Vol. LXXXVIX No. 3 Omaha, NE
Two decades later, FSU immigrants make their mark by DINA KRAFT TEL AVIV (JTA) -- At Nanuchka, every table is filled upstairs and down, the bar is packed and a line has formed outside. A Georgian restaurant with offerings such as goose and beef dumplings and homemade pickles, Nanuchka at first glance may seem an unlikely nighttime hot spot for Tel Aviv, with its shabby-chic decor a hodgepodge of gilded mirrors, oil paintings and purple glass chandeliers. “I started this place as a project and a challenge: to transform the image of Georgians here into something noble,” said owner Nana Shrayer, 41, an immigrant from the former Soviet republic of Georgia. “It looks like I’ve succeeded.” As far as Shrayer can tell, only one table in the restaurant is occupied by Georgians, Nona Rafaeli’s family, which has come to celebrate a birthday. “I love that so many young Israelis are here,” said Rafaeli, a doctor who immigrated in 1995. “They clearly feel so comfortable here, and that’s a great affirmation.”
Dr. Nona Rafaeli, shown at a popular Georgian restaurant in Tel Aviv, made aliyah from Georgia in 1995 with two suitcases and $500 and says it was the right decision for her and her family. Credit: Dina Kraft Twenty years since the beginning of the historic wave of immigration that brought approximately 1.1 million newcomers to Israel from the former Soviet Union between 1989 and 2000, Nanuchka is one small example of how immigrant subcultures are providing a home for fellow immigrants while integrating and contributing to Israeli society. Federations like Omaha not only contributed to loan guarantees, but raised substantial sums to resettle Jews from the former Soviet Union in Israel, Omaha, and all over North America. To be sure, some elements of Russian immigrant culture have not resonated with Israelis. But in fields such as education, theater, sports and music, a rich exchange has taken place, and the immigrants’ contributions can be felt particularly strong in Israel’s high-tech, medical and academic sectors. The massive aliyah was unprecedented for Israel, both in its sheer size -- Russian-speaking Israelis now constitute the largest single minority group in the country -and in the high educational and professional background of so many who came. Some 70 percent of those who immigrated are college-educated. The 100,000 engineers that came in the aliyah, among them computer and electrical engineers, became the backbone of Israel’s emerging high-tech sector in the 1990s, constituting the relatively cheap labor and knowhow that helped give the industry its competitive edge. The 23,000 doctors and 25,000 nurses who came transformed the face of Israeli hospitals and clinics. The arrival of the doctors has been credited with saving Israel’s medical system from a shortage. Russian-speaking immigrants are credited with raising the level of science, research and teaching in the country. Nearly 70 percent of the math faculty at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, for example, is comprised of immigrants from the former Soviet Union. Continued on page 2
Inside Opinion Page see page 8
Celebrating 89 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
21 Tishrei 5770
October 9, 2009
Jacobson and Javitch to be honored with Spirit of Federation awards by BOB GOLDBERG Federation Communications Director People often get involved in community service because it adds significance and meaning to their lives. It provides an outlet for our need to do good. This is certainly true of both Joanie Jacobson and Gary Javitch. In recognition of their great service, the Jewish Federation is honoring them as the 2008 Phil and Terri Schrager Spirit of Federation Award winners. They will be recognized, along with Federation and Gary Javitch agency volunteers of the year, at a Volunteer Reception on Monday, Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m., in the auditorium of the Jewish Community Center. In addition, Evie Zysman will be honored with the Federation’s Humanitarian Award, and the Institute for Holocaust Education will receive the 2008 Community Service Award for “Kristallnacht: 70 Years Later.” The Phil and Terri Schrager Spirit of Federation is awarded annually to one man and one woman who have demonstrated personal commitment, dedication and leadership to the Federation and its agencies. Javitch fits that description to a “T”. He serves as the President of the Henry Monsky Lodge of B’nai B’rith, has written extensively for the Jewish Press, has been a grant writer and consultant to Chabad of Nebraska, and is very active in the American Israel Political Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
Joanie Jacobson He is the current Vice President of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, a board member of the AntiDefamation League and he and his family have recently contributed to the Natan and Hannah Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He has previously served as a board member of Jewish Family Services, the Press, the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, and is a life member of the National Council of Jewish Women. Javitch attributes his success to many people, including Hy Tabachnick who hired him to come to Omaha in 1973. Javitch had worked for Tabachnick in summer camps in Ohio and Georgia before getting the call from Hy, who had come to Omaha in 1971 to help direct the building of the new JCC. He wanted Javitch to be the first aquatics director at the new Center and the program Continued on page 4
Author, human rights activist highlights annual Goldstein lecture by KATHRYN COX SCHWARTZ Managing Editor, Journal of Religion & Film Staff Assistant, UNO Department of Philosophy and Religion Brian Steidle, a soldier turned human rights activist, will be the featured speaker for the 11th annual Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Lecture on Human Rights on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m.
Brian Steidle
This Week: Press columnist highlights Hadassah Donor: Page 5 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’
Display at SAC Museum features liberators: Page 3
Steidle is co-author of The Devil Came on Horseback: Bearing Witness to the Genocide in Darfur, which chronicles his time in Darfur. Later it was made into a documentary film by the same title. His moving speech, “Hope for Darfur”, will take place in the Thompson Alumni Center on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Omaha, 67th and Dodge. Steidle grew up living around the world as the son of a naval officer. He graduated with a B.S. from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1999 and received a commission in the U.S. Marine Corps as an infantry officer. He completed his service with the USMC at the end of 2003 as a Captain. In January 2004, he accepted a contract position with the Joint Military Commission in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan working on the North-South cease fire, now a peace treaty. Within seven months he worked his way up from a Team Leader to the Senior Operations Officer. In September 2004, Steidle was then invited to serve in Darfur as an unarmed military observer and U.S. representative to the African Union. He was one of only three Americans serving with a coalition of African countries monitoring the cease fire between the two African rebel groups and the Government of Sudan. After six months, his conscience would no longer allow him to stand by without taking further action, and he became convinced that he could be more effective by bringing the story of what he witnessed to the world. Continued on page 2
Coming Oct. 23: Jewish Camping
Composer wrote music especially for upcoming concert: Page 7
New Jewish Museum unveils top Jewish 18: Page 12
Golden Thread
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 9, 2009
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FSU immigrants make their mark
Continued from page 1 offering a mix of jazz, classical and klezmer concerts. Russian-speaking immigrants have worked to enter Immigrants have founded ballet schools, gymnasiums, Israeli society under their own terms, determined to poetry reading groups and literature clubs in the city. integrate while preserving their own culture. Store signs can be seen in Russian and Hebrew. Russian Immigrant parents and teachers, discouraged by the groceries sell dense brown bread of the variety found in level of education in the Israeli school system, have Russia, tins of caviar, Russian teas and pre-made frozen established networks of enrichment courses inside packages of dumplings. It was here that the highly sucschools and as extracurricular programs in subjects such cessful Tiv Tam company began -- known in Israel for its as physics, math and literature. At first they included sale of non-kosher items like cuts of pork and bags of mostly children of Russian-speaking immigrants, but frozen shrimp. now they are popular among other Israelis. It’s one of the elements of Russian-speaking society Russian media also have that has dismayed some reliestablished a strong presence in giously observant Israelis. Aside Israel. In the mid-1990s, from the surge in pork-related Russian-language print media products in Israel, the immigrapeaked at 130 periodicals, tion from the former Soviet including four daily newspaUnion along with the arrival of pers and dozens of weeklies. foreign laborers has brought With the arrival of a Russianthe sale of Christmas trees and language television station and Santa dolls to Jewish cities for the Internet, many of the pubthe first time. And, more signiflications have folded. But icantly, hundreds of thousands Russian-language Web sites, of immigrants not considered including sites focused on Jewish according to halachah, Israeli news and politics, are or traditional Jewish law. flourishing. That has forced Israel to grapSome 200 Russian bookple with some fundamental stores and local presses are questions about its Jewish idenpublishing about 300 Russiantity. Israel’s Law of Return language titles every year. allows only for those with at Some authors have significant least one Jewish grandparent to followings in the former Soviet immigrate, along with their Union, although they remain spouses. Many immigrants from unknown to most Israelis. the former Soviet Union want Music has been more easily Ballet dancers at a dance school set up in Israel by the government to ease its immigrants from the former Soviet Union practice in immigration criteria to allow translatable. Credit: Limor Edrey non-Jewish family members to “Israel has received us well,� the studio. said Galina Gloushkin, first violist with the Israeli come to Israel. Symphony Orchestra-Rishon LeZion. Gloushkin emiMany couples from the community cannot marry grated from Moscow in 1991 with a pair of cleaning legally in Israel because both partners are not Jewish, gloves in her suitcase, preparing for the possibility that and Israeli law bars Jews from marrying non-Jews. Some she would not find work as a musician. have turned to conversion as a solution, but for the most “Here there is no truly high-level musician that does part the requirements of conversion -- a long and rigornot work,� she adds, noting that the orchestra with ous process in which prospective converts must pledge which she performs was created by the city of Rishon to become observant, since only Orthodox conversions LeZion in large part to provide employment for immi- are recognized in Israel -- is impractical for most. grant musicians. Immigrants and their children who have grown up in Amir Bakman, a native Israeli oboe player in the Israel and encounter this problem say they are resentful orchestra whose talent was cultivated by Russian-speak- of a system that readily accepts them for military coning teachers, is grateful for the immigrants’ contribution. scription -- one in five Israeli soldiers hails from the “Classical music would exist without this aliyah, but it Russian-speaking immigrant community -- but does not has contributed so greatly by having so many top musi- consider them full Jews. cians along with the audience it provides,� he said. “It’s an issue that hurts many,� said Michael Zinigrad, “Because of them there is both supply and demand.� a chemistry professor who emigrated from Russia in Even Israeli rock music has been cross-fertilized by 1992 and is now rector of the Ariel University Center. young immigrant musicians who have brought the styles Elazar Leshem, an immigration expert affiliated with of their home countries to Israel, then exported them the Hebrew University and Ariel University Center, says back to the former Soviet Union interlaced with the one of the main reasons potential immigrants from the Oriental motifs they found in the Middle East. former Soviet Union who have not come to Israel are In the southern coastal city of Ashdod, which has the staying away is the sense that families with mixed Jewish highest percentage of Russian-speaking immigrants in parentage suffer discrimination in Israel. the country -- some 35 percent of its 75,000 residents “Israel is losing out on a huge human resource as a - immigrant groups perform a series of music festivals result,� he said.
