October 10, 2003

Vol. LXXXIII No. 6 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 82 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

14 Tishrei, 5764 October 10, 2003

President Bush Discusses Faith at New Year Meeting with Rabbis;

Open House to Welcome Newcomers and Show Renovations at Chabad

Among Them, Rabbi Baruch HaLevi of Des Moines

by GARY JAVITCH for Chabad of Nebraska By now, you have heard the discouraging survey results. The American Jewish community is decreasing in size. Worse than the 5% decline is that many adherents are no longer identifying with the Jewish faith. One Omaha Jewish group wants to do something about it. They are holding an open house barbeque for the entire community. “There are so many Jewish newcomers in town, that we want to give them and others in the community a chance to meet,” said Rabbi Gideon Menachem, himself a new arrival to Omaha. The comm i t t e e wants to help everyone develop a connection to our city and to get to know others in the Jewish community. This is the perfect chance for O m a h a n s Newcomers Rabbi Gidon Menachem and his to wel- wife, Sheli. come them, added Rabbi Menachem. There are many people who just want to say hello. There is no charge and everyone is encouraged to bring their kids. There will be lots of excitement, supervised games, activities, and prizes for the kids. Babysitters will be available. The barbeque is set for Thursday, Oct. 16, 6 p.m., and will continue until the last person leaves. “This party, which also coincides with Sukkos, is an opportunity to help bring together affiliated or unaffiliated members of all the synagogues and the community. Omaha’s Jewish community is vibrant, and it’s decreasing in size. This is an opportunity to help strengthen it, ” Rabbi Mendel Katzman, the Director of the Chabad of Nebraska said. Chabad is a part of the world’s largest Jewish educational/social outreach program. The movement continually seeks new ways to interest Jews in Judaism, in a nonjudgmental environment, without requiring membership, commitment or a particular level of observance. Chabad House recently made some facility improvements on its lower level. Thanks to the generous help of Tom and Darlynn Fellman, Charles and Louri Sullivan, Chabad House has a newly remodeled kitchen and children’s area. Continued on page 14

by MARSHALL BERGER WASHINGTON (JTA)-President Bush marked the Jewish New Year by telling a roomful of rabbis about his faith and how it helped make him a better man. Some 15 rabbis representing the three main denominations spent an hour at the White House Sept. 29 discussing a range of topics: Iraq, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, poverty and faithbased initiatives. Among them was Rabbi Baruch HaLevi of Tifereth Israel in Des Moines, IA. President Bush meets with congregational rabbis in the Eisenhower Executive Office “On Sept. 22, I received a Building, Monday, Sept. 29. Rabbi Baruch HaLevi, spiritual leader of Tifereth Israel in Des phone call from the White Moines and son of Jan Goldstein, Executive Director of Omaha’s Jewish Federation, is seatHouse,” Rabbi HaLevi said. Photo by Eric Draper/White ed at the top left in the corner. “As it was my day off, and my always loyal and attentive assistant didn’t want to dis- gogues. Fifteen to 20 rabbis were invited and I was forturb me, I didn’t get the message until the following day. tunate enough to be one of them,” he noted. “As we gathered outside of the Eisenhower Executive (We have since had a talk and she has promised to disOffices, we did what Jews have been doing for thourupt me whenever the White House calls in the future!) “The President had asked his liaison to arrange a sands of years,” the rabbi added, “We played Jewish meeting with a group of rabbis to discuss issues of geography!” interest in the Jewish community and in our syna- Continued on page 2

Sculpture Unveiled in London Commemorates Kindertransport by CAROL KATZMAN Women’s Federation Editor Campaign, “With 40% of Last month, more than the pledges in so far, 130 Omaha Jewish women we’ve raised a total of attended a performance by $346,000, a 7% card-forMona Golabek, who told card increase.” the story of her mother, Her co-chairman Bobbi Lisa, in music and words. Leibowitz added, “We still Lisa was one of 10,000 chilhave a long way to go, dren sent by their parents however to meet our from Nazi-dominated Campaign goal for this Germany, Czechoslovakia, year.” Poland and Austria to Though only a few of England as part of the Golabek’s books remain Kindertransport. for sale, copies of The In London last week, Children of Willesden commuters emerged from Lane may be ordered underground escalators of through the Kripke Liverpool Street Station into Jewish Federation “Children’s Square”, as the Library. piazza was re-named, to be According to Flor Kent, greeted by a giant glass suit- Flor Kent, the artist, left, Sir Nicholas Winton “Britain’s artist who created “Für case. Alongside, is a life- Schindler”, and the child ‘model’ were on hand for the unveil- Das Kind”, the sized bronze of a six-year- ing of the sculpture, “Für Das Kind” at Liverpool Station. The Kindertransport children old girl, the difference in sculpture depicts a child standing beside a glass suitcase, con- were sent by their parscale emphasizing the feel- taining original artifacts such as books, toys and photos carried ents who decided this ings of alienation and lone- by youngsters when they arrived in Britain in 1938 and 1939. was their children’s only liness of the Kindertransport Photo, courtesy of Flor Kent. chance of survival. Most children who came, alone, to Britain in 1938 and 1939. ‘Kinder’ arrived first at Liverpool Street Station after a Author and pianist Golabek told her story by alter- long and difficult journey from the Hook of Holland to nating the spoken narrative with the playing of Lisa’s Harwich. Each child was allowed only one handbag music. The powerful performance brought the women and one case and had to bring an unbreakable cup, to their feet in a standing ovation. washing supplies and enough food for three meals. According to Ruth Erman, co-chairman of the 2004 “They had to be able to carry the luggage themselves Continued on page 3

Inside

This Week: Op-Ed by Amb. Dennis Ross Read It & Eat Page 5

Sukkot and the Internet Page 8

Louri Sullivan, her daughter, Samantha, left, and Charlie Sullivan and son, Tommy, stand in the newly remodeled kitchen at the Chabad House with Rabbi Mendel and Shani Katzman.

Coming Nov. 7: Salute to Education and Camping Crossword Puzzle Page 11

Reminder: Synagogue Schedule of Services now on Page 14

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 10, 2003

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by RACHEL BLUM JCC Program Director The Live from the 92nd Street Y series continues to gain interest this fall, as both Hillary Rodham Clinton and Anita Diamant will have their lectures broadcast live via satellite from the 92nd St. Y in New York City. Senator Clinton’s broadcast features an interview Sen. Hillary Clinton with Dan Rather, and is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 19, 7 p.m., in the JCC Theater. Hillary Rodham Clinton is the first former First Lady elected to the U.S. Senate. She is the recipient of numerous awards and has been a powerful advocate for health care reform, children’s rights and the economic well-being of New Yorkers. She is the author of several best-selling books, including, most recently, Living History. She will discuss this candid memoir with Dan Rather as she recounts her personal and professional journey, focusing largely on her years in the White House as First Lady. Anita Diamant, author of The Red Tent, will talk about women being the heart, soul, and intellectual engine powering America’s Jewish renaissance in her broadcast titled, “Pitching Our Own Tent: Reinventing the

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10 JCC CLOSES FOR SUKKOT, 6 p.m. Temple Israel Sukkot Family Box Dinner & Service, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11 JCC CLOSED FOR SUKKOT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12 JCC OPEN FOR SECOND DAY OF SUKKOT Temple Israel Adult Education, 10 a.m. Temple Israel Club 34, noon Live from the 92nd Street Y, 7 p.m.

C L I MONDAY, OCTOBER 13 P Program, 10 a.m. & YES War & Peace with Leonard Greenspoon, 7 p.m.

C L I P &

Beth Israel Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m.

S Third Year Melton Class, 7 p.m. A TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14 V Beth Israel Sisterhood Board Meeting, 11 a.m. E The Case of Israel, noon

S A V E

Beth Israel Sisterhood Luncheon, 12:30 p.m. Men’s Campaign Report Meeting, 5:30 p.m. Temple Israel Adult Education, 6 p.m. UNO Kabbalah Class, 6 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. RBJH An Evening of Elegence, 7 p.m. B & A Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. OCTL Singles Succah Party, 7 p.m. at OCTL House, 1313 No. 58 St. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15 Rabbis and Presidents Meeting, noon Hadassah HMO Luncheon, noon, location: tba B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers, noon at the Park Inn Regency Lodge Rabbinic Council Meeting, 1:30 p.m. Temple Israel Bible Quiz Rehearsal, 5:30 p.m. JFS Program: Sex ‘N Drugs ‘N Rock & Roll, 6 p.m. Temple Israel Adult Education, 6:30 p.m. OCTL Community Succah Party, 7 p.m. at OCTL House, 1313 No. 58 St. Beth El Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 7 p.m. JELS Class "Hebrew for the Traveler", 7 p.m.

C L I THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16 P Drop-in, 9 a.m. & Walk-in Temple Israel Adult Education, 10 a.m. S A V E

Walk-in Drop-in Activity, 10 a.m. Yiddish Group Meeting, 1 p.m. Kripke Library Monthly Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. ADL Teacher In-Service, 5:30 p.m. JFS Love and Logic Advanced Session, 6 p.m. JOLT II Session, 7 p.m. Israeli Dance Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth El Temple Israel Adult Book Group, 7:30 p.m.

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

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Jewish Woman,” which is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m., in the JCC Theater. Diamant will talk about her place in this unfolding story, both as a student of Judaism and as a writer/teacher about Jewish life, ritual and celebration. In addition to The Red Tent, Diamant is the author of Good Harbor and six books about contemporary Anita Diamant Jewish life. She is the president of Mayyim Hayyim: Living Waters Community Mikveh and Education Center. Her newest book is Pitching My Tent: On Marriage, Motherhood, Friendship and Other Leaps of Faith. The Anita Diamant broadcast is sponsored by National Council of Jewish Women-Omaha Section, and a sit down dinner and discussion will be held at the JCC prior to the broadcast. Reservations for dinner must be made by Monday, Oct. 13, by contacting Karin Levine at 445-4228. Tickets for both the Clinton and Diamant broadcast are $5 for JCC members and students and $8 for nonmembers. They can be purchased in advance by contacting JCC Member Services at 334-6426. For more information about the Live from the 92nd Street Y Series, contact Lisa Shkolnick at 334-6425.

