Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA September 27, 2013 23 Tishei 5774 Vol. 94 | No. 02
Colorado flooding
This Week
Dr. Sara Horowitz by MARK KIRCHHOFF Administrative Assistant, The Center for Jewish Life Prominent Holocaust and women studies scholar Dr. Sara Horowitz will present a special lecture titled “Re-inventing Anne Frank” on Oct. 3 from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the Kripke Jewish
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A Chabad volunteer helps people clear damaged goods from their homes in Colorado. by ANDREA JACOBS DENVER (IJN) -- Before the start of Yom Kippur, a flood of historic proportions swallowed Boulder, Co., and surrounding areas, displacing families, damaging synagogues and threatening services on the holiest day of the Jewish year -- until determination came to the rescue. Orthodox Boulder Aish Kodesh hit the Internet first, sending a mass email to 500 residents announcing that heavy rains and flooding had destroyed the tent it had prepared for the holiday. The email offered alternative locations for services, at Chabad centers and Denver synagogues out of harm’s way. Elon Bar-Evan, executive director of Boulder Aish Kodesh, said the tent and parking lot were under water and that many prayer books intended for the services were ruined.
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Rabbi Marc Soloway, spiritual leader of Conservative Bonai Shalom in Boulder, told the IJN Friday that his synagogue had sustained significant flooding. “Our Yom Kippur services are scheduled elsewhere, but it is unclear whether we will be able to have them there at this point due to flooded roads and so forth,” Soloway said. “It’s a mess.” At Har HaShem, Boulder’s major Reform synagogue, the power was out. “The lower level of the main building was under four feet of water,” said communications and membership director Ellen Kowitt, reached at her home in Erie, Colo. Because Kowitt often works from home, she was able to update the website. Before the server collapsed, Rose wrote an email to the congregation: “The Talmud teaches that rain is a
Credit: Chabad
sign of blessing. That might sound questionable right now. Whether we can turn this into a blessing remains to be seen... I believe in us.” Chany Scheiner of Chabad of Boulder described a scene of utter chaos at the synagogue, which is attached to the side of her home. “CU and other places closed on Thursday,” she said. “My husband, Rabbi Pesach Scheiner, and I thought they might be making a big deal out of nothing.” When three rooms filled with water later that night, they knew it was serious. “There was a flood in front of our house and the backyard was a nice sized swimming pool,” she said. The Scheiners and their children were evacuated. Neighbors convinced them to leave. “We went in their car,” Scheiner said. “It was like the parting of the Reed Sea.” Continued on page 2
It’s a B’nai Mitzvah Party! Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam
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by SHERRIE SAAG Communications Specialist, Jewish Federation of Omaha We are throwing a party and you’re invited! Join your family and friends and celebrate the 2014 Annual Campaign with a B’nai Mitzvah Party for the Jewish Federation of Omaha. The JFO is celebrating Jewish Omaha with a party that emulates all the best of B’nai Mitzvah celebrations. Music, great food, dancing, videos, a community slide show and plenty of schmoozing are on the agenda. Complimentary kosher dinner and endless fun for the entire
community is practically guaranteed. Cindy Goldberg and Kimberly Robinson are co-chairing the event and have been hard at work as chief party planners. Throughout the planning process, both Robinson and Goldberg have been adamant that this community celebration be accessible to everyone. “We want everyone, absolutely everyone, to join us. Come celebrate Jewish Omaha. Join us and just have fun!” said Robinson. According to Jewish law, when a child becomes a Bar or Bat Mitzvah they agree to assume responsibility for Jewish ritual, law, tradition, and ethics. They are able to participate fully in all
areas of Jewish community life. Learning how to become a committed and involved Jewish community member involves more than one’s Bar or Bat mitzvah service and congregational community. It should include the larger Jewish community of which the child is a part. “The Jewish Federation of Omaha is an important partner in this process. The programs and services funded in part by the Annual Campaign – the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center, The Kripke Library, camp and Israel experience scholarships, BBYO and Friedel Jewish Academy – Continued on page 2
Dr. Sara Horowitz Federation Library. Her talk is presented through collaboration with the Center for Jewish Life, the Institute for Holocaust Education and the Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies. Dr. Horowitz is visiting Omaha as the guest lecturer for the 38th Annual European Studies Conference sponsored by the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Horowitz described her talk as one that “would look not at the historical Anne Frank, but at the way that she is imagined in the eyes of ordinary readers, as well as in the writing of literary authors and in movies by filmmakers. What I have in mind is not those who re-tell the story of the diary, but who imagine wholly other scenarios for Anne Frank and her companions of the Annex, as characters in novels and movies.” Dr. Moshe Gershovich who directs the Schwalb Center and is the Martin Professor of History at UNO, studied with Dr. Horowitz during a two-week teachers’ workshop on the Holocaust, held at Northwestern University in the summer of 2008. “Sara is a prominent scholar and great teacher on issues related to Holocaust literature and women studies,” he says. “I’m confident that her lecture on Anne Frank will be most illuminating for our community.” Horowitz’s lecture is being presented without charge. Horowitz is the immediate past Director of the Israel and Golda Koschitzky Centre for Jewish Studies at York University in Toronto, and former President of the Association for Jewish Studies. She is the author of Voicing the Void: Muteness and Memory in Holocaust Fiction, which received the Choice Award for Outstanding Academic Book, and served as the senior editor of the Continued on page 2
2 | The Jewish Press | September 27, 2013
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Colorado flooding
Continued from page 1 Aish Kodesh members attended Bonai Shalom’s services. When the Scheiners returned to assess the damage, they “Our congregation shares land with Boulder Aish found a few inches of brown water in the synagogue. The Kodesh,” said Steve Hill, president of Bonai Shalom. “We’re family got on their knees to clean the small worship space very close.” and then tackled the house. Rabbi Wilhelm, who rewrote his sermon Thursday night Days of heavy rain across Colorado’s Front Range left eight to emphasize the need for volunteers “to seize the day,” said people confirmed dead and hundreds more unaccounted that a few hundred people comprising a “very different for. turnout” prayed at CU Reconstructionist Beth Chabad over Yom Kippur. Evergreen, located in the Kol Nidre “felt like a relief,” foothills just outside Denver, he said. “Students were happy nearly shut its doors on the to get out of their dorms and evening of Yom Kippur due to join us. There was a very speflooding. cial energy.” According to Rabbi Jamie For those who couldn’t make Arnold, the road cutting it to synagogue, some through Evergreen, in the observed the holiday at home. mountains west of Denver, “Yom Kippur is where you was closed all day Friday, are,” said one man, who asked which meant congregants not to be identified. “We had coming from Conifer would The U.S. National Guard responds to heavy flooding in the machzor, we had the parhave to tackle a circuitous Boulder, Colo. on Sept. 12. Credit: Joseph K. VonNida/U.S. sha, so we did it at home.” route from the opposite direc- National Guard via Getty Images Jonathan Lev, executive tion. Only about 30 to 40 “hard-core” congregants made it to director of the Boulder JCC, which also sustained damage, Beth Evergreen for Kol Nidre, Arnold said, and about 300 broke away to spend a few hours at Bonai Shalom’s Kol Nidre attended Yom Kippur services the next day, when the clouds service. dissipated long enough to allow for safe travel. “Although I couldn’t stay long at services, people were “I didn’t change my sermon substantially,” Arnold said. “I talking to each other, pooling resources and figuring out included prayers for healing and read names for those what was necessary,” Lev said. unable to say kaddish for their loved ones. But my sermon Flooding virtually annihilated the Chabad Jewish Center of was about the function of community; how it provides sanc- Longmont, located about 25 miles northeast of Boulder. “Our tuary. I think that said it all.” shul was completely ruined,” Rabbi Yakov Borenstein said Meanwhile, Rabbi Yisroel Wilhelm of Chabad at the Friday. “It looks like an island. We are right next to a creek here.” University of Colorado was receiving a call a minute and a Borenstein managed to save the Torah scroll, prayer books stream of emails Friday morning. and other ritual items before he was ordered out of the “We’ve already cleaned up our mess -- only a few inches in building Thursday. At 3 a.m. that night, the rabbi, his wife the shul,” Wilhelm said. “But it’s pretty intense.” and four children were evacuated from their home. Students contacted Wilhelm to find out where they could “Our Hebrew school is gone,” he said. “The water is two attend services in Boulder. Some, unable to get home to feet deep. Humidity has warped all our sacred books.” Denver, also called him. Others trapped in inaccessible areas Borenstein worried he might not draw a minyan to Yom requested basic supplies. Kippur services in Longmont, but almost 100 people showed “The saddest part for me is that there are people who are up. completely stranded,” he said. “They can’t even get out of their “G-d has a purpose in everything,” Borenstein said. “I see cars. Another girl in an isolated canyon has no food or water.” a tremendous amount of good in people. Volunteers and Bonai Shalom was able to hold services at Naropa donations are coming from all over. What a beautiful world University, despite the university’s closing. Several Boulder we live in.”