Goldstein lecture
Special Policy Issues, and the U.S. Ambassador to the Continued from page 1 Since Stiedle’s return from Darfur, he has spoken at U.N. on War Crimes. He remains an advisor to numermore than 500 public awareness events in communities ous NGOs regarding their policies on Darfur. Stiedle currently serves as the Executive Director of and at universities across the country, including Harvard, Princeton, Stanford and UCLA. He has testi- HOPE (Helping Other People Everywhere), a nonprofit organization he fied in the U.S. Congress founded with his wife Andi and the UK Parliament, Scull Steidle. HOPE is an and continues to advise energy conscious humaniNon-Governmental Orgatarian organization focused nizations (NGOs) on involving artists and Government Agencies and their contributions in camthe Inter-national Criminal paigns, programs and Court on such subjects as events to support existing intelligence gathering, social projects that promote NGO operations, effeceducation and growth tiveness, war crimes, and around the world. Sudanese government military operations. The Shirley and Leonard The Save Darfur Goldstein Lecture is sponCoalition sponsored a spesored by the Religious cial speaking tour in Spring Brian Steidle, center, meets with members of the Sudan Studies Program at UNO. 2006 which took Stiedle Liberation Army. The public is welcome and 22,000 miles across our nation for over 50 events. He encouraged to attend. The Thompson Center is located has met with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, at 67th and Dodge on the west edge of the UNO camU.S. Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick, U.S. pus. For more information, please contact William L. Ambassador and Alternate Representative to the UN on Blizek, 554.3347.
October 9, 2009
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
Display at SAC Museum to feature liberators
Yachad starts a new year
Photos from top: Blumkin Home head chef Mike Aparo supervises Jillian Soloman, volunteer Karen Lepp, and Marilyn Zevitz; Josh and Michael Parsow make challah rolls; Rabbi Yaakov Weiss blows the shofar for Yachad members.
by MARY BORT The Heartland Holocaust Educational Fund (HHEF) has announced that there will be a new display at the Strategic Air & Space Museum featuring a plaque listing the military divisions that liberated concentration camps during World War II, as well as panels from the Nebraska Holocaust Memorial. The display will also include a list of liberators who made their homes in the states of Nebraska and Iowa.
ished in the Holocaust and in honor of all the liberators and survivors of the Nazi concentration camps. The Memorial is a component of the HHEF. “The panels we’re donating to the Strategic Air & Space Museum are the original displays that were featured on the Star of Remembrance at the Nebraska Holocaust Memorial,” explained Fried. “They are a visual reminder of a past that we vow will never happen again. We’re making these donations in gratitude to all the veterans who
Attendees at Lincoln’s 2007 YomHaShoah commemoration Cemetery. “We want to honor those who, through their heroic commitment to freedom, helped end the war in Europe, as well as remember those who perished in the Holocaust,” said Sam Fried, HHEF founder and survivor of Auschwitz. “The display at the Strategic Air and Space Museum will give visitors the opportunity to see a part of what is on display at the Nebraska Holocaust Memorial, providing a place of reflection and education.” The HHEF’s mission is to provide Holocaust and genocide education courses at institutions of higher learning across the Heartland. Currently, the HHEF finances such courses at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the University of Nebraska at Kearney, CreightonUniversity and Wayne State College. Through the support of caring donors, the HHEF will continue to finance these vital educational programs. Located at Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln, the Nebraska Holocaust Memorial serves as a place of remembrance and education. Created through the support of the HHEF and donations from thoughtful citizens, the Memorial is dedicated to the memory of those who per-
explore the Wall of Remembrance and sculpture at Wyuka
participated in liberating the Nazi death camps.” “The Strategic Air and Space Museum is pleased and honored to receive this gift,” said Brian T. York, Curator of the museum. “This plaque and these panels will help us bring to our visitors another aspect of what WWII Veterans accomplished. Sam Fried and the HHEF are doing a wonderful job making sure future generations never forget the price and value of freedom.” The HHEF is seeking the names of liberators who made their home in Nebraska and Iowa, in order to include them on the displays. For more information or to provide the names of liberators, please contact the HHEF at 402.334.6459 or mbort@holocausteducationfund. org. For more information about the museum, visit www.SAS Museum.com.
HOLIDAY CLOSING & EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed Thursday, Nov. 26 for Thanksgiving. The deadline for all ads, articles and photos is Tuesday, Nov. 24, 9 a.m., for the Dec. 4 issue. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.
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Q. Who wins? A. Everybody who learns more about the bible A. and our heritage. Q. Where and when? A. At the JCC, Tuesday, A. December 8, 2009, 7 p.m. Q. How to enter? A. Submit entry to the B’nai B’rith office A. at the JCC by November 5, 2009. Q. Can you practice before the quiz? A. Practice sessions will be scheduled and A. sample questions will be given. Q. Do you have any more questions? A. Call Steven Riekes, 333-8498 or A. Jenny Gordon, 334-6443.
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Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 9, 2009
Spirit of Federation awards
Continued from page 1 director at Esther K. Newman Camp. It was Javitch’s dream job. Javitch has come to love Omaha over the past 36 years because of the selflessness of so many people. “The grand majority of the people go out of their way to give of themselves for the betterment of the community,” he said. “I have never been so close to a community as this one and I have been embraced by the community from the time I got here.” Javitch has helped make the Monsky Lodge one of the most successful groups in the city. Under his leadership, the Lodge has continued to provide activities and funding for Jewish teenagers and college students, honored retired police officers and firefighters, and has provided needy Jewish families provisions for the holidays. As a member of its International Board of Governors, Javitch also serves in regional, national and international roles for B’nai B’rith. Through all the involvement, Javitch sees the immense good that our community does, but also the constant effort needed to get us where we want to go. “Omaha is close-knit among the active people. The challenge is and will always be bringing more people in.” His goal is to bring a positive image to the Jewish community. He is proud of the success of the B’nai B’rith banquet and Breadbreakers luncheons, noting that, “We have a reputation far and wide for what we do. We received a B’nai B’rith International Award. We have brought people together and given them a little insight into the Jewish community. I am really proud to be a part of many Jewish organizations.” Mark Javitch says of his father, “He’s everywhere. Any event, anytime, my dad is there.” The elder Javitch says, “Just being present makes a statement. Just being present is sometimes as important as leading.” He added, “I hope to be a part of this community for a long time making a contribution. And I am thrilled that my kids have picked up on the philanthropic part. I have a great family. That’s my motivation.” Javitch, a long-time Pacesetter to the Federation’s Annual Campaign, acknowledges that without philanthropy, the Jewish community is not going to survive. He remembers that back in the late 1960s his largest gift to Jewish causes was $5. “Mort Greenberg was the Federation Director at the time and he stopped me and charitably beat me up to give more and I gave $100. Sometimes people need to have their eyes opened a little bit because they can give more and that extra gift can help a lot of people,” Javitch recalled. “Fortunately, tzedakah is one of the tenets of Judaism. It seems to me to be well spent in Omaha. I don’t see the various agencies squandering the gifts of the Omaha Jewish community. I don’t see that at all.” He added, “My involvement is basically a give back to
the community. When I came here, I was alone for two and a half years and the Jewish community gave me an opportunity. I have gotten so much reward for being a participant in these activities, that it is motivational and inspirational. I wouldn’t trade a thing.” Like her fellow award winner, Joanie J., as she is fondly referred to, is a committed and dedicated community member using her creative talents towards a better Jewish community. She has served as a board member of the Jewish Press for 12 years, including three as its chairman; she co-chaired the 2002 Women’s Campaign for the Federation, and she has created numerous productions, including two Campaign Cabarets that were huge successes. Carol Katzman, editor of the Jewish Press, says “Joanie calls herself a song and dance girl, but she is so much more: insightful, articulate, curious and questioning. She’s a tremendous asset to this community, loves Israel and Jewish Omaha, and when she wants to accomplish a task, never gives up!”
