includes coach, show admission, dinner at Biaggi’s, tax, and gratuity. Depart at noon (be at the JCC by 11:45 a.m.). Return by 7 p.m. Send reservations to Jean Elkon, 1005 No. 63 St., Omaha, NE 68132 by Sept. 30. For information, call Ethel Goldston at 393.7358. JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES Israeli Pop Concert by UNO Heartland Philharmonic is Tuesday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m. in the JCC auditorium No admission fee. Enjoy selections from Fiddler on the Roof, Russian Ashkenazi Klezmer, and John Williams: Suite from Schindler’s List. Call Maggie Conti at 334.6521. Medicare will soon offer insurance plans to help peo-

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Jewish education will be a family affair at Beth El on Sunday, Sept. 25, 10 a.m. to noon., as the synagogue’s Talmud Torah (BESTT) sponsors its second annual “Bring Your Parents to School” day. All families with students in kindergarten through seventh grade are invited to participate in this special open house, which offers parents the opportunity to become familiarized with their kids’ Sunday school classes and participate in a fun-filled morning of learning alongside their children. The morning will begin with an open assembly in the

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chapel, where Education Director Judy Rubin, Rabbi Mordechai Levin, members of the school board and the PTA will discuss goals for the year. During the rest of the morning, parents may attend their children’s classes and enjoy refreshments in the West Court, courtesy of Beth El Men’s Club. A directory of classrooms and teachers’ names will be posted in the canteen area, Rubin said, adding that parents are welcome to stay for either the entire open house, or just a portion of the morning. She also noted that in addition to the open house, parents are always welcome to visit mid-week religious school classes and may set a date and time by contacting her at 498.0904.

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NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN NCJW-Omaha Section will kick off a public affairs and education lunch series with an opportunity to learn more about methamphetamine use in Nebraska, particularly among teenagers. This first in this series is Monday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m., at Uta Halee Girls Village, 10625 Calhoun Rd. Attendees of this free event will tour Uta Halee’s facility and hear from experts about this growing problem. Lunch will be provided. To reserve, please contact Dana Cohn, at 558.1318 or cohndb@aol.com, or Andee Scioli, at: 341.6000, or ascioli@fraserstryker.com.

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OMAHA CHAPTER OF HADASSAH Local member Carole Lainof, will give a pictorial review and discussion of her Nurse Mission trip to Israel last May, which was partially subsidized by National Hadassah. The community is invited to attend Lainof’s entertaining and educational presentation, to be held at the Jewish Community Center on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 7 p.m. Also featured on the program will be Alex Wolf, son of Phil and Nancy Wolf, who will share adventures of his recent journey to Israel as part of the Young Judaea group. A reception will follow the program.

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September 16, 2005

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An Evening of Prayer, Music Planned for Selichot at Beth El by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator The entire Jewish community is invited to join together at Beth El on Saturday, Sept. 24, 9 p.m., for a special Selichot service, musical program planned by Cantor GastĂłn Bogomolni, and special farewell to the synagogue’s outgoing program director, Harriet Einziger. Bob Adler The evening will begin with Havdalah, followed by a musical tribute by Cantor Bogomolni and guitarist Bob Adler, honoring five prominent Israeli artists who have died during the past several years: singer Ofra Haza, composer/songwriter Naomi Shemer, poet/lyricist Natan Yonatan, songwriter Ehud Manor, and singer Uzi Hitman. After the musical performance, a dessert reception will be held in honor of Einziger, who will leave Beth El at the end of the month. A stirring Selichot service will follow, led by Rabbi Levin and Cantor Bogomolni, and accompanied by the Beth El choir (Dacia Jabenis, Annelise Ocanto, Eadie Tsabari, David Adler and Jim Fried). Musical accompaniment will be provided by Tuffy Epstein on flute and clarinet, and Esther Wax on piano. “As the Jewish Holy Days approach, Selichot serves as the gateway into this time of renewal and forgiveness,â€? Rabbi Levin said. “It offers us a time to prepare for the holidays and a chance to focus ourselves on the process of forgiveness. Beth El has planned a beautiful and memorable evening of music and prayer, and we look forward to sharing this celebration with the whole community.â€? Expressing gratitude to Einziger for her two years of service to Beth El, he added that, “Harriet is a creative and talented woman who has done a wonderful job expanding the synagogue’s programming for children, families and adults--and she’s always done it with an enthusiastic and welcoming manner. It’s been a pleasure to work with her. We will miss her and wish her the best now that she is moving closer to her family.â€?

Live from 92nd St. Y Returns Continued from page 1 He is the former editor of the Chicago Sun Times, and former publisher of The Daily News. Then, on Sunday Oct. 2, 6:30 p.m., Governor Mario Cuomo will address issues that are common among Americans today in his broadcast titled, “Towards a More Perfect Union.� At a time when the country is divided by politics, culture and religion, Cuomo will discuss how we come together as a nation and learn to listen to people with different points of view. Known as an intellectual, passionate, and challenging force for social responsibility Cuomo and diversity, reminds us of our collective American legacy. Mario Cuomo The Boston Globe deemed Gov. Cuomo’s recent speech at Harvard’s Kennedy School a “masterpiece� and named him “the nation’s most gifted philosopher-politician.� Cuomo is the longest serving Democratic Governor of New York in modern history, twice setting New York records for highest popular vote ever achieved in a state-wide election. Both satellite broadcasts are sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation and are funded in part by the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased by calling Cindy Reed, JCC Registration Associate, at 334.6419. For information about the series, call me at 334.6404.