B’nai Mitzvah Party Continued from page 1 work together to create committed and involved Jewish community members,” stated Goldberg. Of course, a community B’nai Mitzvah must find a way to include everyone in the festivities and this party is no exception. Plan to participate in the “Blast from the Past” slideshow! Submit a photo from YOUR Bar/Bat Mitzvah and we’ll include it in a community-wide slideshow extravaganza. Remember plaid suit jackets, ruffled tuxedo shirts, wide lapels? How about blue eye shadow and perms? Do you think you can identify Mike Silverman with a full head of hair? Join in the fun as
we identify our family and childhood friends in truly vintage Bar and Bat Mitzvah photos. You won’t want to skip this priceless opportunity to share your 13-year-old self with the community and it’s easy to do. Email your photo to jspooner@jewishomaha.org or stop by campus and ask for Margie Utesch in the Marketing Department. She’ll be happy to scan your photo on the spot. So where to have a stereotypical B’nai Mitzvah Party? Dave and Busters, of course. The party begins at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20. Just call Zach Spooner, JFO Development Associate, at 402.334.6431 and let him know you are coming or send a quick email reservation to jspooner@jewishomaha.com.
Dr. Sara Horowitz Continued from page 1 Azrieli Series of Holocaust Memoirs - Canada (Series 1 and 2). She is the editor of Lessons and Legacies of the Holocaust Volume X: Back to the Sources (2012), and co-editor of Encounter with Appelfeld, and of Jewish American Women Writers: A Bio-Bibliographical and Critical Sourcebook which was awarded the Association of Jewish Libraries Award for the Outstanding Judaica Reference Book. In addition, she is founding co-editor of the journal KEREM: A Journal of Creative Explorations in Judaism. She served as Subeditor for Literature for The Cambridge Dictionary of Judaism and Jewish Culture, ed. Judith Baskin. She publishes extensively on contemporary Holocaust literature, women survivors, and Jewish North American fiction. She sits on the Academic Advisory Committee of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington. Currently, she is completing a book called Gender, Genocide, and Jewish Memory.
The European Studies Conference at UNO brings together individuals diverse in disciplines, but united in their interest in the area between the Atlantic and the Urals. Interdisciplinary panels, workshops, plenaries, and performances bring perspectives and insights that have earned the conference a reputation for high academic quality. The conference is being held in the Milo Bail Student Center on the campus of the University of Nebraska at Omaha from Oct. 3 – 5. Horowitz will deliver the keynote address “‘If He Knows to Make a Child...’: Engendering Testimonies” at the Friday luncheon. Additional information about the conference may be found by visiting http://www.unomaha.edu/ esc/. The Center for Jewish Life is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha whose mission is to maximize involvement of Omaha’s Jewish community in imaginative, compelling and meaningful Jewish experiences.
September 27, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 3
Beth El’s congregation thanks Rabbi Mordechai Levin by JILL BELMONT their children. Beth El Publicity Rabbi Levin’s wife, Susi Frydman-Levin, Beth El’s congregation would like to thank was also an inspiration to many in Beth El’s Rabbi Mordechai Levin for his dedicated congregation. In addition to helping to service to the synagogue as a spiritual leader organize the synagogue’s thriving Women’s and teacher over the past 11 years. Rosh Hodesh Group, her adult-education Wishing to share his love of classes, with such titles as Judaism with congregants, “Jewish Potpourri,” the rabbi made his mark in a “Lessons for Your Jewish variety of ways during his Soul,” and “Jewish Images tenure. Along with Cantors on the Big Screen,” enjoyed Berkovits and Bogomolni, he lively participation year was instrumental in creating after year. She also shared a spirited, musical Kabbalat the beauty of Shabbat with Shabbat service that children in the congregaincreased attendance. He also tion when she led “Say initiated the monthly Tot Shalom to Shabbat.” Shabbat that has become a Together with Ozzie Nogg, beloved program for the synSusi created “Miriam and agogue’s families, as well as the Women,” one of the lively Shabbat discussions colorful quilts that adorn that explored the weekly the walls of the social hall. Rabbi Mordechai Levin Torah portions. Under Rabbi Rabbi Jules Harlow, Levin’s leadership, the annual congregation- renowned liturgist and Founding Editor of al Passover Seder brought together close to The Rabbinical Assembly, expressed his 200 people each year; and the attendance at appreciation of Rabbi Levin. the Yom Kippur Ne’ilah service increased, “I first met Rabbi Levin many years ago in thanks to the addition of a heartwarming Buenos Aires, where he served as rabbi of and poignant children’s Havdalah proces- the prestigious Congregation Lamrot Hakol. sional. In Argentina, he was a respected member of With a passion for Jewish learning, the The Rabbinical Assembly’s South American rabbi made adult education a core value of Region. Imagine what a pleasure it was for congregational life at Beth El. He also creat- me to renew our acquaintance in Omaha, ed a weekly online newsletter, “A Thought where I served for thirty years as rabbi of the for Shabbat” -- the only one of its kind in alternative High Holy Day services. Omaha – that boasted of 530 subscribers. “In Omaha, I had an opportunity to Rabbi Levin could always be counted on observe Rabbi Levin in action,” Rabbi to offer compassionate pastoral care for Harlow continued. “He was deeply committhose going through difficult times. His out- ted to the spiritual well-being of his congrereach also touched interfaith families: he not gants, passionate about maintaining a high only extended a warm welcome, but also level of Torah study, and actively involved in created opportunities for non-Jewish par- issues of social justice within the communients to participate in the life-cycle events of ty. The welfare of the State of Israel has
always been high on his agenda. As a devoted Zionist, he strived to transmit that love and concern for Israel to the children in the congregation’s school and, of course, to their parents. “I have always been impressed by Rabbi Levin’s warm and caring demeanor. His devotion to his family serves as a model for all families. That devotion, coupled with his knowledge and understanding of Hebrew texts, is an inspiration for all.” Rabbi Levin was also lauded by a number of former Beth El Board of Trustees presidents. “Mordechai is a compassionate and intelligent individual who is an outstanding rabbi, educator, counselor and leader,” said Steven Pitlor. “Many people have benefitted from his attributes as well as relied on him for advice and counseling. He is passionate for whatever task he takes on and has a wealth of knowledge that he is eager to share when called upon.” Michael Abramson commented that, “I have been honored to be his congregant. Rabbi Levin has been an inspiration to me and very helpful to my family. When my mother was dying, he visited the hospital every day -- not just as our spiritual leader, but as a good friend. Rabbi was a great comfort to me and my entire family through this very difficult time.” Saying that during these past 11 years, “it has been an honor and pleasure to know, work and learn with Mordechai Levin,” Sanford Friedman added, “He is a gentle, sweet, intelligent and honorable man. While the rabbi at Beth El, Rabbi Levin implemented many positive changes to our services; helped to establish a comprehensive adult-education program; and was involved in many other positive and proactive activities within the synagogue.” “His spiritual guidance, commitment to
Jewish education, and love for his congregants could well serve as models for Conservative congregations across North America,” said Howard Epstein. “He is well respected not only at Beth El, but in Omaha’s broader Jewish community and Omaha’s secular community. His columns were featured in the Religion section of the Omaha World-Herald, and he frequently lectured to church groups, as well as public high school and college classes.” Richard Fellman also praised the rabbi, saying,“Rabbi Levin excels in spirituality, teaching, and quiet relations. He is sincere in his relationships with individual congregants – a solid and good man in every way. He is also a truly outstanding teacher. The congregants who attended his classes raved about his style, his learning, his understanding of the classroom, and his ability as a teacher. He also consistently gave sermons of substance, often with a bit of humor, and always with a deep sensitivity to the feelings of the congregation.” And Robert Lepp, past president of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, commended the rabbi’s input during Federation Board meetings and meetings of the community’s Rabbis and Presidents committee, saying, “His insights and contributions were always positive, helpful and appreciated. He also volunteered his time and knowledge in various capacities at other Jewish organizations, such as the Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Social Services, the Blumkin Home, and the Friedel Jewish Academy, reaching out to both young and adult members. He continually demonstrated his commitment to the community and passion for its well-being.” Beth El's congregation sends Rabbi Levin its best wishes as he begins his new job as spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Israel in Munster, Indiana, a suburb of Chicago.