Jewish Federation of Omaha Volunteer Recognition Event Monday, Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m. JCC Auditorium Honoring 2008 Volunteers of the Year, Spirit of Federation Award Winners, and Humanitarian of the Year, and presenting the Community Service Award In addition to her long service to the Federation and its agencies, Jacobson has served in various capacities for the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW)-Omaha Section, (including directing its 100th anniversary celebration), chaired Beth El’s 75th anniversary celebration, and staged “To Bubbe and Zayde with Love” for the L.O.V.E. group. She has written numerous articles for the Jewish Press and created Teen Age, a page about Omaha Jewish teens that ran for nearly a decade and won the Federation’s Community Service Award. Jacobson has a great love of being Jewish. It is a real personal and genuine love for the religion, its principles and culture. She says her involvement in community began in 1981 when her friend Bobbi Epstein asked if she would write a program for the Beth El sisterhood. That became “The Good and Bad Dreams of Sylvia Rosenthal.” “It was about a woman who didn’t have a concept of being Jewish,” says Jacobson. “It was about her conversion, if you will, to being part of her community and supporting her sisterhood.” In 1986, Nancy Greenberg, Federation Campaign Chair, came to Jacobson, and said they wanted to pro-
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duce a big show, a community variety hour. That show had 60+ in the cast and a 12-piece band. Some 900 people came to see the show at Peony Park! The next year, they did it again. In 1996, NCJW was celebrating its 100th anniversary. Jacobson produced a new show titled, “A Sentimental Journey.” There were 130 people in the cast. A few years later, when Beth El moved into its new home, Jacobson organized a celebration show called “The Best of Beth El” with a cast of 130 people and a volunteer band. One of her favorite highlights was producing “Shul Man” a take-off of the Blues Brothers “Soul Man” which featured Bob Wolfson and Larry Raful and was a huge hit (which you can still watch on YouTube by searching for “Shul Man”). Jacobson believes that we are judged by our actions, not our thoughts and not our words. “It’s the doing that matters,” she said. That’s why she has such an appreciation for the Federation and its agencies. “The Jewish Federation is the Jewish community. It is everyone. Anything you are interested in, you can do through the Federation. If you are interested in politics, there is the ADL/CRC, if you are interested in education, there is the Center for Jewish Education, if you want to help Jewish families in need, we have Jewish Family Services and if its sports, there is the JCC. It is also our connection to Israel,” she said. She has strong feelings about Israel and knows that our actions affect the success or failure of Israel. “When people in the community talk about Israelis as ‘they,’ I caution them and say it is not ‘they’ it is ‘we.’ Whether you agree or disagree with the politics, at the end of the day, there is no real separation. We are all Jews and we are the only ones who will help each other in times of need.” She has been active with the Press for many years. “The Press is the single vehicle that connects this community on a weekly basis. That’s how we know what’s happening in the Jewish community. I am wild about the Jewish Press and a big supporter of it and was very proud to be its chairman. You can read in the Press how dynamic we are, how diverse we are and how we are able to pull things off. That’s all in there.” Jacobson says Omaha is a great community because people care. “Caring is the first step. Once they care, everyone needs to find his or her own reasons for participating, but it is vitally important to convert that caring into action. Do something!” She also knows that one of the things that makes Omaha so dynamic is that “it’s small enough to get things done because you know the people, but it is big enough and endowed enough to make things happen. There are the resources here, there are the financial resources, there is creativity and ingenuity and there is commitment.”
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CENTRAL MISSOURI’S LAKE OF THE OZARKS
Chadwyck-Healey
From
October 9, 2009
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Hadassah Donor features Press columnist
by GLORIA SHUKERT JONES Hadassah Publicity Coordinator With the arrival of the fall season, the Omaha Chapter of Hadassah is hosting its annual donor lunch on Wednesday, Oct. 21, noon, at Beth Israel Synagogue. The lunch, which costs $12.50, will delight the senses with a kosher menu. Join us and be entertained by guest speaker Bert Lewis. Lewis is probably best known for her Bert Lewis witty column, “Bert’s Eye View” in the Jewish Press. She wrote her own profile in the New Year edition of the Press, relating the experience of a first-time train ride to California THAT summer of 1942. Her anecdotal column features views of her family, everyday situations, and other topics everyone can relate to, often interspersed with humor and occasional Yiddish words. Lewis reported she has been a Hadassah member for 50 years. “I’m just one of the girls,” she said, laughing. “I was a stay-at-home mom, as was the
norm when I was raising my four babyboomers, and it wasn’t until the last of them went off to college that I got really bored. My first outlet for that boredom came with volunteering at the JCC, which began in the office of the Executive Director’s Secretary, and ultimately this led to the Jewish Press,” she explained. Lewis, the daughter of the late Jake and Mary Wine, added, “My mom’s list of community connections and achievements would fill a book, so I had the perfect role model for any volunteer activity. I think I can honestly say, I’ve been connected to that familiar building on 132nd Street for more than 30 years.” The theme of Lewis’ speech, “A Chat With A Nostalgia Queen”, gives a personal “eye view” of herself, her family experiences, her writing, and what she sees as the great accomplishments women have made in the world today. Donations to the Hadassah Medical Organization in Israel are welcomed. Please make checks payable to the Omaha Chapter of Hadassah, and send to Anne Skolkin, 1010 Regency Pkwy, #302, Omaha, NE 68114. Reservations are required, and must be called in to Skolkin, at 343.1638, no later than Oct. 15, along with any questions you might have. Feel free to bring guests, indicating the number of reservations you’ll need.
Page 5
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Blumkin Home rounds ’em up by LINDA FITZGERALD Last month’s roundup at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, which coincided with Omaha’s River City Round Up, included western trivia, a horse named
Top left: Jack Katz, "Buck," with owner Cindy Gochanour; top right: Joe Boin sings and plays the harmonica in his “prairie schooner”; right: “Deputy Sheriff” Marge Lincoln and Sheriff Mike Silverman round up the outlaws; bottom: CDC four-yearolds, Lisa Cooper and Maddie McKenzie visit the “Finders Keepers” gold mine. “Buck,” Shootout at the Okie Dokie Corral, rodeo games, line dancing, chuck wagon meals, western singalong and refreshments at the High Noon Saloon. Resident, Julie Schapiro says “that it is always so much fun to watch the staff and residents do these shows.” Particpants and planners were: Janet Herman, R.N., who handled the western village sets; Joanie Bernstein, Josh Gurock, Thierry Ndjike and Grace Mukomberanwa, who chaired the skit; Full Circle Rehabilitation personnel and social worker, Cathy Carroll-Moriarty and the Home’s beautician, Pat Inserra, who taught line dancing. Others were Natalie Osborne who
posted pictures of cowboy legends; residents Tina Becker and Joe Boin, who handled the music; Lois Wine, who brought in lots of volunteers; and Maggie Conti, who took photos.