President Bush Meets with Rabbis Continued from page 1 Rabbi HaLevi, who only became Tifereth Israel’s spiritual leader a year ago after obtaining rabbinic ordination at the University of Judaism in Los Angeles, is the oldest son of Jan Goldstein, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. “When I gave him regards from one of my prominent congregants (probably the reason I got the invite),” Rabbi HaLevi said, “he commented that I couldn’t be old enough to be a rabbi. Even the president has to give me a hard time on my age--understandable though as I was the youngest one in the room!” Rabbi Steven Pruzanski of Teaneck, N.J., said Bush twice became emotional: while discussing his recent trip to the site of the Auschwitz death camp and when he talked about how people pray for him. Bush spoke openly about his drinking problem of years past, telling the rabbis that faith played a role in his quitting. He made the remarks in a discussion about faith-based initiatives. Some of the rabbis described the president as warm and engaging and said he had a firm grasp on the issues. “I was so impressed by the candor of the president,” said Rabbi Irving Elson, a chaplain and commander in the U.S. Navy. “He exuded confidence in his love of America.” Rabbi HaLevi added that “the President spoke for about 20 minutes on his views about terrorism, post 911, Afghanistan, Iraq and Israel. He insisted that anyone who has visited (Iraq) has left with no doubt about it being the right thing to do and right place to be. “He reiterated over and over we were there--not because it was popular--and acknowledged that it was taking a toll on his approval ratings,” Rabbi HaLevi continued. “However, he repeatedly said we were there and would remain there because ‘it is the right thing to do.’ He must have said 10 times that he would ‘Stay the course,’ even if it costs him his popularity because evil must be destroyed and freedom and justice must prevail.” Bush told the group, “I know this might be hard to believe, but I am actually a man of peace. I want peace soon and in our day. But as long as there are evil dictators, as long as there are cowards who are willing to fly planes into buildings of innocent human beings, in the name of God nonetheless, then I am a man of war. We will go to war, and remain at war, and we will stay the course.” The only woman present, Rabbi Amy Schwartzman, of Falls Church, VA, said she was disappointed that more of the participants did not challenge Bush on some of his policies, although she said she was grateful for the opportunity to meet with the president. “I did feel I was sitting with a group who was supportive of the president, who came to praise the president and not to challenge him,” she said. Schwartzman talked with the president about the

recently announced increase in poverty in the United States, saying the rising numbers were of great concern to Jews. When Bush said new jobs would help alleviate poverty, Schwartzman countered that affordable childcare was also needed to allow more working parents to pursue jobs. Rabbi Daniel Nevins, of Farmington Hills, MI, said he did not feel it was his place to debate the president. Bush told the rabbis that a new Palestinian leadership would be judged on the “simple formula” of its ability to dismantle terrorist organizations and fight terrorism. Until then, he said, “everything’s on hold.” According to Rabbi HaLevi, Bush also said that Yasser Arafat is no different than Saddam Hussein. The president unequivocally holds him responsible for the plight of the Palestinian people. He acknowledged that Arafat is a crook and that the money we’ve been sending to the Palestinians has gone straight into Arafat’s pocket. Bish did say he had hope in Abbas and was saddened to see him undermined; he no longer has any hope in the peace process as long as Arafat has any power. The president reportedly made no mention of the “road map” peace plan, co-authored by the United States, United Nations, European Union and Russia and which he has pushed for more than a year. Bush also said he supported the security fence Israel is erecting in the West Bank, which the Palestinians have called a land grab. But he said the fence's route should not preclude later territorial negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. Rabbi HaLevi added, “President Bush said that as long as Israel is alone, without a partner to negotiate as they have been for three (or perhaps 55) years, they must do everything in their power to protect themselves; that means building this fence. He (Bush) supports a fence in no uncertain terms-just as long as it is a military and not political fence! It is not a question of ‘if’ but of ‘where’ in regards to its creation.” Two rabbis broached the subject of Jonathan Pollard, a former U.S. Navy intelligence analyst who is serving a life sentence for spying on behalf of Israel. Bush said he would look into Pollard's case, but offered no comment about the chances of him receiving a presidential reprieve. The White House sought out various rabbis for the event, instead of leaders of Jewish organizations. The rabbinical organizations were asked to submit names, and the White House selected some participants. Rabbi HaLevi was impressed with President Bush’s passion and humility. “The president is both intelligent and articulate and comes across much better in person than on camera. He is passionate beyond words and he is driven by a deep sense of humility and reverence for God, for justice and for life,” he insisted. Carol Katzman contributed to this article.

October 10, 2003

Sculpture Commemorates Kindertransport Continued from page 1 case at one time and Kent and the contents were rigidhopes that the Museum of ly restricted; no jewelry or London which, together valuables, no money, musiwith the Imperial War cal instruments or camMuseum owns and curates eras.,” Kent added. Mona the sculpture, will be able to Golabek’s mother left her rotate the exhibits. precious piano and her Kent noted that one of the music behind in Vienna and most difficult aspects of the said good bye to her parwork had been how to creents forever. ate an oxygen-free atmosKent’s sculpture is an phere so the items will not oversized suitcase, big degrade. Robert Child, Head enough for at least eight “Für Das Kind” -The Kindertransport Memorial at Liverpool of Conservation at the adults to stand inside. The National Museum of Wales, Street Station. Venezuelan-born sculptor came up with a laminated living in London, filled it with almost a hundred bat- glass strong enough to withstand vandals and tempertered, everyday items preserved for 60 years by the atures ranging from 40C to -10C. Kinder. Kent, who studied Site Specific Art at It is the world’s first such display case outdoors, where Wimbledon School of Art, has nurtured the idea ever it will have to withstand the more rugged conditions of since realizing that her best friend at school in Caracas uncontrolled light, temperature and accidental damage. was the daughter of a Kinder. Five years ago she put Persuading Network Rail, owners of the site, to host the ads in newspapers appealing for objects the children sculpture was never a problem, said Kent, and it was their had brought with them. proposal to change the name of the piazza. “I didn’t expect much,” she admitted. “Things get lost Just inside the station, but within sight of the suitcase, or thrown away but the response was incredible.” is an interactive touchscreen unit which gives informaAccording to Kent, among objects she received were tion about and a current picture of the Kinder who a set of three painted wooden coat hangers inscribed donated each object. In some cases it also gives, to the Fur das Kind (For the child), from which the sculpture minute, their precise time of arrival--one of the facts takes its name. Other especially poignant items include carefully preserved by the survivors along with the a fragile myrtle crown and wedding veil--hardly utili- memories and objects. tarian but a sure indicator that the mother knew she Kent was determined to create an organic piece of would not survive, a man-sized overcoat bought with art that celebrates life. “The Kinder not only survived the future in mind for a small boy, diaries, letters, pho- but they have almost all lived remarkable lives. The tographs, books and several dolls. bronze girl was modeled on the granddaughter of a There is one book in which a group of girls wrote Kinder, the shape of the suitcase was a copy of an origsympathetic farewells to the friend they pitied being inal case and most of the objects have passed through sent away to London. Liverpool Street Station once before. One woman wrote to Kent to explain she had willed “The sculpture celebrates the greatness of ordinary some objects to the glass suitcase, but was not yet people in extraordinary times,” Kent insisted. “It ready to part with them. They had enabled her to get attempts to engage the passer by offering a glimpse through life. into a remarkable journey filled with bravery and comNot all the 200 or so original artifacts will fit in the suit- passion.”

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Author, Rabbi, Lecturer to Speak to Community by PAM MONSKY Federation Communications Director Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson, Dean of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies and Vice President at the University of Judaism in Los Angeles, will present “Who Are We Meant to Be? The Challenges and Opportunities Facing the Jewish Community,” on Sunday, Oct. 26, 10:15-11:45 a.m., at Beth El Synagogue. This special program, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Omaha, is free of charge and open to the entire community. Rabbi Artson is the author of five books, including his latest, The Bedside Torah: Wisdom, Visions, and Dreams, an introduction to Jewish text study. As a member of the editorial board for Tikkun, Jewish Spectator, Women’s League Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson Outlook, and The American Rabbi, Rabbi Artson has written more than 130 articles and is a frequent speaker and teacher. Rabbi Harold Kushner calls him “one of the most insightful and articulate rabbis of his generation.” Rabbi Artson was a congregational rabbi in Southern California for 10 years, during which his synagogue grew from 200 to almost 600 families. Currently, Rabbi Artson serves on the faculty of the Wexner Heritage Foundation and speaks frequently for the United Jewish Communities. Prior to rabbinical school, he served as a legislative assistant to the Speaker of the California State Assembly. He is a graduate of Harvard University. Complimentary bagels and coffee will be served. For more information, please contact Julee Katzman at the Jewish Federation of Omaha, 334-6428 or e-mail her at jkatzman@jewishomaha.org.

We’re Invested in Jewish Omaha! The following people have invested in Omaha’s Jewish community by making a gift to the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s 2004 Annual Campaign. Donors who increase their gift are listed in bold. Donors who have maintained their gift are listed in regular print.

MEN’S MAJOR GIFTS Joel Alperson Tom Baker ◆ Harold Bernstein Steve Bloch Gary Epstein Harold Epstein Paul Epstein Joe Erman Ted Friedland ◆ Sandy Friedman ■ Willard Friedman Larry Gilinsky Mort Glass Dick Glazer Don Goldstein Don Greenberg Paul Grossman Gary Javitch Arnold Joffe Kevee Kirshenbaum Jerry Kohll Forrest Krutter Marty Lehr Ed Malashock Trenton Magid ◆ Michael Miller N. Pitlor & Son Omaha Steaks Anne & Alan Simon Stacey & Bruce Simon Eve & Fred Simon Kathryn & Steve Simon Todd Simon Alan Parsow Sol Parsow Bruce Shackman Stuart Simon Jerry Slusky Speedy Zweiback

WOMEN’S MAJOR GIFTS WOMEN’S MAJOR GIFTS MEN’S CAMPAIGN Sandra Belgrade Sharee Newman Tony Adelson Carol Bloch Kim Noddle Jeffrey Aizenberg Bess Brodkey Patty Nogg Bernie Altsuler Esther Canar Carol Parsow Donald Baum Anne Cohen Ramona Pepper Mark Belmont Marcia Cohen Marcia Pitlor Mike Blatt Babe (Sylvia) Cohn Barb Platt Howard Borden Susie Cohn Arlene Richman James Bresel Cheryl Cooper Dorothy Riekes Pete Brodkey Sandy Epstein Zoë Riekes Ron Brodkey Ruth Erman Barbara Rips Larry Budwig Judy Feldman Kimberly Robinson ● Fritz Cassman Frances Fried ● Mimi Rogers Jay Chasen Nancy Friedland Beth Schrager Marty Cohen Roz Friedman Beverly Seldin Meyer Coren Thama Friedman Sarah Seldin Randy Endelman Maggie Gerber Anne Shackman Irv Epstein Deanna Gilinsky Esther Simon Howard Epstein Janet Glass Harriet Singer Scott Farkas Phyllis Glazer Audrey Sophir Morris Friedman Ann Goldstein Louri Sullivan ✦ Scott Friedman Linda Gordman Selma Tretiak Larry Gendler Caryl Greenberg Gail Veitzer Paul Gerber Nancy Greenberg Bob Goldberg Deborah Greene Larry Goldstrom Joanie Jacobson Mark Goldstrom Suzanne Kaplan Tom Goodman Renee Kasner Rabbi Allan Gonsher Andi Kavich Steve Gottlieb Gail Kohll Lonnie Graul Sharon Kooper Bud Greenspan Barbara Kushner Vic Gutman Joanie Lehr Michael Halsted Bobbi Leibowitz Sheldon Harris Karin Levine Philip Itkin Bert Lewis Jerome Kaiman Thelma Lustgarten Lazar Kaplan Linda Mann Harold Kosowsky Ducky (Lois) Milder Jack Kozlen Fran Milder Howard Krantz Lori Miller Stanley Krieger ■ New Pacesetter ● New Lion of Judah ◆ New Ben Gurion Society ✦ New Pomegranate

MEN’S CAMPAIGN Gary Kudym Howard Kutler Mike Levine Dan Marburg Myron Marko Bruce Meyers Joe Meyers Sidney Mirvish Henry Monsky Gordon Moshman Stuart Muskin Marvin Parilman Jerry Raznick Marty Ricks Dick Rochman Lloyd Roitstein Mike Sadofsky Errol Saltzman Mark Sanford Jeff Schweid Rodney Shkolnick Alan Shulewitz Michael Skolkin Stuart Smoler Jeff Smedlund Mark Sweet Fred Tichauer Phil Wolf Ted Zetzman