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The Temple Israel Parochet by DAVID GOLBITZ Temple Israel commissioned were installed before Moving Temple Israel Staff Writer Day, especially given the tight deadline. When Israeli artist Galya Rosenfeld arrived in Omaha to “This project had a lot tighter timeline than a lot of other oversee the installation of the Ark curtain, or parochet, she projects,” Olson said. “It’s a real testament to everybody had been commissioned to create for the new Temple Israel, involved, the artists and the committees, that the process she was surprised at just how robust a Jewish community was incredibly smooth and successful in accomplishing there is in the middle of America. everything we set out to do.” “I didn’t really understand that there was a huge Jewish Olson added, “I’m personally very proud of the work community that was thriving and open and progressive,” she everyone put into this project. All of the art pieces turned said. “That was eye-opening. To go downstairs to see all out outstanding. They really are what the artists promised.” those classrooms ... the Rosenfeld herself was sunday school that I went impressed that her work to was small, it’s a different came together in time, feeling.” given the relatively tight Rosenfeld, who lives in deadline and the fact that Tel Aviv and teaches in the she lived and worked Department of Jewelry halfway around the world. and Fashion at Bezalel “Being so far abroad made Academy of Art and the project more challengDesign in Jerusalem, wasing, not being able to show n’t sure if she was going to people as I was working on be able to come to Omaha it,” she said, “but I was able for Temple Israel’s Moving to work really independDay until the very last ently, which doesn’t always minute. Even then her trip happen.” was nearly delayed by an Being on hand for the unscheduled layover in installation of the paroWendy Goldberg, left, Holly Olson and Galya Rosenfeld during the Cheyenne, Wyoming. chet, Rosenfeld was able to Aug. 25 Moving Day celebration at the new Temple Israel. “So many things hapmake sure everything pened, there were so many challenges, from the fabric looked and worked as she had envisioned, but it wasn’t until almost not being let into [Israel] to the delayed flight. It Moving Day, as she watched the congregation come togethseemed like a miracle when the piece was installed,” er in celebration of its new home, that everything truly came Rosenfeld said. together. The parochet was installed in the last few days prior to “We put everything up and I was like, this is interesting, Temple Israel’s Aug. 25 Moving Day, the culmination of and then the Torahs were inside and that’s when it really months of conversations and proposals between Rosenfeld, came alive,” Rosenfeld said. “Seeing the Torahs through the members of the Temple Israel Building Committee and sheer fabric, that’s how the Torahs are meant to be seen. That Holly Olson, the Community Arts Program Manager at the was really meaningful to have had that experience. It made Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. me very happy that I came. Olson first worked with Temple Israel to curate a list of Rosenfeld added, “If I had done the project and not actually artists to approach for the sacred art in the new building. arrived, it would have been a completely different experience. Once the proposals were made and accepted, Olson, along I felt like this was a really great way to get to know Temple with Program Director Wendy Goldberg, sort of became Israel. I feel like I have a connection to the community.” middlemen between the artists and the various Temple Rosenfeld didn’t make the trip from Israel on her own. Israel committees. Her mother, Ilana Rosenfeld, an architect, accompanied her. “I think Holly and I got on really friendly terms as the “I think she was really intrigued by the community and project progressed,” Rosenfeld said. “Holly was a real sup- the people she met,” Rosenfeld said. “I think she was very port, and Wendy was very encouraging and positive. It was blown away by the architecture.” good to have those two people as my contacts.” A proud mother, Ilana looked on as congregants saw for Olson was extremely pleased that Rosenfeld was able to the first time the art her daughter had created for them. come to Omaha and help with the installation of her work. In addition to the Temple Israel sanctuary, Rosenfeld’s art“I thought it was really incredibly exciting that she was work can be seen in museums around the world, including able to be here for the install and the Moving Day ceremo- the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, where she is part of an ny,” she said. “For me, personally, it was a real delight that exhibition of female artists who designed ceremonial she was able to be here.” objects. The exhibit, “Pointing the Way: Women Design Olson was also impressed that all the sacred art pieces Ceremonial Objects,” is open through the end of the year.
The Carnival is coming to RBJH by OZZIE NOGG The entire community can look forward to an afternoon of fun during a combined Grandparents’ Day and County Fair on Sunday, Sept. 29, at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. The event, a joint effort of L.O.V.E. (League Offering Volunteers for the Elderly) and the RBJH Activities
the Blumkin Home, and we invite all members of the community to join in the fun.” Mary Heiman, a Rose Blumkin Home Activity Director, is coordinating the program with Wine. “You don’t have to have a loved one at the Home to enjoy the afternoon,” Heiman said. “The entertainment, food and music will put everyone in a happy mood. Bring your kids, play some games, and visit friends who either live at the Home or are there for rehab. And if you really want to make a day of it, bring a lawn chair and picnic basket and head out to the JCC Pavilion for the free 5 p.m. Backyard Concert featuring the Kris Lager Band. Circle Sept. 29 on your calendar. All in all, the day will be a great way to end the summer.” The Grandparents’ Day County Fair is underwritten by these funds administered by the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation: The Sheldon A. and Lorrie Bernstein Endowment Fund; The Betty A. Studna and Seymour T. Lee Endowment Fund; and The Chester and Phyllis Lustgarten Endowment Fund.
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Birth Charlotte Koom won the huge stuffed duck at last year’s County Fair along with Mary Heiman, Activities Director. Department staff runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. “The afternoon will feature old fashioned carnival games, a free photo booth for family photo opportunities, 4-H type agricultural displays, real farm animals and midway food like popcorn and funnel cakes,” said Lois Wine, RBJH Director of Volunteer Services. “This activity is always a much-anticipated event at
Kimberly and Tim Veitzer announce the Aug. 22 birth of their daughter, Jensena (Sena) Louise. She was named after her maternal great-grandmother Jensena Johansson, her paternal great-grandmother, Jennie Veitzer, and her paternal great-uncle, Louie Blumkin. She has a brother, Samuel Martin Veitzer. Grandparents are Liz and Karl Johansson of Green Bay Wisconsin, and Gail and Irv Veitzer.
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Community Calendar SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Shul-in Overnight for 3rd – 7th Grade, 1 p.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 Blessing of the Animals, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Talmud Torah Classes, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Torah Tots, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El Grandparents Day Celebration, 12:30 p.m. Backyard Concert, 6 p.m. Temple Israel The Lauter Tun Series with Cantor Shermet, 7 p.m. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 Daf Yomi: Week in Review, 7:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Tai Chi Class taught by Beth Staenberg, 6:30 p.m. at Beth El TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1 Rabbi Abraham Weekly Class, 10 a.m. at Beth El BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Adult B’nai Mitzvah: Hebrew Study with Na’ama, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Eye on Israel, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2 BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El BESTT Hebrew High Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El RESPECT/Parent, Teacher Program, 6:30 p.m. Tools to Engage in a Conversation About Israel as an American Jew with Cantor Shermet, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El Rabbi Weiss’ Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3 Sacred Grounds, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with Rabbi Azriel, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Community Lecture with Dr. Sara Horowitz, 7 p.m. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4 Friday Learning: Shira Ivrit with Eliad, 11 a.m. Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH First Friday Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel Congregational Dinner, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Shabbat’s Cool, 10 a.m. at Beth El Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group Meeting, noon at Beth El Watch out for Shabbat, 12:15 p.m. at Beth El RESPECT Artist in Residency for grades K-6, 5 p.m. at Beth Israel JYG Scavenger hunt, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6 Talmud Torah Classes, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Hazzan Krausman’s Adult Bnai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m. at Beth El NCJW’s Third Annual Great Omaha Chocolate Festival, noon at La Vista Conference Center Beth El USY/Kadima Apple-picking with Picnic Lunch, 12:30 p.m. Backyard Concert, 6 p.m. MONDAY, OCTOBER 7 Daf Yomi: Week in Review, 7:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Tai Chi Class taught by Beth Staenberg, 6:30 p.m. at Beth El Hebrew Beyond the Page, 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Jewish Press Board Meeting TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8 Rabbi Abraham Weekly Class, 10 a.m. at Beth El Jewish Medical Ethics, noon at the Med Center BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Adult B’nai Mitzvah Study, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel JCC Board Meeting, 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9 BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Beth El Sisterhood Fundraiser, 5 p.m. at CherryBerry Yogurt Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Conversation about Israel with Cantor Shermet, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El Master’s in Judaism Class, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El Rabbi Weiss’ Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10 Sacred Grounds, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with Rabbi Azriel, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Sisterhood Dames and Drinks, 7 p.m. at Beth El FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11 Friday Learning: Shira Ivrit with Eliad, 11 a.m. Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Family Shabbat Services & Congregational Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El Dedication Shabbat and Dinner, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Junior Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El Polish Chaddidus Shabbaton, 10 a.m. at Beth Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El RESPECT Artist in Residency for grades K-6, 5 p.m. at Beth Israel SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13 Talmud Torah, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Torah Tots, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El Hazzan Krausman’s Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m. at Beth El Beth El YAC goes to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, 12:15 p.m. Beth El Kibbutz Chaverim goes Bowling, 3:30 p.m. MONDAY, OCTOBER 14 Daf Yomi: Week in Review, 7:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Tai Chi Class taught by Beth Staenberg, 6:30 p.m. at Beth El Hebrew Beyond the Page, 6:30 p.m. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15 Rabbi Abraham Weekly Class, 10 a.m. at Beth El The Ethics of Our Fathers, 2 p.m. at Remington Heights BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Adult B’nai Mitzvah Study, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Talmud Torah Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16 Mainstreeters Mystery Trip, 9:30 a.m. BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El BESTT Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El Master’s in Judaism Class, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El Rabbi Weiss’ Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17 Sacred Grounds, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with Rabbi Azriel, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. Men’s Club Jews N Brews, 7 p.m. at Beth El FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 Friday Learning: Shira Ivrit with Eliad, 11 a.m. Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Beth El USY/Kadima Deli Lunch, noon at the Blumkin Home Shabbaton with Jonathan Adelman at Beth Israel SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Annual Beth Israel AIPAC Shabbaton, 10 a.m. Junior Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El RESPECT Artist in Residency for grades K-6, 5 p.m. at Beth Israel JCC Youth Department Overnight, 6 p.m.