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Page 6
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Composer wrote music especially for concert at Temple Israel
Darci Gamerl, Stacie Haneline, and by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Amy Peterson-Stout, collectively known By the age of nine, composer Jonathan as the Aeon Trio, will perform at the conLeshnoff was writing music and finding cert with Temple’s Cantor Wendy inspiration in printed scores of work by Shermet. Gamerl is currently the second Beethoven and other masters. “I would oboist with the Duluth-Superior get a new score from my parents as a Symphony Orchestra and performs Hanukkah or birthday present,” Leshnoff throughout the United States, Canada, told The Baltimore Sun. “I loved seeing and Europe. She is a member of Omaha how a composition works,” said Leshnoff, Baroque, the ANALOG Arts Ensemble, who will be at Temple Israel on Sunday, and is a regular guest artist with the Oct. 18, 5 p.m., for the premiere of “A Omaha Chamber Music Society. Haneline is a professional accompanist Righteous Soul,” which he wrote especially for the “Women of Valor Concert.” who has performed with artists from the An associate professor of music at Towson University in Maryland, Leshnoff revealed a talent for making music as a child. “My parents would buy me crayons and I used them as drum sticks,” he confided. Eventually, he began violin which was his ticket to a summer program for high school students at the famed Tanglewood Music Center in the Darci Gamerl, left, Amy Peterson-Stout, and Stacie Berkshires in Massachusetts. Haneline of the Aeon Trio will perform with Cantor He would sneak into concerts Wendy Shermet at the “Women of Valor Concert” to performed by the Boston support breast cancer awareness. Symphony Orchestra which made its summer home nearby. “One day, I saw New York Philharmonic, New York City an empty seat in the fourth row. That was and Metropolitan Operas, Boston my epiphany -- hearing the Boston Orchestra, Chicago Philharmonic, San Symphony play Schumann’s Fourth close Francisco Symphony and Opera, up,” he reported to The Baltimore Sun’s Honolulu Symphony and Opera, Cleveland Orchestra, Sydney (Australia) music critic. “I don’t even like Schumann so much, Orchestra and others. Now a resident of but hearing the music go through me like Omaha, she is the executive director of the that, I realized being a composer was the Omaha Chamber Music Society and is most wonderful avocation anyone could professor of piano and collaborative pianist at Iowa Western Community College. She have.” After high school, Leshnoff attended the also performs with the Omaha Symphony Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore. He and Chamber Orchestra. Associate principal viola with the still lives there with his wife and children. Besides a degree in music and composi- Omaha Symphony, Peterson-Stout has tion from Peabody, Leshnoff earned a performed in Milwaukee with the degree in anthropology from Johns Chamber Orchestra, the Ballet Orchestra, Hopkins University. “I couldn’t do music and the Symphony. Currently, she is a all day,” he declared. He also attended member of the Peninsula Music Festival Orchestra in Wisconsin. rabbinical school for a time. A benefit to support awareness of breast Leshnoff’s music has been described by music critic Tim Smith as “boldly disso- cancer, the concert pays tribute to the nant or hauntingly lyrical, wildly animat- memory of Florence Eisenberg, who ed or intriguingly contemplative.” His began playing the piano when she was work has been played by such diverse three, attended Juilliard, and made her groups as the Smithsonian Institution’s mark on the Omaha arts scene. She died 20th Century Consort and the United in 2001. Tickets, for sale in advance (call States Marine Band as well as by numer- 556.6536) or at the door, cost $18 per ous symphony orchestras in this country person and $10 each for students. Patron tickets will also be available. and in Europe. In addition to Temple Israel and St. According to The New York Times, one of Leshnoff’s compositions, the “con- Paul Methodist Church, commissioners trastingly gentle ‘Wadi Valley Echoes,’ of “A Righteous Soul” are William was inspired by a visit to Israel and the Nerenberg, Florence Eisenberg’s brother decision to listen intently to the sounds of and Leshnoff’s manager; and Florence’s the desert, including bird calls echoing husband, George Eisenberg. from rock walls as well as falling pebbles Dr. Ken Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., director and the water in a spring.” Leshnoff of the University of Nebraska Medical “used melodic cells and sudden interrup- Center’s Eppley Cancer Center, has been tions to convey the mysterious, constantly invited to speak at the concert which will changing and sometimes unsettling aura be followed by a reception sponsored by of the experience.” the Women of Reform Judaism
IN THE NEWS Alison Kutler has been asked by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke to join the Obama Administration as the Director of the Advocacy Center in the International Trade Administration. She will be responsible for coordinating U.S. Government resources and authority on behalf of U.S. business interests as they compete against foreign firms for international contracts or other export opportunities. Kutler has been a partner in the Public Law & Policy Strategies Group of Sonnenschein Nath and Rosenthal LLP, as a resident in both the Chicago and
Washington D.C. offices. Most recently, she represented the Firm as part of the senior management team of the Chicago 2016 Olympic Committee, supporting the ongoing efforts by the City of Chicago to secure the city’s selection. Her return to government service follows prior tours working on Capitol Hill and then at the White House and the U.S. Department of Commerce during the Clinton Administration. She is the daughter of Sandy and Stuart Kutler, and the granddaughter of Harriet Singer, the late Lazier Singer and the late Marian and Phil Kutler.
October 9, 2009
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
Programs Begin This Month
Fun-filled activities and ruach draw children and teens to Beth El’s youth groups
by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator When it comes to lively, fun-filled youth groups, Beth El fills the ticket: with its offerings of BESTT Chaverim, Kadima and BILU-USY, there’s a place for every young person to join in. BILU-USY, the synagogue’s group for high school students, offers teens a great way to connect with others socially and provides avenues to become involved in the synagogue; in addition, it helps the teens become engaged in volunteer opportunities throughout the community. USY members also participate in organizing and running Beth El’s always-popular Purim carnival. Each Sukkot, they also help decorate the sukkah in the front of the synagogue, and throughout the year volunteer in a variety of capacities during Beth El’s programs and special events. This year’s USY board, elected last May, includes: Yonatan Dotan, president; Ezra Potash, Israeli Affairs vice president; Adeev Potash, Religious/Education vice president; Noam Margalit, Social Action/Tikun Olam
Temple Israel Holy Day collection helps Food Bank serve more in need
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Close to 4,000 pounds of food were donated to the Food Bank on Yom Kippur by those attending worship services at Temple Israel. The annual collection, given so that others can feast on a traditional day of fasting for Jews, “really helps us out a lot,” emphasized Brian Barks, director of development and public relations at The Food Bank in Omaha. “We’re absolutely thrilled,” he added.
vice president; Ari Brodkey, Membership/Kadima vice president; Brad Kutler, Communications vice president; and Ryan Kirshenbaum, historian. Kadima, Beth El’s youth group for middle school students, offers an exciting variety of social, cultural and religious programming, plus the annual Kadima Shabbaton and the Emtza Region Kadima Kinnus convention. Kadimaniks recently held its annual board elections at Beth El; new officers and board members include Alyssa Cohen, president; Julia Edelstein, vice president; Elissa Wiener, secretary; Ethan Potash, Membership/BESTT Chaverim; John Gallagher, Purim Carnival chairman; Jessica Shandell, 7th grade representative; Eva Phillips, 8th grade representative. On Sunday, Oct. 18, 4-7 p.m., members of USY and Kadima will join together for an afternoon of apple picking, pumpkin picking, hayrack rides and a haunted house. Participants will meet at Beth El and take a bus to and from the orchard. RSVPs are needed by Oct. 15 and may be made by contacting Youth Director Jason Rich at 492.8550, or at youth dir@bethel-omaha.org. Rich noted that all of the apples picked will be put to
ORGANIZATIONS NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN NCJW-Omaha Section will sponsor a Health Care Policy Forum on Monday Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m. at the JCC. Featured speakers will be: Toby L. Schonfeld, Ph.D., Director, Center for Humanities, Ethics and Society, Associate Professor and Vice-Chair Health Promotion, Social and Behavioral Health, at the College of Public Health/University of Nebraska Medical Center; and Amy M. Haddad, Ph.D., Director, Center for Health Policy and Ethics at Creighton University. VISIONS Visions luncheon meeting is Friday, Oct. 16, 12:30 p.m., at Caniglia’s Venice Inn. Celebrate Visions’ 17th birthday. Send reservations to Tootie Simon, 8725 Izard St., Omaha, NE 68114 by Oct. 9. Call Harry Alloy for information at 697-8709. For transportation to the JCC, call Florence Hauss at 571.4583. Make check payable to Visions.
Jordan Jensen, left, Cleo Rogers, and Sophia Miller were among the Temple youth group members loading the Food Bank truck with thousands of pounds of donated can goods on Yom Kippur. A recent survey of the 77 counties in Nebraska and 16 counties in Iowa that The Food Bank in Omaha serves indicated that the need for food is up 30 percent, Barks said. Donations are up, too, by 10 percent. “A lot of people are coming to us for the first time,” he noted. “We’re grateful for the wonderful support from religious organizations and others.”
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good use, as the teens will join together on Thursday, Oct. 29, 6-8 p.m., to make apple pies to donate to the Siena-Francis House. Finally, BESTT Chaverim, the synagogue’s youth group for 4th to 6th graders, has offered fun-filled social get-togethers for its members, from ice skating, bowling and swimming, to special trips to the Henry Doorly Zoo and the Lincoln Children’s Museum. The group’s newly-elected board for 2009-’10 consists of Tomer Palmon, president; Benjamin Snyder, vice president; Grant Jabenis, treasurer; Eliana Schuller and Josie Slovut, secretaries; Aliyah Jabenis, sergeant-at-arms. Chaverim will meet again on Sunday, Oct. 18, noon to 2:30 p.m., with a post-Sunday school lunch at the synagogue and an outing at SkateDaze. Cost is $10. RSVPs are needed by Thursday, Oct. 15; also, drivers are needed to help carpool. Attendees at Chaverim events do not have to be Beth El members: all Jewish fourthsixth graders are welcome. To register for this program or for more information about Beth El’s youth programming, contact Jason Rich in the synagogue office.
JEWISH SOCIAL SERVICES CARFIT is Friday, Oct. 9, 1-3 p.m. at the JCC parking lot. Call Sherri in Occupational Therapy at 334.6535 for a 20 minute session. B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Jeff Koterba, award winning editorial cartoonist for the Omaha World Herald, will talk about his career and politics on Wednesday, Oct. 14, noon at Regency Lodge. All men and women in the community are invited. The program is free. An optional buffet lunch is $13; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to
LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish brings us closer to our roots! Come join us every Thursday, 1-3 p.m., at the JCC. For information, call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Like his father, John Kenneth Galbraith, James Galbraith is a renowned economist known for outspoken opinions. He’ll be speaking on “The Predator State: How Conservatives Abandoned the Free Market and Why Liberals Should Too” at the Holland Performing Ars Center on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m. Free tickets for this reserved seating event are only available by calling Ticket Omaha at 402.345.0606 or by visiting the Ticket Omaha box office at 13th & Douglas. A reception with Dr. Galbraith will follow the lecture. The Holland Lecture Series, hosted by the First Unitarian Church of Omaha with the support of Dick Holland, brings world-class speakers to Omaha in an attempt to generate community discussion of universally important ideas and concerns.For more on the Holland Lecture Series: www.firstuuomaha.org.
