Vol. LXXXVI No. 3 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 85 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
7 Tishrei, 5767 September 29, 2006
Behind the Scenes in Israel with Omaha’s Warren Buffett by DAVID BEDEIN Special to the Jewish Press When Israelis think of business people from the United States, they often conjure up images of fast talking ambitious go-getters from New York or Los Angeles. Indeed, during this reporter’s 36 years in Israel, it has been hard to find Israelis with any exposure whatsoever to a successful, soft spoken American Midwest businessman, let alone an entrepreneur who has turned over billions of dollars. Ofer Petersberg, economics correspondent for the most widely read Israeli newspaper, Yediot Aharonot, was one of the first Israeli reporters to meet Warren Buffett when he was flown to Omaha last May, shortly after the deal was made for Buffett to buy the controlling 80% interest in the ISCAR conglomerate in the Galilee region which had been pioneered by Stef Wertheimer in 1952. ISCAR, based in the Tefen Industrial Park in the Western Galilee (coincindentally Omaha’s Partership with Israel region), a few miles from the border with Lebanon, exports technological products to no less than 60 nations, not all of whom are on the best of terms with Israel. However, business is business. Petersberg remarked that when the
Charlie Munger, left, Eitan Wertheimer, Warren Buffett and Stef Wertheimer meet outside Iscar after touring the factory in the Tefen Industrial Zone in the Upper Galilee. During Buffett’s 36-hour visit earlier this month, he met with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and toured Iscar--in which he bought an 80% share for $4 billion dollars earlier this year. He also visited Rambam Hospital in Haifa, where Eitan Wertheimer has set up a global biotechnology center. Buffet was quoted as saying that he was more than satisfied with his investment in Iscar. Stef Wertheimer, Iscar’s founder, met Buffett for the first time as all the negotiations for the sale of Iscar were carried out by Wertheimer’s son, Eitan. Buffett also met with Noam Copyright: ISRANET Shalit, the father of abducted IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.
Groundbreaking Kicks-Off New Beginning for Blumkin Home
Jewish Music Subject of Multiple Lectures During Annual Klutznick-Harris Symposium documentary, Zamir: Jewish by LEONARD GREENSPOON Holder of the Klutznick Chair Voices Return to Poland. in Jewish Civilization Dr. Jacobson, who is also Creighton University Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities “I Will Sing and Make at Northeastern University, Music,” declared the biblical received his degrees from Psalmist, one of the earliest Harvard College, the New Jewish musicians. Jewish England Conservatory, and music and musicians--from the University of Cincinnati. the Book of Psalms to hipHe has guest conducted for hop--is the topic of the 19th a number of prestigious annual Klutznick-Harris orchestras, such as the Symposium, which will take Boston Pops, the New place on Sunday, Oct. 29, England Conservatory, and and Monday, Oct. 30. the Boston Lyric Opera. In It is especially fitting that addition, he has lectured and Dr. Joshua Jacobson, one of the foremost Jewish musiled workshops throughout cians and music scholars of the world. His arrangements of our generation, will deliver Jewish music are well known the keynote presentation and have been used by both “Jewish Music: What is Cantor Shermet, of Temple That?” at the Jewish Israel, and Cantor Community Center theater, Sunday, Oct. 29, 7:30 Keynote speaker Dr. Joshua Jacobson leads Boston’s Zamir Bogomolni, of Beth El. Chorale. p.m. Donald Gerber, who has Dr. Jacobson is best known to the general public as the met and worked with Jacobson on a number of occafounding director of the Zamir Chorale of Boston, a 50- sions, remarked that “We in Omaha are fortunate to member adult chorale that has been described as have a musician of Dr. Jacobson’s caliber at the “America’s foremost Jewish choral ensemble.” Under Symposium. Everyone who attends is in for a wonderJacobson’s leadership, Zamir has appeared throughout ful experience.” the world and has a wide repertoire of music, ranging As part of Jacobson’s presentation, a chorus, comfrom traditional liturgical pieces to newly commissioned posed primarily of local singers, will perform. compositions by contemporary Jewish composers. The Jacobson’s presentation will be followed by a dessert Chorale, founded in 1969, made an historic tour to reception, also featuring musician accompaniment. Eastern Europe in 1999 that was the subject of a PBS Continued on page 11
Inside Opinion Page see page 12
This Week: Monthly Calendar for October: Pages 8-9 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’
Lions Roar in Nation’s Capital: Page 2
other four Israeli reporters knew that they were flying to the U.S. on a private plane to witness a major business deal, the details of which were kept secret from them, they imagined that they would be landing in some kind of Rockefeller Center or Wall Street, “So imagine the surprise that we had in store for us when we looked out the windows of the plane and saw the cornfields of Nebraska!” What Petersberg did see was an investment of billions of dollars, yet something which he described as “simple, clear and businesslike”--How a businessman who had never stepped foot in Israel would give the Israeli economy an unexpected vote of confidence by evaluating the profitability and the potential of a leading Israeli enterprise, which would lead him to invest $4 billion and an 80% controlling shares of the company. Petersberg and the other Israeli reporters wanted to understand why Buffett would invest in Israel; they were impressed by the fact that he paid attention and gave them even more time than he paid to the U.S. reporters. During his short visit in Israel, Buffett spent a few hours with the media, reviewing his principles with the Israeli Continued on page 11
Special Care Unit Top Priority on Construction Schedule by OZZIE NOGG To ensure that the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home evolves into a dramatically transformed, totally new living environment for seniors in the Omaha Jewish community, the celebration of a “New Beginning” for the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home is planned for Thursday, Oct. 19, 7 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center. The event marks the construction kickoff for the building project, and will take a loving look back--and a proud look forward--as work proceeds. The evening is sponsored by Jewish Senior Services, and the entire community is invited to attend. The initial building phase will see the addition of a 25-bed Special Care Unit--SCU--dedicated to those with early to mid-stage dementia and Alzheimer’s. Continued on page 3
The committee planning the Oct. 19 ‘New Beginning’ celebration for the Blumkin Home includes: Carol Bloch, left, Nancy Noddle, Maxine Kirshenbaum, Ozzie Nogg and Joanie Bernstein. Not pictured: Suzanne Singer.
Coming This Month: Arts & Entertainment Issue Gubernatorial Candidate Hahn Seeks to Be Bold: Page 4
Service to Visually Impaired Continues 50-year Tradition: Page 16
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 29, 2006
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Israel Emergency Campaign More Than Halfway to Goal
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by LISA LIEB Federation Communication Director Just as the Jewish community has stepped up to assist with 9-11 and other times of crisis, so too has it rallied behind the Israel Emergency Campaign (IEC), which was officially endorsed by the Union for Reform Judaism, United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism and the Orthodox Union in midSeptember. “Support by our friends in the main synagogue movements reflects how North American Jews have coalesced around the Israel Emergency Campaign, and underscores our unwavering
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unity and solidarity with the people of Israel and the Jewish State during this critical time, and always,” said Robert Goldberg, United Jewish Communities chairman. “We are honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with the synagogue movements as we work together to respond to overwhelming needs in the Jewish homeland due to unprovoked attacks on Israel.” UJC has raised more than $303 million for the IEC to date. The Omaha Jewish community has raised more than $1,128,000 towards its $2 million goal. To donate, call 334.6436 or visit www.jewishomaha.org.
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by LISA LIEB your soul.” Federation Communication Director The women’s response was a testament to their pasLocal Lions of Judah Susie Cohn, Roz Friedman, Jan sion and generosity. They pledged $21 million for the Schneiderman, Zoë Riekes and Jan Goldstein, joined Annual Campaign and an additional $9 million for the more than 1500 women philanthropists from across the Israel Emergency Campaign. “A staggering accomplishcontinent and around the world earlier this month at the ment,” said Omahan Joel Alperson, UJC National United Jewish Communities 2006 International Lion of Campaign Chairman. “I’m so proud of the Lions.” Judah Conference in Washington D.C. The conference also featured the KipnisLions of Judah, women Wilson/Friedland Award who give a minimum gift to ceremony. Zoë Riekes the UJC annual campaign of received this award along $5,000, donate approxiwith 68 others from across mately 25% of the camthe nation and around the paign’s nearly $900 million world. The award is a tribute yearly total, which supports to Norma Kipnis Wilson and social and humanitarian Toby Friedland, founders of services, and strengthens the Lion of Judah pin. Jewish communities domesIntroduced in 1972 for the tically and worldwide. The Miami Women’s Division women attending this concampaign, the pin has estabference had the opportunity lished itself as a symbol of to hear from an impressive Jan Goldstein, left, Roz Friedman, Zoë Riekes, Susie Cohn, women’s commitment to line-up of speakers including and Jan Schneiderman attend the Lion Conference in D.C. the worldwide Jewish comformer Secretary of State munity. The award recogMadeleine Albright, U.S. repnizes women from Jewish resentative to the United communities who have set Nations John Bolton, Speaker high standards for philanthroof the Knesset Dalia Itzik and py and volunteerism. others. Riekes is past President of On the fifth anniversary of the Jewish Federation of the 9-11 terrorist attacks, the Omaha. She has served as theme of the day was chairman of the Women’s “Moments in Time.” Keynote Campaign, Lion of Judah speaker Bill Clinton moved the chairman, and Omaha chairaudience as he spoke about man of Partnership 2000. In unity and how 9-11 brought addition, she has served on the our country together. boards of Jewish Family “Any time you do anything Service and League Offering in America to help heal this Volunteers for the Elderly country, to help bridge the (LOVE). Riekes has been to divide, to help people get Israel 10 times since 1991, and together, you are strengthenled an Omaha mission to Kiev ing the ability of your country Roz Friedman, left, sisters: Zoë Riekes and Sharon Sloane. and Israel last September. In to be a force for peace and decency against terror and January, she will become the Midwest Region chairman nihilism in the rest of the world,” Clinton said. “Private for Partnership with Israel. citizens have more power to do public good today than Jan Goldstein, Omaha’s Federation Executive at any time in human history. You have been doing it a Director, said, “Zoë exemplifies volunteer service. She long time. On this day, I urge you to redouble your sets a standard for commitment and dedication, and has efforts.” always led with a strong desire to understand the myriRani Garfinkle, National Women’s Philanthropy ad of issues that challenge us as a Jewish community. She Chairman, called upon the Lions of Judah to dig deep is entirely deserving of this distinguished award.” for this year’s campaign and the Israel Emergency Riekes said, “It was amazing to be with so many Campaign. women from all over North America and Israel. We were “You do change lives, and the life you change the uniquely different and yet we came together with our most, for the best, will be your own. I’m asking you to common goal to support the Jewish community, the make the best Annual Campaign Gift you can. Then I’m Jewish people and Israel. It’s moments like these when asking you to make a spectacular emergency gift. No one you feel the energy of our collective strength and expecan look into your checkbook. But you can look into rience the privilege of being a small part of it.”
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More than 150 people were on hand for September’s YJO event. Pictured above left: Phil and Terri Schrager presented Louri Sullivan with the Lois Jeanne Schrager Young Leadership Award. Darlyn Fellman presented Jay Gordman,
pictured above right with his parents, former Omahans Bob and Elly Gordman of Colorado, with the Bruce Fellman Young Leadership Award. Following the awards presentation, the crowd enjoyed the music of Peter Himmelman.