WOMEN’S CAMPAIGN Doris Abramson Sheri Abramson Arlene Adelson Susan Aizenberg Paula Albert Eleanor Alexander Joyce Ashley Barbara Ault Amber Baker Robyn Belgrade Jill Belmont Chris Blumkin Cindy Bogdanoff Marian Bookey Midge Bowers Stacie Brodkey Florence Brody Michelle Bucher Molline Cassman Arlene Cohen Elizabeth Cohen Joyce Cohen Marla Cohen Linda Cohn Naomi Cohn Fran Coren Harriet Einziger Aileen Eisenstatt Edith Epstein Etta Epstein Jean Epstein Lisa Epstein Rosaline Epstein Jill Erman Estelle Faier Beverly Fellman Mary Fellman Rose Frankel Pam Friedlander Amy Friedman Lois Friedman

WOMEN’S CAMPAIGN Barbara Frohman Patty Gilinsky Wendy Goldberg Barbara Goldstein Dora Goldstrom Andie Gordman Bridget Gordman Danielle Gordman Rosalie Greenspan Joy Grossman Wendy Hahn Mendy Halsted Cookie Hoberman Adele Hornstein Nancy Hornstein Denise Ipock Marsha Itkin Sylvia Jess Sheryn Joffe Ilse Kahn Sylvia Kaiman Beatrice Karp Frankie Kasin Shani Katzman Janet Klein Sandra Kohll Bette Kozlen Cheryl Kricsfeld Traci Kugler Carole Lainof Rocky Lewis Diane Malashock Paula Mandell Deb Marburg Judy Marburg Sally Masnek Kathy McGauvran Tina Meyers Deenie Meyerson Sue Millward Lynda Mirvish

WOMEN’S CAMPAIGN Evelyn Mitchell Ethel Mogil Ann Moshman Betty Muskin Linda Muskin Patricia Newman Marion Nogg Rita Novak Sylvia Parilman Margo Parsow Vicki Perlmeter Julie Phillips Shelly Pichik Debbie Recht Iris Ricks Paula Robinson Toni Rosen Marti Rosen-Atherton Shirley Rosenberg Dottie Rosenblum Julie Rosenquist Willis Ann Ross Faye Ruback Betty Rubin Natalie Rubin Mary Saferstein Lynne Saltzman Betty Sanford Kim Schwartz Lori Schwarz Diane Shandell Claudia Sherman Patty Sherman Lois Shkolnick Susan Silver Lorraine Silverman Susan Silverman Judy Simons Dorothy Spizman Rocky Stern Mary Walker

WOMEN’S CAMPAIGN Joye Wees Shirley Weinstein Anne Weitz Allyson Wilczewski Andi Willensky Phyllis Zabin Terri Zacharia Amee Zetzman Rosie Zweiback

The dividends from your investment in the Campaign impact the entire Jewish world. Locally, your one gift to the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Annual Campaign funds a wide variety of community services provided by the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Educational and Library Services, the ADL/CRC and Jewish Senior Services. In Israel and overseas, your gift helps feed the hungry, rescue the oppressed and fight anti-Semitism. Your annual gift to the Federation Campaign empowers you to make a visible and measurable difference in Jewish life.

The 2004 Jewish Federation of Omaha Campaign 2004 General Campaign Co-Chairs: Maxine & Joe Kirshenbaum

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 10, 2003

Pacesetter Division “Sets the Pace” for the Federation Campaign

by PAM MONSKY Federation Communications Director Ironwood Golf and Country Club was the setting for the Pacesetter Campaign Kickoff last week. Pacesetter Division Chairman Bruce Shackman said that the men who attended the event “are Jewish leaders in every sense of the word, giving of their time, wisdom and financial resources.” Pledges received at the event were up 6.5% over last year. Photos from top left: Dr. Ed Malashock, left, and Stuart Simon; Young Leadership Chairman Michael Miller, left, Alan Parsow, Murray Newman and

Federation Executive Director Jan Goldstein; Community Campaign Event Co-Chairman and Foundation Chairman Steve Bloch, left, and 2004 General Campaign Co-Chairman Joe Kirshenbaum; Donald Goldstein and 2004 Pacesetter Chairman Bruce Shackman; Leonard Lewis and

Federation President Steve Pitlor. Todd Simon, left, and Louri Sullivan, Ben Gurion Society Chair chat at a recent Ben Gurion Society event held at the home of Joel Alperson. The Ben Gurion Society is for donors under age 45 who contribute $1,000 or more to the Federation Annual Campaign.

They Lived Together, Died Together: Arabs, Jews Among 19 Dead in Blast by DAN BARON TEL AVIV (JTA)--Had the restaurant not been turned into a charred husk of twisted metal and broken glass, Maxim’s staff would have spent Sunday quietly packing up for Yom Kippur--Jews and Arabs together readying for a day of rest, for some, and reflection, for others. But on Saturday a Palestinian suicide bomber from a group sworn to Israel’s destruction ended almost four decades of political tranquility at the Haifa beachfront restaurant, which was as famous for its Arab and Jewish owners and clientele as it was for its mixed grill, a tasty meat dish. “We always assumed Maxim’s would be immune from this sort of tragedy,” said architect Naomi Herzog, a restaurant regular. “The only question remaining is whether the bombing was deliberate or opportunistic, though neither option is a comfort.” The bombing, on an otherwise quiet Shabbat afternoon in this largely secular city, killed at least 19 people and wounded 45. Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attack. The bomber, a Palestinian woman named Hanadi Tayseer Jaradat, reportedly was a law student from the West Bank city of Jenin. She reached Haifa by circumventing the as-yet-uncompleted security fence that separates Israel from the densely populated Palestinian areas of the West Bank, the Ha'aretz newspaper reported. The blast came as Maxim, at the southern entrance to the city, was packed with a Saturday-afternoon crowd. Both Jews and Arabs were among the dead in the attack, including three children. Among the four Israeli Arabs killed was the doorman who failed to spot the lawyer-turned-terrorist in time. The security guard likely thought Jaradat was just another customer seeking to enjoy the sea breeze and Maxim’s ambience of ethnic coexistence. Authorities suggested Jaradat and Islamic Jihad probably chose the target based on the relative ease with which an Arab-looking woman could enter the restaurant. The location also could have afforded Jaradat’s handlers a quick getaway via the nearby coastal highway. With a death toll that included Christian Arabs, other Palestinian officials went further, telephoning village elders at Fassouta, the Christian Arab town outside Haifa where two of the dead lived, to offer condolences.

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Above fares are p/person and not available 12/19-12/25/03. Price includes coach class on certain flights. Must be ticketed in N-Class for N-winter or N-Companion fare within 72 hours of confirmed reservation and purchased at least 7 days prior to departure. Tickets valid 6-21 days. $76.40 applicable taxes p/tkt not included. Reservations/ticketing for companion fare must be made at same time for both tkts and both passengers must travel together. EL AL reserves the right to cancel promos at any time. Cancellation & change penalties and other restrictions may apply.

Cindy Sommer • 402-592-1844

October 10, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

Summer to Last a Lifetime by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator For 26 days last summer, Jamie Skog, a 2001 graduate of Westside High School and Temple Israel’s Religious School, participated in the Brandeis-Bardin Institute (BCI) in California. Described as “part kibbutz, part university, and part experiential arts,” BCI has been touching the lives of young Jews, ages 18-26, for more than 60 years. Now a junior majoring in vocal music at the University of Denver, Jamie knew she wanted “to do something Jewish” in the summer to work toward her goal of being accepted to cantorial school. BCI sounded “exciting, interesting, adventuresome, and fun,” she said.

Jamie Skog BCI strives to give young Jewish adults an opportunity for exploration of self and Judaism within a safe, pluralistic community. Each session brings together young Jews with Jewish scholars and artists to experience multi-faceted aspects of Jewish life and culture. While engaging in the arts, study, community, and the outdoors, BCI participants try to define how they envision their adult Jewish lives. “We had classes, we studied Jewish concepts, and we discovered our Judaism through the arts,” Jamie said. Each day, she got up at 7:15 a.m. along with her 51 fellow BCIers for flag raising, Avodah, and an hour of work (including building campsites, paving trails, harvesting crops and chopping down trees).

Then they had breakfast, Beit Midrash (study), arts workshops, and lunch followed by three hours of free time and then a choice of Torah trope, Jewish mysticism, Zionism, or yoga. After dinner, BCI invited scholars, artists, movie directors, dancers, and even an environmentalist from Los Angeles to speak. “The sense of community was amazing,” Jamie marveled. “No matter what-I have 51 friends from all over the world.” Located in the Simi Valley of southern California and surrounded by 3,000 acres of mountains and wilderness, BCI drew four participants from Israel, two each from France and Russia, and one each from Germany, Estonia, Uzbekistan and Argentina. The rest were from all across the United States. Jamie wasn’t the only one from Nebraska or Iowa. There was a BCIer from Wayne, NE, and one from Sioux City, IA. Lisa Coren, another Temple Israel Religious School alum, also spent a summer at BCI. In 1999, after a discussion with her uncle who had been there years ago, Lisa thought “it sounded very intriguing.” She feels that BCI has “absolutely had an impact” on her life. “I discovered I wanted Judaism to have a bigger role in my life. Being there with other young Jews from around the world convinced me that it’s crucial to share your life with a partner who is also Jewish and has the same values.” Jamie, 19, said that although she’s not sure what it will be yet, she also expects BCI to have an impact on her throughout life. “It definitely changed me. I matured, grew, learned and experienced. We all did-- together.” Many of the participants are college graduates and “figuring out how Judaism will play a role in their lives,” Jamie added. They were all there of their own choice. She believes she learned from “every single person there.” “I would recommend BCI to anyone and everyone,” Jamie noted. “It’s four weeks of uninterrupted learning where you can contemplate the future. You’re in a little bubble and you can take whatever you want from it. No one tests your knowledge--it’s not about getting good grades.” It’s about “growing Jewishly and personally, applying Jewish concepts and practices to your life.”

Adventures in Jewish Cooking by Jeffrey Nathan (Clarkson Potter, $32.50)

R EAD IT AND EAT Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN Upscale kosher dishes from the host of a Public Television program, “New Jewish Cuisine,” Nathan is executive chef and co-owner of Abigael’s, a kosher restaurant in New York City. This is his first cookbook. “The goal of this book,” (on the shelf in the Kripke Library) “is to awaken American cooks to the great, big, wide and wonderful world of Jewish cooking.” Many of the recipes are from the restaurant: Abigael’s House Salad, Short Ribs with Apricots and Garbanzo Beans. Some are “Heritage Recipes” like Dinner in a Pot, Classic Chicken Soup, Grandma’s Latkes with Sour Cream and Ginger Applesauce, and Honey Cake. Many are influenced by other cultures...Lamb and Rice Kouresht, Yemenite Chicken, Tuna au Poivre or Tomato-Onion Salad. The recipes have helpful notes, suggestions and well written numerical instructions. Holiday menus are given. Try this recipe using a

variety of homegrown tomatoes. ISRAELI CHOPPED VEGETABLE SALAD 1 pound ripe assorted tomatoes, seeded and cut into 3/4-inch dice 1 large English cucumber, unpeeled, cut into 1/2-inch dice 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch dice 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch dice 2 tsps chopped fresh cilantro 2 tsps chopped fresh mint 3 tsps fresh lime juice 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste In a medium bowl, gently mix the tomatoes, cucumber, red and green bell peppers, cilantro, and mint. In a small bowl, whisk the lime juice, sugar, and oil. Pour over the vegetables and mix again. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours. (The salad can be made up to 8 hours ahead.) Serve chilled, with a slotted spoon. Makes 6-8 servings.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Joy of Simchat Torah at Beth El Features Celebration, Honors by DIANE AXLER BAUM for Beth El Synagogue Beth El Synagogue will use the occasion of Simchat Torah, Sunday, Oct. 19, to honor Joanie Jacobson, Tuffy Epstein and Ben Shapiro for years of volunteer service, and to salute Shapiro and eight other frequent Torah readers. “We are deeply grateful to all members of the Beth El family who serve as volunteers. We are so pleased to have opportunities, such as this final fall festival, to say ‘thank you’ as we celebrate,” said Rabbi Mordechai Levin. Celebration will get underway Saturday evening, Oct. 18, immediately following the 6:30 p.m. Mincha Ma’ariv service, as participants burst from the Sanctuary, singing and waving flags, in a march to the Community Court. The powerful Jewish music of Tuffy Epstein and his pianist will provide the background for joyful dancing until an ice-cream social concludes the evening. Joanie Jacobson To commemorate the official beginning of their religious education, Beth El’s 11 new kindergartners will receive miniature Torah scrolls to hold high as they march in the Hakafot. The next morning, at services starting 9:30 a.m., the congregation will honor Jacobson with the Kallat HaTorah, the last aliyah from the old cycle, and Epstein, with the Hattan Bereshit Barah, the first aliyah for the first reading of the new cycle. “Joanie has channeled her creativity into every special program at Beth El in recent memory,” said congregation president Dick Fellman. He singled out her contributions to the “I Love Lucy Tribute” and the “Farewell to the Drazens.” She also takes an active role in the Women’s