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Page 8
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 9, 2009
The U.N. or United Nuthouse Watching the “debates” in the United Nations last month was another deja vu moment. Was this 1975 when Resolution 3379 was passed in the General Assembly, stating that “Zionism is Racism” or was it 1991, when the infamous resolution was revoked by the same august body of world leaders? In one speech, we heard President Obama pledge his commitment to stand with the oppressed. Of course, that was followed by Iran’s Mahmoud Ahmadinijad’s continuing denial of the Holocaust and his calls for Israel’s destruction and Muamaar Gaddafi’s 90-minute wandering diatribe against all forms of democratic principles. Unfortunately, the President also suggested Israel to return to 1967 borders. So, borrowing an oft-used phrase from Mr. Obama himself, “let’s be clear” -- the so-called “borders” of 1967 are, in fact, cease fire lines. Territory captured by the sovereign State of Israel in the Six-Day War initiated by Jordan, Syria, Egypt and (did you know?) Iraq was offered back to the first three in the weeks following the conflict. The well known answer was the “three no’s”: No recognition (of Israel), no negotiations, and no peace.” Those 1967 borders are indefensible. Obama knows that, but the Israelis, especially those who live near Gaza, know it better. Returning to those borders would put hundreds of thousands of Israelis in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Beer Sheva at risk. And for those who just raise their eyebrows and say, “Oh well,” keep in mind that just one Iranian missile smuggled into the West Bank could hit any large population center in southern Europe: Naples and Rome, Italy, or Athens, Greece, or Barcelona in Spain. But wait -- that could already happen now,
couldn’t it? After all, the Israel Defense Force evacuated all Israelis from Gaza more than three years ago. Couldn’t Hamas (an Iranian terrorist front) launch missiles at Israel? Oh right -- they already do. In fact, during the three-plus years since Gaza became judenrein (the German word used for ridding European centers of Jews), Hamas has launched nearly 10,000 missiles and rockets at sovereign Israeli territory -- not just Sderot, but Ashkelon and Ashdod to the north and close to Beer Sheva in the south. It’s unfortunate that Obama missed an opportunity at the U.N. to remind dictatorial leaders that Cpl. Gilad Shalit was abducted by Hamas 38 months ago and has been held incommunicado since then. The Red Cross, to its credit, has attempted to see him. But Hamas has not allowed any visits and Shalit’s only mail came in the first few months after his capture, when already he was fearful for his life and his sanity. Speaking of sanity, it’s unlikely that anything will come out of either the non-proliferation resolution passed while Obama presided over the U.N. Security Council. It’s wishful thinking to assume that North Korea and Iran are going to pay any attention to demands that they cease developing nuclear weapons. And though Obama insisted that “rogue states must be held accountable,” we hear that Hugo Chavez wants them for Venezuela and King Abdullah for Saudi Arabia! Not a good sign that nuclear disarmament is on its way. And, while Obama was making his first speech to the U.N. General
Assembly, the Palestinian Authority’s Prime Minister Salaam Fayyad announced at a press conference that the PA had no intention of recognizing a Jewish state and the issue of “right of return” of refugees (millions who never lived in the region) was still on their agenda. So onwards and upwards at the U.N. with the clown of Libya in the chairman’s seat of the African Union. Libya chaired the Human Rights Council in 2003; Sudan has joined its ranks and Obama announced that the United States will as well. And America wants to rub shoulders with these petty dictators? For what purpose? And to what end?
BEHIND THE H EADLINES by SHOSHANA BRYEN
So, Iran’s “secret” second uranium enrichment plant isn’t secret any more and the United States, Britain and France “demand” that Iran allow IAEA inspectors to visit. President Obama said, “It is time for Iran to act immediately to restore the confidence of the international community by fulfilling its international obligations.” He, Prime Minister Brown and President Sarkozy threatened “further and more stringent sanctions.” Really. On the assumption that each revelation of additional Iranian nuclear-related capability hides another secret; and on the assumption that the “confidence of the international community” cannot be restored; and on the assumption that Iran is already taking care of its future refined petroleum needs in cooperation with Venezuela, Russia and China; and in the sure knowledge that future sanctions will fall far more heavily on the people of Iran than on its corrupt and venal government; and finally in the sure knowledge that military action has at least as many drawbacks as benefits, we have a better idea. The democracies should stand shoulder-toshoulder with the hundreds of thousands of Iranians who took to the streets of the cities of Iran the last weekend of September to denounce their government and its support of Hezbollah and Hamas, to denounce the Russians, the Venezuelans and the Chinese, to denounce religion as promulgated by the State, and to demand freedom in their own country.
American media ... failed miserably in its obligation to bring us the news we need to make the decisions we have to make. British and French media did better, and bloggers did best of all. Go to Pajamasmedia and read Michael Ledeen, who has been following the e-mails, cell phone pictures and tweets of the Iranians, along with his own sources in Iran. Ledeen, a member of the JINSA Board of Advisors, has been the best of the American analysts on what drives the “Second Iranian Revolution” and what its success could mean for the security of the world. In June, President Obama meanly called the corrupt Iranian election an “internal Iranian matter” before tepidly supporting the right of demonstrators to demonstrate, even as he continued to hold out the possibility of respectful negotiations with their jailors. There are no “internal” Iranian matters when the regime that has supported terrorism around the world is pursuing nuclear weapons
Jewish Press Board Andy Ruback, Vice President; Michael Sigmond, Secretary; Michael Siegel, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Immediate Past-chairman; Daphne Pollak Alperson, Marc Brodkey; Eric Dunning; Jason Epstein; Andie Gordman; Michael Kaufman; Bette Kozlen; Jamie Meyerson; Jim Simon; Dorothy Spizman. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service/Jewish Senior Services, and the Jewish Press . Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org.
Iran’s new secret and “Long Live the Revolution” You didn’t know? You wouldn’t have known by following the American media, which failed miserably in its obligation to bring us the news we need to make the decisions we have to make. British and French media did better, and bloggers did best of all. Go to YouTube. Watch the Iranians appropriating government signs denouncing Israel and the United States and writing across them to denounce Russia and Venezuela. Watch thousands of demonstrators carrying signs in English saying, “Russia, shame of (sic) you.” Watch them surround the hated Basiji police and watch the police back off.
(Founded in 1920) Bobbi Leibowitz President Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper
and the missiles to carry them-whether to Israel, to Europe or to the United States and has threatened to wipe countries off the map. The past 30 years have been a race between the bomb and the overthrow of the mullahs. We are coming to the denouement. The democracies--with the United States in the lead--must stand with the Second Iranian Revolution for the sake of Iran and for our collective future. Shoshana Bryen is National Security Director for JINSA, The Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs, in Washington, D.C. Read more at www.jinsa.org.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and Footnote.com announced the release of the internet’s largest Interactive Holocaust Collection. For the first time ever, over one million Holocaust-related records -- including millions of names and 26,000 photos from the National Archiveswill be available online. The collection can be viewed at: www.footnote.com/holocaust. Access to the collection will be available free on Footnote.com through the month of October. We cannot afford to forget this period in our history. Working with Footnote, these records will become more widely accessible, and will help people now and in the future learn more about the events and impact of the Holocaust. Dr. Michael Kurtz, Assistant Archivist of the United States
Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but it should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, call the Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $35 per calendar year U.S.; $72 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
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October 9, 2009
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 9
FSU renaissance still needs support
FOCUS ON IbySSUES SANDY CARDIN
TULSA, Okla. (JTA) -- For millennia, the month of Elul has been a time for contemplation for many Jews. The waning of the prior year and the promise of a new beginning offer the perfect opportunity to take stock of where we have traveled and the road that lies ahead. It was against this background of our tradition that I recently traveled to Kiev, and, on my way home, found myself reflecting on the miraculous revival of Jewish life in the former Soviet Union, a transformation I have had the privilege of witnessing first hand during the past two decades. Fifteen years ago, the Jews of the former Soviet Union were just awakening from 70 years of oppression. The Communist regime prohibited the practice of Judaism, and those synagogues that were neither destroyed nor allowed to fall into ruin were put to use by the state for non-religious purposes. Other than the JDC and Chabad, very few Jewish groups had any meaningful representation and programs in the region, and the mix of apprehension and ignorance among the local Jewish population made working there a very difficult task. Despite these obstacles, Charles (z”l) and Lynn Schusterman considered the lifting of the Iron Curtain a window of opportunity that they simply could not
afford to miss. They also felt there could be significant lessons to be learned about assimilation and the power of the Jewish experience from a people returning to Judaism from a deep, dark, government-imposed slum-
In short, it is no longer a stretch to talk in terms of Jewish communal life in places such as Kiev and Kharkov, Tashkent and Tblisi, Moscow and Minsk. Thanks to the efforts of many, a strong Jewish infrastructure now exists to support the Jews of these communities, especially those who still live on meager pensions and ber. require our ongoing assistance. And so, in 1994, our foundation joined Of course, our community-building with Hillel and the American Jewish Joint work in the FSU is far from over. Even in Distribution Committee to open Hillel these difficult economic times, we must programs in Moscow, St. Petersburg and continue to make long-term investments Kiev. Our goals were to begin to plant the in the region in addition to meeting indiseeds of a vibrant Jewish community in vidual needs of the elderly and infirm or the former Soviet Union and then, if we risk watching our hard-earned gains of were successful, to discover what it is the past 20 years slip away. We cannot about Judaism that kept a yearning alive afford to take an ‘either-or” approach; an for so many. We hoped that answer would “and-both” is our only alternative, and ultimately hold the key to Jewish renewal we must find ways to muster the resolve in the United and the ... our community-building work in the FSU is resources to States and elsewhere. far from over. Even in these difficult economic make that Today, what times, we must continue to make long-term happen. we and others investments ... And what of sowed in the the lessons we ’80s and ’90s have grown into fruit-bear- hoped to learn? ing trees from which the local and global We confirmed our sense that using Jewish community will benefit for years Hillel to reach out, educate and empower to come. young Jews would be an effective way to In addition to the 26 Hillels in the identify, recruit, train and engage a new region, there are synagogues, Jewish generation of Jewish communal leadercommunity centers, chesedim (social ship, both lay and professional. service/welfare centers), kindergartens, Throughout the FSU, as well as in day schools, camps, youth programs, aca- organizations in the United States and demic groups, womens’ groups and Israel that serve Russian-speaking populaTaglit/Birthright Israel. Even local tions, there are Jews like Dasha Privalko, Jewish funders, including the Genesis who was a teenager when I met her on Philanthropic Group, are supporting a my first trip to Kiev and today, as an variety of other projects in the region, adult, is a senior member of the Hillel including Hillel. Ukraine team.