September 29, 2006
Registration Begins for 21st Annual Bible Quiz by LOIS EPSTEIN “This bible quiz will be special. After all, it is the twenty-first year that B’nai B’rith has sponsored it,” Gary Javitch explained. “And over the last five years, the number of participants and the audience size has increased dramatically.” The scholarships have grown, too. “It’s really exciting,” added Javitch who is the current president of Henry Monsky Lodge B’nai B’rith. “If you have never attended the competition, you will enjoy the tension and the drama. It’s a little like ‘Jeopardy’ in that respect.” The purpose of the quiz, according to its founder, Lodge Trustee, Steve Riekes, “is to encourage Jewish youth to become more familiar with their bible heritage. It is also to honor the memory of the late Sen. Edward Zorinsky, who had a special concern for young people.” The family of the Jewish senator funds scholarships for the event and the lodge named it after him. While the Lodge is the sponsor and organizer of the quiz, the Jewish community contributes to its success. It is held in conjunction with Jewish Book Month and the Kripke Library. Also, each of the synagogues, their youth groups and their schools, and the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization are all assisting in the contest. Leonard Greenspoon, the Klutznick Chair of Jewish Civilization at Creighton University, serves as a judge, along with Omaha’s pulpit rabbis. “I know that Henry Monsky Lodge has always been committed to our youth, and I am pleased to be involved with this program,” said Rachel Blum, BBYO Director. This years quiz will be held
Wednesday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m. in the auditorium of the Jewish Community Center. The contest is open to all Jewish teenagers in the Omaha area who are in grades nine through 12. First prize is $600, second prize is $350, third place is $250 and fourth place is $125. The prize monies can be applied toward college tuition, a trip to Israel or an approved Jewish camp or educational program sponsored by a local or national Jewish organization. The evening of the program, the Lodge serves dinner to all Jewish high school students. In addition, the Lodge gives cash prizes away the night of the program. Any contestant who answers three questions correctly during the preliminary round will be given $10 cash at the end of the evening. The contest winner will receive $50 cash. The assignment this year are the Books of Genesis and Jonah. Before the contest, the contestants will be asked to familiarize themselves with the assigned books by reading them. “Any teenager, regardless of previous Jewish education, who thoroughly reads the required material, can compete,” said Riekes. Sample questions will be given contestants in advance and practice sessions will be held. Those interested may submit their name, their parents’ names, address, zip code, e-mail address, telephone, high school and grade to the B’nai B’rith Office, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154, by calling me at 334.6443 or by sending an email to lepstein@jewishomaha.org by Nov. 6. Additional information may be obtained by calling Riekes at 333.8498 or 492.9800.
Groundbreaking Kicks-Off New Beginning Continued from page 1 “Greater than 50% of our residents have been diagnosed with some sort of dementia,” said Mike Silverman, Executive Director. “Our community has long been aware of these statistics and appropriately, asked that they be addressed. The SCU is clearly the most important component of this new beginning for the Home. It will allow us to care for our community members in a safe and secure environment, designed specifically to engage residents in small group and one-on-one activities, suited to their place on the dementia care continuum.” This new unit is completely self-contained, and the easy-to-understand signage will help residents find their way from their rooms to the dining area, lounges, sunroom, spa, exterior secure garden and back again. Equally important, the staff of the SCU will receive training in special care needs so residents on the unit can thrive, all in an atmosphere which centers around close and continuing contact with children and the light and sounds of the outside world. Committee members organizing the New Beginning event are Joanie Bernstein, Past-President of Jewish Senior Services, along with Carol Bloch, Maxine Kirshenbaum, Nancy Noddle, Suzanne Singer and this writer. Kirshenbaum and Noddle, coordinators of the dessert reception that follows the program, served in the same capacity for the 1981 groundbreaking ceremony for the Blumkin Home. “Twenty-five years ago our Jewish community was privileged to break ground for the Home on the JCC campus,” Kirshenbaum said. “Nancy and I could not have imagined that the ‘future’ would be here so quickly and the story would repeat itself, although needs have changed.”
Noddle added, “When we were asked to do our jobs again, it brought back great memories and the feeling that once again the Home will continue to be the very best that Omaha and the region has to offer. We’re very excited and proud to be a part of this important new beginning.” The Omaha Jewish community has an exemplary history of caring for its own. First, there was the Dr. Philip Sher Home. Named for the beloved Omaha doctor/philanthropist, the facility served this community well from the day it opened in 1947 until the setting no longer met the ever-changing needs of Omaha’s Jewish senior population The Sher Home closed in 1982. That same year, the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home--named for another beloved Omaha philanthropist--was complete and ready for occupancy. Since the day it welcomed its first residents, the Home--and Jewish Senior Services, the agency under which it operates--pledged to provide social activities, support services and skilled nursing care to enhance the quality, comfort and dignity of the lives of Omaha’s Jewish seniors. “Residents are engaged with one another, with caring staff, and with relatives and friends who continue to take an active part in their lives,” said Joanie Bernstein. “Simply stated, there’s no Home like ours. The new Home will provide for the gathering of generations in a beautiful Jewish setting. This ‘New Beginning’ will mark another important step in the history of our very generous, caring community. We encourage everyone--young and not so young, families and their children--to join us. This will be a very special night.” To talk about the options available in support of the new Home, call Howard Kooper at 392.1800.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
Swinging for Temple Israel at Ironwood by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator It wasn’t the hottest day of the summer this year. It usually is. Instead, 120 golfers dodged raindrops in late August at Ironwood Country Club for Temple Israel’s annual Golf Outing. The outing and accompanying raffle raised about $29,000 to support Temple’s religious school, youth groups, adult education, and worship services. “We’re grateful for everyone who participated as a member of the Golf Committee as well as participants who joined us on a rainy Monday afternoon,” said Michael Miller who, along with John Glazer, chaired the event. “We’re thankful to our sponsors and the people who responded inkind as well.”
From top: Prior to tee-off, lunch was served on the patio at Ironwood. Enjoying the meal and the conversation are Gary Epstein, left, and Jeff Aizenberg. Preparing to hit the links are Dick Glazer, left, and Mike Erman.
Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 29, 2006
A Gubernatorial Candidate Wants to Govern by Being Bold AMERICA DECIDES 2006 by JOAN K. MARCUS David Hahn, Democratic challenger in the Nebraska gubernatorial race, shared his thoughts about the campaign trail at a recent meeting of the B’nai Brith Breadbreakers. Hahn, 51, a Lincoln attorney and businessman, says he is more committed and energized now than he was when he announced his candidacy in December of 2005. Hahn has chosen Steve Loschen, a family farmer from Wilcox, to be his running mate. If elected, Loschen will be the first family farmer lieutenant governor in more than 40 years. “At the last reporting period, I had five times as much money as my opponent. The governor and the Republican Party don’t know what to do with me because I’m standing up and speaking about numbers,” Hahn says. His great-great grandfather came to Nebraska in 1856--11 years before statehood. He founded along with others, an organization later named the Nebraska Settlement Association. The group went west on the Elkhorn River and founded “New Philadelphia”, now known as West Point. I want to take Nebraska back to a spirit of where we came from,” he says. “I walked in the parade in Schuyler the other day and it has changed in 20 years because of our economic policy...like a multi-national meat packing plant that recruits immigrants illegally.” Hahn listed the reason for his renewed
enthusiasm as the collection and that is how I’ve built my business. of more knowledge. “Even The numbers that I’m getting right out when you’re a Democrat in of the statehouse show me that, of all the a heavily Republican state, investments that we’ve made in large coryou’re able to call people porations during the past 20 years, we are and they do help. They pro- behind $500 million. Hahn says the new economic strategy-vide information and help us do a lot of research about the Advantage Act--is a disadvantage the real state of affairs in Nebraska. That because it’s creating jobs at $8.67 an knowledge has shown me that Nebraska, hour. He spoke of Nebraska’s lack of strategy for the as great a state as it creation of eneris, is not proceedgy, too. Even ing with any stratethough Nebraska, gic vision--or any according to the vision at all.” candidate, is the Adds Hahn, “In sixth highest state fact, Nebraska is in the nation with not serving the sustained wind entire population-power, it’s only people who worked 36th in terms of so hard to build it. the power being Some two months generating. He ago, a survey by said, “In other ‘Gover ning words, we have Magazine’ showing the economic dy- Dave Hahn, candidate for governor discusses no strategy or policy to generate namics--population issues with Deb Marburg. growth, different industries moving in more energy or to develop an entire and out--demonstrated that just in the industry around it.” Hahn also notes that “In addition, we last year, Nebraska lost seven points on the scale of 100. That means our state is are seeing a rapidly aging population. 7% down in growth during the past year. Nebraska is the fifth highest in people exiting their income earning years--and No other states went downward. Hahn says that loss may not show up as fifth lowest in people entering these same much in Omaha because there is a lot of years. You don’t need a degree in calculus wealth generated here. But he sees to figure out that those figures won’t sus‘Paycheck Advance Stores’ popping up all tain a society very long.” Hahn expressed his concern about the over--and says they’re one of the fastest loss of 7,000 family farms and ranches, growing businesses in the state. Said Hahn, “This is a nearly desperate family businesses that are the grass roots situation; and I didn’t come here to pre- of small, rural areas. “We have a constitudict rainy days. I am a numbers person tional amendment that we passed 20
Jim Esch, Candidate for Congress
L’shana Tova! Wishes You a Happy and Healthy New Year.
years ago (Initiative 300) that is supposed to prevent the corporatization of farming agriculture. That act is now under legal attack and I believe it will be knocked out because big agra-business interests are attacking us.” Because Nebraska has an aging farming population, Hahn says young people find it impossible to enter that sector in any meaningful way. He thinks that within 10 years, we will see mostly corporate owned farms and ranches that employ mostly migrant workers. On the issue of immigration, Hahn says that the current situation isn’t good for anyone. “It’s not good for the immigrants because they are in the position of having ‘half rights’. And, it certainly isn’t good for Nebraska because those dollars are being extracted from the state.” The candidate went on to comment about education. “The governor of our state, without consulting or even listening to the advice of the attorney general, signed a law that takes us back to legal segregation--to 1875 when segregation was the law of the land.” When asked about stem cell research, Hahn said, “My uncle was on the first board of regents of UNL and he wrote about narrow-mindedness. Today, some of the researchers are dejected at the notion that a state like Nebraska might not be able to move forward with research. I would be bold in moving our state forward in research. Certainly, I won’t be swayed by irrational sources.” Hahn closed by adding, “I’m a candidate because Nebraska means a lot to me; my family came here before it was a state. The current governor doesn’t want to govern for the good of the people.”
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• At a time when our government is being sold to the • highest bidder, Jim Esch is standing up against Special • Interest groups by not taking Special Interest/PAC • money. To restore confidence in our government, our • leaders must be able to make decisions based upon • what is right, and not the opinions of the Special • Interests that fund their campaigns. • Call Hillary at 346-0109 to become a Team Captain for • Jim Esch or go to www.jimesch.org to join Team Esch. • Vote for Jim Esch on November 7th.