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The evening’s musical program holds special meaning to Cantor Bogomolni, who said it is important to share the music of these five Israeli artists, whose compositions will be enjoyed for generations to come. Shemer, who died last year at 74, is best-known for composing “Yerushaliyim Shel Za’av� (Jerusalem of Cantor Bogomolni Gold), and was known as the “First Lady of Israeli Song.� For her contribution to Israeli music, she was awarded the Israel prize in 1983. Yonatan, who also died in 2004 at the age of 81, published 20 collections of poetry, three works of collected prose, and received honors including an Israeli prize for lifetime literary achievement and the Newman Prize for Hebrew Literature. Manor was known as one of Israel’s most prolific and well-loved songwriters, and in 1998 was named an Israel Prize laureate for his contribution to Israeli songwriting. He died at the age of 64 earlier this year. Haza, who was known world-wide for her singing and composing talent, received Germany’s Tigra Award in 1989 for Singer of the Year, and the World Music Award in Monte Carlo in 1990. She died in 2000 at age 43. Hitman, who passed away last year at the age of 52, gained international fame for his rendition of ‘Adon Olam;’ he also composed over 650 songs, and became a popular figure in children’s television programming in Israel. The musical contributions of these artists will be appreciated for generations to come, Cantor Bogomolni said, adding that, “Some of these composers are not known to many of us, but we know their music. This concert before Selichot is meant to pay tribute to and recognize these artists whose legacies will be with us forever. “I invite the entire community to hear this extraordinary music,� the cantor added, “ and in particular, I welcome all the Israelis living in Omaha to attend, as we all join together to sing ‘Yerushalayim Shel Za’av.’�

Page 5

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 16, 2005

Special Coverage: Hurricane Katrina U.S. Jews Use Creative Methods to Help Hurricane Katrina Evacuees Compiled by JTA STAFF NEW YORK (JTA)--One suburban Washington family is doing its best to make sure some of the child evacuees of Hurricane Katrina have something to hold onto at night. The Lipsy family of Rockville, MD, has collected more than 1,000 stuffed animals and dolls to bring to New Orleans evacuees who are expected to come to the Washington area. Karen Lipsy said her daughters Rachel, 16, and Shaina, 14--students at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville--saw some children clutching teddy bears during the television coverage and decided to collect stuffed animals for children caught up in Katrina. “We wanted to give them that security blanket back again,” she said. The Lipsy’s effort is just one of countless projects that Jewish individuals and communities throughout the United States have launched to help those devastated by Katrina. In designing responses to the devastation that ravaged New Orleans and the nearby Gulf coast, creativity appears to be the watchword. Another Washington-area resident, Jeanne Ellinport, whose childhood home in New Orleans was destroyed, has joined with three other local women from The Big Easy for “Taste of New Orleans” (www.helpnawl-ins.org). The four women will prepare their favorite New Orleans dishes for anyone who brings a gift card that can be used to buy supplies for displaced New Orleans residents from stores such as Sears, Home Depot or WalMart. The first event is scheduled for Sunday. In Omaha, staff and volunteers at Temple Israel immediately began organizing a drive when they realized the gravity of the storm’s damage. “Fifteen boxes of non-perishable food items and clothing has already been sent to Baton Rouge,” said Temple’s President Wendy Goldberg. Temple will place a truck in its parking lot starting as early as this Friday to collect diapers, adult diapers, feminine products, tissues, toilet paper, sheets, towels, pillows and blankets only. Mimi Silverman, who is spearheading this effort for Temple, explained that only new items will be accepted--and organizers prefer that donations be in cases to make it easier to place on pallets and trucked to Jacob’s Ladder in Utica, MS. For more information, visit: www.urj.org/relief/jacobsladder/ or call Silverman at: 932.6626. In a meeting of synagogue rabbis and presidents hosted by the Federation and its agencies, an announcement was made that more than a dozen apartments have been offered to those made homeless by the hurricane. And one of Jewish Family Service’s social workers was dispatched to Omaha’s Civic Center last weekend when it was learned that Omaha would be receiving 166 evacuees. “This community has the expertise in resettlement,” insisted Becki Brenner, Executive Director of JFS. “We’ve done it before and we can do it again if needed.” Jewish groups saved Torahs from the New Orleans area. Some 25 scrolls were rescued by a makeshift coalition of representatives of the New Orleans Federation,

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national leadership from the Reform movement, rabbis from Baton Rouge and New Orleans and local lawenforcement. “Among the 25 we saved were also a few rescued from the Holocaust, and here they’ve survived a second horrific disaster,” said Rabbi David Saperstein, the director of the Reform movement’s Washingtonbased Religious Action Center. Chabad officials rescued at least 15 scrolls. “Hurricane Katrina has destroyed our homes, synagogues and our city but has

Above: Israel’s EL AL cargo plane, loaded with equipment, baby food and products for the Hurricane Katrina relief effort, touched down at Jacksonville Air Force Base in Arkansas at on Sept. 8. The delivery was made possible thanks to a Jewish National Fund/Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael initiative, together with the Israeli government and Osem Food products. Credit: Bruce Greenberg, JNF Left: Preschool teacher Hayley Cleaveland and her children, Sara and Devon, assist Picotte Elementary School with collecting supplies for Hurricane Katrina evacuees. Teachers, staff and parents of the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center at the JCC donated more than 150 pounds of diapers, formula, hygiene products, and food to this cause. not destroyed our community,” said Rabbi Zelig Rivkin, the Director of Chabad Lubavitch of Louisiana. In New Jersey, two synagogues have “adopted” Mississippi synagogues damaged in the storm. The Jewish Center in Princeton has agreed to provide for the needs of another Conservative shul, Congregation Beth Israel in Biloxi. Reform Temple Beth Miriam in Elberon will do the same for B’nai Israel in Hattiesburg. “We’ll meet whatever needs they come up with whether that be a new sefer Torah or extra prayer books,” said Rabbi Cy Stanway of Beth Miriam. “We’ve even offered to do weddings and bar mitzvahs here if they can’t do them in their building. We would put up guests and do whatever we had to make it happen for them. Our Hebrew school is thinking of donating their first month's tzedakah money. The rabbi’s discretionary fund will probably send something.” B’nai Israel in Hattiesburg, 42 miles north of Biloxi, is in an area that didn’t sustain the damage of Biloxi or Gulfport, but the synagogue has no power, suffered structural damage to buildings and had many trees uprooted. For Stanway, the connection was a natural since B’nai Israel was his previous pulpit before coming to New Jersey. Congregants at the Jewish Center in Elberon plan to make a trip south to visit their new sister congregation. “We look forward to taking a field trip and celebrating