We were introduced to the power of service. Years before it was as fashionable as it is today, dozens of young Jews from inside and outside the FSU traveled throughout the region each spring to help lead Passover sederim. Jews who thought no one knew or cared about them shared an educational and emotional Jewish experience with young people who, in turn, received at least as much in return as those to whom they brought great joy. We also were exposed to the value of providing young Jews from one region with opportunities to work alongside their peers from other communities and countries. This is a lesson that Taglit now employs so effectively to help strengthen Jewish identity. Finally, the vitally important concept of “meeting people where they are” emerged from the earliest days of the FSU Hillel program and now has become the generally accepted approach to outreach in America. It took almost no time at all for us to realize that for Judaism to flourish anew in the FSU, especially among those young Jews for whom the post-Soviet lifestyle is all they have ever experienced, Jewish life in the region must be one of their own making. It is at a time like this, one of reflection and rebirth, that we can draw inspiration from the revival of Jewish life in the former Soviet Union. It is a story that embodies the enduring values of our heritage, the remarkable resilience of our people and the unlimited potential of our future. Sandy Cardin is president of the Schusterman Family Foundation.
Netanyahu’s quiet success
BEHIND THE H EADLINES by DANIEL PIPES
Almost unnoticed, Binyamin Netanyahu won a major victory last week when Barack Obama backed down on a signature policy initiative. This about-face suggests that U.S.-Israel relations are no longer headed for the disaster I have been fearing. Four months ago, the new U.S. administration unveiled a policy that suddenly placed great emphasis on stopping the growth in Israeli “settlements.” (A term I dislike but use here for brevity’s sake.) Surprisingly, American officials wanted to stop not just residential building for Israelis in the West Bank but also in eastern Jerusalem, a territory legally part of Israel for nearly 30 years. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton launched the initiative on May 27, announcing that the president of the United States “wants to see a stop to settlements -- not some settlements, not outposts, not natural growth exceptions,” adding for good measure, “And we intend to press that point.” On June 4, Obama weighed in: “The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements. … It is time for these settlements to stop.” A day later, he reiterated that “settlements are an impediment to peace.” On June 17, Clinton repeated: “We want to see a stop to the settlements.” And so on, in a relentless beat. Focusing on settlements had the inadvertent but predictable effect of instantly impeding diplomatic progress. A delighted Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority responded to U.S. demands on Israel by sitting back and declaring that “The Americans are the leaders of the world. … I will wait for Israel to freeze settlements.” Never mind that Abbas personally had negotiated with six Israeli prime ministers since 1992, each time without an offer to stop building settlements: why should he now demand less than Obama? In Israel, Obama’s diktat prompted a massive popular swing away from him and toward Netanyahu. Further, Netanyahu’s offer of even temporary limitations on settlement growth in the West Bank prompted a rebellion
within his Likud Party, led by the up-and-coming Danny Danon. The geniuses of the Obama administration eventually discerned that this double hardening of positions was dooming their naïve, hubristic plan to settle the ArabIsraeli conflict within two years. The One’s reconciliation with reality became public on Sept. 22 at a “summit” he sponsored with Abbas and Netanyahu (really, a glorified photo opportunity). Obama threw in the towel there, boasting that “we have made progress” toward settlement of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict and offering as one indication that Israelis “have discussed important steps to restrain settlement activity.” Those eight words of muted praise for Netanyahu’s minimal concessions have major implications:
I have repeatedly expressed deep worries about Obama’s policy versus Israel, so when good news does occur (and this is the second time of late), it deserves recognition and celebration. Settlements no longer dominate U.S.-Israel relations but have reverted back to their usual irritating but secondary role. Abbas, who keeps insisting on a settlement freeze as though nothing has changed, suddenly finds himself the odd man out in the triangle. The center-left faction of the Obama administration (which argues for working with Jerusalem), as my colleague Steven J. Rosen notes, has defeated the far-left faction (which wants to squeeze the Jewish state). Ironically, Obama supporters have generally recognized his failure while critics have tended to miss it. A Washington Post editorial referred to the Obama administration’s “miscalculations” and Jonathan Freedland, a Guardian columnist, noted that “Obama’s friends worry that he has lost face in a region where face matters.” In contrast, Obama critics focused on his announcing, just one day after the mock summit, that “America does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements” -- a formulaic reiteration of long-established policy that in no way undoes the concession on settlements. Some of those I admire most missed the good news:
John Bolton, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, stated that Obama “put Israel on the chopping block,” while critics within the Likud Party accused Netanyahu of having “prematurely celebrated” an American policy shift. Not so. Policy winds can always change, but last month’s capitulation to reality has the hallmarks of a lasting course correction. I have repeatedly expressed deep worries about Obama’s policy versus Israel, so when good news does occur (and this is the second time of late), it deserves recognition and celebration. Hats off to Bibi -- may he have further successes in nudging U.S. policy onto the right track. Next on the agenda: the Middle East’s central issue, namely, Iran’s nuclear buildup. Pipes is director of the Middle East Forum and Taube distinguished visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution of Stanford University. © 2009 by Daniel Pipes. All rights reserved. Read more at: www.DanielPipes.org.
Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation 1. Publication Title: Jewish Press. 2. Publication No. 275-620. 3. Filing Date: 9-29-09. 4. Issue Frequency: Weekly, since 1920. 5. No. of Issues Published Annually: 50. 6. Annual Subscription Rate: $35 US, $72 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--25-09. 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months--a. Total No. Copies (Net Press Run): 3600. b. Paid and/or requested Circulation: (1) Paid/Requested Outside-County Mail Subscriptions (Include Advertiser’s Proof and exchange copies) 972. (2) Paid In-County Subscriptions (Include advertiser’s proof and exchange copies) 2079. (3) Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales and Other Non-USPS Paid Distribution--150 (4) Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS--10. c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3) and (4)--3211. d. Free Distribution by Mail: (Samples, Complimentary and Other Free). (1) Outside-County as Stated on Form--3541-0. (2) In-County as Stated on Form 3541-0. (3) Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS--17 e. Free Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or Other Means)--100. f. Total Free Distribution (Sum of 15 d and 15e)--117. g. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15f)--3328. h. Copies Not Distributed--272. i. Total: (Sum of 15g and h)--3600 j. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by 15g times 100)--96.48%. No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date--a. Total No. Copies (Net Press Run): 3600. b. Paid and/or requested Circulation: (1) Paid/Requested Outside-County Mail Subscriptions (Include Advertiser’s Proof and exchange copies) - 955. (2) Paid In-County Subscriptions (Include advertiser’s proof and exchange copies)-2049. (3) Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales and Other Non-USPS Paid Distribution--150. (4) Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS--9 c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3) and (4)--3163. d. Free Distribution by Mail: (Samples, Complimentary and Other Free). (1) Outside-County as Stated on Form 3541-0. (2) In-County as Stated on Form 3541-0. (3) Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS--4 e. Free Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or Other Means)--120. f. Total Free Distribution (Sum of 15 d and 15e)--124. g. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15f)--3287. h. Copies Not Distributed--313 i. Total: (Sum of 15g and h)--3600. j. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by 15g times 100)--96.22% 16. Statement of Ownership will be printed in the Oct. 9, 2009, issue of this publication. 17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager or Owner. Carol Katzman, Editor, 9-29-2009. 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).