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September 29, 2006
Sukkot and Simchat Torah at Beth El Offer Joyous Festivities for All Ages by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Beth El has joyous, fun-filled festivities on tap for Sukkot and Simchat Torah, and Jewish community members of all ages are invited to join in the celebration. Once again, Men’s Club and USY members will prepare by building a beautiful sukkah in the synagogue’s front courtyard on Sunday, Oct. 1, 8 a.m. (to erect the frame), and Wednesday, Oct. 4, 5:30 p.m. (to put the roof in place). All those interested in helping out are encouraged to join in; extra hands are always welcome. The Sukkot festivities will commence with services on Friday, Oct. 7, 6 p.m.; holiday services will be held daily through Friday, Oct. 13. Then, on Sunday, Oct. 8, noon, the Jewish community is invited to head to Beth El for a festive congregational Sukkot luncheon, “Pizza in the Hut.� Weather permitting, the feast will be held in the sukkah. Cost is $7.50 for adults; $5 for children ages five-12; no charge for kids younger than five. To RSVP, mail checks (along with the number of adults and/or children attending) to the synagogue, 14506 California St., Omaha, NE 68154. Beth El’s newest members (since last August), are invited to attend free of charge, but are asked to make reservations. For information, contact Margie Gutnik in the office. Rounding out the High Holidays will be a joyful Simchat Torah (“Rejoicing in the Torah�) celebration on Saturday, Oct. 14. This festive holiday celebrates the love of Torah, and is observed with instrumental music, singing and dancing with the Torah scrolls. Services begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by Hakafot. The evening will be capped off with an ice cream social. During services on Sunday, Oct. 15, 9:30 a.m., ded-
icated volunteers Solomon Schwartz will be honored as Hatan Torah, and Steve Riekes as Hatan Bereshit. “For years, we’ve been able to count on Sol as a regular minyannaire, participating in and helping to lead our daily evening minyan,� said Beth El President Sally Zipursky. “Thanks to the generous time he gives, others are able to say Kaddish for loved ones.� Noting Schwartz’s helpful, friendly demeanor, she added that, “Newcomers to daily services are certain to be welcomed by Sol; he frequently takes time to guide congregants who need help in following the liturgy. We’re pleased to recognize him for his longtime commitment and for spreading his good will to those around him!� Calling Riekes “a standard-bearer for education at Beth El and throughout the Jewish community,� Zipursky commended him for promoting and participating in numerous educational programming events. Among his many contributions, Riekes has served as a board member and chairman of Adult Education, was instrumental in re-igniting interest in a weekly Bible Study discussion group, and is a regular minyannaire and Torah reader. “Steve’s influence has enriched Beth El in countless ways,� she continued.� He truly walks the walk, and I’m glad that we’re able to honor him for his efforts and dedication to our congregation.� Also during the service, the following will receive a ‘Yad Award,’ for reading Torah at least seven times during the past year: Alan Shulewitz, Janie Murow, Mike Ginsburg, Andy Greenberg, Lev Nachman, Yonatan Dotan, Roni Reiter-Palmon, Howard Kaplan, Steve Riekes, Toby Schonfeld, Gary Nachman, Stanley Mitchell, Marty Shukert, Phyllis Hoffman, Michael Gerson, Ben Shapiro.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
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Temple to Celebrate Sukkot with Potluck, Tots, Baby and Birthday Blessings on the Temple grounds. Women by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel of Reform Judaism will provide Communications Coordinator craft materials for the children. There’s no cost for the dinner, but Sukkot reminds us that we reservations are requested by Oct. don’t have to wait until a 3. Following the 7 p.m. family natural disaster like service, the Oneg Shabbat will be Hurricane Katrina to feel ice cream and cookies. vulnerable. When we feel On Sukkot, Saturday, Oct. 7, that we’re exposed to dan10:30 a.m., Rabbi Eric Linder ger, we are instructed to will begin the worship service in gather together and find the sanctuary with singing and strength in each other. As we guitar playing. Families who parcome together in the most ticipate in Tot Shabbat and Cradle fragile and temporary of Roll will join with the rest of the dwelling places, a sukkah, to congregation. celebrate Sukkot, we are reminded that in community Spiffing up their family sukkah, Hannah, Barry, and All babies born since last year’s Noah Grossman prepare for a feast in their booth. High Holy Days will be blessed on there is sanctuary. On Erev Sukkot, Friday, Oct. 6, 6 p.m., families and the bimah under the indoor sukkah. After the babies are friends will share a potluck dinner at Temple Israel. If your blessed, children and adults who were born in October last name starts with A-K, please bring a covered main will be called up for birthday blessings. Then Rabbi dish. Bring a side dish if your last name begins with L-Z. Linder will lead the young families out of the sanctuary There will also be time to decorate the outdoor sukkah for crafts, stories, snacks, and singing.
Adults Build and Learn as Beth Israel Gets Ready for Sukkot by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue During the month of October, fall holidays continue to bring families and congregations together. Beth Israel Synagogue has a myriad of services and events scheduled throughout the time of Sukkot through Simchat Torah. Rabbi Jonathan Gross eagerly looks forward to Sukkot each year. “During Sukkot, there’s so much symbolism,� stated Gross. “There is the luluv and etrog as well as the sukkah. When you come to celebrate, you’ll also learn about the meanings behind these symbols. In many ways, Sukkot is my favorite holiday.� Preparations will include building the synagogue sukkah on Tuesday, Oct. 3. Volunteers will commence with the sukkah construction after morning minyan. Additionally, Rabbi Gross will lead a class on Sukkot, on Thursday, Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m. The class, “What’s a Luluv?�, will give participants the opportunity to learn about the arba minim--the four items for Sukkot-including how to assemble them. You do not have to have ordered a luluv and etrog set to participate in this class. For those who ordered sets, they will be available for pick-up at the class on Oct. 5, or after morning minyan on Oct. 6, or at office from 8:30 to noon. On the first day of Sukkot, Oct. 7, after 9 a.m. servic-
es, there will be kiddush followed by a lunch in the sukkah. During lunch, Yitzchak Mizrachi, grandson of Jeanette and the late Rabbi Isaac Nadoff, will speak about his service in the IDF. Cost for lunch is $8 for adults, $4 for children ages four-12 and free for ages three and under. Mincha will begin at 6:45 p.m. Sukkot observances continue with Hoshanah Rabbah, on Friday, Oct. 13. Shemini Atzeret is Saturday, Oct. 14, which serves as a way to continue with celebrations during Sukkot and as a link to the festive observance of Simchat Torah. Ma’ariv and Hakafos will take place at 7:20 p.m., followed by dinner and an ice-cream social and costs $5 for adults and is free for children ages 12 and under. Rabbi Gross emphasized the importance of Simchat Torah. “This is when we finish the Torah reading cycle,� he explained. “Those who have regularly showed up each week and have followed each episode, now can celebrate. The congregation has put in a great deal of time and effort studying and learning Torah. In a way, the more work we’ve done means the more the celebration. We celebrate what we’ve learned and celebrate what we’ll learn in the coming year. Simchat Torah serves as a wonderful springboard in to the new year.� To make reservations--at least five days in advance, call the office at 556.6288.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 29, 2006
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BREADBREAKERS The members of Henry Monsky Lodge B’nai B’rith, together with the members of the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization, will once again decorate the Sukkahs at the the Blumkin Home, the Child Development Center and the Friedel Academy. This annual event will take place on Sunday, Oct. 1, 11:30 a.m. Volunteers will meet at the Youth Lounge in the JCC. Monsky Lodge, as in the past, will supply decorations for the sukkahs and will also provide a pizza lunch for volunteers. Anyone wishing to help may call Lois Epstein at 334.6443 or Rachel Blum at 334.6404. Don Kleine, candidate for Douglas County Prosecutor, will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Oct. 4, noon, at Regency Lodge. Breadbreakers is open to everyone in the community. A full lunch is $11; beverage service is $2. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638. WALK-IN, DROP-IN: For those members going on the Bunch to Lunch trip to Justin Tyme, please meet at the JCC on Thursday, 11 a.m. At 1:30 p.m., in the JCC auditorium, concert violinist Linda Pollard, will perform a variety of classical music as well as Jewish and Eastern-European music. VISIONS Reminder: The Visions Board will meet on Friday, Oct. 6, 9:30 a.m., in the Blumkin Home conference room. And for those members going on the day trip to Perry Iowa, please meet at the JCC on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 7:15 a.m. Magical Mystery Tour on Wednesday, Oct. 18. This day will be full of surprises and fun. Cost of $30 per person includes transportation, lunch, admission, tax and tips. Be at the JCC by 9:15 a.m.; return by 3:15 p.m. Send reservations to Jim Wax, 118 So. 88 St., Omaha, NE 68114 by Oct. 9. Make check payable to Visions. JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES The Avi8ors will perform for an early Veteran’s Day Celebration at the JCC auditorium on Thursday, Oct. 26, 7 p.m. This wonderful music of the World War II era is performed in USO-style by some of the finest musicians. There is no admission fee and the concert is open to the public.
Yom Kippur Panel at Temple Israel to Discuss Immigration by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator “Should Immigration Be on the Jewish Agenda?” is the title of a panel discussion at Temple Israel on Yom Kippur, Monday, Oct. 2, following the morning worship service. Members of the panel are David Jacobson, moderator; Mimi Silverman who has headed Temple’s efforts to assist refugees through Heartland Refugee Resettlement and the Southern Sudan Community Association; Gary Marshall, an associate professor in the School of Public Administration at the University of Nebraska at Omaha; Stan Krieger, an attorney practicing exclusively in immigration and nationality law; Jonathan BenjaminAlvarado, associate professor of political science and assistant director for research and outreach, Office of Latino and Latin American Studies at UNO, and Rabbi Aryeh Azriel who immigrated to the United States some 30 years ago. Jacobson is one of the lead lawyers in the NAACP versus the State of Nebraska case which “attacks the unconstitutional segregation of Omaha Public Schools creating a Latino school district adversely affecting recent Latino immigrants,” an issue he added would be brought up during the panel. Marshall, whose research emphasizes the centrality of human identity as it relates to work in public agencies, said he would address “the question of the ‘other’ as it relates to immigrants.”
BIRTHS Drs. Sarah Boos Konigsberg and Beau Konigsberg announce the Aug. 17 birth of their son, Leo Edward. He is named for his great-grandfather, the late Leo Konigsberg. Grandparents are Barbara and Edward Boos of Cozad, NE, and Dr. Harvey and Marilyn Konigsberg. Great-grandmother is Frieda Konigsberg of Bayonne, NJ. Sarah Kelen and Ken Bloom announce the Sept. 12 birth of their daughter, Eva Margit Bloom. Grandparents are Miriam and Erwin Kelen of Minneapolis and Estelle and Joel Bloom of Kintnersville, PA. Great-grandmother is Sarah Bloom of Yonkers, NY.
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Crown Pointe Retirement Community, 2820 So. 80 St., will host its Eighth Annual Craft Bazaar Sunday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a wide variety of craft and gift items for sale as well as baked goods from our own kitchen. Donated items will be raffled off every hour. This is a wonderful time to start your holiday shopping or to reserve a table with your own craft items. For more information contact Toni at 391.7555. The Milton S. and Corinne N. Livingston Foundation will be holding its semi-annual meeting of the Board of Trustees on Tuesday, Nov. 28. Organizations seeking a grant will need to submit grant requests by Friday, Oct. 27. All requests should be submitted in writing to: Myron J. Kaplan, 11605 Miracle Hills Drive, Suite 300, PO Box 542005, Omaha, NE 68154-8005. Time is running short, but the entry period is still open in the National Chicken Cooking Contest, with its grand prize of $100,000 for the best original chicken dish in the United States. The entry period closes at midnight, Oct. 15. The National Cookoff will be held May 4, 2007, in Birmingham, AL, where a contestant from each state will prepare his or her recipe for an independent panel of judges. Runner-up prizes range from $10,000 for second place to $1,000 for fifth place.Entries may be submitted through the web site www.eatchicken.com; by mail to NCCC, P.O. Box 27997, Washington, D.C., 200387997; or by fax to 202.293.4005. Entrants may submit an unlimited number of recipes, but each one should be on a separate piece of paper and should include entrant’s
name, full address and telephone number. Rules are posted to the website www.eatchicken.com. All recipes must be original and make four to eight servings. Grilling recipes are not allowed. The judges, a national panel of food experts and journalists, will choose the winning recipes based on taste, appearance, simplicity and overall appeal. August was a very eventful month for Elaine Jabenis. PBS Channel 12, aired a documentary, produced by NET, Don’t Touch That Dial, a history of early television in Nebraska. Jabenis was among the pioneers of Nebraska TV, along with Johnny Carson, Tom Brohaw, Martha Bolson and others. She had her own show on Radio WOW, which won a national award. Last month, the Theatre Arts Guild rewarded her performance in the two-character play, Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, with the coveted year’s Best Actress Award in a Comedy/Drama. The Omaha World Herald review said Jabenis “renewed her title as Grande Dame of Omaha community theatre since she first graced the stage 54 years ago.” Later in the month, she was honored by Prevent Blindness Nebraska with their “Distinguished Service Award. The Visiting Nurse Association begins its annual campaign to beat the flu bug Oct.3, with the first of dozens of community flu shot clinics in the Omaha metropolitan area.The cost of a VNA flu shot is $25, or free with Medicare B. Persons aged 13 years and older can receive a flu shot at a public clinic. In addition, flu shots for children under the age of 13 years will be available at VNA Family Flu Clinics.