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a Shabbat in Biloxi,” said Linda Grenis, president of the Princeton synagogue. “That’s the nicest part about being Jewish, that we all take care of each other.” Some members of the Jewish community in Los Angeles headed into the hurricane’s devastation zone. Rabbis Tzemach Rosenfeld and Chaim Kolodny, leaders of the L.A. chapter of Hatzolah, an emergency-response volunteer group, arrived in Montgomery, AL, on Labor Day to help out for at least a week, bringing with them a suitcase loaded with kosher food. “We never know who we’re going to bump into,” Kolodny said. For Jewish schools across the country, the relief efforts are being used as a teaching moment. Many Jewish schools are offering free and reduced tuition to children from the hurricane region whose families have sought refuge in their areas. Fifth- and sixth-graders at the Shalom School in Sacramento, CA, are making Rosh Hashanah honey pots for sale, with proceeds earmarked for hurricane relief. At Gideon Hausner Day School in Palo Alto, a schoolwide hurricane tzedakah drive netted $1,000 on its first day. “The younger students understand that there are people who lost their homes, and they want to do something,” said Cindy Schlesinger, head of the middle school program. “We told our kids, ‘Go to your piggy banks.’” Continued on page 7

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Continued from page 6 region. “A 10,000-square-foot warehouse holds a lot of In San Francisco, Anita Friedman, Executive Director stuff,” Lorge said. “If we have to go back down there in of the Jewish Family and Children’s Services, has been a month with more items, we will.” coordinating with state and local officials, the Red Cross When Teresa Drelicharz, a therapist at JFS in Omaha and the Association of Jewish Family and Children’s offered her assistance to volunteers at the Civic Center, Agencies to help with immeshe encountered one evacdiate needs of families relouee after another whose cated to the Bay Area. “horror stories” only a men“Resettlement of masses tal health professional could of people requires a complex understand. “These were combination of skills, people who had very little knowledge of local resources before the storm,” she said, and trauma counseling for “and now they’ve lost even the uprooted people, espethat. Despite that, many of cially children,” Friedman them were in good spirits said. “Resettling to the Bay and hopeful for the future.” Area is like resettling in midFor some Jews in San town Manhattan. This is an Francisco, the priority is area where the cost of living helping those near Katrin’s is one of the highest in the ground zero. Rabbi Eric country and where job Weiss of the Bay Area Jewish opportunities are limited.” Healing Center is heading Akron, Ohio, In for Baton Rouge to provide Operation Abraham will pastoral counseling. provide displaced families Representatives from the with free housing in units Rabbi Barry Weinstein, left, prays with Bianca Smith, whose Jewish Community in donated by local Jewish family had taken shelter at Congregation B’nai Israel in Baton Rouge contacted landlords and free syna- Baton Rouge, LA. Weinstein was assistant rabbi at Temple Weiss, requesting his assisgogue membership offered Israel in Omaha from 1971-83. Pilot Eric Norber helps the tance. Weiss has undergone by the area’s four congrega- rest of the Smith family board the plane that took them to disaster training and did a Credit: Cindie Lang rabbinic internship in New tions. It also offers free Miami on Sept. 6. schooling at the Jerome Iberia, LA. “People need to Lippman Jewish Communhelp one another,” he says. ity Day School and at the “When the phone rings, we Shaw Jewish Community say, ‘Yes.’” Center Preschool. (Debra Rubin of the Meanwhile, Michael Jewish State in New Jersey, Lorge, a community leader in David Finnigan of the Chicago, is leading an effort Jewish Journal of Greater to provide items to residents Los Angeles, Eric Fingerhut of the Gulf states affected by of the Washington Jewish Hurricane Katrina. Week, Dan Pine of j., the Lorge began organizing Jewish news weekly of Operation Ezra, a collection Northern California, the effort at Temple Beth Israel Volunteers from the Utica Baptist Church and the Utica Akron Jewish News, the in Skokie. Items will be sent Heritage Society join members of the Henry S. Jacobs Camp Jewish Press of Omaha, and to the Union for Reform in Utica, MS, in preparing a warehouse on Sept. 6 for the the Chicago Jewish News all Judaism’s Camp Jacobs in Jacob’s Ladder project, which will funnel food and supplies contributed to this Utica, MS, which is acting as donated through the Union for Reform Judaism to refugees report.) a distribution center for the from Hurricane Katrina. Credit: Union for Reform Judaism

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Chair. “It provides an opportunity for our teens and adults to work together to accomplish a common goal. For the community at large, it allows people to send a caring message to loved ones during the High Holidays. It’s a win-win situation.” Funds earned for the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization will go towards new member recruitment and on-going programming for our teens. Roses are $5 each or $35 per dozen; they are being sold through Tuesday, Sept. 20 and can be picked up at the JCC or will be delivered locally on Friday, Sept. 30. To order roses over the phone or for more information, please contact me at 334.6404.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 16, 2005

Remember the Stranger Among Us We all know the saying of the famous Jewish sage Hillel. “If I am not for myself, who am I.” But there’s a second part: “If I am only for myself, what am I?” That’s the statement that needs discussion in the Jewish community. We’ve been avoiding it for too long. Are we only for ourselves? Some would argue that this community and other Jewish federations and organizations across America did raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for victims of last December’s tsunami in Southeast Asia. Chabad of Thailand was already on the scene, and soon after, the Joint Distribution Committee (Israel’s rescue and relief agency) was on hand with supplies and personnel. Even Hadassah Hospital sent health professionals, trained to deal with the aftermath of disasters. But what about our response to Hurricane Katrina? While community leaders debated, evacuees were struggling for their lives. Many Jewish organizations announced fundraising relief campaigns, but only Temple Israel jumped at the chance to do something tangible. Don’t get us wrong, money is needed, lots of money, but so is action. One call from Temple Israel to a former assistant rabbi in Baton Rouge, Rabbi Barry Weinstein, led to an immediate donation of clothing and non-perishable food items, soon shipped to his congregation in Louisiana. By this Friday (Sunday for sure) a truck will be in Temple’s parking lot, ready to be filled with specific donations of personal care items, paper goods and linens. It’s part of an effort to

fill a 10,000 square foot warehouse in Utica, MS, home of a campsite owned by the Union of Reform Judaism. (For more information on what’s needed, see the hurricane coverage story starting on page 6). Of course, there are issues--of liability, insurance, staffing needs and the like--that need to be addressed. But the time to discuss and debate is not after a crisis; it’s before one hits. This is a serious issue about disaster planning and creating crisis management teams and channels of communication. But there’s an underlying philosophical discussion, Hillel’s second question, that must be raised in our Jewish community as well: “What are we?” Are we not part of the greater community? Do we not live in the richest, freest country in the world? Do we not have an obligation to help others--whether Jew or Christian, American or foreign, black or brown, straight or gay? Are we not “a light unto the nations”? We suggested in last week’s editorial that not only do individuals and businesses need to prepare for disasters (natural or otherwise), but so do