Rosh Hodesh Group, which she helped initiate. “Tuffy is an outstanding musician,” Fellman continued. “He plays flute and clarinet for the congregation at Friday Kabbalat services as a volunteer, and brings great joy to all who listen to his music.” Presentation of Yad Awards to express Beth El’s gratitude to the most frequent Torah readers will start with a salute to Ben Shapiro. A gift certificate to Shapiro will “recognize him for reading more than 100 aliyot, often substituting at the last minute,” said Cantor Gastón Bogomolni. “Ben is always here for Shabbat, and always willing

Tuffy Epstein

Ben Shapiro

to step in when we need him,” the Cantor added. “He also helps constantly behind the scenes to meet our needs in any way he can--from cooking, to computer improvements, to setting up microphone systems.” For reading 14 or more aliyot Marty Shukert, Steve Riekes, Michael Gerson and Shapiro will be honored with a Yad Award and a book. For reading seven or more aliyot, the Yad Award also will go to Jill Belmont, Stanley Mitchell, Rebecca Waesch, Sheldon Rips, and Janie Murow. Rabbi Levin invited the members of Beth El “to join together at Simchat Torah, to mark important new beginnings.”

Luncheon Celebrates Hadassah’s New Center for Emergency Medicine by LESLI SHRAGO Hadassah performs more than half of the hospital Publicity Chairman research done in Israel including Parkinson’s disease, In June 2002, the cornerstone for Hadassah Ein infertility, macular degeneration and cystic fibrosis. Kerem’s new Center for Emergency Medicine (CEM) The Omaha Chapter of Hadassah will hold its annuwas laid. When construction is completed, the new al luncheon to benefit the Hadassah Medical CEM will be triple the current size with 43,000 square Organization on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 11:45 a.m., at feet. There will be 63 beds with the capacity to double the Sunset Valley Country Club, 9300 Arbor St. the number to 129. Featured speakers will be 1290 KKAR’s Kent Pavelka and In addition, the waiting room, urgency and critical Bob Wolfson, who visited Hadassah and saw firsthand its care units can all be upgraded to serve as a trauma unit work with terror victims’ treatment and rehabilitation. in times of multi-casualty Proceeds from the HMO terror incidents and will be luncheon will go toward able to withstand convenHadassah School of Dental tional, biological and chemMedicine’s “Smiles in Spite of ical attacks. New entrances Terror” project, which proare being created, one for vides free treatment to ambulances and one for patients who have suffered other vehicles and there will oral and facial injuries. be a separate 12-bed unit Cost is $10 for lunch. for pediatric patients so that Checks, payable to they will be shielded from Hadassah, for the luncheon, activities of the regular ER. and donations, may be In Phase I, $28 million was Natalie Portman, who played Queen Amidala in the Star mailed to Dora Goldstrom, raised from Hadassah mem- Wars films and Anne Frank in the Diary of Anne Frank on 11311 Seward St., Omaha, bers worldwide. Now Phase Broadway came bearing cheerful wishes and Star Wars toys NE 68154. For more inforII--to raise $18 million for the last winter to the children in the Mother and Child Center at mation, call Dora at 496Photo by ISRANET. 2233, Bette Kozlen at 333latest in medical equipment Hadassah Ein Kerem. and to train and support hospital staff--has begun. 1621 or Dorothy Spizman at 399-9490. Ein Kerem’s emergency room opened in 1979 and its trauma unit in 1990. At the time, they were state of the art, treating over 40,000 patients annually. Today that number has doubled and it is expected to double again by RABBI B.P. SIMON in the next decade. NCSY Adviser In the past three years since the current uprising All Jewish families, with children in grades five began, Hadassah’s two hospital campuses in Jerusalem through 12, are invited to a pizza dinner followed by have treated over 4,000 terror attack victims. lively music and dancing in the Friedel Jewish acadeHadassah’s expertise in mass casualty events has made my sukkah. “Pizza in the Hut” will be this coming it a household word and it has received worldwide Monday, Oct. 13, 5:30-8:30 p.m. The cost is $20 per media coverage and accolades. family or $5 per person, ages 10 and up; kids under It has been featured on ‘Oprah’, ‘Nightline’ and the age 10 are free. BBC and on all the American cable news networks and This event is sponsored by the Omaha Chapter of in Newsweek. Staff from Hadassah are training NCSY--National Conference of Synagogue Youth. To American doctors and health-care workers to help them make a reservation, call me at: 330-4695 or e-mail: prepare for potential terror attacks in our country. OmahaNCSY@hotmail.com.

NCSY Does “Pizza in the Hut”

October 10, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

Blumkin Home Announces Its Employee of the Year

Original Project So Successful, Blumkin Home Requests Photos Again

by MICHAEL SILVERMAN years of service. Executive Director Who knows what her next 20 years of Jewish Senior Services service to our Home will bring?” Darlene Golbitz, RN, has won the Jack The Jack and Sonia Schrager Employee and Sonia Schrager Employee of the of the Year Award is presented annually Year award for Jewish Senior Services/the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Golbitz has worked for the Home for almost 21 years. “Darlene does an outstanding job day in and day out,” stated Shelley Cash, Director of Nursing. “In addition to caring for our residents, Darlene is a wonderful role model for new nurses and nursing assistants. She leads by example Jewish Senior Services Executive Director Michael Silverman, and has contributed left, congratulates Darlene Golbitz, as do Director of Nursing greatly to our reputation Shelley Cash, and JSS President Joan Bernstien. over the years.” Several years ago, Golbitz took on to an employee that demonstrates teamanother role at the Home. She helps to work, a positive attitude on the job, and organize and lead the Home’s adherence high quality of work and professionalto the principles of the Eden Alternative. ism. Nominations are accepted daily This program has helped to bring chil- from Residents, family members, visitors dren, animals and plants into the daily and volunteers to determine two winlives of our Residents and staff. ners each quarter that receive $250 each. The challenges that we face daily are The eight quarterly winners are considincredible and Darlene remains calm ered for the annual award and our and collected each day. It is a pleasure Employee of the Year receives a check working with Darlene. for $1000. I often receive compliments about her If you have had a good experience in person and in writing and she has cer- with a staff person and would like to tainly made transitioning to a nursing nominate someone for this award, home smoother for literally hundreds of please pick up forms located at the front families over the course of her many desk of the Home.

by MICHAEL SILVERMAN Executive Director Jewish Senior Services This past year was very successful in terms of receiving photos from the community for enlargement and placement around the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. There are currently 60 photos hanging in our hallways and public spaces and they have been extremely well-received by our residents, staff, visitors and volunteers. As a matter of fact, the program has received such accolades, we’re doing it again! As a reminder, the program is based around the submissions of community members, families, staff , and even Residents. The format for submission should be either 3x5”, 4x6” or slides. Photo content that will be considered will be of flowers, wildlife, children at play, vacation spots, and Judaic themes. Please do not send photos of family members for consideration. Whenever

Library Director The Kripke Jewish Federation Library of Omaha is looking for a Library Director. The Library located in the Omaha Metropolitan area features one of the Midwest’s largest collections of Judaica with over 40,000 volumes and is part of a comprehensive program of educational, library and social services provided by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. MLS is preferred. Minimum qualifications are graduate degree in Education, Literature, Jewish Studies or a related field with a Library Science as an undergraduate major or minor. Requirements for the position include library experience, a working knowledge of Judaism and experience with computers and library automation. Professional responsibilities include: Selection and purchasing of materials, budgeting and budget supervision, cataloguing, staffing and scheduling, reference and readers’ advisory services. Interested candidates should submit resume to: Guy Matalon Executive Director Jewish Education and Library Services 333 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154 Early Bird Special: BUY THREE TICKETS, GET ONE FREE!*

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possible, include the negative for the submitted photo. After reviewing the photographs, we will choose an array of photographs to be reproduced in a larger format, approximately 24x 30” for display on the nursing units and throughout the Home. This innovative program will continue to allow the residents to enjoy exciting new artwork throughout the Home. There will also be a consistency in the framing and size of these pieces, which will allow for easy shifting and relocation as necessary. I welcome your submissions and participation in this ongoing program. Please feel free to call me at: 334-6512. Submissions are due by Jan. 12, 2004. Stop by the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home when you have a chance and see the beautiful new photos. Perhaps your personal experiences and photographic memories will help brighten the days for our residents!

Samples of two of the enlarged photos taken by Willis Ann Ross, left, and Mace Hack, right, are shown above. The Home is looking for photos of landscapes, animals, flowers or plants, children--especially in Judaic settings, or vacations. Family portraits are not eligible.

Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 10, 2003

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BYTE

by MARK MIETKIEWICZ

Question: How do you make a lulav shake? Answer: Take three scoops of mint chocolate chip ice cream, add milk and blend. Pour into a tall class and garnish with a stalk of celery and a wedge of lemon. That’s how to make a Lulav Shake! [http://makeashorterlink.com /?F3A1656F5] Okay, now that I’ve got your attention, let’s look at some Sukkot sites for kids. First about the holiday itself. Children can learn about the holiday (and how to really make their lulav shake) at several sites written just for them such as Virtual Jerusalem Holidays [http://207.168.91. 4/vjholidays/sukkot/kids.htm] and TorahTots. [www.torahtots.com/holidays/sukkot/sukkot.htm] Teachers will appreciate the holiday backgrounders and activities provided by the Jewish Agency for Israel. [www.jafi.org.il/education/festivls] Once you know it all, match your wits against the Sukkot IQ quiz. This clever test doesn't wait until you've completed all 16 questions to tell you how you’re doing. It praises when you choose correctly and seems to take just a bit too much pleasure taunting you when you slip up. [http://makeashorterlink.com/?G13B22AF5] If your kids have access to a sukkah, here are some decorating ideas for them. Instead of stringing up yet another paper chain, follow the instructions at VJ Holidays to create a harvest-time “food chain” by using cranberries, crabapples, popcorn, peppers, onions and small eggplant. [http://207.168.91.4/vjholidays/sukkot/decor.htm] The Shema Yisrael Torah Network has Sukkot-related drawings pages that can be printed out and colored in. These are traditional pictures showing the construction of a sukkah and men and boys shaking the lulav and etrog. [www.shemayisrael.co.il/yomtov/sukkot/skpa ges.htm] You can download a page from the Jewish Theological Seminary’s Kids’ Corner site where you’ll find a young woman shaking her lulav. [http://learn.jtsa.edu/topics/kids/ega lpos/imgthree.shtml] How many board games have you ever played that call for “a die, a copy of a Jewish Bible and access to your pantry?” That’s what you'll need to play the ingenious Kitchen Table Harvest Game that you can print out and play in your sukkah. This game has spaces on

its board that refer to verses in the Tanach where foods are mentioned. For example, if you happen to land on the square that says “Proverbs 15:17”, look up the verse and you’ll find the quotation, “Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.” Then go into your kitchen to looks for some herbs (or if applicable, an ox). The first person to collect 10 food items is the winner. [http://learn.jtsa. edu/topics/kids/together/sukkot/] Is there someone you’d like to get in touch with this holiday but have left it to the last minute? That’s no problem if you are sending them a holiday e-card. Choose from a selection of eight different online cards that you can personalize with your own message. Your e-card can even include Sukkotappropriate songs such as Ma Tovu (How Goodly are Thy Tents) and Shibolet Basadeh (The Sheaf in the Field.) [www.holidays.net/sukkot/ cards.htm] (Although I did like this site, it did seem to spawn a lot of pop-up ads on my browser. If that annoys you, stay away.) It might be a few years before your kids are ready to build their own real sukkah but in the meanwhile, there are plenty of miniatures that they can tackle crafted from shoe boxes [http://makeashorterlink.com/?O53 E23AF5] or Popsicle sticks. [www.geocities.com/amynealw/sukkot.htm] But if you are going to put all that time and effort into making a sukkah, why not follow the lead of the kids at the Hebrew Academy of Tidewater in Virginia Beach, VA? Make it an edible sukkah edible. With building materials like graham cracker walls, a pretzel-stick roof and Trix cereal decorations, who could go wrong? [www.chadiscrafts.com/fun/ediblesukkah.html] The fourth grade kids at Stamford, Connecticut’s Bi-Cultural Day School took up the edible sukkah challenge and created an even stranger array of structures that you can browse at their site and use as your own inspiration. [http://makeashorterlink.com/?J28D 32AF5] Scroll down their page to find a question that I presume has been perplexing rabbis for millennia: “I wonder what blessing you say on eating a sukkah…” Have a very happy holiday. Mark Mietkiewicz is a Torontobased Internet producer who writes, lectures and teaches about the Jewish Internet. He can be reached at highway@rogers.com.

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Sukkot Sites for Kids

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by ELYCE AZRIEL Director, Middle/High School at Temple Israel Three organizations interested in the well being of teens have joined together to co-sponsor a workshop to explore communications between parents and teens. “Sex, Drugs and Rock ’n Roll” is set for Wednesday, Oct. 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center. Jewish Family Service, Temple Israel’s Middle/High School department and Beth El Synagogue’s High School will feature Jerry Kaye, who served as Director of Camp OSRUI, the Olin-SangRuby Union Institute in Oconomowoc, WI, for more than two decades. Using scenes from contemporary popular film as provocative triggers, Kaye

allows a natural flow of discussion to take place without the need for direct confrontation, exploring issues important to teens and their parents in an open and safe setting. As a certified psychotherapist, Kaye brings a valuable combination of skills to this program. He has published numerous articles on issues of family concerns ad serves on several national task forces of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. The program is funded by the Ike and Roz Friedman Foundation, Jewish Family Service, the Lazier L. Singer Memorial Fund and Temple Israel Middle/High School. For more information, call 556-6536.

October 10, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Fighting Hate, Building Hope: New ADL/CRC Board Member’s Perspective by JILL BELMONT and KATHERINE FINNEGAN Members of the Board of Directors Anti-Defamation League/Community Relations Council Terrorist threats, growing anti-Semitism on college campuses, suicide bombings in Israel, the recent distribution of a neo-nazi group’s anti-immigration flyers in Omaha neighborhoods; there is a lot of hate in the media, the world and in our own backyard. Taking on the challenge of fighting hate and building hope for tomorrow, the Anti-Defamation League/Community Relations Committee (ADL/CRC) serves as the 911 number for our community, keeping their eyes and ears on the pulse of intolerance. “Just fighting hate is not enough” says Bob Wolfson, Director of the ADL/CRC. “Along with the Institute for Holocaust Education, the goal of the ADL/CRC is to also build hope, bridges of understanding and compassion through education and community outreach programming.” Hundreds of Omaha area Jewish and non-Jewish elementary, middle school and high school students, as well as their teachers are benefiting. Students will be learning about more than the three Rs during the 2003/2004 school year. Using the ADL’s World of Difference Institute’s Anti-Bias Curriculum students will be taught skills to help learn to deal with prejudice, discrimination and acceptance of others. The “YEAH” program or Youth Empowered Against Hate, in conjunction with the Omaha Hate Crimes Project, offers 25 local high school students an in-depth training session focusing on prejudice awareness, bullying intervention and tolerance. On Wednesday, Oct. 15, the trained students will make presentations to 100 middle school students from the Omaha Public, District 66 and Millard school districts, in the hopes of promoting a safer and more welcoming school environment for all students. “Having students guide other students is very effective,” Debbi Zweiback, ADL/CRC Assistant Director says, adding, “The data shows that students learn better from their peers. It’s more palatable and has more credibility.” Also in October, the ADL, along with Barnes & Noble Booksellers, will sponsor “Close the Book on Hate,” an event aimed at primary school aged children. Multicultural books that promote respect and acceptance of others will be highlighted. Zweiback said a short presentation about anti-bias will be presented and then a well-known local personality will read the book selection to the children. “This program gives the ADL an opportunity to offer the public important community education, and teaches children the importance of respecting one another,” she said. Wednesday, Nov. 5 will mark the 19th Annual

Solution to “Succot’s Succor” Crossword Puzzle on Page 11

Prejudice Elimination Workshop, an all-day, interactive program involving 300 high school students from the Omaha area. “The workshop’s objective is to provide an understanding of prejudice and discrimination and the harm they inflict upon both individuals and society,” Zweiback said, adding that, “this workshop provides participants with the tools to become agents of change in our community by challenging stereotypes and biases and promoting new friendships among students who represent the spectrum of diversity.” Complementing the ADL’s World of Difference anti-bias curriculum, the objective of the Institute for Holocaust Education is to use the lens of the Holocaust to view moral behavior. Beth Seldin Dotan, Director of the Institute adds “our objective is to provide an historical understanding of Holocaust and to learn about prejudice and discrimination and the harm they inflict upon individuals and society, today and in the past.” Last month, the photographic exhibit “To Save One Life: The Story of Righteous Gentiles” opened in the Pennie Z. Davis Gallery for Holocaust Education. The exhibit will run through Nov. 15. The exhibit features many individuals and countries who risked their lives to save fellow human beings. “It is not the story of the Holocaust, but the story of those who stood up for humanity,” explained Dr. William Shulman, exhibit curator. A Holocaust teacher in-service training is scheduled for the evening of Thursday, Oct. 16. The theme of this year's in-service is “What is an Ally.” The objective of the training is to provide resources, tools and strategies for teaching the Holocaust in school. One such tool is the “Tribute to the Rescuers” essay contest which will be offered again this January. The essay contest is an example of how to reach students and meet educational state standards. Last year approximately 300 students participated from five Omaha-area school districts. Educator training is free and open to all k-12 educators. Also serving as a resource center, the Omaha ADL/CRC and the Institute for Holocaust Education offers a wide variety of written material including but not limited to the Holocaust, anti-bias programming, extremism, Judaism and church/state issues. If you are interested in becoming involved in the issues that affect your community or would like more information about ADL/CRC programming contact Debbi Zweiback at 333-1303. If you would like more information about the Institute for Holocaust Education, contact Beth Seldin Dotan at 333-6575. If you would like to be kept informed about various programming, please send your e-mail address and interests to Linda Pollard at the ADL:: LPollard@adl.org.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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October 10, 2003

Medical Ethics Series Continues with Issues in Cloning

IN THE NEWS

Out

Former Omahan Benjamin Rabb has been elected Junior Class President of Hall High School in West Hartford, CT. Ben also serves as Vice-president of Social Action/Tikkun Olam for Connecticut/Hanefesh Region USY and is a member of Hall High’s prestigious award-winning vocal group, The Choraliers. Ben lives in West Hartford with his parents, Lori and Steve Rabb. Former Norfolk, NE, resident Barbara RobinsonDunn, Ph.D, technical director of microbiology at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, has been appointed by Tommy Thompson, Secretary of Health and Human Services, to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Advisory Committee of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As a member of the 20-person committee made up of experts from institutions across the country, Robinson-Dunn will provide scientific and technical advice regarding standards for regulating clinical laboratories. Robinson-Dunn joined Beaumont in March 2001 after a distinguished 17-year career at the Michigan Department of Community Health. Robinson-Dunn earned an undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Colorado, a master's in medical microbiology from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and a doctorate from the University of Oklahoma. She did a fellowship in medical and public health microbiology at the University of North Carolina. In addition to her responsibilities at Beaumont and on the CDC committee, Robinson-Dunn is an active member of the American Society for Microbiology, the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Michigan Antibiotic Resistance Reduction Coalition. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Medical Microbiology and a fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

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Sandra Wendel and Mayo Clinic cancer specialist Dr. Edward T. Creagan, co-authors of In How Not to Be My Patient: A Physician's Secrets for Staying Healthy and Surviving Any Diagnosis, take readers inside the examination room and teaches them how to take control of their health care, their medical records and their critical decision making, and shows patients how to wisely select and build partnerships with their doctors. Readers learn how to take charge, when (and how) to get a second opinion, and how to set up a support system to make health decisions and assure survival. Dr. Creagan is the recipient of the Distinguished Mayo Clinician Award and Mayo Clinic staff member for more than 30 years. He is professor at the Mayo Clinic Medical School. Wendel is a consumer health information journalist and senior project editor for eMedicine.com. She is an Internet health content provider at www.health-eheadlines.com. The book is available at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library.

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by KATHY HIRSHMAN JELS Assistant Director Dr. Toby Schonfeld will instruct a four-week course dealing with the ethical issues involved in cloning. The summer ethics lecture series touched on general topics relating to this quickly expanding technology, starting Thursday, Oct. 30. This class will enable participants to delve much more deeply into the issues by reading, interpreting and applying Jewish textual sources in light of the contemporary moral dilemma. The first two weeks of the course will focus on therapeutic cloning and the last two weeks will focus on human reproductive cloning. Dr. Schonfeld will introduce therapeutic cloning including the scientific possibilities at the first class. Participants will read Jewish texts dealing with the preservation of life and health and the sanctity of human life. In week two, the class Dr. Toby Schonfeld will examine the moral arguments regarding therapeutic cloning and the reform and conservative response on stem cells. In the third class, participants will look at the science of human reproductive cloning including scientific possibilities. The topics of Jewish texts will be the importance and significance of procreation. The fourth and final week of the course will delve into reproductive cloning as a form of assisted reproductive technologies. Jewish texts on assisted reproductive technologies will be analyzed. Dr. Schonfeld is a member of UNMC’s Graduate Faculty and an Assistant Professor of Humanities and Law in the Department of Preventive and Societal Medicine. She is nationally recognized and lectures extensively on the topic of medical ethics. Jewish Educational & Library Services and the Phillip and Ethel Klutznick Chair of Jewish Civilization at Creighton University are co-sponsors of this class on the cutting edge of medical science; it is open to the community. If you are uncertain if this study is for you, preview the first class with no obligation. The classes will meet in the Kripke Federation Library at the Jewish Community Center Oct. 30, Nov. 13, 20 and Dec. 4, 7-8:30 p.m. Cost is $18 per participant and reservations are required. For reservations or further information call me at: 334-6445 or e-mail khirshman@jewishomaha.org.