HOLIDAY OFFICE CLOSING The Jewish Press office is closed Monday, Oct. 1, for Yom Kippur
September 29, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
Interfaith Study Circle to Follow Annie Leibovitz to Appear Live via Satellite in the 92 ST Y Series Recent Conference Ono. It was the last picture before the by RACHEL BLUM JCC Program Director murder. In 1983, Leibovitz became the first conThis fall marks the fourth year that the Jewish Community Center has participat- tributing photographer to Vanity Fair, ed in the “Live from NY’s producing many fine por92nd Street Y” satellite traits for the magazine over programming. The techthe years. 1983 also saw her nology allows us to bring first one-person show and live lectures and interviews her first book, ‘Annie from the New York City to Leibovitz: Photographs.’ our own community The following year she was through satellite transmisnamed ‘Photographer of sion. On Sunday, Oct. 8, the Year’ by the American of Magazine 6:30 p.m., the JCC will Society broadcast an interview with Photographers photographer Annie In 1990, she opened the Leibovitz. Annie Leibovitz Studio in Leibovitz was born in New York City and also Westport, CT, in 1947. received the Infinity Award Annie Leibovitz While a student, she went for applied photography to a kibbutz and an architectural dig in from the International Center for 1969, and in 1970 had her first photo- Photography. Leibovitz became one of graphs published by the magazine Rolling only two living photographers to have an Stone. After graduating from San exhibition of her work at the Smithsonian Francisco Art Institute with her BFA in National Portrait Gallery in Washington, 1971, she became the magazine’s princi- D.C., in 1991. In 1995 she was official pal photographer in 1973, staying with photographer for the Atlanta Olympics. them for the next 10 years. Her main Writer and editor of Leibovitz’s books, influences, especially from her time at col- Sharon Delano, will interview Leibovitz, lege, were photographers such as Henri and the broadcast will include a slide show Cartier-Bresson and Robert Frank. of her work. The 92 ST Y series is funded In 1975 she photographed the Rolling in part by the Shirley and Leonard Stones on tour, becoming the official pho- Goldstein Supporting Foundation. tographer and more for their world tour. Tickets for the broadcast are $5, and may Andy Warhol used Leibovitz’s photogra- be purchased in advance by contacting phy in his Interview magazine, and John Cindy Reed, JCC Registration Associate, Lennon’s death in 1980 provided a tragic at 334.6419. For more information about boost for Leibovitz. Only shortly before, the broadcast, please contact Rachel she had made her now famous picture of a Blum, JCC Program Director, at naked Lennon hugging his wife Yoko 334.6404 or rblum@jccomaha.org.
College; Dr. Sulayman Nyang, professor by BETH KATZ of African Studies at Howard University ADL Director of the Malashock Project More than 160 people of various faiths and a scholar of Islam; and Reverend attended the ADL Malashock Project for Dirk Ficca, executive director of the Interfaith Affairs’s community confer- Council for a Parliament of the World’s ence “Interfaith Dialogue in the Shadow Religions, shared their insights. Participants engaged in lively dialogue of 9-11,” held earlier this month at throughout the conference Creighton often choosing to continue U n i v e r s i t y. dialoging throughout the conThe conferference breaks. ence addressed “I learned so much from the why the Jews, speakers and the dialogues Christians and with other participants. I loved M u s l i m s the opportunity to sit and diashould engage interfaith Institute for Holocaust Education logue with people where we in dialogue in the Director Beth Seldin-Dotan, left, listens could ask honest questions and wake of the to Muslim participants share their views get to know each other better,” reflected Cyndi Kugler, fifth anniver- on faith and interfaith relations. sary of 9-11, and explored what members conference participant. of these three faiths can learn from each The Malashock Project partnered with other. the Kripke Center for the Study of Four of the country’s foremost scholars Religion and Society at Creighton and and practitioners of interfaith dialogue, the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Nebraska Rabbi Gary Bretton-Granatoor, former to host this event. The Malashock project national director of interfaith affairs and will partner with the two organizations current national director of education for again to pilot a Jewish-Christian-Muslim the Anti-Defamation League; Dr. Philip study circle on Dec. 10 as a follow up. Cunningham, director of the Center for For more information, contact me at Christian-Jewish Learning at Boston 402.333.1303 or email bkatz@adl.org.
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Temple S’lichot Service Conjures a Taste of Joy and Tragedy by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Following havdallah at Temple Israel on S’lichot, middle school students were given the honor of changing the covers of the Torahs to ready them for the High Holy Days worship services. Following a service in the sanctuary, the crowd of worshippers moved to the Livingston Chapel where there was standing room only to view the film The Tribe which traced the history of the Barbie doll, shedding light on what it means to be an American Jew in the 21st century. “The movie epitomizes the joy and tragedy of
being Jewish,” said Lisa Lewis, after the showing. “It portrayed humor, and then all of a sudden, you got a catch in your throat. There were some very serious moments--all of which is very typical of being Jewish.” She also noted that when “you’re a member of our tribe and you meet someone Jewish, there’s an instant connection.” A panel discussion after the film further explored Jewish identity of Temple congregants, led by: Dorothy Spizman, Samantha Long, Patrick Jensen, Susie Norton, and Denny Lewis. Temple’s traditional chocolate lovers Oneg concluded a night of preparing for the High Holy Days.
NCJW Donates Reference Books to Students During Annual Dictionary Day them to use the reference books for classroom lessons. “We hope that the donation will help students develop his or her reading, writing, and creative thinking abilities,” says Epstein. “A strong vocabulary is an essential tool for gaining knowledge.” Epstein and other volunteers spend the year raising money from individuals and endowment funds within the local community, so that NCJW is able to purchase all of the dictionaries for the children. In addition, Barnes & Noble booksellers allow NCJW to purchase the dictionaries at cost with no additional charge for shipping. “The look on the kid’s faces says it all,” says Epstein. “It is amazing to hear their little voices thanking us.” For more information on Dictionary Day or to volunteer for the event, contact Epstein at 397.2528.
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by SHARON BARGAS NCJW Co-Vice President of Public Relations Ask any fourth grader how to spell “donation” and chances are they will be able to tell you in a heart beat, but if they hesitate, they usually can grab a dictionary and figure it out. Many students throughout Omaha are excited to be able to open a dictionary. NCJW volunteers will deliver 1,500 dictionaries to every fourth-grader attending the 24 Academy Omaha Public Schools on Monday, Oct. 9 as part of Dictionary Day which is celebrating its 10th Anniversary. The goal of the project is to offer students a learning tool for homework and for classroom use. According to Sandy Epstein, chairman of the project since its inception, the dictionaries provide an opportunity for children to actually own a dictionary. In addition, teachers are presented with a dictionary, which allows
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 29, 2006
September 29, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1 JCC Closes at 6 p.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El Nashir Community Jewish Choir, 11 a.m. at Beth El BBYO Sukkah Decorating, 11:15 a.m. Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing, 12:30 p.m. at JCC MONDAY, OCTOBER 2 JCC Closed “Break-the-Fast” Dinner, 7:45 p.m. at Beth Israel
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3 Help Build the Sukkah, 7:30 a.m. at Beth Israel BBYO New Officer Training, 4:30 p.m. Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing, 12:30 p.m. at JCC BBYO Night, 6 p.m. BBYO Council meetings, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4 Visions Day Trip, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to Perry, Iowa Abba, Eema and ME, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El CJE Class “Elie Wiesel - His Other Works,” 11 a.m. Israel/Prague Mission -What to Bring- Meeting, 7 p.m. at JCC THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5 Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Temple Israel Torah on Wheels, noon Yiddush Group, 1 p.m. Violin Concert for the community, 1:30 p.m. at JCC JFS Becoming a Love & Logic Parent Workshop, 6 p.m. at JCC Campaign Kickoff at the Home of Anne & Bruce Shackman, 6 p.m. ADL Youth Leadership Mission, 7at JCC “What’s a Luluv?” Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Advanced Parshah Study, 9 p.m. with Rabbi Gross
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6 JCC Closes at 6 p.m. Friedel Jewish Academy 2p.m. DismissalSukkot Erve SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7 JCC Closed Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Tot Shabbat/Cradle Roll, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Lunch in Sukkah, 11:30 a.m. to Beth Israel SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8 4B’s (Behaving, Belonging, Believing, and Bagels), 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Yachad Sukkot Celebration, noon Sukkot Lunch - Pizza in the Hut, noon at Beth El Live from NY’s 92 ST Y Satellite Broadcast features Annie Liebovitz, 6:30 p.m. at JCC MONDAY, OCTOBER 9 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. Friedel Executive Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m. Women’s Soup & Salad in the Sukkah, 6 p.m. at Chabad Israel in the Middle East, 7 p.m. with Dr. Moshe Gershovich Friedel Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10 ADL/CRC Board of Directors Meeting, noon at JCC Travelin’ Toddlers Sukkah dinner, 5:30 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. BBYO New Member Training, 6 p.m. Reading the Women of the Bible, 7 p.m. at Beth El ADL PEW Facilitrator Training, 7 at JCC WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11 Elie Wiesel - His Other Works, 11 a.m. Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24 ADL PEW Facilitator Training, 4 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. BBYO New Member Training, 6 p.m. Reading the Women of the Bible, 7 p.m. at Beth El The Troubling Family Triangle, 7p.m. at Temple Israel WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25 Elie Wiesel - His Other Works, 11 a.m. Malashock Project Open House, noon at JCC What’s Jewish on the Web?, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20 Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15 Simchas Torah Celebration, 10 a.m. at Chabad
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Shabbaton for grades 3, 4, & 5, 10 a.m. at Beth El
MONDAY, OCTOBER 16 Hadassah Board Meeting, 1 p.m. Jewish Film Series, 7 p.m. at Beth El Israel in the Middle East, 7 p.m. with Dr. Moshe Gershovich JFS Board Meeting, 7 p.m. CJE Class Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 7:30 p.m.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22 Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El Men’s Club Speaker, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Yachad at Fontenelle Forest, 11 a.m. Nashir Community Jewish Choir, 11 a.m. at Beth El Mah Jong Tournament, noon at JCC Beth Israel Travelin Toddlers, 4 p.m. at Valas
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17 Share the Moment, noon at Temple Israel United Way Campaign Kickoff, 2 p.m. at JCC BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Federation Men’s Campaign Event, 6 p.m. Reading the Women of the Bible, 7 p.m. at Beth El BESTT Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel
MONDAY, OCTOBER 23 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. United Way Campaign Season Finale, 2 p.m. at JCC Beth El Rosh Hodesh Group , 7 p.m. at Sylvia Wagner’s Home Israel in the Middle East, 7 p.m. with Dr. Moshe Gershovich Jewish Press Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 7:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18 Visions Mystery Trip, 9 a.m. Abba, Eema and ME, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El Elie Wiesel - His Other Works, 11 a.m.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Shabbat Tunes and Tales, 11:15 a.m. at Beth El AZA Party with the Sweethearts, 5:30 p.m. Simchat Torah Dinner & Ice Cream Social, 8 p.m. at Beth Israel
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19 Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Insights into the Siddur, noon at Beth El Yiddush Group, 1 p.m. Kripke Library Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. RBJH Groundbreaking & Dedication Ceremony, 7 p.m. Advanced Parshah Study, 9 p.m. with Rabbi Gross
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26 Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Insights into the Siddur, noon at Beth El Yiddush Group, 1 p.m. Scholastic Book Fair and Parent/Teacher Conferences, 6 p.m. at Friedel NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m. JSS Concert “The Avi8ors,” 7 p.m. at JCC ADL Youth Leadership Mission, 7 p.m. at JCC Advanced Parshah Study, 9 p.m. with Rabbi Gross FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27 Scholastic Book Fair, 8 a.m. at Friedel Jewish Academy Scholar-in-Residence, Dr. Joshua Jacobson, 6 p.m. at Beth El Junior Congregation Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El Scholar-in-Residence, Rabbi David Forman, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 Rabbi David Forman, 9 a.m. at Temple Israel Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Dr. Joshua Jacobson, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El Out of Sight Saturday Night, 6:30 p.m. at JCC
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12 Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Yiddush Group, 1 p.m. Beit Hashoeva Sukkot Celebration, 6 p.m. 2006 Women’s Campaign Event, 7 p.m. at Ironwood Country Club Advanced Parshah Study, 9 p.m. with Rabbi Gross
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 29, 2006