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 21 Daf Yomi: Week in Review, 7:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Tai Chi Class taught by Beth Staenberg, 6:30 p.m. at Beth El Hebrew Beyond the Page, 6:30 p.m. Friedel Board Meeting, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22 Rabbi Abraham Weekly Class, 10 a.m. at Beth El Board Meeting, 11:30 a.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Board of Director’s Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23 BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Conversation about Israel with Cantor Shermet, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El Master’s in Judaism Class, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El Annual Phil and Ruth Sokolof Lecture, 7 p.m. at UNO Rabbi Weiss’ Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m. at Beth Israel
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24 Sacred Grounds, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with Rabbi Azriel, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 Friday Learning: Shira Ivrit with Eliad, 11 a.m. 39 Forever Event (Deli Lunch and Movie), 1 1:30 a.m. Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Shabbat comes to you at Remington Heights, 4 p.m. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 Tot Shabbat, 9 a.m. at Temple Israel Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel B’nai Mitzvah Family Shabbat, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El Junior Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El Annual Pink Shabbat, 10 a.m. at Beth Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El Beth Israel RESPECT Artist in Residence, 5 p.m. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 Beth El Social Action day, 8:30 a.m. at Habitat for Humanity 26th Annual Klutznick Harris Symposium, 9 a.m. Talmud Torah Classes, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Adult Education Class, 10 a.m. at Beth El Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Torah Tots, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El Hazzan Krausman’s Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m. at Beth El TED Talk, 11:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Beth El Social Action Breast Cancer Walk, 1 p.m. at Holmes Park in Lincoln Temple Israel The Lauter Tun Series, 7 p.m. at Lauter Tun Bar MONDAY, OCTOBER 28 Daf Yomi: Week in Review, 7:45 a.m. at Beth Israel 26th Annual Klutznick Harris Symposium, 8 a.m. at Creighton Board of Directors Meeting, 11:30 a.m. Tai Chi Class taught by Beth Staenberg, 6:30 p.m. at Beth El Hebrew Beyond the Page, 6:30 p.m. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29 Rabbi Abraham Weekly Class, 10 a.m. at Beth El IHE Teachers’ Workshop, 4:30 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Adult B’nai Mitzvah Study, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30 BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Conversation about Israel with Cantor Shermet, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El Master’s in Judaism Class, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El Rabbi Weiss’ Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m. at Beth Israel
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31 Sacred Grounds, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with Rabbi Azriel, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20 Talmud Torah Classes, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Hazzan Krausman’s Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m. at Beth El Annual Campaign Community Event, 4 p.m. All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Pat Anson at 402.334.8200. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the above events.
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6 | The Jewish Press | September 27, 2013
Snowbirds Please let the Jewish Press know in advance when you are leaving and when you are returning. Sometimes several papers are sent to your “old” address before we are notified by the Post Office. Every time they return a paper to us, you miss the Jewish Press and we are charged! Please call us at 402.334.6448 or email us at jpress@jewishomaha.org.
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NCJW invites chocolate lovers by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Winner of the 2011 Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Community Service Award, National Council of Jewish Women’s Great Omaha Chocolate Festival is back for the third year in a row and in a new place. Formerly at the University of Nebraska at Omaha Field House, the Chocolate Festival will be at the Embassy Suites/La Vista Conference Center from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6. The Conference Center is located at 12520 Westport Parkway (I-80 and Giles Road). “There’s more than enough free parking” at the new venue, explained Jan Fischer, general chairman of the Chocolate Festival. “It’s pretty enough for a wedding” and access for Lincoln businesses and patrons is closer. “It’s bigger and there’s more room for booths and attendees,” she added. “The whole event is a lot classier” in the new location. Many former vendors are returning with drinkable chocolate, candy, baked goods, breads, rolls, candy-imprinted stationery, chocolate popcorn, ice treats, and yogurt. “Baker’s Candies, our corporate sponsor for all three years of the Chocolate Festival, even introduced chocolate covered potato
chips one year,” Fischer mentioned. “It was really fantastic,” agreed Helen Epstein. “It drew people from all over the city, all walks of life, and was something kids could do with their families and grandparents could do with their grandchildren. It was fun to taste all the samples, and it was a really nice community event that involved the city.” She added, “Chocolate makes you happy, and it was a happy event. We need a few of those!” Miles Remer, who sold tickets with his wife Eileen, agreed. “I was very impressed and thought it was a huge success.” Among the newest vendors, reported Fischer, are Just Pop’d, BeautiControl (chocolate lotions), and Stories Coffeehouse, a combination of six businesses including Alotta Brownies Bakery, The Cordial Cherry, Noni’s Popcorn, L Pastries, Chocolate Poet, and Homemade by Amber. Some 40 vendors are expected altogether. Admission to the Chocolate Festival is $3 for two- to ten-year-olds which is worth three free samples. For anyone older, admission is $5 which entitles them to five free samples of chocolate. Additional sample tickets can be purchased, or products can be purchased directly from vendors.
Beth El’s ‘Blessing of the Animals’
Beth El’s parking lot was packed with pet lovers, as Rabbi Abraham (standing with bullhorn) led last year’s Blessing of the Animals. by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity The Torah portion of Noach has taken on an added dimension over the past few years at Beth El, as the synagogue hosts a special “Blessing for the Animals.” And on Sunday, Sept. 29, at 9:45 a.m., everyone in the Jewish community is invited once again to bring their pets to the west side of the synagogue parking lot to take part in this special blessing, offered by Rabbi Steven Abraham. Beth El Talmud Torah students will join in
the festivities, and youngsters in grades K-2 will enjoy their own blessing and activities during Torah Tots, which convenes at 10:15 a.m. “This event has become a beloved tradition at Beth El,” Rabbi Abraham said. “We’ve had a great turnout in the past, and I anticipate this year to be the same. For so many, animals are an important part of their family, and this gives us an opportunity to bring our four-legged family members to shul!”
Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Speaker to be announced for Wednesday, Oct. 2, noon, at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $11; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.
One word in Yiddish has more meaning than a dozen words in any other language. So be a mentsh and zog a por verter, (say a few words). We meet every Thursday from 1-3 p.m., in the boardroom of the Rose Blumkin Home. For information, please call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638.
LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish, once thought to be a dying language, is now very much alive, with Webster’s Third International Dictionary listing more than 500 Yiddish words. It has been perpetuated by greeting cards, television, radio, speakers, plays and books. It is now presented in transliterated form using the Roman alphabet, so that everyone can become a maven instantly. If you want to “jazz up” your conversation, throw in a few Yiddish words.
NEBRASKA JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY MARK YOUR CALENDAR! The Annual Meeting of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society will be held on Sunday, Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. in the JCC Auditorium. The theme of the community wide event will be Keeping Memories Alive – A Salute to Downtown Retail. The program will include a display and video featuring highlights of downtown in the good old days.
September 27, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 7
Campaign Kick-off at Kaneko was working to support his family at age 13. Through hard work and determination he founded Baker’s Supermarkets,” she recalled. After attending Westside High School, Baker met her husband Richard Heyman while a student at Tufts University. They raised two children in Omaha, Matthew, 23, lives in Washington D.C. and Chloe, 20, is a Fine Arts major at the University of Southern California. Baker says that volunteering has always been a part of her life because she grew up in a family that valued contribu-
by SHERRIE SAAG Communications Specialist, Jewish Federation of Omaha Kaneko, in Omaha’s Old Market, was the site for the first event of the 2014 Annual Campaign that took place last Sunday, Sept. 15. Major donors were the first to view the latest installation by local artist Jun Kaneko. Kaneko’s six towering, vase-like sculptures, the Fremont Dangos (a Japanese dumpling), were completed in 1994 inside an old sewer pipe factory in California. While one Dango sat on the second floor lobby of the Holland Center for eight years, it has now
joined its five siblings in a collection at an exhibit called “Jun Kaneko’s Special Project — Fremont Dangos,” that opened Sept. 20. Event Chair Betsy Baker and Campaign Chair Stacey Rockman arranged for the featured speaker, Dr. Anat Gilboa, the Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies’ Schusterman Visiting Israeli Professor at the University of Nebraska Omaha. Her presentation, entitled “Rethink Israel”, challenged the crowd to re-consider preconceived ideas and thoughts about Israel. “When Stacey Rockman asked me to chair this event, I was inspired by her tremendous knowledge and passion for our community and Israel. She had a terrific vision and we felt the Kaneko was the perfect venue to create a fun and lively evening tying in beautifully with Anat’s presentation,” Baker said. After hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and the opportunity to view the galleries, guests heard from JFO President Jay Noddle and Campaign Chairs Stacey and Jonathan Rockman. “The Annual Campaign is critical because it is a major source of funding for programs that support our Jewish community. The Major Donor Event, the program that historically kicks-off our Annual Campaign season, is very important because this group’s generous contributions really set an
Top: Jonathan Rockman, Betsy Baker, Stacey Rockman and Jay Noddle; Middle row: Gloria and Howard Kaslow, Paul and Sandy Epstein; Judy and Jack Baker; Terri Schrager and David Gilinsky; Brett and Stacey Atlas, Dana Kaufman, Abby and Adam Kutler. Bottom row: Darlynn and Tom Fellman, Howard Kooper and Joanie Jacobson; Anne Shackman, Murray and Sharee Newman; Jeff Kirshenbaum, Bruce Goldberg, Tom Vann and Jeff Platt. example for all of us,” said Baker. “The evening was a celebration of our community, the opportunity to thank our major donors and encourage others to follow their lead,” she added. Baker was born in Omaha and recalls an idyllic childhood surrounded by a large family. With two younger brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, Shabbat dinners prepared by her grandmother Helen Baker were always a highlight. “My maternal grandfather, David Krantz, arrived in America from Poland at age thirteen. Many years later, he wrote a letter to his grandchildren telling the story of his family and their struggles to come to this country. He was devoted to all of us and served as a tremendous role model. My paternal grandfather, Abe Baker, came from Russia and
tions to one’s community. “I have always felt a deep connection to Omaha and the Jewish community. Richard and I raised our children with a strong Jewish identity. Today, they deeply value their Midwestern roots and their own connection to Judaism.” She continued, “I have planned many events over the years for a variety of civic organizations, but the Federation’s Campaign event has been especially meaningful. I have so enjoyed working with Stacey and getting to know the entire professional staff. Watching this group in action and seeing their tremendous dedication and attention to every detail has made my involvement a great learning experience and an absolute pleasure.” The entire community is invited to the next 2014 Annual Campaign event. Mark your calendars for Oct. 20 when we will celebrate Jewish Omaha with a B’nai Mitzvah party. The fun begins at 5 p.m. at Dave & Busters, 2502 S. 133rd Plz., Suite 111. More information can be found in today’s Jewish Press and on our website, www.jewishomaha.org. Also, look for your invitation in the mail this week! Want to be an early bird RSVP? Call Zach Spooner, Development Associate, at 402.334.6431 and let him know you will join the community celebration on Oct. 20.