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our Jewish institutions. We’d like to take it one step further: it’s imperative that representatives from every Jewish organization, synagogue and agency meet to create a community-wide Preparedness Plan to meet the needs of all those who need help--from within our own community to the strangers among us. Then maybe next time, we will be in a position to help. Temple’s leadership--staff and volunteers-are to be commended. They didn’t wait to be asked; they acted. They followed Hillel’s directive demonstrating they are not only for themselves. And they responded to Hillel’s third question: “If not now, when?” with no hesitation, when they answered: “Now.”

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

Message in the Maelstrom

FOCUS ON ISSUES by RABBI AVI SHAFRAN Even as much of New Orleans was still submerged, dead bodies yet floating on the putrid city-turned-lake, live ones yet waving from rooftops, the accusations flew fast and furious. The loss of life and property during the Gulf Coast destruction was the fault of… President Bush… Louisiana officials… city planners… those who established a city where disaster was inevitable… those who chose to live there… racism… the Department of Homeland Security… FEMA. Choose your villain or combination of rogues and point fingers accordingly. As it happens, there is a Jewish concept, too, of finger-pointing at times of catastrophe. But it is of a decidedly different sort. Jewish tradition counsels Jews to point their fingers at themselves. Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast just before the arrival of the Jewish month of Elul, when religious Jews begin a period of particularly intense soul-searching that reaches its crescendo a month later, on the “Days of Judgment,” Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It might seem a bit proud or particularist, but the belief that G-d mandated a special mission for the Jewish people carries with it a responsibility not only to strive to live exemplary lives in service to the divine but also to see world events as messages. While Judaism considers all of humanity to possess potential holiness and while its prophetic tradition foretells the eventual movement of all of the world’s inhabitants to service of G-d, it also casts the Jews as chosen. And so Jewishly-conscious Jews have always sought to plumb larger events for more personal meaning. That was why the “Chafetz Chaim,” the

renowned early 20th century Polish Jewish scholar, who was 85 years old in 1923, reacted to the news of that year’s Kanto earthquake in Japan by undertaking a partial fast and insisting that the news should spur all Jews to repentance. Similarly, after last year’s Asian tsunami, a revered contemporary Jewish sage in Israel, Rabbi Aharon Leib Steinman, was reported to have remarked: “Everyone sits in his own home and feels good --‘Where I am everything is fine, it’s over there that people are dying’-- … we have to learn [from such tragedies] the extent of what sin causes, and it is up to us to analyze and learn… [so that we will] repent.”

In addition, though, to being an opportunity for helping others and fixing systems, Katrina should also be a spur, especially for Jews, to individual introspection. The death and misery Hurricane Katrina brought touched every American, and every civilized human being world-wide. The ruin it caused should spur us to do whatever we can to help the displaced and the needy. Countless individuals in fact reacted with determination and generosity. And many groups, including Agudath Israel, established funds to channel assistance. And if there were preventable delays in assessing or addressing the situation, they need to be identified and rectified for any future challenges that may arrive. In addition, though, to being an opportunity for helping others and fixing systems, Katrina should also be a spur, especially for Jews, to individual introspection. Although the destruction wrought by Katrina affected a broad swath of the Gulf Coast, the city with which the hurricane has become inextricably coupled is New Orleans. Might the venue of the recent tragedy hold

Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Jason Rich Sales & Marketing Intern Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Jamie Meyerson; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joe Shyken; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; Dorothy Spizman; and Melany Weinstine. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a constitutional committee of the Jewish Federation.

some meaning for us? What occurs, at least to me, is that the “Big Easy” received its nickname from the lifestyle it exemplified, one of leisure and (in the word’s most literal sense) carelessness. The city is probably best known--or was, at least, until now--for the unbridled partying and debauchery that yearly characterized its annual Mardi Gras celebrations. I cannot and do not claim to know “why” the hurricane took the terrible toll it did; but our inability to understand should not preclude us--those of us who believe in a G-d Who wants us to reflect on, and grow from, events around us--from trying to respond to the wind-driven wake-up call by asking a “what”: What can I do spiritually as a result? And one message we might well choose to perceive is the need to recognize how belittling to meaningful life is the contemporary culture of recreation and entertainment. There is no need to go into the crass detail of what passes for pastime in our age. Even those of us who do not own televisions or frequent movie theaters cannot escape the artifacts of our culture’s decadence; they are ubiquitous. The objectification of human beings, their debasement as mere animals, their reduction to skin and flesh saturate the visual arts and popular music, and have bled into other realms as well. Could we not all benefit from critically confronting that fact, from recognizing the toll such reductionism takes on the deepest meaning of our lives? Could we not benefit, in other words, from pointing our fingers at ourselves, the consumers of the crudeness? There can be little doubt that we could. And that doing so would be--at least from a traditional Jewish perspective--a most fitting reaction to the maelstrom we have witnessed of late. Rabbi Shafran is director of public affairs for Agudath Israel of America. This op-ed comes to us courtesy of Am Echad Resources. Rabbi Shafran can be reached at: shafran@agudathisrael.org.

Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $35 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.

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A New Twist on ‘Intelligent Design’ Are Hurricanes an Indication of the Almighty’s Displeasure?