Center for Jewish Education Plans Full Schedule for Fall by MARY SUE GROSSMAN itual legacy. The course will look at ethical wills from Administrator Talmudic figures, Maimonides, Nachmanides and other After a successful start to the year with “Limmud important thinkers in Jewish history. Ethical wills from Omaha,� the Center for Jewish announces a variety of the Holocaust will also be examined and the last session events and classes for the fall. “The agency’s mission is ‘to will involve writing one. Classes also will meet Nov. 13, educate our Jewish community by ensuring that a com- 20 and 27 in the Kripke Library. Cost is $23 for nonprehensive array of high quality educational opportuni- Jewish Federation donors and is discounted to $18 for ties are available to all levels and ages of Jewish learners’,� Federation donors. said Ann Goldstein, President of the Center for Jewish Jewish Book Month events will begin on Wednesday, Education board. “The board is very pleased that the fall Nov. 8, 7 p.m., with a presentation by Henry Freund on his book Love with Noodles. On Monday, Nov. 20, 7 line-up certainly fulfills the mission statement.� “Elie Wiesel: His Other Works� will be taught by Gary Katz beginning Oct. 4, 11 a.m.–noon. Wiesel’s most famous book, Night has been read by millions of children and adults however this represents just one of his literary works. This class will explore and discuss other Wiesel writings and introduce participants to the range of Wiesel scripts. The Rabbis Levin, left, Gross and Azriel were three of the 12 presenters during the recent four-week class will meet “Limmud Omaha.� About 70 people participated in the Sunday afternoon sessions, sponeach Wednesday in Oct. sored by the Philip and Ethel Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization at Creighton University. Cost is $23 for non-Federation donors, discounted to p.m., the book, Kabbalah: A Love Story, will be discussed by its author Lawrence Kushner. The annual $18 for Federation donors. “Survival in a Tough Neighborhood: Israel in the Book Month luncheon will be held on Wednesday, Dec. Middle East� will be taught by Dr. Moshe Gershovich, 6, 11:30 a.m., with the mother-daughter team of Perri beginning Oct. 9, 7–8 p.m. in the CJE classroom, and Peggy Klass, talking about their book Every Mother though Nov. 13. This six-week class will give an is a Daughter. The annual book fair will run from midoverview of the conflict between Israel and the Arab November through late December. World, and an assessment of the future of Israel within “Eye on Israel� meets on Tuesdays in November, the regional context. Among the issues to be discussed noon, with Dr. Guy Matalon and various guests talking will be: Israel and its Arab Neighbors: From Conflict to about the latest happenings in Israel and events affecting Coexistence; Israel and the Palestinians: Best of Enemies Israel. Held in the Kripke Library, attendees are encouror Worst of Friends?; The Palestinian Refugees Problem: aged to bring a lunch and join in the discussion. “Eye on Controversies for the Past and Ways for Resolution; The Israel� will also meet in January, March and May. Arabs in Israel: Bridge for Peace or Demographic The Fifth Annual Jewish Film Festival will be held the Ticking Bomb? Cost is $38 for non-Jewish Federation last week of November, beginning with dinner and a donors and is discounted to $30 for Federation donors. movie on Sunday, Nov. 26. Other film dates are Nov. “Derech Torah: Judaism 101� is offered as a gateway 29, Nov. 30, Dec. 2 and Dec. 3. Watch for a separate into Judaism for those who are exploring their spiritual article soon with full details on the Film Festival. options and a starting point for Jewish adults who are Pre-registration is required. To register or for questions, looking for a comprehensive course to give them the call 334.6445 or e-mailmgrossman@jewishomaha.org. background to continue Jewish learning. Taught by Dr. Guy Matalon, the course is designed to introduce the adult learner to the wealth and richness of Judaism as a religious culture. Jewish theology, life cycle, yearly cycle, and worldview will be discussed in some detail. The class will meet Mondays, 7:30-9 p.m. in the Kripke Library, beginning Oct. 16-April 30. The Kripke Jewish Federation Library Book Discussion Group meets one Thursday a month beginning at 1 p.m. in the library for a lively discussion on a variety of books. On Oct. 19, the group will discuss Schlepping Through the Alps by Sam Apple. For the Nov. 16 meeting, the selection is The Singing Fire by Lilian Nattel. On Dec. 21, Laura Lipman’s book, The Inn at Lake Devine will be discussed. Pre-registration is not required and books are available in the library. Ninety-nine-year-old Blumkin Home resident Fannie S. Dr. Guy Matalon will present a course entitled “Jewish Chunovic, center, celebrates with five generations of family: Ethical Wills�, beginning Nov. 6, 11 a.m.–noon. Since granddaughter Aviva Schwab, left, great-great grandchilbiblical times, Jews left behind another type of docudren: Ezra and Hillel, great-grandson, Yoni Schwab, greatment--an ethical will. The goal is to bequeath sacred great-granddaughter Sarit, and daughter Annette Fettman. guidance for future descendents. It helps establish a spir-
Five Generations Celebrate
Lappin Charitable Foundation Grant Received for Derech Torah by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Administrator A grant to the Center for Jewish Education from the Robert L. Lappin Charitable Foundation for “Derech Torah: Judaism 101� course will allow the agency to offer the course to participants at no charge for tuition. “This is such an exciting opportunity for anyone in the community considering conversion and for those who are starting from the beginning on Jewish learning,� said Dr. Guy Matalon, Executive Director of the CJE. “To be able to offer the class at no charge is such a bonus and we express our sincere thanks to the Lappin Foundation for its generosity.� Robert Israel Lappin is a philanthropist and business man whose philanthropy in the Jewish world is used to help keep our children Jewish. He has been subsidizing teen trips to Israel since 1971, and in 1996, he pioneered the concept of fully subsidized teen trips to Israel, which has since made the Salem, MA, community the most successful in the country, per capita, in the number of teens traveling to Israel. Approximately 60% of Salem’s teens, as compared to less than 10% nationally, participate in an Israel experience. “The Foundation is hoping to replicate the success of our subsidized introduction to Judaism course by offering grants to select communities to do the same,� states Deborah Coltin, Executive Director. “It is free, convenient, meaningful, and accessible programs, such as fully subsidized Introduction to Judaism courses, which have the potential to reduce the rate of intermarriage. What better way to swing open the gates of the Jewish community and welcome others in--than by offering these programs. The Jewish community should remove cost as a barrier to participation whenever possible.� Coltin added, “This grant makes it possible to welcome those who are considering conversion to Judaism and say we really want you to join us. It is important to the Foundation that the following message be communicated: the vitality of Jewish life today and in the future depends upon the successful formation and existence of Jewish families. We encourage--sensitively and respectfully--Jews to marry Jews; conversion to Judaism as the desired outcome of intermarriage; and for parents of interfaith families, where conversion is not an option, to raise their children exclusively as Jews.� The Derech Torah course was developed to meet the need of a single basic Judaism class in the Omaha community. Working with Rabbis Azriel, Gross, and Levin, Matalon developed the class to offer a gateway into Judaism for those who are exploring spiritual options and a starting point for Jewish adults who are looking for a comprehensive course to give them the background to continue Jewish learning. Jewish theology, life cycle, yearly cycle, and worldview are discussed in some detail. Classes will meet Mondays, Oct. 16-April 30, 7:30 -9 p.m. in the Kripke Library. Required texts are the JPS Tanakh and Jewish Literacy by Joseph Telushkin and can be ordered through the agency. Pre-registration is required. To register or for questions, call 334.6445 or e-mail mgrossman@jewishomaha.org.
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September 29, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
In Israel with Warren Buffett Continued from page 1 “I did not think for one reporters: That the firm that he was buying was minute of withdrawing or making a profit, that reconsidering or delaying… there was no governconflict is part of the reality ment interference, and that the firm would have of Israel...We will be here forever and Israel will be staying power. All that fit the reputa- here forever.” tion of Buffett’s future business partner--Stef Wertheimer, whose industrial park complex has been the shining light of business success in Israel simply because Wertheimer has defied the modus operandi of almost every business in Israel, since almost every business in Israel is somehow tied to the umbilical cord of the government, or dependent on some kind of government contract, subsidy or market assistance. Instead, Wertheimer’s mantra has always been that he wants the government to leave him alone while he is making his international business arrangements.
during this past summer, when Tefen was also under bombardment. Buffett responded that he had a “clear message for the media: to see and report first hand a story that no one knows, of the development of the Galilee, of Arabs and Jews working side by side in a billion dollar industry” and in Buffett’s words, “a message for Jews” to see this aspect of Israel, which Buffett called the “unknown story--even to the Jews of America.” Ofer Petersberg asked Buffett if he had reconsidered his investment during the war in the Galilee this summer. “I did not think for one minute of withdrawing or reconsidering or delaying my investment… I knew that I was investing in a country where not all the folks around her like you, and that conflict is part of the reality of Israel.” Buffett then exclaimed: “We will be here forever and Israel will be here forever.” In all of his appearances during his short visit to Israel, Buffett indicated that this would not be his last investment in Israel and that he waited for people from Israel to contact him, indicating he would like to repeat his investment, based on Israel’s phenomenal economic growth. After all, the Israeli economy has grown at a pace far more rapid than nearly anywhere else, where the GNP in 1990 was 25 billion dollars. The GNP in 2000 was $102 billion; in the year 2005--$150 billion, a 600% increase in 15 years. Buffett described some of the investments he has made in the recent past: 9% of Gillette, 8% of Coca Cola, to indicate to Israeli business people the kind of blue chip investment he is pursuing. When a reporter asked Buffett about the “boycott of Israel” in some international industrial cirIsraeli investment analyst Udi Aloni, who teaches a course on “The Buffett Method”, cles, Buffett’s remark was that meets his idol, Warren Buffett, at a reception at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem. “this would be like biting your What Buffett was surprised to learn upon his arrival nose to spite your face.” was that “The Buffett Method” has been made into a At one point in Buffett’s presentation, he indicated that household word by a young Israeli investment analyst, he combined his own business-like sense of human relaUdi Aloni, who has compiled and translated everything tions in the market place with the struggles of Jewish existhat he could get a hold of from Warren Buffett’s lec- tence. Indeed, in his final remarks in Jerusalem, at one of tures and writings into Hebrew. the few times that Buffett displayed any emotion, he said For almost 10 years, Aloni, at 34, has been giving lec- he had learned much from the experience of a Jewish tures based on “The Buffett Method” for aspiring busi- woman in Omaha who had survived the Nazi horrors. ness students in Israel’s leading academic institutions. Bella Eisenberg had explained to Buffett that “making Indeed, Aloni has summarized “The Buffett’s method” true friendships is the way that you will find out who will to 35 principles, almost all of which have to do with the hide you when they come to get you,” and he said this fundamental human psychology of how to develop mod- is one reason why Israel needs true friends. est, capable instincts as a way to assure success in business. During Buffett’s reception in Jerusalem, this reporter Some of the principles Aloni has compiled seem basic observed two Jewish businesspeople from Omaha, Ron and logical: Invest only in something you understand; and Irv Blumkin, whose furniture store--Nebraska Hire administrators who are credible, bright and ener- Furniture Mart--was sold by their grandmother ‘Mrs. B’ getic; Only work with people whom you like to work to Buffett “on a handshake” in 1983 for a 80% share, with; Circle investments you understand; Hold on to the same share that Buffett offered Wertheimer. companies that produce cash assets; A company’s success A gentleman in the hall came over to reminisce about does not depend on someone’s intelligence. their furniture store. The man was without any name Aloni, who also writes for the Israeli newspaper tag, so it was something of a curiosity that an Omaha HaAretz in its business section, covered Buffett’s visit native happened to be at the King David Hotel that and met him this week for the first time in person. night. That man turned out to be Richard Jones, the relDuring Buffett’s presentation at ISCAR, he gave clear atively new U.S. ambassador to Israel. reasons for his investment, noting the potential that While Irv Blumkin had been in Israel once before, this exists throughout Israel, which he described as “a nation was Ron’s first visit. Ron accompanied Buffett in the helwith such a reserve of brains, a logical reason for anyone icopter that traversed the country, and remarked that to invest.” “seeing the proximity of Israel’s neighbors” caused him to Buffett told the media who accompanied him to Tefen see the “miracle of Israel’s survival” from his view from that “One of the inherent solutions of the conflict is to the helicopter, because, to paraphrase Ron’s words, it did encourage Israeli Arabs and Israeli Jews to work togeth- not dawn on him that hostile neighbors are so close. er productively, so they would see how much they would Ron commented that Nebraska is indeed surrounded have to lose if all this would go under.” on all sides by Iowa, South Dakota, Colorado and Stef Wertheimer added that his vision was to “create Kansas. This did not in any way compare to an Israel the infrastructure of peace by creating jobs.” In the lit- that was much smaller than Nebraska--and surrounded erature given out at Tefen, Wertheimer outlined his by Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, each vision of a “Marshall Plan for the Middle East” that of whom has been at war with Israel at one time or would stimulate industrial productivity in the aftermath another since the inception of the Jewish State in 1948. of the Middle East conflict. David Bedein, a frequent contributor to the Jewish Press, This reporter asked Buffett how to convey the reality of is Bureau Chief of the Israel Resource News Agency, Beit the Galilee to the media after the conflict that had ensued Agron International Press Center, in Jerusalem.