8 | The Jewish Press | September 27, 2013
Mainstreeters in October, part 1 by OZZIE NOGG A mystery trip and a motivational lunch are all part of Mainstreeters October programming. Please come and enjoy:
Enjoying last year's Mainstreeters Mystery Trip are Tootie Simon, left, Fred Bromley, Rosalie Greenspan, Lewis Izenstat and Ann Moskovitz. Harry’s Magical, Marvelous Mystery Trip: Wednesday, Oct. 16. You’re invited to spend a day like no other, full of surprises and fun, planned by our own Harry Alloy. Dress casual and wear comfortable walking shoes. Deluxe Coach Bus transportation sponsored by Jewish Social Services departs from the JCC at 9:30 a.m. (Be at the JCC by 9:15
Community 360° honors Russ Kaplan by ED JOSEPH Russ Kaplan, President of Russ Kaplan Investments was the community partner honoree at this year’s annual banquet for Community 360°. It was held at the Kroc Center. Russ was honored for his community involvement with the organization and his belief that if your community is good to you, one needs to give back to it, and Russ believes in what Community 360° is and does. Community 360° recruits, trains and places volunteers in nursing homes to become companions and advocates for the people living in nursing homes. Russ understands that as our society becomes older, many of us will end up in nursing homes. Without a visitor, it will be a lonely place. Community 360° tries to assure everyone in a nursing home will have a visitor at least once a week. For more information about Community 360° contact us at www.community-360.org or info@community360.org or 402.556.8032.
a.m.) Bus space is limited so please reserve by Oct. 2. The Mystery Trip cost of $30 per person includes transportation, admission fees, a delectable lunch -- tropical chicken salad on a croissant or a fish alternative, including drinks and fabulous dessert -- plus tax and gratuity. Make checks payable to Jewish Social Services and send full payment to: Mainstreeters c/o Maggie Conti, 323 So. 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. For information, call Harry Alloy at 402.697.8709. Lunch with Stacey Flowers: Monday, Oct. 21, 12:30 p.m. in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Auditorium. Stacey Flowers is considered one of the top female motivational speakers in the nation, and shares her wisdom and knowledge on TV, radio and in magazines. Her uplifting message reminds audiences that each one of us has unique gifts, talents, skills and abilities, and that it’s possible to choose happiness over heartache, no matter what challenges or obsta-
cles we face. In Stacey’s words, “Life is meant to make you smile.â€? Come hear her inspirational words. For your entree, choose either Spaghetti and meatballs or Panco Crusted Cod with rice pilaf. Entrees include garden salad, garlic bread and lemon meringue pie and beverages of choice. Cost: $11.50 per plate. Make checks payable to Jewish Social Services and send full payment to: Mainstreeters c/o Maggie Conti, 323 So. 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. Reservations are appreciated by Monday, Oct. 14. Important notice: Flu shots will be given before the Oct. 21 luncheon from 10 a.m. to noon in the Schrager CafĂŠ at the RBJH. Free for persons with a Medicare Part B card. Don’t forget to bring your card! The Flu Shot Clinic is sponsored by the Visiting Nurse Association. For information, call Maggie at 402.334.6521. Mainstreeters programs are supported in part by grants from the United Way of the Midlands and the Jewish Federation of Omaha.
“Eye on Israel� returns by ELIAD ELIYAHU BEN SHUSHAN Community Shaliach The rhythm in which things happen in Israel is astronomical. One day, according to the headlines, you are sure that a war is going to start. All the Israelis run to get their masks and anti-chemical weapons. Two days later, surprise--no war, no fire and the headlines are all about local issues in a specific municipality, or mentioning the two years since the return of Gilad Shalit, or sharing news flashes about the health situation of the Chief Rabbi of Israel. It all depends upon which national mainstream newspaper you picked today. Being an Israeli is being a media consumer. In a world where the media decides what Eliad Eliyahu Ben Shushan will be the agenda, Israelis have strengthened their ability to judge and criticize the media in order to be sure they are getting reliable news that will serve the daily needs. During my studies for a master’s degree in Public and Political Communication, I realized how extensive the research of media framing is and how Israel’s current affairs can be so easily researched by the help of many academic political science researchers around the world. Communication scholar James Tankerd presented in his article The Empirical Approach to the Study of Media Framing ways to analyze the framing in each social medium. Since Israel is blessed with many social groups -- secular, modern
Orthodox (“Dati Leumi�), ultra-Orthodox (“Chareddim�) and here I mention only the Jews - I decided to research a few milestones of the Israeli news. The story of the kidnapping and the return of Gilad Shalit is a good case study. Two years ago on the last day of the Sukkot holiday the kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit was returned to Israel. There was overwhelming happiness and I can remember how excited we felt in the Western Galilee. With tears of joy and feelings of excitement, thousands of people who did not know Gilad personally drove to his home in Mitzpe Hilla to welcome him back. This particular touching event was framed so differently on several websites and in newspapers. What were the headlines in each newspaper? Which pictures of Gilad were shown? How many times was Shalit’s mother quoted? When was the prime minister mentioned, if at all? These are just a few questions that create the framing that helps us understand the subtext, the vision, and the interests of the editors of each media resource. I invite you to my first session “Eye on Israel,� which will deal with current events in Israel, on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. We will discuss the return of Shalit and I will share my research and conclusions of the framing in Israel of this event. It will be a great case study to get some basic tools to understand how the news from Israel can be so different from one media source to another. We will discuss issues in Israel, compare reporting from different social groups with the news we hear in the USA. We will learn how to be clever media consumers and develop a clearer “Eye on Israel.� For additional information on “Eye on Israel� and other programming by the Center for Jewish Life, please call 402.334.6463.
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September 27, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 9
Point of view
American Jewish Press Association Award Winner
Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008
Jewish giving by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor The lament we have heard regularly during the past decade: younger American Jews don’t give the way their parents did. What that means is open to debate: do they give less? Do they give differently? Have our priorities changed, and does that threaten our communities? “According to a survey conducted by the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy, support of ‘religious and faith-based organizations’ is no longer the top priority of next generation Jewish donors, as it is for their parents. But it only slipped down a notch to second place, now following ‘education,’ with giving to ‘basic needs’ a close third in the rankings,” wrote the Forward this past August. The sentiment is repeated elsewhere; another study was published in early September, reiterating the Johnson Center’s findings. “On the surface,” Gary Rosenblatt wrote in The Jewish Week, “the major findings of the just-released National Study of American Jewish Giving are encouraging, indicating that Jews have one of the highest levels of charity of any group in America, contributing generously to both Jewish and non-Jewish causes.” It’s time to take a closer look at the data. 76 percent of American Jews made a charitable contribution in 2012; the average annual total was $1,200, compared to 63 percent and an average of $600 among non-Jews. The study also found that Jews give more when they are Jewishly involved. That may seem self-explanatory, but it needs pointing out regardless: Jews give more to Jewish organizations as well as non-Jewish causes when they regularly attend synagogue, volunteer with Jewish organizations, or are otherwise engaged in their community. “Those factors far outweigh income and age levels, though the higher those are the more giving increases,” wrote Rosenblatt. Still, although the overall picture is one of strong giving, the fact remains that the younger generation of Jews in America are less likely to contribute to Jewish Federations: 28 percent of Jews under 40, compared to 35 percent in the 40 to 64 age group, and 45 percent among those over 64.
“The study dovetails with another recently released major report on the giving patterns of wealthy ‘next-gen’ Jews,” Rosenblatt added. “That study found that while younger
Jews give strongly to religious and faith-based causes, their views on giving diverged markedly from their parents’ and grandparents’ generations. The younger group tended to see its giving in more universalistic and less parochial terms, wanting their philanthropy to help the wider world rather than just the Jewish community.” (Thejewishweek.com) So, younger Jews don’t necessarily give less, they give differently. In Jewish organizations around the country, we’ve been having this discussion for quite a while, and so far we haven’t come up with a satisfying answer. If this trend continues (and we have no reason to believe it won’t), we have a
problem on our hands, and we better figure out how to respond to it fast. That response requires us to understand why we collectively give less to Jewish causes than the generations before us. The answer to that is both simple and incredibly uncomfortable: we have become complacent. We don’t really see the need. We have lost that sense of urgency, the idea that we must absolutely prioritize the Jewish way of life, that it is of the utmost essence that we keep what we have and build on it. We are losing the will to fight for what is right in front of us; although we rationally know there is poverty in our own backyard, we don’t really believe it. We are convinced, deep down, that the Jewish community is fine. Regardless of all the financial stress the past years have brought, we haven’t really embraced the idea that someday this could all be gone. It’s as if we, as a people (and maybe as a generation) have collectively decided not to panic. I don’t mean that to be a judgmental statement; I just think the landscape is changing, and we need to be hyper-aware of the challenge before us. “What is an ideal Jewish society?” Rachel Sabath BeitHalachmi of the Jerusalem Post recently asked. “One in which giving is unnecessary? In which giving comes naturally?” She goes on to say that according to Deuteronomy, ‘There shall be no needy among you.’ “But not even Deuteronomy,” she adds, “with its endless directives preparing the Israelites to enter the Promised Land, really believes in such a perfect society: ‘For there never will cease to be needy ones in your land (Deut. 15).” Interesting choice of words: ‘Needy ones.’ When we think of ‘needy’ individuals, we think of other people. Not us. Needy means poor, not being able to pay the rent, not having food on the table, and getting sick. We’d never use that word to describe ourselves. Yet, in a way, we should all consider ourselves needy. We need Jewish life, we need a community, we need synagogues and rabbis and prayer books and day schools and BBYO and you name it. If we can redefine why we give to Jewish causes, because it is a need, rather than a choice, we may be able to turn the tide. We need that sense of urgency. Then, and only then, will we be able to tell ourselves we are ‘fine.’