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October 3, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

Succot’s Succor

ORGANIZATIONS

by BERNARD MANN, Legacy Crosswords, © 2003 OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING Rabbi Aryeh Blum will give his weekly parasha shiur on Shabbos afternoon, Saturday, Oct. 11, 5:30 p.m. Time for Talmud will resume Monday Oct. 13, 7 p.m.; we are learning Tractate Kidushin, regarding a Jewish marriage ceremony. The Beis Midrash is open for chavrusastyle learning on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m., at the OCTL House, 1313 No. 58 St. “Hidden Dimensions of Psalms”, organized by Shirley Goodman is on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 4:30 p.m., in the sukkah at the home of Carol Katzman, 9151 Harney St. Rabbi Tuvia Hoffman will explore the meaning of psalms. Mark your calendar now for Sukkot. On Tuesday, Oct. 14, 7 p.m., OCTL will host a Singles Night in its sukkah. A Community Open House is set for Wednesday, Oct. 15, 7 p.m. Join Rabbi Blum for Lunch ’n Learn at the Kripke Library, Wednesday, Oct. 15, noon; we are discussing the fundamentals of Judaism as redacted in the classic work, The Way of God by the Ramchal (c.1700 C.E.). The Hebrew Reading crash course for those who have always wanted to learn to read Hebrew, as well as those who need to polish up, is offered Wednesdays, 7 p.m., at the OCTL house. Brooke’s Teen Girls’ Class is Thursday, Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m., at her home, 805 So. 120 Ave. For more information, call Rabbi Blum at 320-8055 or Rabbi Hoffman, at 9810569. Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. Come play bingo at 10 a.m. with Eileen Remer or exercise with Stacey Paskert at 10:30 a.m. Bring articles to share for “YES Talk” at 11 a.m. Following lunch at noon, join us for Songs of Broadway with Robert Valenta and Esther Wax. For transportation call Dee Dee at 330-4272. Call Maggie Conti for reservations at 334-6521 for the Bluffs Run on Oct. 30. WALK-IN, DROP-IN Members will meet Thursday at the JCC. Exercise and bingo will begin at 10 a.m., Lunch will be served at 11:15 a.m. “Remember When” with Lois Wine will begin at noon in the Social Hall. Call Maggie Conti for transportation at 3346521. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Want a place to brush up on your Yiddish? Join us every Thursday, 1-3 p.m., at The Yiddish Conversation Group at the JCC. Call Anne Skolkin for information at 343-1638.

VISIONS Fame, The Musical, debuts at the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln on Sunday, March 7, 2004, 2 p.m. Cost is $58 per person which includes transportation and theater ticket. Send reservations to Jean Elkon, 1005 No. 63 St., Omaha, NE 68132. For information call Ethel Goldston at 393-7358. Make checks payable to Visions. Deadline is Oct. 13. NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN The NCJW-Omaha Section board meeting is Thursday, Oct. 16, noon, at the home of Jill Baron, who will be serving lunch. Andrew Robinson from UBS Paine Webber will speak about our finances. To RSVP, call President Kim Noddle, 391-7022. B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Bob McGowan will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Oct. 15, noon, at the Park Inn Regency, according to Ken Weiner, Chairman. McGowan, an attorney, will discuss “The New Tax Law and Its Effect on Your Estate Plan.” Cost is $9 for lunch and $2 for beverage service only. Breadbreakers is open to the community. JEWlSH SENlOR SERVlCES Flu Shots will be given on Monday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m., at the JCC auditorium. There is no charge if you bring your Medicare card (supplemental B). Sponsored by the Visiting Nursing Association. For questions call Maggie Conti at 334-6521. Reminder: An Eventng of Elegance with the Omaha Symphony with Conductor Victor Yampolsky on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 7 p.m., at the JCC auditorium. Let the music of Bach, Mozart and Haydn inspire you. There is no admission fee! Special dessert reception following. For reservations call Maggie Conti at 334-6521. Sponsored by the Noddle family in memory of Edith Noddle. Seating is limited. Celebrate Veteran’s Day with the Avi8Ors on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 7 p.m., at the JCC auditorium. There is no admission fee. The Avi8Ors blend subtle choreography and dialogue with the music to give the performance a bit of a nostalgic feel. Refreshments will be served. For reservations call Maggie Conti at 334-6521. Seating is limited. JEWISH WOMEN INTERNATIONAL JWI will host its annual Mah Jongg Tournament on Sunday, Nov. 2, noon, at the Jewish Cmmunity Center. To register, send a check for $15, made out to JWI, by Oct. 29 to: Rosalie Greenspan, 8108 Howard, Omaha, NE 68114.

BIRTHS Julie and Tim Kusher announce the Aug. 6 birth of their daughter, Eva Bella. Grandparents are Barbara and Marshall Kushner, and Jolene and John Corbin of Lincoln, NE. Great-grandparents are the late Janice and John Corbin; the late Herbert and the Mildred Uhing; the late Eva and Meyer Ruback, and the late Dorothy and Max Kushner. Rabbi Josh Zweiback and Jaqueline Hantgan of Los Altos, CA, announce the Aug. 19 birth of their daughter, Naomi Daniela. She has two older sisters, Isa and Ariela. Grandparents are Beverly and Henry

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Hantgan, New York City, NY, and Debbi and Speedy Zweiback and the late Hermine Zweiback. Great-grandparents are Harriet Shandel of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Julia Davis of Overland Park, KS. Brooke and David Shrago announce the Sept. 22 birth of their daughter, Taliah Sara. Grandparents are Dani and Leon Shrago and Toby Swichkow and Daniel Swichkow of Chicago, IL. Great-grandmothers are Alice Cohen and Gertrude Swichkow of Skokie, IL, and the late Morris Cohen, Louis J. Swichkow, Phillip and Helen Schwartz, and Harry and Sarah Shrago.

ACROSS 1. RITUAL FRUIT OF SUCCOT 6. Let you skim down winter slopes 10. British Harrier, for example 14. Sculptor Ernest 15. Red or longleaf 16. Earth, in Essen 17. ANOTHER SUCCOT RITUAL PLANT 18. ____ of attrition can take its toll 19. Common noun ending 20. Rush or haste, in Turkish (related to English word for speeding up) 21. MATURE FRUITS, OF A KIND 23. Bottom digits 25. Coward and namesakes 26. Sodded 30. Rep.'s opponent 31. Russian coins 32. Timber man 37. “____ I ever!” (reflective remark) 38. Prohibit, exclude 39. European evergreen shrub 40. Division subdivisions 42. The Importance of Being ____ 43. Kit-___, candy bar

44. What those who take exams are 45. Boiled water vapor 48. James or college 49. “In _____ of a lamb’s tail” 51. Composite flower 56. Aural organs 57. Gold leaf 58. Edwin Way ____, naturalist, Pulitzer Prize winner 59. Muppets favorite 60. French feminine ending 61. Follow as a result of 62. Observes 63. Galilee and Red 64. Flower holder DOWN 1. And her, in Honfleur 2. Trick, in Tours or Troyes 3. Actor's assignment 4. Stadium track 5. DONATED CHARITY 6. Brother should have ___ a dime 7. Fruit or flightless birds 8. I’m taking a snooze 9. More at peace 10. Instructions to an old-time type man: place the 5th letter twice 11. This can be by fire, water, or error 12. Smells

13. Camera essential 22. SUCCOT FRUITS 24. Big-hair dog breed (acronym) 26. Yank at, take in a hurry 27. Rhine tributary 28. Cate starter, makes a reign ender 29. Irish county (abbrev.) 30. Quixote or Juan 32. Note above mi, twice 33. ___-heim, Broadway musical master 34. Oak or elm 35. To be, in Latin 36. Soaks, as flax or hemp 38. Wager 41. Mars 42. Epoch 44. Gestures, in Grenoble 45. Shallow drainage depression 46. Crooner Mel 47. Certain oil company collectibles, as known on e-Bay 48. Major airline 49. Ball supports in golf, football 50. Wind-lofted plaything 52. Delivered e-mail 53. Tech. advisory serv. for attorneys 54. Last Hebrew month 55. Emit a pungent odor

Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 10, 2003

Opinion Nothing is Forever For the residents of North Carolina, the phrase in Yaakov Kirshen’s cartoon this week--the frailty of our existence--hit home when they were hit by a hurricane. Same goes for the residents of the Northeast during the widespread power blackout in August. We think we’re protected from the elements of nature until we have to bar the door against 150 mph hurricane force winds. We don’t even give a second thought to flipping the light switch until the power somehow can’t be delivered to our homes. We take this “protection” for granted. But from what source, exactly, does this protection come? Surely not the wood frame walls in our homes nor the private power companies that have treated upgrades to the grid with benign neglect! For the Jews living in these areas, the festival of Sukkot has a whole new meaning. Even the sturdiest, strongest dwellings don’t last forever. Try having meals in a sukkah this week and you’ll get the picture. Look through the lattice work roof, covered in pine boughs; you’ll see the stars (if you’re lucky). The wind will whistle through the cracks in the walls, flickering the citronella candle you hope will keep away the insects. Forget shooing the bees-especially with that jar of honey on the table to spread on your challah! Think about the ushpezin--the ancestral guests invited to the sukkah. A conversation with Avraham and Yitzhak--who wouldn’t

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want to ask, “Where was Sarah during the binding of Isaac anyway?” Invite your children’s grandparents over for a meal and watch their smiles as their grandchildren shake the lulav and etrog in the sukkah and recite the blessings. It’s a terrible world out there--wars, terrorism, shootings, drugs, crime, hate--but inside the sukkah, this fragile structure that could collapse at a moment’s notice--all is safe. Why is that? Perhaps it’s because, in the end, there really is no protection, except for God’s. That’s a radical thought today. But given the hew and cry about separation of religion and state, even Americans state they are “religious” people and a vast majority do believe in God. Sitting in a sukkah makes you think about the things in life that are really important--not the material possessions as comfortable as they

make us feel--but the “good stuff”--health, family and friends, simchas and life, and most importantly--peace. May 5764 be just such a year for us all!