BEHIND THE HEADLINES by JONATHAN S. TOBIN According to most accounts of the last days of the Jewish settlements in Gaza, there were a considerable number among those waiting to be tossed out of their homes who thought some form of divine intervention would save them. That makes sense, since there is no other way to explain why so many of them really thought that the disengagement would be halted at the last minute and made no preparations for their departure. Given that on the eve of the withdrawal there were no rational reasons to believe that events would not proceed as Israel’s premier had planned, who but the Almighty could have stopped it? Like every previous generation who vainly expected divine deliverance, they were ultimately forced to go wait for the Messiah someplace else. But the completion of the withdrawal has not caused any crisis in faith for some of the most extreme critics of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Though no miraculous event prevented the destruction of the settlements, some are now circulating the notion that Hurricane Katrina is a form of divine retribution visited on the United States for having promoted the plan. Shameless Hubris One Israeli writer, Ariel Natan Pasko-an analyst long associated with the Arutz Sheva news site--wrote this week that, “America’s support for the expulsion of Jews from Gush Katif in Gaza ran counter to G-d’s plan, and it’s clear that His ‘payback time’ came swift and furious, as Hurricane Katrina uprooted whole communities along America’s Gulf Coast.” Pasko was far from the only member of the Israeli far-right to tastelessly invoke a natural disaster as proof of American perfidy, but his ugly piece was troubling specifically because he is not someone

whose writing would normally be considered off the wall. Citing rabbinical support for this thesis, including one source described as a “Jerusalem Kabbalist,” Pasko took the trouble to point out that “water is a symbol of ‘Chesed--kindness’ according to the Torah, and the Torah itself is likened to water, according to Jewish tradition. Since America had no compassion for the Jews of Gaza, water was used to punish America just as the flood in Noah’s time.” And within days of Pasko’s posting, his thesis received additional backing from the venerable Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, the former Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel. “He [Bush] brought about the expulsion [from Gaza], now he has his own expulsion,” said Yosef. Not satisfied with the foreign policy explanation, Yosef went further: “There was a tsunami and there were horrible natural disasters. It's all a result of too little Torah study. … Over there [Louisiana] is where black people live. Do blacks learn Torah? ‘All right,’ said God, ‘ let’s bring a tsunami and drown them.” If you think this isn’t ridiculous--or racist--enough, Pasko pointed out that Jews weren’t the only ones seeking to find a political meaning to the hurricane. He cited another self-styled experts on Heaven’s purpose, Michael Marcavage, a fundamentalist Christian who was last seen here while getting himself arrested disrupting the Outfest gay pride event this past fall in Philadelphia. According to Marcavage, the hurricane really wasn’t about Gaza. Instead, the real purpose of the wind and water that caused so much destruction and loss of

life was an event called “Southern Decadence,” in which gays annually gathered to party in New Orleans. But lest we think this nonsense is limited to Jews and Christians, the world of Islam did its best to compete with Yosef and Marcavage. According to a Kuwaiti newspaper, the Iraqi branch of Al Qaeda issued a statement this week saying the hurricane heralded the “collapse of the United States.” This was echoed by Islamist preachers around the world as well as by America’s own Louis Farrakhan who cited Katrina as “punishment” for America’s policy towards the M u s l i m nations. But as loony as this kind of thinking may seem to us, such hubris is not limited to the religious. Witness the similar propensity of some environmental extremists to cite the hurricane as proof of the advance of global warming. In this view, Katrina was Mother Nature punishing America for the Bush administration’s repudiation of the Kyoto Protocol on global warming. Though there’s a case to be made for some concern over global warming, the connection between it and the hurricane is about as compelling as analogies between Gaza and New Orleans. If anything, there seems to be a connection between the epistemology of both religious and environmental extremists. Even those who claim to worship reason alone sometimes revert to the melodrama of divine retribution. Can it be that in some cases, one faith has merely been displaced by another? Reading God’s Mind Most of those of us who believe in God think our Creator can intervene in history and perform miracles. Its just that our religious teachings inform us that the Almighty does not do so frivolously or to make a point about politics.

If a hurricane that kills thousands is rationalized, even justified as God’s will, so, too, can be the murder of thousands, as long as the murderers can claim they are acting in the name of whatever God they worship.

The wisest of us look to the ordinary miracles of everyday life, the purity and beauty of a flower or the sound of a child’s laughter for proof of God’s existence--not in the cataclysms caused by the natural world that we believe God set in motion. Even those who embrace the evidence that backs up the the theory of evolution like to see an “intelligent design” of God in this world. But danger lurks when politics is seen as indistinguishable from faith, be it a religion or a secular worldview that’s merely a theology in disguise. Because when that happens, all restraints are gone. If a hurricane that kills thousands is rationalized, even justified as God’s will, so, too, can be the murder of thousands, as long as the murderers can claim they are acting in the name of whatever God they worship. That’s a twist on theories of “intelligent design” that has been played out all too often in human history, and with Jews being the victims more often than not. The notion that any of us--even those who are well-versed in Torah--can read God’s mind is obviously a snare for the foolish. If we believe in a deity that is truly ineffable, why pretend you can interpret the judgment of heaven in the manner of a palm reader at a carnival? Worse still, those who use faith to rationalize destruction and death denigrate it by doing so. Jews who are angry about the expulsion from Gaza have the right to argue that it is contrary to their belief in a divine plan for the Jewish state. But their effort to portray Katrina as punishment for this deed is itself a hillul Hashem--“a desecration of God’s name.” The proper reaction to political ideas you oppose is to seek to convince your opponents with reason. The proper reaction to hurricanes is to seek to aid the afflicted, not to use them as justifications for political arguments. Jonathan S. Tobin is executive editor of the Jewish Exponent in Philadelphia. He is reachable via e-mail at: jtobin@jewishexponent.com.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: The National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel (NCLCI) is a coalition of Protestants, Catholics and other Christians. It exists to encourage and develop understanding and support for the people, land and state of Israel in the North American Christian community. We, Executive Committee members of the NCCI, express our profound disagreement with recent national and international Protestant Church resolutions that call

for selected divestment from certain companies doing business in Israel. These statements treat Israel as the major barrier to peace while ignoring the significant risks for peace that Israel is taking in withdrawing from the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank. They also do not address the substantial support for terrorism provided by Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iran and radical elements in the Palestinian society. This approach demonstrates a double standard that is unfair and inimical to Israel and the

Jewish people. These actions threaten to undermine authentic dialogue and mutual Christian-Jewish understanding. If implemented, these resolutions pose a real threat to the security and integrity of Israel and Jewish peoplehood. We call on all Christians to repudiate the calls for divestment and return, in a spirit of humility, to an honest and open dialogue with Jews. David Blewett, National Director, NCLCI

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 16, 2005

Candlelighting Friday, September 16, 7:13 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

Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org

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

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

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

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154

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

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

FRIDAY: Shabbat Services, 7:30 p.m.