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 9, 2009
Candlelighting Friday, October 9, 6:34 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, no earlier than 7:32 p.m.
Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 www.OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 323 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
The Neighborhood Prayer Group 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org
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B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.
bers: $45, non-members. Contact Margie in the office to register. for all classes.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg. FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Beth El; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:40 p.m. Sitter Service is available during Friday night and Saturday morning services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SUKKOT: Friday, Hoshana Rabbah Shaharit, 6:15 a.m. SIMCHAT TORAH: On Saturday, Oct. 10, Minha/ Ma’ariv and Hakafot at 6:40 p.m.; afterward, stay for an ice cream social. No charge to attend. On Sunday, Oct. 11, services will begin at 9:30 a.m.; congregants Jacob Rosenberg and Cary Grossman will be honored. JUNIOR CONGREGATION FAMILY SHABBAT: Saturday, Oct. 10, 11 a.m. Parents of students in grades 3-7 will participate with their children in an interactive learning service. Younger siblings are also welcome. Students in grades 3-7 should arrive at 10 a.m. for tutoring. BESTT: Classes on Sunday will participate in Simchat Torah festivities in the sanctuary. Kindergarteners will be honored as they begin their Jewish education journey. MEET YOURSELF IN THE TORAH: New weekly adult-ed class, starting Sunday, Oct.18, 10 a.m., with Susi-Frydman Levin. Cost is $36 for members, $45 for non-members. Open to all adults in the Jewish community. JEWISH IMAGES ON THE BIG SCREEN: New weekly adult-ed class, led by Susi Frydman-Levin, starting Sunday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m. Cost is $36 for members, $45 for non-members. BEGINNING HEBREW: Teacher Eadie Tsabari will take students from their alefs and bets through basic prayers in this weekly class, beginning Oct. 18, 10 a.m. This class is a prerequisite for those planning to attend to attend Beth El’s Adult Bar and Bat Mitzvah class. Cost is $36, mem-
Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi. FRIDAY: Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:34 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Yizkor, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush in the sukkkah is sponsored by Sisterhood; Mincha, 6:30 p.m.; Ma’ariv and Hakafot for Simchat Torah, 7 p.m., followed by a dairy dinner. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; by Kiddush is sponsored Sisterhood; Mincha, 6:30 p.m.; Havdalah, 7:31 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha, 5:45 p.m. MONDAY: Mincha & Mishna, 5:15 p.m., Mishna study with the rabbis along with Mincha. TUESDAY: Scholar’s Club for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home; Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Board of Commissioner’s Meeting, 6:30 p.m.; Rabbi’s Weiss’s weekly class, 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Rabbi’s Gross’s weekly class, 7:30 p.m.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.; Hakafot, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Service, 9 a.m.; Yizkor, 11 a.m.; Kiddush lunch follows. SUNDAY: Service, 9 a.m.; Super Sunday Special, 11 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. TUESDAY: W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets, and Prayer, 9:15 a.m. THURSDAY: The Parsha Club for Level I beginners, ages 5-6; and Level II intermediates and experts, ages 7-9, 3:50 p.m. Please contact Shevi@ochabad.com with questions or to receive a guest pass. All events and programs are open to the entire community.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg following. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel; Joint Simchat Torah Service, 7 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. THURSDAY: Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS, Oct. 11, 18 and 25, 7 p.m. Taste of Judaism, led by Rabbi Emanuel. For more information or to sign up for the class, please call the office. A $5 dollar donation per session is requested for non-members. TUESDAY, Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m. Jewish Ethics, led by Rabbi Emanuel and Nancy Coren.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by LOVE members. SATURDAY: Shemini Atzeret Services with Yizkor, 9 a.m. led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet. SUNDAY: Simchat Torah Services, 9 a.m. led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY, Erev Simchat Torah: Torah Services/Consecration, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: No Sparks Beneath the Surface; Simchat Torah Shabbat Service with Yizkor, 10:30 a.m. SITTER SERVICE: Available Wednesday evenings during Family School hours, Friday evenings service except when
there is a Tot Shabbat, Saturday mornings when there is a B’nai mitzvah, and Sunday mornings during Religious School. Advance reservations and a $5 donation appreciated. Young children, including infants, are welcome. SUNDAY: Religious School (K6), 10 a.m.; WRJ Board Meeting, 10 a.m.; Worship Meeting, noon. WEDNESDAY: No Religious School; No Family School; No Grades 7-12. THURSDAY: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, 10 a.m. A Shabbat Alternative, Saturdays, Oct. 17-Nov. 21, 910:15 a.m. Join Brent Bloom, Suzy Rubin, Judy Vann and others as they lead a physical and meditational Shabbat journey. Six week session: $30 for members, $50 for non-members. Women of Valor: A Benefit Concert to Support Breast Cancer Awareness, in memory of Florence Eisenberg Sunday, Oct. 18, 5 p.m. (See full story on page 6.)
NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER GROUP No services until after Simchat Torah. Services resume Oct. 16.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. MONDAY and THURSDAY: Minyan, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Erev Shemini Atzeret Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Shemini Atzereth Morning service with Yizkor, 9 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch and Talmud study; Erev Simchat Torah/Hakafot, 7 p.m. SUNDAY: Simchat Torah/ Hakafot Services, 9:30 a.m.; No LJCS Classes. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066; Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.
HOLIDAY CLOSING & EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed Thursday, Nov. 26 for Thanksgiving. The deadline for all ads, articles and photos is Tuesday, Nov. 24, 9 a.m., for the Dec. 4 issue. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.
PERSONAL I am so grateful to my family, and all “my children” and friends for helping me celebrate my 95th birthday by sending me birthday cards, flowers, gifts, donations and telephone calls. Thank you. I love you all. Lily Kay
B’NAI MITZVAH Ethan Lawrence Potash, son of Julie Potash, will become a Bar Mitzvah on S a t u r d a y, Oct. 17, at Beth El. Ethan is a seventhgrade student at Beveridge M i d d l e School and a recent graduate of
Friedel Jewish Academy. His interests include sports, animals, and learning more about Judaism and education. Ethan is participating in the B’nai Tzedek Teen Philanthropy program. Grandparents are Ruth and Merle Potash. Katelin Zetzman, daughter of Amee and Ted Zetzman, will
become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Temple Israel. Katelin is a eighth-grade Honor Roll student at Westside Middle School and a participant of the Duke Talent Identification
Program. Her interests include volleyball, water skiing, and snow skiing. For her mitzvah project, Katelin is involved in various projects with Take Flight Farms. She has a sister, Rachel. Grandparents are Andi and Larry Kavich, and Diane Richards and John Zetzman. Great-grandmother is Marian Bookey.
Pulverente MONUMENT CO.
October 9, 2009
DEATHS LORAINNE SUSMAN Former Omahan Lorainne Abramson Susman died in St. Louis on Sept. 30. Services were held Oct. 2. She was preceded in death by her sister, Myra Goldman. She is survived by her husband, Bernard Susman; daughter and son-in-law, Susan Susman Gitt and David Gitt; sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Shelby Susman and James and Abbey Susman; grandchildren: Jody Gitt Franey, Daniel Gitt, Jane Susman, Stephanie Susman, Kenneth Susman, Scott Susman; two greatgrandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Alvin and Doris Abramson; and brother-in-law, Richard Goldman. Memorials to Beth El Synagogue. PAULINE GUSS Pauline Guss died Oct. 2 at the age of 90. Services were held Oct. 5 at Mount Sinai Cemetery. She worked as a copywriter for an advertising agency and graduated with honors from the University of Omaha. She volunteered to fundraise for a number of charitable organizations, and served as president of the PTA and of Beth El Women’s League, and twice as president of Hadassah She was preceded in death by her husband Joe, who died on Sept. 17, 2008, just shy of his 90th birthday. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law , Dr. Stephen and Toni Guss of Morristown, NJ and Dr. Robert and Bonnie Guss of Rancho Mirage, CA; daughter Barbara Guss Kemp, Esq. and husband Giles Kemp, of Scarsdale, NY; and grandchildren, Julie Guss Schneider and Matt Schneider of Morristown, NJ, Jennifer Guss of Houston, TX, Rebecca Kemp and Richard Pogir of Johannesburg, South Africa, Marine 2nd Lieutenant David Guss Kemp of Scarsdale, NY, Carly, Zachary and Jason Guss of Rancho Mirage, CA; and four great-grandchildren. Memorials to Hadassah or Mount Sinai Cemetery.
Enough already!
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials
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1439 So. 13th 341-2452
Frank L. Ciciulla, Jr.