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: I am part of a non-profit student organization working to collect and preserve Russian oral and written history from the Midwest. The primary goal of this project is the recording and archiving of written, oral, and other materials important to Russian, Ukrainian, and Czech heritage and/or of Russian, Ukrainian and Czech origin. The recorded results will be inventoried and archived with selected materials posted in digital format on the world wide web for educational purposes. We will do this by recording or filming short interviews and scanning or printing pictures. All volunteers will have the right to withdraw at any time, and if in the event of problems resulting from the interview, psychological help is always available at the UNL Psychological Consultation Center. Language barriers will not be a problem. We have students who can translate in Russian, Czech, Ukrainian, Polish, and other Slavic languages. To participate, those interested can call Dr. Mila Saskova-Pierce in Lincoln at 402-472-1336, or if they would prefer to avoid any long distance charges, they can call my Omaha cellphone at 630-1719, leave a name and number, and we will contact them. If there are any questions, please e-mail me at: superspike25@yahoo.com. Sandra Coles To the Editor: This summer I was in Omaha to attend to the funeral of my sisterin-law, Ida Forbes. While we were at the Fisher Farm/BHH Cemetery, I was again appalled by the condition, not only of the graves of my parents and in-laws, but of the entire cemetery. My husband was told there had been trouble with the caretakers and the rest was in the Cemetery committee’s letter in the Jewish Press on Aug. 15. I believe that our talk prompted that letter. I was also pleased to read the letter from Anne Richtman Kaplan in the Sept. 12 Jewish Press (about Golden Hill Cemetery). My question is: Are we the only people who are upset by this? We are from out of town; what about those families who live in Omaha who have relatives buried at these cemeteries? Are you not outraged by the conditions? This is not a new phenomenon; these conditions take years to get to this degree of deterioration. Unlike the living, (the dead) can’t move to a new location with better conditions. We have to care for them! Please call, write, or e-mail those who are in charge and let’s get something done. We have to do something. Let me know you care; write me. Toby Raznick Forbes 4010 W. Cherrywood Lane Brown Deer, WI 53209 TForbes414@aol.com

To the Editor: I would like to thank everybody who donated perishable and canned food for my Mitzvah Project for the omaha Food Bank as part of my responsibilities for my Bar Mitzvah last month at Temple Israel. Justin Zachary Spooner To the Editor: I have intended writing this letter since my brief pre-Pesach visit to Omaha. With the High Holydays in the wings, I put my many commitments aside to delay no longer. It was my third visit to Omaha. On the two previous occasions I came with my husband, Yehuda Shulewitz, a former Peorian. This time I came on my own having been invited to lecture to Jewish and Christian audiences in Denver, CO, on Jews and Christians under Arab Rule. It was a memorable experience. By U.S. standards, Omaha seemed so close. Our niece and nephew, Cindy and Alan Shulewitz and their two lovely children, Chad and Brooke, live there. An opportunity not to be missed! I enjoyed every moment of their company. They received me royally: from the moment that I stepped out of the airport to when, reluctantly, I had to catch my plane back to New York. Particularly memorable was my visit to the Jewish Community Center. I had been there once before with my husband, but there was more time on this occasion and nephew Alan was an excellent guide as we toured the different sections; inspecting the “Seder table” and lingering a while to study the interesting photographic display of the community's elders. From kindergarten to facilities for seniors and much in between--nothing I could think of was missing. When we walked into the library, I coyly asked the librarian if perhaps it would be possible to acquire a copy of my edited volume, The Forgotten Millions: The Modern Jewish Exodus from Arab Lands (Soft Cover Continuum International 2000). Two minutes on his computer, then over to the shelves and voila! the courteous gentleman had my book in hand. I was really thrilled to find that, not only had I reached Denver, but Omaha, too. I was amazed by the range of activities available for a relatively small, but so vibrant a Jewish community. As an Israeli (originally from England), I also felt much encouraged by the degree of caring about the Jewish heritage that this Center represented. I am glad now that I waited to write. This--if you will permit me-is a chance to send my warm greetings to the Jewish community of Omaha. I hope you will continue to thrive and develop in the New Year and that, please God, you will hear good news from Land and People. Shana tova u’gmar hatima tova. Malka Hillel Shulewitz Jerusalem, Israel

Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Ray Pred Account Executive Timothy J. Ketelsen Bookkeeper Jon Gates Production Assistant Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbie Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Nancy Skid; Melanie Weinstein. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish Community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Services. Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but the letters should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information contained in the letter shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Editor, 1-402-3346450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $35 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402334-6448; FAX: 402-334-5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or to ckatzman@jewishomaha. org.

Nebraska Press Association

October 10, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 13

Lessons of Oslo Must Be Learned if Peacemaking Is to Have a Chance today. With the Mitchell report, the Tenet security plan and now the “road map” peace plan, the problem was not the absence of agreement; it was the absence of implementation. Steps called for were not

TEN YEARS A FTER OSLO by DENNIS ROSS WASHINGTON (JTA)--Sept. 13 marked the 10th anniversary of the famous handshake between Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat at the White House. The high hopes of that day have long since vanished in a sea of blood, with countless victims, searing violence and profound suffering. Was Oslo doomed from the start? Some will say yes because Arafat, who became the Palestinian Authority President, was never a partner for peace. As the American negotiator who spent more time with him than did any other non-Palestinian, I came to the conclusion that Arafat was incapable of making peace with Israel. He could not give up his mythologies, and he would not acknowledge that Palestinians, too, would have to make concessions. But it is far too easy to blame it all on Arafat; doing so means that none of the lessons of Oslo will be learned. And there are important lessons that must be learned if peacemaking--if it ever resumes--is to be done in a way that stands a chance of succeeding. While I believe there are many lessons from the past, let me single out three here: • First, peacemaking requires accountability. One of the most profound failures of Oslo was that neither side lived up to its obligations. Both sides felt it easy to ignore what they had agreed to do, and there was never a consequence. If Israelis and Palestinians alike wanted the United States in the process, then each needed to know that we would hold them to their commitments and that if they did not perform we would publicly say who was living up to the agreements and who was not. Though this seems to be an obvious lesson--and President Bush has spoken of holding each side accountable--the pattern of the past remains present

taken. The road map was the least welldefined, with no clear understandings by each side of what was expected of them. When the Palestinians agreed to a truce-something not even in the road map-no questions were raised, even though

people programs that break down stereotypes and make it harder to demonize are important for making compromise acceptable. But leaders must lead the way. They must condition their publics that compromise is going to be necessary. Israelis must know that there will be withdrawals, that they will evacuate many settlements, that they cannot control Palestinians and that geographic contiguity for Palestinians cannot be finessed with tunnels and bridges. Palestinians must know that there will be no Palestinian state born of violence;

Dennis Ross is the featured speaker for the 2004 Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Community Campaign Event, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 23, 8 p.m., at Beth El Synagogue. The event is free to the Omaha Jewish community with an increased pledge of any amount to the 2004 Federation Annual Campaign. Plus, see the 2004 Campaign video featuring some of our community’s young people sharing their moving and eloquent personal experiences about giving back in the face of tragedy and why it’s so great to come home to a caring Jewish community. A Major Gifts dinner with the Ambassador will precede the Community Event, starting at 5:45 p.m. Chairmen for the Federation Community Campaign Event are Steven and Carol Bloch and Jennifer and Scott Meyerson. For more information and to read recent commentary by Ambassador Dennis Ross, visit the Federation website at: www.jewishomaha.org or call Pam Monsky, Federation Communications Director at 334.6431. the truce became a reason why the Palestinians were not willing to go after the terrorist infrastructure, something that was an essential part of the road map. If there are going to be plans, understandings of what is required must be clear and the consequences of nonperformance must be spelled out from the beginning. • Second, both sides must prepare their publics for compromise. People-to-

that terror will delegitimize their cause; that they will have to compromise on Jerusalem, borders, and refugees-indeed, that the solution on refugees must permit a two-state solution, not a one-state solution. Israel will be a Jewish state and Palestinians must be prepared to recognize it as such. Throughout Oslo, preparation of publics was conspicuously absent, especially on the Palestinian side--where Arafat treated the very concept of com-

promise on the permanent status issues as a betrayal. • Third, Arab leaders must assume their responsibilities. The Arab role during Oslo was limited--in part because the Palestinians only sought their support but never their guidance; and in part because Arab leaders were fearful of being accused by Arafat asking the Palestinians to surrender their national rights if they pressed him to compromise on the core issues. But one clear lesson that is particularly relevant today is that without the Arabs, the Palestinians will be unable either to confront their own rejectionists or to make concessions for peace. Today, when the Palestinian Authority prime minister must confront Hamas and Islamic Jihad while facing resistance from Arafat, only Arab leaders can help create an umbrella of legitimacy for him to act. The prime minister needs them to declare publicly that Hamas and Islamic Jihad exploded the cease-fire and are threatening not just Palestinian interests, but the cause itself. Arab leaders must support the crackdown on these groups and also exert meaningful pressure on Arafat not to block what he is doing. This is not the time to ask for Arafat’s help, which would only play to his desire to show he is indispensable; it's time for Arafat to be shown that Arab leaders will no longer remain silent about his efforts to undermine the advent of the prime minister they all supported. In essence, it is time for Arab leaders to assume their responsibilities if they want to see a peace process that can succeed. They, too, must have obligations and be accountable. They, too, can help with the need to condition for peace. If they do, and if accountability and the ethos of compromise become part of our efforts to promote peace, we may not have to lament the failed promise of Oslo in another 10 years. Dennis Ross, director and Ziegler Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, was President Clinton’s envoy to the Middle East. His book, The Missing Peace, will be published next year.

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Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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 1502 N. 52 St. Omaha, NE. 68104 -5013 556-6288 BethIsrael@novia.net

Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660-2395 http://welcome.to/beytshalom/

Chabad House An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Movement 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330-1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com

Congregation B’nai Jeshrun South Street Temple Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435-8004 jewishnebraska.org

Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294-6244

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

Temple Israel Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556-6536 templeisrael-ne.org

Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423-8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org

If you’re looking at this space, so are others! YOUR AD CAN GO HERE...to reserve space, call Allan Handleman, 334-6451, or Ray Pred, 334-6559.

October 10, 2003

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. FRIDAY: Join us in prayer, song and joy at a musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Services, 9:30 a.m., followed by a Kiddush, sponsored by Beth El, in our Sukkah; K’tantan: a Shabbat enrichment program for Kindergarten through Grade 3, 10:45 a.m.; Evening Services, at 6:40 p.m. SUKKOT SUNDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. and 6:35 p.m. HOL HAMOED (Monday through Thursday): Morning services, 6:40 a.m.; Evening Services, 5:30 p.m. FRIDAY, Oct. 17: Morning service, for Hoshanna Rabbah, at 6:15 a.m. (See story on Sukkot and Simchat Torah on page 6.) A THOUGHT FOR SHABBAT To receive Rabbi Levin’s weekly “Thought For Shabbat” e-mail message, please send your e-mail address to exec@bethelomaha.org. This is free and open to the entire community.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: MondayThursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:40 p.m. SATURDAY: First Day of Sukkot Morning Services, 8:45 a.m. Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m. Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood; lunch in the sukkah follows kiddush; Shabbos House at the home of Bonnie Bloch and Howard Gendelman, 3-5 p.m.; Mincha, 6:25 p.m. followed by Shalosh

Suedot, Ma’ariv, and Havdalah. SUNDAY: Morning Services, 8:45 a.m.; Mincha, 6:35 p.m.; Havdalah, 7:30 p.m. MONDAY: Pizza in the Hut dinner at the Friedel sukkah for NCSYers and their families, 5:30 p.m. TUESDAY: Sisterhood Board Meeting, 10:30 a.m.; Sisterhood luncheon, 12:30 p.m. Weekday Morning Services, 7a.m.; Weekday Mincha and Ma’ariv, 6:25 p.m. SIMCHAT TORAH Make plans to attend Hakafos (dancing and singing with the Torah) next Saturday night, Oct. 18, 7 p.m., followed by a dairy dinner and ice cream social.

TUESDAY: Adult Education continued with “Some Modern Views of God, 7-8:30 p.m. SIMCHAT TORAH Friday, Oct. 17, 7 p.m., Family service and consecration. Dance with the Torah. Unroll the Torah and hear the end and the beginning of the Torah.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Sukkot Services, led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet, 9 a.m. SUNDAY: Sukkot Services, led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet, 7 p.m.

BEYT SHALOM

TEMPLE ISRAEL

FRIDAY: Shabbat in the home. SATURDAY: Sukkot Havdalah, 4:30 p.m., at the home of Jenni Schlossman and Jeff Ferber. SUNDAY: Religious School, 3 p.m., at the JCC.