Office Hours: Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free Babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by the synagogue; Mincha, 7 p.m.; Havdalah, 8:26 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Contact the office for Mincha/ Ma’ariv time. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Contact the synagogue office for Mincha/Ma’ariv time. Rabbi Gross will be in Israel on the Federation Mission through Sept. 28.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.; Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (37), 10 a.m.; K’tantan (K-2), 10:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Tiffany and Michael Hoberman, in honor of their daughter, Sarah becoming a Bat Mitzvah; Evening Service, 7:20 p.m. Sitter Service is available during Friday night and Saturday morning services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge. SUNDAY: Bible Study Class with Leonard Greenspoon, 10 a.m.; “Living Hebrew,” with Susi Frydman-Levin, 10 a.m.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah class with Cantor Bogomolni, 10 a.m.; Jewish Pot Pourri Class, 11 a.m.; “From Your Heart to God’s Ears”, led by Andy Greenberg, 11 a.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Weekdays, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. PATTER: Wednesdays, 10:45 a.m.-noon. for children ages 18 months to three years old, led by Helen Epstein, and is open to all families in the Jewish community. SISTERHOOD: On Sundays, Sept. 18 and 25, Sisterhood will be filling, labeling and packing honey bottles for pre-Rosh Hashanah deliveries. To help, email Amy Reynolds at a.d.reynolds@cox.net. On Sunday, Sept. 25, 1-3 p.m., come to Beth El and get some tips about traditional holiday meals during a Sisterhood-sponsored cooking class. No charge to attend; for reservations, contact Caryn Rifkin, 334.7216 or crgr6175@aol.com, or Carole Lainof, 293.0321 or thelainofs@cox.net. SELICHOT SERVICE: On Saturday, Sept. 24, 9 p.m. (See article on page 5.)

CONGREGATION Monday- B’NAI JESHURUN

BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Minyan, 7 a.m.; Ima & Me, 10:30–11:45 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Services, 9:30 a.m., followed by a Kiddush luncheon. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m.; Mishne class, 9:30 a.m.; Chabad Cheder and Aleph Champions, 10 a.m.-noon. WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Halacha, 7 p.m. TUESDAY:Torah Tots, 3:15 p.m. Session 1 of a 10-week series helping children gain familiarity with the aleph-bet letters and learn to apply them to daily life. WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought class, 12:45 p.m. Programs are open to the community. For information or to register, call the office or visit: www.nebraskajudaism.com.

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

Shabbat Fun for Everyone

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

The family of Dorothy Parilman wishes to thank everyone for their kind words, thoughts and condolences. She was part of the Omaha Jewish community all of her life. She will be greatly missed by loving family, numerous friends and community. These gaver her pleasure and joy. She in turn brought joy to everyone she knew and everything she did. Gary Parilman, Sandy Epstein and Families

Seventy-five children, parents and grandparents flocked to Beth El last month to kick off the synagogue’s first Tot Shabbat since summer break. Above, service leader Patty Nogg, seated behind Shabbat candles, left center, reads a story to the youngsters, who also spent the evening singing, sharing Shabbat rituals and enjoying an Oneg Shabbat of juice and cookies. The next Tot Shabbat service is tonight, Sept. 16, 6 p.m.

Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m., led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg following provided by Penny Berger. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m.; Game Night/ Potluck, 6 p.m. SUNDAY: Lincoln Jewish Community School, 9:30 a.m.noon (Gan Simcha, grades K, and 4-7) at Tifereth Israel; Lincoln Jewish Community School, 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. (grades 1-3, and Hallah High) at B’nai Jeshurun; Board of Trustees meeting, 2 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION Tuesday, 7-9 p.m. series on the Shofar in preparation for the High Holy Days, led by Rabbi Emanuel. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew class (grades 2-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. THURSDAY: Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m.

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

appreciated. Sorry, there are no facilities for infants. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, Sept. 18, 10:30 a.m.-noon: Mensches with Wrenches. Len Burrell will demonstrate how to make repairs around the house without calling a repairman. SUNDAY, Sept. 25, 10 a.m.Noon: The 4B's: Behaving, Belonging, Believing and Bagels. “Looking Forward: Recreating Temple Israel for the 21st Century” Bagel Brunch SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE Dr. Martin Rosenberg, Sept. 23-25. “Creating Sacred Spaces: Jews, God and Architecture.” (See story on page 15). S’lichot, Saturday, September 24, 7 p.m. WRJ-O Needlework Trunk Show, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 4 and 7 p.m. (See story on page 3.) ANNUAL NEW YORK DELI NITE Sunday, Sept. 18: Contact the Temple office, 556.6536 or mkube@templeisraelomaha.co m, to make your reservations! Seatings are between 5 and 7 p.m. Take out orders available.

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME

FRIDAY: Kabbalas Shabbos, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharis, 9 a.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9 a.m. led by Steve Riekes.

TIFERETH ISRAEL

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 6 p.m. Rabbi Craig Marantz and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Alex Wolpa son of Vicki and Steve Wolpa, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. Sitter Service: Available each Friday evening for the 7:30 p.m. service, Saturday mornings when there is a bar or bat mitzvah, and Sunday mornings when there is Religious School. Advance reservations and a $5 donation are

Services conducted by Rabbi Royi Shaffin. Minyan, MONDAY & THURSDAY, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. with an Oneg following. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Game Night, 7:30 pm. Cost of $5 of per person. TUESDAY: The Ladies’ Lunch Bunch will meet at Imperial Palace, 27 & Vine, noon. If you need a ride, call Marcia Kushner at 423.5959. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066.