Jewish Music Subject of Symposium Continued from page 1 Jacobson’s keynote address is one of many activities associated with this year’s Symposium. Additional sessions will be held on Oct. 29, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at the JCC, and Monday, Oct. 30, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Creighton University’s Skutt Student Center. These sessions will feature more than a dozen other scholars and
musicians, some of whom are coming from as far away as Germany. All presentations are free and open to the public. For further information, please contact Fran Minear at 280.2303 or fminear@creighton.edu. Dr. Jacobson will also be the scholar-in-residence at Beth-El Synagogue on Friday, Oct. 27, and Saturday, Oct. 28.
Page 11
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Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation 1. Publication Title: Jewish Press. 2. Publication No. 275-620. 3. Filing Date: 9-22-06. 4. Issue Frequency: Weekly, since 1920. 5. No. of Issues Published Annually: 52. 6. Annual Subscription Rate: $31 US, $36 foreign. 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 681542198, 402-334-6448; Contact Person: Lori Kooper-Schwarz, 402-334-6558. 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198. 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor: Publisher--Jewish Federation of Omaha, 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198; Editor--Carol Katzman, 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198; Managing Editor--Richard Busse, 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198. 10. Owner: Jewish Federation of Omaha, Inc., 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198. 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgages and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages or Other Securities: None. 12. For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at special rates. The purpose, function and non-profit status of this organization and the exempt for federal income tax purpose: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months. 13. Publication Title: Jewish Press. 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: 9-22 -06. 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months--a. Total No. Copies (Net Press Run): 3800. b. Paid and/or requested Circulation: (1) Paid/Requested Outside-County Mail Subscriptions (Include Advertiser’s Proof and exchange copies) 979. (2) Paid In-County Subscriptions (Include advertiser’s proof and exchange copies) 2121. (3) Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales and Other Non-USPS Paid Distribution-178. (4) Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS--11. c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3) and (4)--3289. d. Free Distribution by Mail: (Samples, Complimentary and Other Free). (1) OutsideCounty as Stated on Form--3541-37. (2) In-County as Stated on Form 3541-73. (3) Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS--38. e. Free Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or Other Means)--153. f. Total Free Distribution (Sum of 15 d and 15e)--301. g. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15f)--3590. h. Copies Not Distributed--210. i. Total: (Sum of 15g and h)--3800 j. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by 15g times 100)--91.61%. No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date--a. Total No. Copies (Net Press Run): 3800. b. Paid and/or requested Circulation: (1) Paid/Requested Outside-County Mail Subscriptions (Include Advertiser’s Proof and exchange copies) -961. (2) Paid In-County Subscriptions (Include advertiser’s proof and exchange copies)-2135. (3) Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales and Other Non-USPS Paid Distribution--157. (4) Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS--11 c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3) and (4)--3264. d. Free Distribution by Mail: (Samples, Complimentary and Other Free). (1) Outside-County as Stated on Form 3541-39. (2) In-County as Stated on Form 3541-67. (3) Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS--17 e. Free Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or Other Means)--150. f. Total Free Distribution (Sum of 15 d and 15e)--273. g. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15f)--3537. h. Copies Not Distributed--263 i. Total: (Sum of 15g and h)--3800. j. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by 15g times 100)--92.28%. 16. Statement of Ownership will be printed in the Sept. 29, 2006, issue of this publication. 17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager or Owner. Carol Katzman, Editor, 9-27-06. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including multiple damages and civil penalties).
Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 29, 2006
Second Chances A few years ago, the theme of the Jewish Press’ New Year’s issue was “Second Time around: Changing Jobs in the Jewish community.” Even in this latest New Year’s issue, a number of people profiled mentioned switching careers to become educators. Everyone should get a second chance. That’s the theme of Yom Kippur: apologizing to those we’ve wronged--and to G-d--and hoping we’ll be forgiven so we can start over. Like any large issue covering a category like Jewish educators, it is impossible to profile everyone. We did run several ads in the Press requesting names of educators from our readers; we also contacted our synagogues and Jewish organizations, as well as ask members of the Press Committee and our freelance writers for their suggestions. In the end, we had more than 100 names. Some had been profiled in other issues. As an example: Susi Frydman Levin (wife of Beth El’s Rabbi Mordechai Levin) is an artist as well as a teacher. Her story was featured in the Passover 2004 issue: “A Jewish Adventure in the Arts.” Others had been featured in New Year’s issues about newcomers, foreign-born Jewish Omahans, or the “Second Time Around” issue in 2003. And still others--like Jan Lund and Jan Fischer--were profiled for significant achievements and honors on the front page of the Jewish Press. We faced the same issue in 2001 when we published “L’Chaim: Health Professionals in the Jewish Community.” Out of 120 (known) doctors, nurses, pharmacists and psychologists,
we profiled about one third. This time, in our issue about Jewish educators, we were able to interview a whopping 52 Jewish educators, but still we didn’t get everyone. And for that, we’re sorry. We’d like to profile everyone in the Jewish community, but unlike the web, we’re restricted by the amount of space available in the printed newspaper, as well as by other factors-the availability of freelance writers and how many interviews they can conduct in a limited period of time. That’s not to say that the Press won’t get around to profiling the people we couldn’t accommodate in these special issues. We publish a Health and Wellness issue every July and a Back-to School issue in August. No doubt, we’ll return to those on the list and make every attempt to profile someone who wasn’t featured in our New Year’s issues. It may take awhile, but the staff at the Press hope that we can give everyone their “15 minutes of fame.” If we’ve done anything else to offend you, our loyal reader, please forgive us. If we’ve spelled your name wrong--or the name of someone in your family-please let us know and we’ll correct it. If we’ve published incorrect information, please call us and we’ll correct that, too--even if it isn’t our fault! If we’ve had to edit your article, we can’t rerun it (we edited it mostly due to space restrictions), but we hope we
didn’t omit anything important. And finally, if we published an editorial with which you disagreed--write to us! We’ll publish your point of view...and that’s a promise. (If the paper’s late, call the post office...that’s really out of our control!) We think we publish a quality paper for a small community like Omaha. We’ve won quite a few awards over the years, but we can always do better. We hope you’ll help!
Jewish Press Committee Bobbi Leibowitz, Vice-Chairman; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Treasurer; Michael Siegel, Finance Chairman; Joanie Jacobson, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; George Quittner; Melissa Schop; Michael Sigmond; Jim Simon; Nancy Skid; and Dorothy Spizman. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a constitutional committee of the Jewish Federation. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Jewish the Committee, 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.
CHAPTERS IN AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY
How Max Fisher Saved Israel in the Yom Kippur War him “Mr. Jewish Republican.” Fisher understood that the attack on Israel was a subplot in the Great Power struggle between the Soviet Union and the United States. Despite their ideological differences, by MICHAEL FELDBERG the two superpowers in 1973 were experiNEW YORK (JTA)--On Oct. 6, 1973, menting with detente. They negotiated critical American rabbis interrupted Yom Kippur agreements on nuclear arms reduction and morning services to announce that Egypt and non-proliferation, lowering tensions in Southeast Asia, containing Syria had attacked Israel. China and, above all, Unlike the Six-Day War increasing trade. In some in 1967, Israelis were quarters, support for caught off guard this Israel took a back seat to time. A force of 80,000 sales of American grain to Egyptian troops and the USSR. tanks crossed the Suez Egypt and Syria were Canal and overran a few Soviet clients, dependent thousand Israeli defendon them for weaponry. ers. Syrian troops capJust before the attack, tured Israeli outposts in Egypt and the USSR the Golan Heights. feigned a political falling By Oct. 8, it seemed that Max Fisher, second from right, watches as out, creating the impresunless the United States Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir greets Sen. sion that, despite conimmediately sent replaceFred Harris (D-OK) at a Washington recep- ducting warlike maneument jet fighters, tanks and tion in 1969. Credit: Moshe Milner/GP vers near the Suez Canal, munitions to Israel, the Egypt lacked adequate armaments to cross it. Israeli military might face crushing defeat. When the Egyptian and Syrian forces invadThe American Jewish community committed millions of dollars to Israel. The American Israel ed simultaneously, they destroyed a surprising Public Affairs Committee and other Jewish number of Israeli tanks and their SAM missiles organizations appealed to Congress for help. shot down more than 100 Israeli aircraft. Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir personalMax Fisher, the American Jew with the best access to the White House, knew the time had ly appealed to Nixon for replacement armacome to use every ounce of his political capital ments, but did not receive an immediate reply. While normally a strong supporter of military to move the Nixon administration to action. Having made his fortune in the oil business, aid to Israel, Nixon was distracted by the Fisher devoted himself to philanthropy and unraveling of the Watergate cover-up. Some in the State and Defense Departments Jewish communal affairs. President Eisenhower once had told Fisher that, if he tried to define a “neutral” position for had had counsel from an outside Jewish advis- American policy in the Middle East. The er during the 1956 Suez Crisis, he might not Israelis could not be certain that the United States would replace their lost equipment. have forced the Israelis to evacuate Sinai. Fisher worked to make himself that Jewish This left them vulnerable to continuing losses, adviser to Eisenhower’s successors. Sen. Jacob if not military defeat. In his memoirs, U.S. Secretary of State Henry Javits of New York called Fisher “perhaps the single most important lay person in the Kissinger reports that on Oct. 7, one day after American Jewish community.” Others called hostilities began, he persuaded Defense
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Secretary James Schlesinger to start airlifting U.S. military supplies to Israel. Nixon’s chief of staff, Alexander Haig, agreed with Kissinger’s approach. However, no one seems to have notified the Israelis of the decision. In the vacuum of information, Fisher asked on Oct. 9 to meet personally with Nixon. Fisher used his audience to plead for tanks, planes and ammunition to Israel. Fisher recalled saying to Nixon, “I have worked hard for you and I never have asked anything for myself, but I’m asking you now. Please send the Israelis what they need. You can’t let them be destroyed.” Nixon promised he would come through. According to Nixon’s autobiography, Kissinger suggested that the U.S. Air Force use three C-5A transports to deliver the supplies. Nixon asked how many C-5As the U.S. owned. Kissinger indicated that 23 were available. Nixon replied, “Use them all!” Between Oct. 14 and Nov. 14, the C-5As flew 566 flights to Israel, delivering 22,000 tons of cargo. Meir later wrote, “The airlift was invaluable. It not only lifted our spirits, it served to make the American position clear to the Soviet Union. . . .When I heard that the planes had set down in Lydda, I cried.’’ Within a few days, Israeli forces broke through the Egyptian center, crossed the Suez Canal, outflanked the Egyptian Third Army and controlled the road to Cairo. By Oct. 20, the Soviets and their clients were ready to accept a cease-fire. After some additional days, as Israel expanded its control of territory on both sides of the canal, the Israeli Cabinet accepted the cease-fire as well. In his lifetime, Fisher held many important leadership roles in the Jewish community: chairman of the United Jewish Appeal, United Israel Appeal, Council of Jewish Federations, Boards of the Jewish Agency for Israel, American Jewish Committee and B’nai B’rith International. But no role meant more to him and to Israel than his appeal to Nixon on Oct. 9, 1973. Michael Feldberg is Director of research at the American Jewish Historical Society.
Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $36 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 13
For One Man, Being Jewish Means Fixing the World, and not Losing Hope
FOCUS ON ISSUES by DAVID A. HARRIS NEW YORK (JTA)--The High Holiday season is a unique time in our tradition, an annual ritual when the period we spend in synagogue, and with our families at home, allows for deep reflection on our Jewish identity, as well as a reaffirmation of its distinctiveness. During this time I reflect on why I celebrate my Jewishness every day by working to defend the Jewish people. So allow me to share what being Jewish means to me, with a hope that others will go through a similar process in the days ahead. To me, being Jewish means entering into a partnership with God for the repair of our broken world. To me, being Jewish means recognizing that this is not the work of a higher authority alone, or of others, but my responsibility during my lifetime. To me, being Jewish means affirming life--and the moral choice that each of us is given to bring us all a little closer to the prophetic vision of a world at peace, a world in harmony. To me, being Jewish means championing the revolutionary Jewish monotheistic concept that we are all one human family created in the image of God. To me, being Jewish means embracing the rabbis’ interpretation of the story of Adam and Eve--that if these were the first two human beings, then it suggests that all of us, whatever our race, religion or ethnicity, share the same family tree. No one can claim superiority over anyone else. To me, being Jewish means appreciating the fact that the Jews were the original revolutionaries, the first to challenge the status quo, and the first to insist on the right to worship differently than the majority while still being treated equally under the law. Today, this is called pluralism. To me, being Jewish means welcoming the pioneering Jewish effort to establish a moral code of conduct where previously there was none to speak of. To me, being Jewish means seeking to act as if that code of conduct were my daily map--to pursue justice, to treat my neighbor as I would wish to be treated, to welcome the stranger in our midst, to be compassionate to the less fortunate, to be sensitive to the environment, and to seek peace. To me, being Jewish means recognizing that I am an heir and custodian of a civilization that is more than 3,000 years old, and that has within it riches of theology and faith, philosophy and ethics, music and art, ethnography and history, cuisine and humor and so
much more--enough for a lifetime of exploration and more. To me, being Jewish means appreciating the centrality of discussion and debate about life’s big questions, the significance of education and learning that never stops, the delicate balance of tradition and modernity, and the categorical rejection of imposed views or doctrinal thinking. To me, being Jewish means the joy of being a Jew -the sense of belonging and community, the excitement at watching our three sons celebrate their bar mitzvahs and enter into the adult Jewish world, the meaningful and symbol-laden annual holiday cycle, the extraordinary contribution the Jewish people has made to world civilization, and the admirable determination to persevere against all odds. To me, being Jewish means living in perpetual mourning for all that has been lost in the Holocaust, the pogroms, the inquisitions, the forced conversions, the exiles and the other deadly manifestations of antiSemitism --and, at the same time, living in perpetual gratitude for the gift of life, the blessing of opportunity and the sacred task set before us of igniting the divine spark within each of us. To me, being Jewish means the elation of knowing that in my lifetime, the prayers of millions of Jews over many centuries have finally been answered -- the return of the Jewish people to the land of our ancestors, the Land of Israel. To me, being Jewish means affirming the inextricable link between the Land of Israel and the Jewish people. This land represents not only the physical, or sovereign, symbol of our peoplehood, but also--whether we choose to live there or not--the highest metaphysical expression of our faith, our prayer and our yearning. To me, being Jewish means knowing that in fighting against anti-Semitism and for Israel’s right to live in peace and security, I am affirming the values of tolerance and democracy for all. To me, being Jewish means being proud of the disproportionate Jewish contribution to the defense of human dignity, human development, human rights and civil rights for all. We have never been agents of the status quo. If Isaiah and the other prophets returned to earth, they would remind us that there’s more work to be done before we can declare success. And finally, as Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel once said, being Jewish means not seeking to make the world more Jewish, but more human. That is the goal animating our people, through good times and bad, from the very beginning of this extraordinary journey and into the future.
...being Jewish means not seeking to make the world more Jewish, but more human...
David A. Harris is Executive Director of the American Jewish Committee.
To the Editor: Just a note to tell you how much I enjoyed last week’s edition of the Jewish Press. It was interesting to note how many Jewish educators we have in our area.
Herzl Camp, a camp steeped in Jewish tradition, seeks a fulltime Director. The individual is responsible for actively directing operations of a camp with multiple programs for children ages 7 – 17 and a staff size of over 100. The successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) and experience running a complex youth oriented organization within a Jewish camp setting. Key areas of responsibility include planning, staffing, community relations, fiscal management, marketing, administration and fundraising. Interested candidates should e-mail their resume to the attention of the Herzl Camp Search Committee care of david@abelnmagy.com.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: The Gemara in Megilla 29a says that at the end of days all the synagogues and houses of study in the Diaspora will return to Eretz Yisrael. Givat Ze’ev is a town of 15,000 Jews situated in the North Judean Hills. This was the site of the great battle of Joshua against the Cananite tribes to conquer the Land and the home of the Prophet Samuel. The Israeli government founded Givat Ze’ev in 1982 to be the Guardian of Jerusalem and located it within the security fence, but within two miles of Ramallah. The committed, tough and loyal Jews of the Neve Menachem neighborhood own a half-acre site. They are seeking a community in North America who wants to realize the dream of their synagogue or institution continuing to grow in Eretz Yisrael. If your community is considering transferring their building or institutional property to our homeland or otherwise wishes to help in this holy effort please contact to me at: 818.902.1994 or via e-mail at: eli85@inter.net.il. Chaim Braverman,President American Friends of Givat Ze’ev
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I was particularly interested in Meg Adams’ describing her mother’s experience while she lived in Decorah, Iowa, where she presumed she was the only Jew in the area. That may well be true, however, my father’s uncle was a pioneer in Decorah, where he owned a large dry goods store. His name was Ed (or Edwin) Baer and changed the spelling to Bear. Many years ago, my husband and I stopped in Decorah and took pictures of the building. We were told by several residents that none of Ed Bear’s family lived there any more; all moved to the West Coast. It was easy to see why Uncle Ed moved to Decorah; it is a pretty town, and the surrounding area looks much like southern Germany. Best wishes for a Happy New Year. Hannie Wolf Albion, NE To the Editor: Thank you for allowing me to share my views on the conditions of the Jewish people around the world. Thank you for the fine coverage of Bob’s event, your kind article about me and your consistent support of our community. You produce a quality paper. Abraham H. Foxman National Director, Anti-Defamation League New York City, NY
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 29, 2006
Candlelighting Friday, September 29, 6:50 p.m. Sunday, October 1, 6:48 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 southstreettemple.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
The Neighborhood Minyan 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethlincoln.org
PERSONAL Thanks to everyone for the cards, gifts, flowers, and donations during my recent hospitalization and stay at the Blumkin Home, Doris Cohen
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Family Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m. MEMORIAL SERVICE SUNDAY: Service at Council Bluffs Cemetery, 11 a.m. SUNDAY: Kol Nidre Services, 7:30 p.m., Leonard Greenspoon to speak. MONDAY: Yom Kippur Service, 10:30 a.m., Oliver Pollak to speak; Concluding Service & Break-the-fast Potluck, 5:30 p.m. If you plan to attend, please call 323.8885 to let us know what you will bring. All services led by Jeffrey Taxman.
members to join in the building of the sukkah on Sunday, Oct. 1, 8 a.m., when the frame will be erected, and Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 6 p.m., to put the roof in place. PIZZA IN THE HUT: Congregational luncheon in the sukkah, Sunday, Oct. 8, noon. Cost: $7.50 for adults, $5 for children 5-12, under age 5, free. Contact office for information. READING WOMEN OF THE BIBLE: Susan Paley leads a discussion of “Reading Women of the Bible: A New Interpretation of their Stories” on Tuesdays: Oct. 10, 17, 24 and 31, 7 p.m. Cost is $18. For information, contact Margie Gutnik.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; K’tantan (K-2), 10:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Beth El; Ma’ariv and Havdalah, 7 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY: “The Weekly Parasha: It’s All About Me?!,” 11:30 a.m., led by Andy Greenberg; no Sunday classes will be held during the Jewish holidays; classes will resume on Sunday, Oct. 22. MEMORIAL SERVICE SUNDAY: Service at Beth El Cemetery, 10 a.m. YOM KIPPUR SUNDAY, Kol Nidre Services, 6:40 p.m. MONDAY: Morning Service (includes Yizkor and Musaf), 9 a.m.; Alternative Service, 9:45 a.m.; Study Session with Rabbi Jules Harlow, 4:30 p.m.; Minha-Ne’ila, 5:30 p.m.; Children’s Procession, 7:15 p.m.; Sounding of the Shofar, approximately, 7:25 p.m.; Snack from HAZAK following services. NASHIR CHOIR: Sunday, 11 a.m. Last weekly session until Sunday, Oct. 22. ABBA, EEMA & ME: Wednesday, 9:30-11 a.m. For children birth to three years old, and their parents. For information, contact Holly Weill at 493.5126, or Margie Gutnik at 492.8550. MEN’S CLUB: We invite all
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 10 a.m. (contact the office for class schedule); Kiddush is sponsored by Jane and Arthur Fishkin in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary; Mincha, 6:30 p.m., followed by Gemara class; Havdalah, 7:49 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha, 4:30 p.m.; Kol Nidre, 6:30 p.m. Babysitting is available at no charge during Kol Nidre. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. MONDAY-YOM KIPPUR: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Free Babysitting service begins, 9:30 a.m.; Torah reading, 10:30 a.m.; Sermon, 11 a.m. followed by Yizkor service; “The Book of Yonah” at 4 p.m. with Rabbi Gross; Mincha, 5 p.m.; Neilah, 6 p.m.; Fast ends at 7:45 p.m.; there will be a breakthe-fast meal at the synagogue. TUESDAY: Help build the synagogue sukkah; volunteers are needed immediately following minyan, about 7:30 a.m. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; “What’s a Luluv?” at 7:30 p.m. with Rabbi Gross. Luluv and etrog sets may be picked up at class, or on Friday
Temple Israel Bringing Torah on Wheels to an Office Near You by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator In today’s world with so many obligations, the study of Torah, although respected, is sometimes difficult to fulfill. To make it easier, Temple Israel, under the auspices of the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning, is planning once-a-month lunchtime Torah study sessions. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Eric Linder, or Cantor Wendy Shermet will lead the Torah study sessions at a congregant’s office downtown or in midtown to explore and analyze Jewish law and commentary. All adults in the community are invited to participate. David Jacobson, Kutak Rock, 1650 Farnam St., will host the first
Torah on Wheels on Thursday, Oct. 5, followed by Denny Lewis at Spirit World, 7514 Pacific, on Nov. 2. Subsequent hosts are Bob Freeman at Fraser Stryker Law Office, 409 So. 17 St., on Dec. 7; Amee Zetzman, All Makes, 2558 Farnam, on Jan. 11, 2007; Jeff Gordman, Gordman’s, 12100 West Center, on Feb. 1; John Lehr, Grace-Mayer, 10050 Regency Circle, on March 1; and David Gilinsky, Bergman Incentives, 9411 ‘F’ St., on April 12. All Torah on Wheels sessions are on Thursdays. Lunch will be provided for $6 per person. Please make a reservation by calling Temple at 556.6536 or email Program Director Rosie Zweiback at rzweiback@templeisraelomaha.com.
following morning minyan or at the office from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home. SUNDAY: Kol Nidre Services, 7:30 p.m. MONDAY: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; Musaf, 11 a.m.; Mincha Discussion, 5 p.m.; Neilah, 5:45 p.m.; Yizkor, 6:30 p.m.; Breakthe-Fast, 7 p.m. All events at the synagogue, unless otherwise indicated.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m.; Torah Studies-Journeys exploring the Book of Devarim (Deuteronomy), 10 a.m.; Kol Nidrei Services, 6:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 a.m. Kippur: MONDAY-Yom Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Yizkor, 11 a.m.; Mincha & Ne’ila, 6 p.m.; Havdallah, 7:46 p.m.; Join us for light refreshments after the fast. TUESDAY: Women of Worth Prayer Circle, 9 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m. All events and programs are open to the community. For information or to register, call www. 330.1800 or visit Ochabad.com.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat evening service, 7:45 p.m., led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg following, provided by Eleanor and Jeff Kirkland. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m., all led by Rabbi Emanuel. SUNDAY: No Religious School classes; Kol Nidre Service, 8 p.m. MONDAY: Yom Kippur Morning Service, 10 a.m.; Afternoon service, 3:30 p.m. followed by Yizkor and Neilah; Children’s Service, 4 p.m. Join the congregation after services for break-the-fast potluck. Bring your favorite Jewish dish to share. Michelle Schreiber will coordinate, but needs help with set-up. Call her at 438.1081. TUESDAY, 7 p.m.: Religion and Politics at St. Mark’s on the campus with Professor Chris Blake of Union College. For more information contact Ken Gobber at kengobber@hotmail.com. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew class (grades 2-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. THURSDAY: Board of Trustees, 7 p.m.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m., led by Marti Nerenstone and Beyt Shalom Congregation. SUNDAY, Erev Yom Kippur: Kol Nidre, 7 p.m., led by Andrew Greenberg. MONDAY: Yom Kippur, 9 a.m., with Yizkor led by Andrew Greenberg; Mincha/Neilah, 5 p.m., led by Phyllis Hoffman.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Shuva, 6 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Eric Linder and Cantor Wendy Shermet will lead the service. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.; Tashlich, immediately following services at Elmwood Park. SUNDAY, Kol Nidre: No Religious School; First service, 6 p.m.; Second service, 8:15 p.m. MONDAY, Yom Kippur: Children’s service, 9 a.m.; Tot High Holy Day Service, 9 a.m.; Morning Service, 10:15 a.m.; Chapel Service, 10:15 a.m. led by Dr. Magda Peck and Dr. Mike Walts; panel discussion immediately following; Musical Interlude, 1:30 p.m.; Moments of Remembrance, 2:30 p.m.; Family Youth Service, 2:30 p.m.; Afternon service, 3:30 p.m.; Yizkor, 5 p.m.; Neilah and Havdalah, 5:45 p.m. led by Religious School Madrichim; Break the fast, 6:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 46 p.m.; Family School, 6-8 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6-8 p.m. LIFELONG LEARNING TUESDAY, Oct. 3: Adult B’nai Mitzvah, 6:30–8 p.m. THURSDAY, Oct. 5: Adult Study with the Clergy, 10-11:30 a.m.; Torah on Wheels, noon at Kutak Rock, 1650 Farnam St. Contact the Temple office to make a reservation. This first Torah on Wheels is free.
NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN No services will be held Sept. 22-Oct. 20.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Royi Shaffin. & Minyan, MONDAY, THURSDAY, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. followed by a light oneg. SATURDAY: Weekly Parashat class, 8:30 a.m.; Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Shabbat lunch and Talmud class. SUNDAY: No Religious School classes; Kol Nidre, 6 p.m. MONDAY: Yom Kippur Service, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 11 a.m.; Break the Fast will be right after Yom Kippur Services and is sponsored by the Ingrahams in honor of their parents and the Coren family. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066; Hebrew class (grades 2-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.
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September 29, 2006
It’s We Lord, Once Again
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Yom Kippur We human bings (sic) in two senses are a sorry lot. Sorry, first in the sense that we aren’t very good. We think we are going to do things, and then do them all wrong. We intend one thing and quite another comes out. This would not be tolerated on a good team of baseball or football players. If you can’t perform what you say you will, you belong in a minor league. But we humans don’t have a minor league, only our own. So we are sorry in another sense, the sense that we have to keep apologizing for doing things wrong. To whom do we apologize? To the Captain of the team, the Lord of Hosts. What really is the matter with us? Year after year, we resolve to do better, and year after year we fail. We know what the moral choice is before us, but in our perversity, we choose other, winding paths. If you were the
Lord, wouldn’t you want to destroy this bunch and start over again? Indeed, that once is what He thought He would do, pulverize this bunch of humans and start over again. But somehow, when He saw Noah (of all people!) He thought, Well, if that’s the best I can get, I’ll have to be satisfied with Man as he is. So here we are. Yom Kippur after Yom Kippur we find ourselves apologizing. Kol Nidre, we say, and hope that next year we won’t have to do this. Nonetheless, we know full well all the time that we will be back next year with Kol Nidre, and with a full sack of sins that all but weigh us down to the ground. With all of this, we still feel that there is no one to blame but the Lord Himself. Was it not He Who created us? Was it not He Who left us with so perverse a will? Could He not have done a better job? And yet we know that the fault is really ours. There is enough in the human heart and the human mind to lead us on straight paths, on ways of morality and justice. It is because we are unwilling--not unable--repeat unwilling--to curb our selfishness that we are what we are. Still we say on these Days of Awe, that repentance and prayer and righteousness can save us. Would that it were so!
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SHELDON BALICK Former Omahan Sheldon Balick died Sept. 17 in Las Vegas at the age of 77. Burial was in Minneapolis on Sept. 19. He is survived by his wife, Wilma Jane; son and daughter-in-law, Bruce and Sara Balick; daughter, Sandra Biller; grandchildren, Alexander, Nicholas and Madeline Biller; sister, Beatrice Kanny Marx. Memorials to charity of choice. MENASE BOHBOT AND SHAWN BOHBOT Father and son, Menase Bohbot, 81, and Shawn, 32, died in a house fire on Sept. 20. Shawn had attempted to rescue his father and died in the process. Shawn’s wife Lisa, and their four daughters, Brittney, Barbara, Brandy and Brooke, escaped. Menase was buried at Temple Israel Cemetery on Sept. 22; Shawn was buried on Sept. 24 at Ft. Calhoun Cemetery. This is the third tragedy to have struck the family. The first was when son Dan was killed in 2000 when his truck rolled over him as he was cutting firewood in Council Bluffs; the second death occurred when son Richard died of Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2003. Menase Bohbot, who immigrated from Morocco in 1968, is survived by his wife, Fanny; daughter and sonin-law, Brigitte and Kenny Baines; daughter, Rachel Shapiro of Connecticut; son, Nicholas; grandchildren, Joshua and Jessie Bohbot, Danny Rae, Josey, and Thad Bohbot, Danny Bohbot, Kyle and Brittany Baines, Allie Shapiro; daughters-in-law, Robyn Bohbot, Catherine Bohbot and Brenda Bassford; sister, Marisa Osborne. Memorials to the Bohbot Family Education Trust Fund at US Bank, in memory of Menase, Richard, Dan and Shawn Bohbot.
KENNETH WEINER Organ transplant advocate Kenneth Weiner died Sept. 22 at the age of 73. Services were held Sept. 26 at Beth El. Weiner, an attorney and past President of the Omaha Bar Association, received a liver transplant in 1992. He became an advocate and mediated at the University of Nebraska Medical Center for its transplant group. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Judy Weiner and his sister, Ann Bandolike. He is survived by his wife, Kathryn Schneider Weiner; daughters and sons-in-law, Pam Weiner and Tim Skeen of Fresno, CA, and Jeanne Weiner and Richard Cummings of Cave Creek, AZ; son-and dauther-in-law, Aaron Weiner and Therese Vaughn; grandchildren, Iris Skeen, Sadie Weiner and Collin Cummings; and brother-in-law, Jerry Rosen of Phoenix, AZ. Memorials to Beth El, KIOS-FM National Public Radio, or the Ernie Skeen/Ken Weiner Scholarship at Big Sandy Community and Technical College, One Bert Combs Dr., Prestonsburg, KY 41653. FRED J. OSTROW Fred J. Ostrow died Sept. 26. Srvices were held Sept. 28 at Beth El Cemetery with Rabbi Aryeh Azriel officiating. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sondra (Sandy) Ostrow He is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Marcie Ostrow of Sharon, MA; daughter and son-inlaw, Ellie and Paul Militzer; daughter, Nadine Ostrow; grandsons, Will and Matt Ostrow of Sharon, MA, and Michael Militzer; sister and brother-in-law, Gloria and Edward L. Smith. Memorials to Temple Israel, the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or to a charity of choice.
New Beth El Group to Serve as Resource for Non-Jewish Mothers Raising Jewish Children by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Are you raising Jewish children but are not Jewish yourself, and would like to learn about the how-to’s of creating a Jewish home? If so, you’ll want to take check out “The Mothers Circle,” a new monthly program which will meet at Beth El, beginning Tuesday, Nov. 7. According to Beth El Education Director Judy Rubin, who will lead the group, “The goal of this unique program is to create a comfortable space for mothers raised in a different faith to learn about Judaism and to explore Jewish holidays and rituals. ‘The Mothers Circle’ is not a conversion class; rather, it will offer education and support, with the objective of deepening the connection between the attendee and her spouse’s and children’s chosen religion. “Every session will explore the journey each woman will take in raising her child(ren) as Jews,” Rubin continued, “in addition to combining information about Jewish celebrations.” All meetings will be held from 7-8:30 p.m.: the first get-together on Nov. 7 will focus on “Getting Acquainted/Introduction to the Jewish Community.” Subsequent dates and subject matter follow: Dec. 5, “Making Jewish Choices/Fundamentals of Celebrating Hanukkah”; Jan. 9, “Effective Jewish
Parenting/Tu B’Shevat and Ecology”; Feb. 6, “Values and Goals/Making Shabbat”; March 6, Ages and Stages/Pesach Fundamentals for Families”; April 19, “When Children Ask I/Israel and Its Importance to the Jewish People”; and May 8, “When Children Ask II/Shavuot, Its Importance and Customs.” This program is free of charge, but participants will need to purchase two books for reading assignments (book information will be given at first meeting). Free babysitting will be available, and synagogue affiliation is not required to participate. For more information, contact Rubin at 498.0904 or eddir@bethel-omaha.org. The Mothers Circle is being presented in cooperation with the Jewish Outreach Institute.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 29, 2006
Service to Children with Visual Impairments Continues 50-year Tradition by NORMA JOHNSON Due to a growing concern of parents of children with visual impairments in the late 1950s, a group of compassionate people including Bernice Wolfson, Dr. John Filkins, Dr. Ben Kutler and Sally Malashock began a nursery for the blind children at the Beth El Synagogue. To better meet the needs of these families, the Nebraska Foundation for the Visually Handicapped (NFVH) was incorporated to secure funds from the Eppley Foundation. This money was used to start the first pre-school for the blind called the Omaha Sight Center at J.P. Lords’ facility. Ruth Sokolof and Ruth Katskee were the first vision teachers at this pre-school. In the early 1960s, Sokolof, Katskee and Wolfson established an annual Christmas Party in cooperation with the NFVH to enable children to buy presents for their families with the help of sighted volunteers. It began with eight children
receiving $25 each. Phil Sokolof kept that beginnings--Wolfson, an original founder tradition going after his wife’s death and remains active; Howard Kutler, son of Dr. now their daughter, Karen Sokolof Ben Kutler, carries on his father’s dedicaJavitch keeps the family tradition alive by tion, and Karen Sokolof Javitch, carries funding the event. The party has grown on her mother’s commitments. The board looks forward to “Providing to over 125 children who are given $100 Building each and shop Blocks for with help from the Future” youth in area for these high schools. children. As the On N F V I C Oct. approaches its 12, NFVIC 50th year of is sponsorservice as a ing its first charitable m a j o r organization fundraising s e r v i n g event. The Nebraska chilevening at dren with visuthe Joslyn Ruth Sokolof with children al impairments, will include it remains well rooted in the traditions of a dinner, silent auction and motivational/ the past. Three current board members entertaining presentation by Tom have direct links to the organization’s Sullivan, blind actor, musician, and
author of eight books. His presentation of “Seeing Lessons” teaches people to turn every negative into a positive. Sullivan’s memoir, If You Could See What I Hear, was turned into a major motion picture; and is well known for his many areas of athletic accomplishments, and his musical and motivational productions. The event is a joint effort between NFVIC and the University of Nebraska Foundation. The goal is to bring about awareness of the UNMC Low Vision House Project scheduled to be constructed next spring. This Low Vision House will provide a means for better evaluating and educating persons who have a visual impairment. The event will also raise funds for NFVIC to use in providing equipment and services for visually impaired children. Tickets for the evening performance are on sale at all Omaha area Hy-Vee Stores. For more information call NFVIC President, Teresa at 218.7022.
Lewis and Clark Come to the Blumkin Home
Photos from the left: Florence Clouse, far left, a volunteer for the Mouth of the Platte, discusses the keelboat replica with George Shafer, left, Isabelle Johnson and Mable Muchling. Mable’s husband Arnold was a
resident of the Rose Blumkin Home.; Rabbi Kripke and Shirley Thornby examine items on display during a presentation about Sacagawea. At the event, residents and community members were able to sample
hominy soup and a fried bread typical of Native American cuisine.; Norman Zevitz, left, chats with Matthew “Sitting Bear” Jones after a presentation on the Otoe - Missoria tribe.; Pictured with Ed Berkowitz, center, a
Live! On Stage!
resident of the Blumkin Home, are Jim and Susan Polack and their sons Josh and Max displaying a Shalom banner commemorating the Lewis & Clark festival.
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