Shul attendance is not what it once was
Behind the headlines RABBI JONATHAN GROSS, Beth Israel Synagogue The Pew Research Center is considered one of the most authoritative polling and survey institutes for religion and public life in America. Without rattling off any of their statistics, the very fact that they call themselves the PEW center tells us that the PEWs – those benches we have at synagogue – are the most obvious indicator of a community’s vitality. The rule of thumb being: filled pews = good; empty pews = bad. Unfortunately the JEW to PEW ratio on a regular Shabbat could be better. I am not writing to castigate the community, wag my finger at you, and guilt you to go to shul. On the contrary. If you are not in shul, the person most to blame is me – the Rabbi. If I cannot make services engaging, compelling, - at the very least palatable – then I am not doing my job. So for the last ten years I have done extensive research and have sought answers to the question: “How can I get you to come to shul?” The community was receptive to the question which tells me that people want to come back to shul. I
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asked people to be brutally honest and tell me what they like and what they do not like about services. Here is what I learned. People think services are too long and there is too much Hebrew. They also do not like the separate seating for men and women. When I asked people what they want, most people said they would enjoy a more informal service. The traditional frontal pulpit format feels like the Rabbi is talking at them, whereas they would prefer a style that made them feel like the Rabbi was talking with them. They want a comfortable atmosphere where they can learn about and discuss relevant and contemporary topics. People talked and I listened. I set about crafting a service that would give people the informal, contemporary experience they are looking for without compromising our beautiful and meaningful tradition. So starting Oct. 5, Beth Israel synagogue will begin a completely new service format that I call -- GOOD SHABBOS NEBRASKA! Every Shabbat at 9 a.m., we will begin the Shacharit prayer with Barchu, at 9:30 a.m. we will read the Torah portion, and at 10 a.m. we will take a break. We will all move to one side of the mechitza and enjoy the new program called GOOD SHABBOS NEBRASKA – America’s first Shabbos morning synagogue talk show. Instead of a sermon, I will
give my opening monologue. Instead of a pulpit – desk, chairs, and a coffee mug. The show will happen every week, it will feature segments giving viewers contemporary Torah learning, Jewish News, and interviews with exciting guests. Season 1 of GOOD SHABBOS NEBRASKA premiers on Oct. 5 and we are kicking off with special guest star Shmuley Boteach – America’s Rabbi. No stranger to this type of format, Shmuley had his own television show and is a regular on talk shows like Oprah. He most recently made headlines when he brought Dr. Oz for his first trip to Israel. Every Shabbos is going to feature something special, new, and exciting with interesting guests. Shul will be fun, educational, and engaging. I have lined up guest stars from October through April so every week will be something that you don’t want to miss. Check out our website at www.goodshabbosnebraska.com for our full lineup. As always, I offer everyone my personal guarantee: you will walk away smarter, happier, and inspired – or your money back. The Omaha Jewish community needs a ratings boost. We have three beautiful synagogues, and if we want to ensure their continued vitality, we must fill those pews every shabbos. I promise to work as hard as I can to make shul a fun and exciting experience. But I need you there. Make shul on Shabbos a regular part of your life, and experience the beauty of Shabbos, our Torah, and our community.
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material and photos to: avandekamp @jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jew ishomaha.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: avandekamp@jew ishomaha.org. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced 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
sonal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de KampWright, Jewish Press 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 $40 per calendar year U.S.; $80 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 email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.
10 | The Jewish Press | September 27, 2013
Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 | 712.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com For information on our historic synagogue – dates and times for Friday night services, call 712.323.8885. FRIDAY, Oct. 11: Services, 7:30 p.m. followed by an oneg with guest speaker, Larry Blass on the Care System for the Elderly is Like an Oriental Menu (It may sound good, but you’re not always sure of what you’ll get.) The community is invited. Miles Remer will officiate at all of the Speaker Series Services.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. FRIDAY: Simchat Torah Service (Hakafot), 9:30 a.m.; Kabblatat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Yad Awards, during 9:30 a.m. Shabbat services, Yad Awards will be given to those congregants who have regularly read Torah during the past year; BESTT’s Shabbat’s Cool, 10 a.m.; Kibbutz Chaverim shul-in sleepover for grades 2-7, 12:15 p.m.; Mincha-Ma’ariv, 7 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Blessing of the Animals, 9:45 a.m., for the entire community. Bring your four-legged friends to Beth El’s parking lot (west side) for a special blessing; Torah Study Group, 10 a.m.; BESTT Shul-in pick-up, 10:15 a.m.; Torah Tots, 10:45 a.m.-noon. Toddlers will enjoy a special blessing of the animals with their favorite pets; USY/Kadima, 5 p.m., we’ll enjoy a picnic during the Backyard Concert at the JCC; Mincha-Ma’ariv, 5:30 p.m. MONDAY: Tai Chi class, six-week session, led by certified Tai Chi instructor Beth Staenberg, 6:30 p.m. Cost, $18. Register online at www.bethel-omaha.org. TUESDAY: Wrestling with the Rabbis of the Talmud, 10 a.m. weekly adult-education class led by Rabbi Abraham. No charge to attend; everyone is welcome. WEDNESDAY: High school dinner, 6 p.m. followed by classes at 6:45 p.m.; Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 p.m. in the chapel. THURSDAY: Volunteer at the Food Bank, 9 a.m. For more information, contact Cheryl Lerner at cldancer@aol.com; Iron Chef Cholent Challenge prep night, 7 p.m. in the synagogue kitchen. Iron Chef Cholent Challenger, Saturday, Oct. 5, 12:30 p.m. For more information, visit Beth El’s website. Watch out for Shabbat, Saturday, Oct. 5. Join us for a peaceful Shabbat afternoon at the shul. Enjoy a delicious cholent lunch, games, discussions and Shabbat activities for the entire family. (see full story on page 10.) Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, Oct. 6, 11 a.m. USY Lunch and Apple Picking, Sunday, Oct. 6, 12:30-3:30 p.m. at Ditmar’s Orchard, Council Bluffs. Cost: $10 (includes apples and lunch). RSVP by Wednesday, Oct. 2 to Betsy Goodman at youthdir@bethel-omaha.org, betsy 4589@gmail.com, or 402.321.1806. Drop-off and pick-up at
Beth El’s “Watch Out for Shabbat” by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Time will not be of the essence on Saturday, Oct. 5, as Beth El encourages everyone to put away their watches and spend a relaxing Shabbat afternoon during “Watch Out for Shabbat.” Following 9:30 a.m. Shabbat services, “Watch Out” will begin with a festive congregational lunch featuring the first-ever “Cholent Challenge,” where diners will have a chance to sample several types of cholent (stew), and vote on their favorite one (and yes, prizes will be awarded for best recipe, best team name and best team sign). This special afternoon will also serve as the Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group’s October get-together. Following lunch, attendees will enjoy a spirited songfest, a Jewish-style version of Family Feud, and a preview of the synagogue’s new seven-week series of adult mini courses, “Masters in Judaism.” Free babysitting will be available, no reservations are necessary, and the entire community is invited to join together for a thoughtful, relaxing, fun-filled Shabbat afternoon.
Beth El. Family Shabbaton, Nov. 15-17, Lied Lodge in Nebraska City. All families in the Jewish community with children in seventh grade and younger, are welcome. Register online at Beth El’s website. All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Minch-Ma’ariv, 6:56 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha, 6:45 p.m.; Havdalah, 7:52 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Daf Yomi: Week in Review with Rabbi Gross, 7:45 a.m. TUESDAY: Women’s Study Group, 6:30 p.m. at the home of Kathy Weiner. WEDNESDAY: Coffee and Your Jewish News, 7:45 a.m.; Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m. THURSDAY: Sacred Grounds: Great Torah and Great Coffee, 9:30 a.m.
CHABAD CENTER An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street | Omaha, NE 68144-1646 | 402.330.1800 www.OChabad.com | email: chabad@aol.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m. followed by Hakafot and Kiddush; Mincha-Ma’ariv, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch; Mincha-Ma’ariv, 7 p.m. SUNDAY: Minyan, 8:30 a.m.; Breakfast Bonanza, 9:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m. TUESDAY: Dynamic Discovery with Shani Katzman, 10:15 a.m. A class for women based on traditional texts with practical insights and application. RSVP by calling the office. WEDNESDAY: Personal Parsha class, 10 a.m. with Rochi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office; The Development of the Oral Tradition, 7 p.m. with Rabbi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office. THURSDAY: Women’s Study at UNMC with Shani Katzman, noon. RSVP by emailing Marlene Cohen at mzcohen@unmc.edu. All programs are open to the entire community.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN South Street Temple | Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street | Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 | 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. FRIDAY: Informal Pizza Dinner, 5:15 p.m. If you want to participate, contact the Temple office so enough pizza can be ordered; Shabbat Evening Service/Simchat Torah Celebration, 6 p.m. with oneg following hosted by Jamie Downing and Jon Carter. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Bereshit; Game Night/Potluck, 6 p.m. SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High Lite, 9:45 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth
Bat Mitzvah Samantha Matz, daughter of Stacie and Jay Matz, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Sept. 28, at Temple Israel. Samantha is an eighth-grade High Honor Roll student at Westside Middle School. Her interests include art, dance and spending time with family and friends. For her mitzvah project, Samantha volunteered at Ted E. Bear Hallow’s Kids Camp. She has two sisters, Meredith and Elizabeth. Grandparents are Simone and Allan Spies and Donna and Monte Matz.