Donate your car! Shemini Azeret/Simhat Torah There is an old legend, explaining how after all the Holy Days that we needed still another -- Shemini Azeret -- that the Holy One, Blessed be He, said to Israel, “All of the holidays were meant for all the people of the world, so that whether they celebrated them or not, would let them recognize the New Year and a time of atonement. But now, Shemini Azeret and Simhat Torah are for you and Me alone.” It is like a children’s party where everyone enjoys the singing and the ice cream and cake. It’s time to go; the kids begin to leave, but the boy whose home it is, reaches out and grabs his best friend and says,”Let them all go and we will have something special just for you and me, just for ourselves.” Thus, Shemini Azeret is meant to be a final Holy Day, and it is still solemn. But still another day is tacked on, where everything goes. It is Simhat Torah, the special joy of those who love Torah. I remember seeing one pious elder on Simhat Torah, ordinarily serious and serene. He was carrying a bouquet of celery and carrots, strewing bits of both here and there as he strolled through the synagogue. Apparently, God has a broad sense of humor. He recognized that Israel had had enough of Holy Days -- to worship, to atone for sins and to attack the serious problem of life. Now it is time to let go: Simhat Torah! And yet: let go, only up to a point ... let go and have fun, but it must still be with Torah in mind and Torah in control. Simha, joy, fun, but all of these with Torah. Jews may say, “We have had enough of Holy Days. Now lift all restrictions!” Yes, no restriction! But with all the fun and hilarity, there is, nonetheless, the need to have a final fence of protection -- the Torah itself. Hag Samayakh!
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Teachers, parents and students to come together during special Beth El Dinner
them a break from preparing dinner.” by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Dinner will be served immediately after Talmud Torah In the spirit of camaraderie and school spirit, Beth El is dismissed. There is no charge to attend, and Rubin expressed appreciation to Synagogue Talmud Torah Beth El’s Sisterhood for (BESTT) and the synahelping to underwrite the gogue’s High School of event. Although there is no Jewish Studies will host a charge, reservations are special joint dinner for all needed, and may be made by parents, students and teachcontacting Rubin at ers, on Wednesday, Oct. 14, eddir@bethel-omaha.org, 6-7 p.m. or the BESTT office at “Now that all of our stu498.0904. dents in Talmud Torah Please specify how many attend on the same days, we adults and how many chilwanted to create opportunidren (under the age of 12) ties for community building with our entire student Beth El students gathered in August for a back-to-school will be attending. body,” said Education bash; another fun-filled dinner will be held for all BESTT “We invite all of our families to break bread with us Director Judy Rubin. “A families and faculty on Oct. 14. joint dinner affords parents a chance to meet their chil- on the 14th,” she said. “Parents can wind down after dren’s teachers in a relaxed atmosphere; it also gives their busy day, and we’ll take care of the cooking!”
Statewide Classified ADVERTISE STATEWIDE for $210/25 word classified ad. Over 175 newspapers with circulation of more than 400,000. Contact the Jewish Press at 334-6448 or call 1-800369-2850. ADOPTION IS love; happily married couple promises infant arms full of hugs, love, security and absolute devotion. Expenses paid. Patty & Louis, 1-888-877-0683. ADOPTION: LOVING parents and their 9 year old adopted daughter would love a sibling. Stay at home mom, professional dad. Expenses paid. Please call Becky/Mike 800472-1835. ANSWERS4FAMILIES: PROVIDING internet based support and information for Nebraskans with special needs. Visit www.answers4families.org or call toll free 1-800746-8420. CALLING ALL Czechs! www.czechslavnosti.com. The website for celebrating all things Czech! Recipes, news, folklore, coverage of Czech events, genealogy and more available 24-hours a day. SELL YOUR classic car, truck or motorcycle online. Call this newspaper or call 800-3692850 to place your ad on the national www.midwestclassiccars.com web site for only $25.00. Your ad runs until your vehicle is sold! CASH FOR your vehicle, running, wrecked, or non-running. In an accident? Call us before settling with your insurance company. Top $$$ paid. 1-402-714-8655. We’ll pick it up. RADIO/ELECTRONICS wanted to buy. Repair shop older inventories, collections, tube ham radios, military tubes, amplifiers, audio equipment. Parts or complete. Will consider any vintage electronics. 308-627-4663. FRAME MACHINE wanted for auto and truck repair. Call 1-402-714-8655.
Chabad hosts “Family Night Out” by SHEVI KATZMAN for Chabad House Havdalah is a multi-sensory experience. Led by Rabbi Mendel Katzman on Oct. 24, 7:15 p.m., the Havdalah, literally “separation”, promises to connect Shabbat with the coming week. Props to perform this mitzvah include wine, spices, a braided candle, blessings and a leader. The speech and hearing, sight, smell and taste of the service will set the tone for the viewing of the heartwarming and humorous Israeli film, Ushpizin. The word ushpizin is Aramaic for “honored The "Ushpizin" film, 2005, will guests” and refers to the be screened at Chabad House seven “founding fathers” following a Havdalah service.
at the forefront of Jewish history who make non corporeal visits to our sukkahs during Sukkot. Kabbalistic tradition teaches that on each day of the festival, we are graced with the visits of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Joseph and David. All seven Ushpizin visit on each of the days of Sukkot and each “guest” is specifically associated with one of the festival’s seven days. The movie Ushpizin is set during the holiday of Sukkot where the main characters, Moshe and Malli, are faced with a crises regarding their unruly guests. With a touching and unique look, the film follows the couple as they question and explore their faith. The film holds a universal and human appeal that transcends any religion or belief. One of the chairman Nancy Wolf explains, “I felt that ‘Ushpizin’ is a top notch Israeli film,” she continues, “I look forward to viewing it again along with friends at Chabad. It will be fun to share our opinions and feelings in a discussion after.” This program is free and open to the community. Please reserve at rsvp@OChabad.com or call 330.1800.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 9, 2009
New Jewish museum unveils top Jewish 18
by PHILADELPHIA JEWISH EXPONENT Menachem Mendel Schneerson and on Independence Mall in 2010. Rodman, who noted the lack of any canStaff Isaac Mayer Wise) and pioneering Over the summer, the museum invited didates from the worlds of food, toy PHILADELPHIA (Jewish Exponent/ activists Emma Lazarus and Henrietta the public to vote online for 218 candi- making, invention and design. JTA) -- Isaac Bashevis Singer didn’t care Szold. One Israeli prime minister also dates; more than 209,000 votes were Writing in the Forward, Rodman much for the 1983 Barbra Streisand- made the list: Golda Meir, who immi- cast from 56 countries. Rosenzweig argued that “It’s the same old categostarring film adaptation of his short grated from Kiev to Milwaukee in 1906, noted that the top eight vote-getters rized list, put together by experts who story “Yentel the Yeshiva Boy.” The late Nobel Prize-winning author couldn’t picture a serious Talmud student breaking into song. Many Jewish moviegoers, however, loved the Singer-Streisand pairing, which is one reason why they are two of the first 18 luminaries chosen for the National Museum of American Jewish History’s Only in America Gallery/Hall of Fame. The list also includes others in the arts and entertainment world (Irving Berlin, Leonard Golda Meir, the only woman to serve as prime minister of Israel, is among the first group chosen for the National Museum of American Jewish History’s Only in Bernstein and Steven America Gallery/Hall of Fame in Philadelphia. Photo credit: Library of Congress; Sandy Koufax, the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodger who would not pitch a World Spielberg), as well as Series game on Yom Kippur, is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown and now will join the National Museum of American Jewish History’s Only the cosmetics magnate in America Gallery/Hall of Fame in Philadelphia. Photo Credit: National Baseball Hall of Fame Library; Barbra Streisand will be among the first group chosen for Estee Lauder and the National Museum of American Jewish History’s Only in America Gallery/Hall of Fame in Philadelphia. Photo Credit: Corbis-Bettmann. Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy and lived there for 15 years before leav- made the list, but the museum is not may know their history, but who don’t Koufax. Scientists Albert Einstein and ing for Palestine. releasing the vote totals. Museum cura- really know how to measure who has Jonas Salk made the cut; so did Labor The fact that a good number of the tors made the final decisions. captured the popular imagination, its union leader Rose Schneiderman and entries were born outside the United “This was never intended to be a pop- taste and mind.” Louis Brandeis, the first Jewish justice to States highlights the centrality of the ularity contest,” Rosenzweig said. “The If one of your favorites is missing from serve on the U.S. Supreme Court and a immigrant experience to Jewish 18 finalists represent a consensus the list, don’t give up hope. At some leading Zionist. American identity, according to Michael between the public vote, and the muse- point, according to Rosenzweig, the Jewish communal giants also were rep- Rosenzweig, museum president and um’s historians and curatorial staff.” museum will choose a different group of resented, including four rabbis CEO. The gallery will be part of the The list of initial nominees drew criti- 18 Jewish Americans to be featured in (Mordecai Kaplan, Isaac Leeser, museum’s core exhibition when it opens cism from JTA columnist Edmon the exhibit.
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