Kosher Consumers Take Duncan Hines off Shopping List by ILYA WELFELD New York, NY--Sometimes one letter can change everything. In this case, it’s the letter “D”. Earlier this week, kosher consumers learned Duncan Hines® will soon be adding the letter “D” (for Dairy) next to the OU kosher symbol on all cake mix packages to indicate they contain a dairy ingredient, or have been made on equipment used for other dairy products. According to an online survey sponsored by Joseph Jacobs Advertising (JJA) and Welfeld Public Relations, the planned change will have a significant negative impact within the kosher market where Duncan Hines products have long been favored for their “Parve” (or

non-dairy) status. “Most agree that Duncan Hines cakes are delicious, but they are of little use to the kosher consumer if they can not be eaten with Sabbath meals,” said Elie Rosenfeld, CEO of Joseph Jacobs Advertising. “We do not yet know whether Duncan Hines considered the kosher market when planning changes to their recipes; but we do know that kosher consumers buy Duncan Hines products specifically because they are “Parve.” According to our survey, those same consumers see little reason to buy Duncan Hines cakes when the certification change occurs. We will bring the results of the survey to Duncan Hines.

September 16, 2005

A Case of Bad Timing

SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat KiTetze Our new Justice--who is now expected to be Chief Justice--of the United States Supreme Court missed accepting his new duties just a week or so late. He would have been available for the Sidra Shoftim. But, God willing, he will be available for many years as the Parashat Shoftim rolls by in its usual place. I say that, not withstanding the fact that there are those who tried to keep him out of the court.

DEATHS MILDRED GREENBERG Mildred (Millie) Greenberg died Sept. 1. Services were held Sept. 4 at Beth El Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sam Greenberg. She is survived by son, Cole Greenberg, Sedona, AZ; son and daughter-in-law, Phil and Susan Greenberg, Denver, CO, and Joe and Karen Greenberg, Houston, TX; daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Steve Seglin, Lincoln, NE; Grandchildren, Marty and Jane Greenberg, Mahopac, NY, Rick and Karen, Greenberg, Mahopac, NY, Justin Greenberg, Albuquerque, NM, Aaron Greenberg, Denver, CO, Shannon Seglin, Ashburn, VA; four great grandsons; brother and sisterin-law, Jim and Shirley Lipsey, Tucson, AZ. Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. CARL ROSENBERG Carl Rosenberg died Sept. 9 at the age of 90. Services were held Sept. 11 at Beth El Cemetery. A survivor of the Holocaust, he opened Carl’s Tailors shortly after he arrived in Omaha in the late 1940s. He authored As God Is My Witness about his experience in pre-war Poland and the Holocaust, and also spoke to school and church groups. He was preceded in death by his son, Maurice. He is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Rachel Rosenberg; daughter and son-in-law, Annie and Kenny Tuvman; a son, Stuart Rosenberg; grandchildren, Carly Rosenberg, Jared Rosenberg, Adam Tuvman, and Isaac Tuvman. Memorials to Beth El Synagogue, the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or the ADL’s Institute for Holocaust Education. MARVA SHERMAN Marva Sherman, 89, died Sept. 8 in Tucson, AZ, where she and her husband retired in 1979. Services in Omaha are pending. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Arthur, and all her siblings, which included three daughters and one son of Joe and Eva Cohn. She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Jerry and Terrill Sherman of Cave Creek, AZ; Marc and Claudia Sherman; daughter and son-in-law JoAnn and Glenn Miner of Cave Creek, AZ; grandsons, Rick, Jeff, and Jason Sherman all of Phoenix, AZ, Mitch Sherman of Lincoln, Andy and Mike Levinson of Tulsa, OK, granddaughter, Jill Sherman; and two great grandchildren. Memorials to Temple Israel, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or charity of choice. To Submit an Obituary Notice: Send to the Jewish Press via e-mail: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; fax to: 402.334.5422; or mail, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; or log on to www.jewishomaha.org and click on ‘Jewish Press’, and then Submit announcements. Call 402.334.6448 for more information.

There is, however, a problem that seizes the attention of the Justices that has not come to public attention, but I am assured by a mole who knows what has happened and even will happen in the Supreme Court before public announcement is made. Here it is mid-September and yet a decision that has to do with the 15th of September has not yet been published. Nonetheless I can tell you privately that the 15th of September is the last possible day. There will be no fines if one completes everything by the 15th. After the 15th, the fines will be light or heavy, depending on the particular circumstances. It is true that I live in a nursing home; but I was out just the other day and took notice of the number of cases that are somewhat acceptable now, but which will be unacceptable after Sept. 15. Unannounced, but nevertheless true, the Supreme Court, including its new Chief Justice, has been seized by this question to the elimination of everything else for several weeks. One ordinarily would expect that the Supreme Court could handle several items at once. But the importance of this one has driven everything else out of their consideration until this one is solved or becomes moot. By the time you read this, it will indeed have become moot and you violate the prohibition at your own risk. I myself, the writer of these lines, have already given up the practice, to which I admit I was unable to free myself. Well perhaps this is enough. I have twitted you, the reader, long enough. The Supreme Court was unable to issue a national declaration on the question of whether to wear shorts after Sept. 15. Well, I can indulge myself now and then, may I not?