Candlelighting Friday, September 27, 6:54 p.m.
Israel; LJCS Teachers Meeting, 12:15 p.m.; Gift Shop ReOpening, 1-5 p.m.; Star City Kochavim plays at Lincoln Arts Festival at SoutePointe at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: LJCS classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY, 6:30-8 p.m. Intro to Judaism, led by Rabbi Lewis. The cost is $50 to cover course materials. Couples can share materials and need only pay one fee. THURSDAYS, Beginning Hebrew, 6 p.m.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway | Offutt AFB, NE 68113 | 402.294.6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 FRIDAY: Simchat Torah Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg. SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9 a.m. led by Steve Riekes. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.
TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive | Omaha, NE 68144-1206 | 402.556.6536 http://templeisraelomaha.com FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Azriel and Cantor Shermet. SATURDAY: Tot Shabbat, 9 a.m.; Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Samantha Matz, daughter of Stacie Spies-Matz and Jay Matz, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. SUNDAY: Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; Grade Three Family Education Day, 10 a.m.; Temple TED Talk, 10 a.m.; Dinner with college students, 6:30 p.m. at the Dundee Dell; The Lauter Series, 7 p.m. at the Lauter Tun Bar, 3309 Oak View Drive #102. TUESDAY: Adult B’nai Mitzvah: Hebrew Study, 6:30 p.m. with Na’ama; Kol Rina Rehearsal, 6:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-8, 6 p.m.; Temple Teen Night, 6 p.m.; Tools to Engage in a Conversation about Israel as an American Jew, 6:30 p.m. with Director of Lifelong Learning, Debbie Massarano. THURSDAY: Adult Study with the Clergy, 10-11:30 a.m. Class Fee: $45 for members, and $55 for non-members. First Friday Shabbat Service, Friday, Oct. 4 led by Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Brown and Cantor Shermet with candle lighting, 5:30 p.m., and Service, 6 p.m. followed by a dinner. Please RSVP by contacting Temple Israel, 402.556.6536 or RSVP@templeisraelomaha.com by Wednesday, Oct.2. JYG Glow in the Dark Scavenger Hunt, Saturday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m. Dedication of the New Building, Friday, Oct. 11, 6 p.m. Come celebrate Shabbat and help dedicate our new building. Hear the newly commissioned choral version of Hashkiveinu by Cantor Jonathan Comisar and listen to the sermon by Rabbi Eric Yoffie from the URJ. An oneg will follow the service and you can also explore the new building. OTYG Haunted Havdallah and Hayrack Ride with Bonfire, Saturday, Oct. 12, 5:45 p.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. FRIDAY: The office will be closed; Services, 8:30 a.m.; Shabbat Services, 6:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch. SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High Lite, 9:45 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Teachers Meeting, 12:15 p.m. WEDNESDAY: LJCS classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Jewish Book Club, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2 p.m. at Ann Rickover’s home and will discuss American Dervish by Ayad Akhtar. Please contact Stephanie Dohner with any questions.
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September 27, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 11
In memoriam
Finding God
SAM FEDMAN
Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Bereishit Those who avail themselves on Simchat Torah of the free luxury of hearing the end ot Torah read, and the beginning of Torah immediately after, hear the opening words of Scripture, the stately, solemnly described Creation story. The passage is very moving. It captivates the reader or the listener and demands his full attention, for there is no more fundamental question in all of human history than this one. How did this world begin? How came there to be sun and moon and stars? How came there to be day and night in endless succession? And most impirtant in this sequence of inquiries: How came there to be Man? And what is Man? One might say that the rest of the Bible, and indeed all that goes by the name of “religious inquity� ever since, is directed to answering these questions that our ancient ancestors put at the very beginning, the very beginning of their earnest attemtps to understand the universe. In it, they found God.
Just For Her is coming to Omaha From Oct. 11 through 13, the CenturyLink Center will be home to the annual Just For Her event, coming to Omaha for the second time. The brainchild of Aimee Jacobson and Lindsey Aydelotte of Kansas City, Just For Her started in their hometown in 2009. In just a few short years, it has grown exponentially: it’s become the largest women’s event in the area, with over 275 vendors and over 12,000 attendees in its 5th event this past June. It successfully expanded to Omaha in 2012, and to Des Moines in 2013. This year’s Omaha event offers over 200 booths and provides three days of shopping, beauty treatments, health and wellness guidance, entertainment and food tastings. It’s the perfect venue to sample a rich choice of local and regional businesses. The Big O Pamper Her Lounge wil offer $6 mini-spa treatments, and there will be hundreds of prize giveaways, including $100 shopping sprees. In an effort to give back to the Omaha community, Aimee says, the event has partnered with Catholic Charities to help stock their local foodbank. “Attendees can bring non-perishable food items and will receive $1 off their ticket for each item,� she added. “That means if you bring eight donations, your entire $8 entry fee is waived.� On Friday Oct. 11, from 5 to 10 p.m., the event also offers “Salon Cuts for a Cause.� Stylists from Trios Salon and Spa will give haircuts, straighten or style for a minimum donation of $5. All proceeds benefit the Metamorphosis Fund, which helps cancer patients and survivors with the financial burdens that come with treatment and recovery. The event will take place from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $6 in advance, and $8 at the door; for additional information and to purchase tickets, please visit www. shop. JustForHerexpoomaha.com.
Sam Fedman passed away on Sept. 13 at age 89. Services were held Sept. 16 at Mt. Sinai Cemetary, 78th and Crown Point. He was preceded in death by wife, Ida; daughter, Phyllis Tejral; and brother, Louie Fedman. He is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Mark Abrahamson; grandchildren: Amy Roseland and Julie Kestner; great-grandchildren: Max and Ruby Roseland; and brother, Ben Fedman. He was an U.S. Marine Corps WW II Veteran. Memorials may be made to the organization of your choice.
B’nai Israel Speakers by SANDRA KURLAND B’nai Israel synagogue is excited to announce the 2013/14 Speaker Series. We invite you to join us every second Friday of the month at 7:30 pm, as we welcome the following guest speakers to our synagogue: On Oct. 11, Larry Blass will address the care system for the elderly; on Nov. 8, we welcome Gary Javitch, who will speak about the settlements in Israel. Foster Care advocate Joan Cooper will join us on Dec. 13 to speak about a Jewish journey to Foster Care; On Feb. 14, 2014, the spotlight is on Richard Fellman, who will talk about the Jewish community in Cuba. Mary Sue Grossman, program coordinator for the Center for Jewish Life will speak about what’s happening at the agency on March 14; finally, the series is concluded on April 11 with a visit from Milton Kleinberg, who will present his book Memories of my Childhood: During and After the Holocaust, 1937-1951. This is the eighth year the Speaker Series has been offered, and it continues to be a well attended service every month. This year, B’nai Israel is fortunate to have Miles Remer lead the Shabbat services. An Oneg follows each Friday after the service concludes. For more information, please contact us at CBSynagogue@hotmail. com, or call 712.323.8885.
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Positions are in Sioux City, Iowa Please apply in person Mon-Fri 8 am to 4:30 pm at 1221 Steuben Street
SALES MANAGER Gerhold Concrete Company, a division of Lyman-Richey Corporation, is seeking an experienced Sales Manager to oversee personnel, equipment, and customer accounts within the sales, service, and quality control departments. Operations include multiple plant locations in Nebraska and Iowa. This position will be based in Norfolk, NE. Bachelor’s degree in Sales and Service or a related field from an accredited college or university or equivalent combination of education and experience and five (5) years related experience in the ready
mixed concrete, block, precast, or building materials industries. ACI Grade I Concrete Field Testing Technician Certification or equivalent preferred. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes: t $PNQFUJUJWF XBHFT t 3FUJSFNFOU QMBO t )FBMUI EFOUBM BOE WJTJPO JOTVSBODF t $PNQBOZ QBJE MJGF JOTVSBODF t 1BJE WBDBUJPO QMBO Interested candidates should call Genelle at 402-557-4886 for more information, or apply online at www.careerlink.com. Equal Opportunity Employer
Nebraska STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS ATTENTION ADVERTISERS! For $225/25 word classified you can advertise in over 170 Nebraska newspapers. For more information contact the Jewish Press at 402-3346448 or call 1-800-369-2850. BANKRUPTCY: FREE initial consultation. Fast relief from creditors. Low rates. Statewide filing. No office appointment necessary. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-8728327. steffensbankruptcylaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code. AFFORDABLE PRESS Release service. Send your message to 175 newspapers across Nebraska for one low price! Call 1-800-369-2850 or www.nebpress.com for more details. MAAS MINIATURE Horses-preview horses at farm, silent auction 1-3, Sunday, October 6. 30 Weanlings, Bred Mares, Driving Horses. 29100 South 120th, Firth. 402-791-5841 DEALERS WANTED. Red Roof Antiques & Collectibles, North Platte. 13,000 sq. ft. Open 7 days/week, convenient location on I-80, Internet sales available, reasonable rates. 308-532-4841. FOR SALE: 1975 GMC Eleganza II (classic). Everything works. Good condition. 59K miles, 26 ft. Call 308-784-3227 or cell 308-325-0590. SELL YOUR classic car, truck or motorcycle online. Call this newspaper or call 1-800369-2850 to place your ad on the national Midwest Classic Cars web site for only $25.00. Your ad with photos runs until your vehicle is sold! REGULAR/HANDICAP Walk-in tubs or shower units, complete bathroom remodeling, reasonably priced models available. Licensed government contractor. 402-896-2966, more info: www.showersplumbing.com.