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Thanks to all the blood donors and helpers who participated in the recent Chabad Blood Drive. L’Chaim Rabbi Katzman, Shelly and Rae Coren

Page 11

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Temple Scholar to Describe Relationship to Sacred Space by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator When a synagogue plans the design of a new building, there’s more to consider than how many rooms and where they will be, how large they will be, where the entrances, exits, and windows will be, or even the building’s function, appearance, and durability. Dr. Martin Rosenberg, chair of the Department of Fine Arts and professor of art history at Rutgers University, will discuss “Creating Sacred Spaces: Jews, God, and Architecture” as Temple Israel’s scholar-inresidence, Sept. 23-25. On Friday, Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m., at the Shabbat worship service, he’ll give a “broad overview of the relationship of Jews to sacred space and the critical role the synagogue has played in our survival across time and space,” he explained. On Saturday night, Sept. 24, Dr. Rosenberg will talk about “Looking Back: From Solomon’s Temple to Temple Israel: The Role of Synagogues in Jewish Survival.” He will present “a slide lecture which traces the continuing evolution and extraordinarily varied forms of the synagogue internationally over the last two millennia, from the time of the Temple to the early 20th century, in a series of specific communities and contexts.” Temple will also observe S’lichot that evening beginning with havdalah at 7 p.m. Members of Temple’s long range planning committee will have the honor of changing the Torah covers followed by the S’lichot service and concluding with a chocolate Oneg. “Looking Forward: Recreating Temple Israel for the 21st Century” will be Dr. Rosenberg’s topic at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 25. “This will be a slide lecture focusing on outstanding examples of contemporary synagogue architecture to make people aware of the range of options open to Temple Israel today,” he said. Dr. Rosenberg’s residency is sponsored by Temple’s Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning and is open to all members of the community. Cor more information, call 556.6536.

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 16, 2005

Smile, Beth El:

Arts a la Carte … A Culture in Motion

You’re on an After-School TV Special! Beth El’s religious school and its learning by JILL BELMONT environment, she added. Beth El Publicity Coordinator The end result, Riekes says, is an eightOne of Beth El Synagogue’s most endearing annual events for the congre- minute segment which “is dear, it’s funny gation’s children is the subject of an and it’s authentic. It’s important for Beth after-school special currently being El and the Jewish community to see that broadcast on Cox Communications local what we’re doing here is innovative programming. The synagogue’s fourthgrade mock wedding, an always-anticipated ceremony for Beth El’s children over the past 16 years, was videotaped last spring for Cox Communications’ program, “After the Bell,” which highlights various children’s after-school activities in the Omaha area. (The show may be accessed, free of charge, by turning to Cox on Teacher Margo Riekes whisks the bride and groom back Demand Channel 998, down the aisle at the end of the last spring’s fourth grade clicking on “Local mock wedding ceremony. Programming,” then “Community enough for Cox Communications to film Education,” and finally, “After the Bell.”) for the entire community to see. This The show consists of three segments; event is so unique, so special, and it’s Beth El’s is the second one, according to been captured beautifully.” Producer Margo Riekes, Beth El’s fourth-grade Geopforth noted that now in its third teacher, who created and coordinated the season, ‘After the Bell’ has been wellmock wedding, and also helped to edit received by students and teachers the television segment. Riekes brought throughout all the school districts in the the wedding event to the attention of metro area. “This show is an example of Greg Geopforth, public affairs/program- Cox’s continued commitment to educaming producer and director for Cox, and tion in our community,” he said. Beth El’s segment on the show will be “he spent hours with us,” she said, filming the children’s preparation for the broadcast for about a month, Riekes said; wedding: everything from making anyone who would like a copy of the ketubot to breaking the glass is all on program may contact Beth El Education tape. The show also offers an overview of Director Judy Rubin at 498.0904.

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by SANDRA CZARLINSKI for the KC Arts Festival Within each ethnicity there lives the culture of its people. It is from the culture of world Jewry that we draw a heritage rich in the arts. As we look to the past, we also borrow from the present to discover a new vision, one that is interpreted in music, song, drama, the visual arts--and even the food that we eat. On Sunday, Sept. 18, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. the community is invited to enter the world of the Kansas City Jewish Arts Festival, circa 2005. An enchanting domain of ARTS A LA CARTE, the sixth in a series of Jewish Arts Festivals is presented by the KC Jewish Community Center and the Saint Luke’s Health System. In a setting of all-day discovery and entertainment, visitors are encouraged to savor the flavor of art that best portrays the heart of a culture in motion. For all all who love to acquire and admire, KC’s Arts A La Carte offers eighty booths featuring around the world treasures in jewelry, design, works of art, individual creativity and much, much more. A new and intriguing entry is the Judaic Henna Design booth, where the ancient art of tattooing is revived. However, in its modern application, tattoos last only a matter of two weeks before disappearing in the wash. For the children, the Bayer Pavilion creates a wonder world of interactive learning, fun and excitement. Parents, bring your cameras; moments like these should never be forgotten. Wandering the lanes of the Festival, a stop at the Rainy Day Book Tent will uncover new and provocative titles for those quiet moments. And did someone

say “Let’s eat!”? Since great food is always a part of Jewish celebrations, your choices are many. From a hot and tasty Kosher meal to a snack or something sweet, sixteen venues re ready to please. Add a beverage to complete the meal. Of if you have a penchant for the unusual, try the delicacy with a name as different as its taste. Described as spicy grilled beef cut from a large spit, “shwarma is a favorite among ethnic connoisseurs. And now, a word about the lively entertainment that will be playing non-stop in two seated performance tents. With a star parade of local, national and international talent, audiences will applaud the Jewish gospel music of return headliner Joshua Nelson who this year joins the Klezmatics in “Freedom Song.” Pop singer Rick Recht has a way with rhythm and is a favorite with the jazz and blues crowd. And Rabbi Joe Black, otherwise known as “the singing rabbi,” finds favor with his skillful guitar strumming and contemporary sound. Ditto the beat of jazz when listening to the music of Paul Shapiro and the Midnight Minyan. Advance tickets are adults, $5/$7 at the gate. Children, $2 advance/$3 at the gate. Children under three are free. Tickets are available in Kansas City at the Hen House Markets, Irv’s Market and the KC-JCC. Bring non-perishable food for Harvesters or Yachad, the Kosher Food Pantry, and receive $1 worth of “scrip” for food at the Festival. Free parking is available at the Sprint Garages, just west of Festival grounds. Free shuttle service available all day to/from parking area to Festival entrance. For more information, call the KC -JCC, 913.327.8000.

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We will present an overview of options, requirements and anticipated costs of this new Medicare drug coverage. A registered pharmacist will be available to provide hand-outs and to answer questions from seniors and their families.

Two sessions: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Blumkin Home auditorium