Naama Weiss saved up tzedakah money, bought groceries and delivered them to the Jewish Family Service food pantry. Pictured above are Sandy Nogg of JFS and Naama Weiss.
Weekend Food Program by ADRIELLE GRIFFIN Communications Manager, Completely KIDS The Weekend Food Program at Completely KIDS was created to combat childhood hunger in our community and is driven by dedicated volunteers. Completely KIDS provides food to elementary children who receive little or no food on the weekends. Volunteers fill bags each week with food that is both nutritious and child-friendly. The backpacks are handed out on Fridays to sustain the children through the weekend. Staff and teachers at four Completely KIDS locations have identified 385 children as being in need of food for the weekend. These children are eligible to receive weekend food because of their involvement with our Out-of-School Time programs; however, there is a waiting list of children who need the program. The majority of the children to which we provide weekend food come from families whose incomes are 200 percent below the poverty level. Many of our parents are overemployed (fam-
1439 So. 13th 402-341-2452
60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials
ilies who work multiple jobs but still do not break the poverty line), which creates circumstances that produce hunger and child care issues because children may be self-supervised. Childhood hunger affects many children in our community and because they are hungry when they come to school, these children have a difficult time concentrating on their work and, consequently, cannot perform well. In order to continue the Weekend Food Program, Completely KIDS needs your help! A contribution of $7 funds one child’s backpack for one weekend. A donation of $364 sponsors one child for an entire year. Food drives through businesses, churches, and schools provide the program with the opportunity to bring that cost down. Completely KIDS will work with you toward a successful drive, whatever your goal! For more information about the Weekend Food Program at Completely KIDS, please contact Ann Lawless at 402.397.5809, ext. 207, or alawless@completelykids.org.
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
NEBRASKA CRANE in Kearney is looking for a Crane Operator for a rapidly growing company, would prefer experience, but would be willing to train the right candidate that has heavy equipment knowledge. This position consists of operating Hydraulic Truck Cranes. All applicants must be 25 years of age and possess a Class A CDL. Rate of pay will be negotiable depending on experience and qualifications, benefits package included. Contact Nikki at 308-472-3299 or email Nikki@nebraskacrane.info. EDI ANALYST - Zyantus, Inc., Kearney, NE. Entry-level full time. Perform basic programming and system maintenance related to EDI. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required. Resume and cover letter to mike@zyantus.com. MECHANIC & DIESEL mechanic wanted. Experience a plus. Call 402-564-5424. HEALTHCARE JOBS. Now hiring: RN’s, LPNs/LVNs, CNAs, Med Aides. $2,000 Bonus. Free Gas. Call AACO @ 1-800-656-4414, ext. 37. PROTEC BUILDINGS, division of Sioux Steel Company, is looking for Dealers/Erectors with a background in concrete/building sales. Call Monte James: 605-359-6657, www.protecbuildings.com. $1,000 SIGN On Bonus - For Journeyman Plumbing Technician. Top wages, benefits. Anderson Bros. Electric, Plumbing & Heating, Inc., 2600 E. Hwy. 30, Kearney, 308-2366437. $1,000 SIGNING Bonus - HVAC Technician. Must have NATE and Refrigeration Certified. Top Wages. Anderson Bros., 2600 E. Hwy. 30, Kearney, NE, 308-236-6437. AFS TECHNICIAN Position Available. Grosshans International, Inc., is hiring for a fulltime technician for Trimble Precision Farming Systems. Entry-level position requiring computer, people and organizational skills. Applicant will install systems on ag equipment as well as be capable of selling agriculture equipment. Extensive training required to become certified and some travel for education required. Position includes excellent benefits for the right person as part of a growing team. Please send resume to: Grosshans International, Inc., PO Box 168, Aurora, Nebraska 68818, Attention: Alan Anderson, or call 402-694-2121. “PARTNERS IN Excellence� OTR Drivers APU equipped Pre-Pass EZ-pass passenger policy. 2012 & newer equipment. 100% No touch. Butler Transport, 1-800-528-7825.
12 | The Jewish Press | September 27, 2013
Yachad 2013: Dear Diary... by JANET MCCARTHY Yachad Coordinator Friday, Aug. 16: This afternoon we arrived at Mahoney State Park for Yachad’s annual camping weekend. We had reserved two cabins -- one regular and one ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act ) accessible -- so we knew our Yachad members with accessibility challenges would be able to enjoy camp with more ease and comfort. Yachad campers were Shari Binder, Eric Friedberg, Alan Friedman, Grace Isler, Josh and Michael Parsow, Lisa and Jillian Salomon, Avi Wolfson and Marilyn Zevitz. They’d been looking forward to this weekend since last year! Of course, our volunteer, Karen Lepp, and our Yachad Staff -- Tyrie Cook, Mark Kazor, and me -- were very happy to be back at Mahoney, too. I’d like to acknowledge that Tyrie is the caregiver for the Salomon girls, but she’s there and available for all our Yachad campers for which we’re very grateful. Friday night, we welcomed Shabbat with candle lighting and a short prayer service. Then, we sat down to a wonderful dinner made by our resident chefs -- Michael Parsow and Eric Friedberg. The guys cooked up angel hair pasta with a delicious sauce (flavored with sweet Italian turkey sausage) along with garlic bread and a tossed salad. Delicious! After dinner we celebrated Yachad members’ July and August Birthdays with a chocolate mousse-filled chocolate cake. As luck would have it, today was Karen Lepp’s actual birthday. Karen is Yachad’s #1 volunteer. She’s always there for the members and always engaged with them. It was a blessing for Yachad to be able to share her special day. Josh Parsow’s birthday was the day before and Eric Friedberg’s was in July, so we celebrated them, too. Everyone loved the dinner, and the cook-
Yachad on safari: Yachad members Avi Wolfson, left, Lisa Salomon, Marilyn Zevitz, Grace Isler, Jillian Salomon, volunteer Tyrie Cook, Eric Friedberg, Alan Friedman, Josh Parsow and volunteer Karen Lepp. ing experience was a benefit to all the members because it led to a conversation -- with lots of and questions and answers -- about stove and oven safety, good nutrition and cooking skills. We had planned to go miniature golfing after dinner, but the cooking Q&A was so interesting, we stayed in the cabin and kept talking instead. Saturday, Aug. 17: Since Yachad members know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, we greeted the morning with a breakfast of orange and grape juice, scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, waffles, four varieties of bagels with cream cheese and smoked salmon. We then headed out on a Safari trip where we saw bear, bald eagles, and buffalo and were lucky enough to see a wolf. During the safari we also stopped and
did walkabouts that let us get close to the more domesticated animals and pet them. After our Safari we grabbed a quick lunch of cold cuts on Star Deli Challah (yummy). Then it was time for afternoon activities -horseback riding, fishing and crafts. Some of the most popular crafts were hand prints and a Tikkun Olam -- repair the earth -wall plaque. The Yachad horseback riders had a really good time, as did those who participated in the fishing workshop. Lucky Gracie Isler caught the only fish but everyone enjoyed trying. Next on the agenda was a group nature walk to the Playhouse to see the Melodrama. The walk and fresh air was so invigorating. At the play, everyone bought popcorn. The popcorn can be for eating, of course, but
more importantly it’s for throwing at the melodrama villain when he enters the stage. Booing and popcorn throwing. What fun! After the show we went back to the cabin and had a cook-out of hot dogs and hamburgers with a variety of salads. A perfect camp meal! After dinner we watched the movie Mama Mia on TV, and a very lively sing-a-long followed. This was a busy, funfilled day. As the saying goes, ‘a great time was had by all’. Sunday, Aug. 18: After a breakfast of cereal and bagels, we packed up for our return to Omaha. On most camping trips, people dread the carrying- in and carryingout of the food and supplies. Not so with Yachad. Our members are the best at helping, and they know their hard work, positive attitude and cooperation is highly valued and appreciated. Omaha Yachad is already looking forward to next summer’s camping trip. Maybe we’ll have a Saturday night dance party with Karaoke. Or a cooking contest. Our members are up for anything! We have until next August to make our plans, and your creative ideas are welcome. Yachad, The National Jewish Council for Disabilities, is a thriving 6,500 global organization dedicated to enhancing the life opportunities of individuals with disabilities and ensuring their inclusion in every aspect of Jewish life. The Omaha Yachad Chapter meets several times a month for a variety of spiritual, social and creative events. Support for members and families extend beyond the social network. We share a destiny and strive to help every Yachad member obtain personal and individualized goals. For further information, please contact our Yachad Coordinator Jan McCarthy at macdaba@yahoo.com or call the Jewish Family Service office at 402.330.2024.