FRIDAY: Every Friday: All male members of Temple are invited to a weekly informal get together at Spirit World, 7517 Pacific Street. 11:45 a.m. Erev Sukkot Family Service, 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Craig Marantz and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate; all babies born since last year will recieve special blessing. Oneg Shabbat sponsored by Women of Reform Judaism. SATURDAY: Sukkot Service, 10:30 a.m. Sarah Schondelmeyer will be called to the Torah; a kiddush luncheon follows services. SUNDAY: ”Literature of the Holocaust” presented by Robert Cohen, and sponsored by Temple’s Men’s Club, Open to the community. Non Men’s Club members, $3. 10 a.m. SITTER SERVICE Sitter Service is available at each friday evening service, Saturday mornings when there is a B’nai Mitzvah, Sunday mornings during Religious School. Make reservations through the Temple office. Cost is $2 per family; sorry no facilities for infants. ADULT EDUCATION WEDNESDAY, Oct. 15:

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. MondayFriday, morning services, 7 a.m. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:40 p.m.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays, all day. You may reach her 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays at 416-2321 (local for Lincoln), or at rabstiel@aol.com. FRIDAY: Sukkot Family Service, 7 p.m., including October Birthday Blessings and Sukkot Children’s Story in the Sukkah. SATURDAY: Shabbat service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Sukkot potluck dinner at the Siegel Mosow home, 8103 Northshore Dr., 5-7 p.m.

Open House Continued from page 1 As people form new bonds and friendships from the party, the long-term hope is that the community will grow stronger. The Jewish family will need bolstering in light of other worrisome statistics from the survey, which indicated that the median age of American Jews climbed from 37 in 1990 to 41 in 2000, with 19% age 65 and older, compared with 15 percent in 1990. At the same time, Jewish women approaching the

Candlelighting Friday, October 10, 6:33p.m. Saturday, October 11, no earlier than 7:31 p.m.

end of their childbearing years, ages 40-44, have an average of 1.8 children, which is below the replacement level of 2.1. Beth Israel Synagogue is cosponsoring the community-wide activity, which will be held at the Chabad House at 120th and Shirley. The organizing committee includes Nancy Wolf, Marsha Kleinberg, Dani Shrago, Susan Paley, Nadine Kuttner, Debra Bram, Kathy Helm, Yaffa Schuller, and Justin Kohll.

“History of Israel, Part 1: Biblical and Pre-Modern Foundations” with Dr. Gershovich, 6:45-8:30 p.m. THURSDAY, Oct. 16: “Adult Study with the Clergy.” 10 a.m.11:30 a.m., with Cantor Shermet. BOOK TALK THURSDAY, Oct. 16: Book Discussion, about the novel To Know A Woman by Amos Oz. 7:30 p.m. Facilitators are Rosalie Saltzman, Director of the UNO Honors program, and avid reader Lee Needelman. Pick up a copy in the Temple office or at the Bookworm in Countryside Village for $10. SHABBAT COMES TO YOU FRIDAY, Oct. 17: Rabbi Azriel and the Temple Youth Group will lead Shabbat Services at Remington Heights. 4 p.m. SIMCHAT TORAH FRIDAY, Oct. 17, 7 p.m. Kindergartners and older students who have never been consecrated will participate in the consecration service. Tuffy Epstein’s The Fabrangen Fiddlers, will play.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday & Thursday, 7:15 a.m. FRIDAY: Erev Sukkot Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Sukkot First Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:40 p.m. SUNDAY: Second Sukkot Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:40 p.m. TUESDAY: The Ladies Lunch Bunch will meet at the Parthenon, 12:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: The Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. FRIDAY, Oct. 17 : Hoshana Rabbah Service, 7:15 a.m. A monument will be unveiled in memory of Gene Schaffer, 1:30 p.m., at Mount Carmel Cemetery.

BAR MITZVAH Josh Fried, son of former Omahans Sandi and Ed Fried, celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Sept.13, at Beth Shalom Synagogue in Kansas City, MO. An eighth grade honor roll student at Overland Trail Middle School, Josh also had a poem published in a national journal. Josh enjoys working on computers, rockets, going go-karting, and attending North Star Camp. For his mitzvah project Josh offered to blow the shofar at nursing homes, and also make appearances at the homes of any Kansas City synagogue member who would not be able to make it to services. Josh has two sisters, Maggie and Gabrielle, and a brother, Eli. Grandparents are Sam and Frances Fried, the late Magda Fried, Shirley White of Kansas City and the late Lewis White.

U.S. Supreme Court Poised to Rule on Government Funding of Religion by MATTHEW E. BERGER WASHINGTON (JTA)--The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to hear a case this term that could have lasting ramifications on government funding of religious programs. The high court, which opened Tuesday--a day later than normal because of Yom Kippur-is expected to take up the case of state scholarships for religious education in December.

A Washington state man is suing the state for denying him access to a college scholarship because he was planning to major in pastoral studies. The Washington legislature made students studying theology ineligible for the aid, saying the state constitution prohibited public money for religious instruction. While the case, Locke v. Davey, focuses on the funding of educa-

tion, legal scholars say the case could turn separation of church and state cases on their heads because Davey’s argument presumes that access to state money for religious programs is a right, not a benefit. Jewish court-watchers believe the case could have implications for a wide variety for state funding initiatives, including faithbased initiatives and school

vouchers. As in most church-state case these days, Jewish groups have lined up on both sides of the debate. Jewish groups are also watching several other cases on the Supreme Court docket this session, including a case that could decide whether a California woman can sue Austria in U.S. courts to recoup Nazi-looted art.

October 10, 2003

Chag Sukkot

SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI CRAIG MARANTZ I love Sukkot. It’s my favorite holiday. Sukkot energizes me. I love how Sukkot fills the senses. The heavenly fragrance of the etrog. The rustling of the lulav. The feel of nature. I love how Sukkot draws the Jewish people, the earth and God into close relationship. I love how the sukkah brings people together in friendship and thanksgiving. But, what I love most about Sukkot is the time it offers to reflect on the Yamim Nora’im, detached some from the profound intensity of the Days of Awe. There are three particular connections, which I find very significant. Because Sukkot draws us closer to the earth, we are reminded of our historic legacy as farmers. At the heart of this legacy is our responsibility to sustain God’s world. On Rosh Hashanah, in our synagogue, we focus on the first creation story from Bereshit, in which God creates human beings betzelem Elohim, in God’s image. But, extending our focus to the second creation story, found in chapter two of Genesis, we discover a moral basis for our role as shomrei adamah, protectors of the earth. God commands us to till and tend to the earth. As tillers and tenders, as shomrei adamah, we are truly partners with God in taking care of the land. And, we can extend this nurturing attitude to helping God to heal the world at-large. We all know that eating in the sukkah with family and friends builds a sense of community. When we sit in the sukkah together, we are reminded of the important Jewish virtue: kol Yisrael arevim zeh ba’zeh: all Jews are responsible for one another. Not only does this require of us warm and welcoming hospitality, hachnasat orchim. It reminds us of that transformative moment in parashat Netzavim, which we read during the shacharit service on Yom Kippur. In Netzavim, the Children of Israel stand together not only with each other but figuratively with future generations, all of whom share in the responsibility of making the dream of covenant a daily reality for time eternal. The covenant, of course, is one of relationship and responsibility, of God and Israel to each other, and given the notion betzelem Elohim, of ourselves to one another. Once in awhile, we will hear Sukkot referred to as Chag Ha-Hoda’ah, a Festival of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving not just for the abundance of the harvest, but for the compassion shown by God to the Children of Israel as they wandered through the desert after leaving Egypt. It this historic compassion we ask God to exercise during the Yamim Nora’im to soften any severe judgements we might deserve. But, perhaps even more importantly, we, created betzelem Elohim, must exercise such compassion toward others. Our God-given compassion helps us love our neighbors. Our compassion motivates us to leave the gleanings of our field for the poor. It’s compassion that helps us refrain from placing a stumbling block before the blind. On Yom Kippur afternoon, we encounter these mitzvot of compassion in Leviticus 19, which ultimately remind us of what it takes to be holy. For me, Sukkot is a time to catch my breath. A time to continue the soulful inventory begun in earnest, before the High Holidays, during the days of Elul. I think in drawing connections between Sukkot and the Yamim Nora’im, we make Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur more meaningful. Equally as important, we make Sukkot more meaningful. And a more meaningful holy day means greater participation. So if Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur have you feeling a bit tired out, dig down deep and find some energy so you can enjoy the beauties of Sukkot. You will find your celebration very refreshing and inspiring.

Friends Raise Funds for Accident Victim Friends of Pavel Razantsev, injured in a fall last month, are raising funds for him. Razantsev, age 20, is paralyzed, according to a family friend, Rita Kulik, and his family is trying to raise funds to move him to a rehabilitation facility in Colorado. To make a donation, send checks made out to Great Western Bank for the Pavel Razantsev Fund, to: Great Western Bank, 6015 N.W. Radial Hwy, Omaha, NE 68104.

DEATHS

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 15

Excellent Quality Construction

GERALD A. MARER Former Omahan Jerry Marer died Sept. 30 in Palo Alto, CA, at the age of 66. Though he battled life-threatening diseases for much of his later life, he continued to practice law and to write. A graduate of the Stanford Law School, Marer’s scholarship and investigation about subjects related to the criminal justice system, politics, lawyer-client relations and religion were well known, according to a childhood friend, David Herzog, an Omaha attorney. “Jerry became known as one of the most effective and respected appellate attorneys,” Herzog added. He is survived by his brother and former law partner, Alan Marer of Palo Alto; daughter, Laura Marer; daughter and son-in-law, Beth Marer-Garcia and Julio Garcia; grandchildren, Jason and Laura Garcia. Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. PHILIP HANDLEMAN Phil Handleman died Oct. 3 at the age of 78. Services were held Oct. 5 at Beth Israel Cemetery. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Pauline. He is survived by his wife, Eva Handleman; daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Bill Alloy; son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Judy Handleman; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; brothers and sistersin-law, Morris and Renee Handleman, and Ed and Peggy Handleman of San Francisco. Memorials to Temple Israel. MORTON SOIREF Morton Soiref died Oct. 2 at the age of 84. Services were held Oct. 3 at Mount Sinai Cemetery. Soiref served as a bombardier during World World II and received the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal. He is survived by his wife, Helen Soiref; sons and daughters-in-law, Gary and Harriet Soiref of Swampscott, MA, and Brian and Barbara Soiref of Hilton Head, SC; grandchildren, Carly and Adam Soiref; sisters, Etta Onat of New Haven, CT, and Charney Borin of Los Angeles, CA. Memorials to Temple Israel or the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

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5620 S. 72nd Street • Omaha, NE 68127 ADELE SLUTZKY Adele Slutzky died Oct. 5 at the age of 72. Services were held Oct. 8 at Beth el Cemetery. She is survived by her husband, Charles Slutzky; daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Steve Chasen; son and daughter-in-law Jeff and Lesley Slutzky; grandchildren, Danielle and Kevin Tornkvist, Matthew and Jeremy Chasen, Justin, Jordan and Alex Slutzky; sister, Ruth Keller of Lincoln. Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or charity of choice. WALTER STARK Walter Stark died Oct. 6 in St. Louis, MO. Services were held Oct. 7 at United Hebrew Temple Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Linda Stark; son and daughter-in-law, Leonard and Beth Stark; daughter and son-in-law, Danielle and Jeff Gordman; grandchildren, Brennan Henry and Lucy Evelyn Stark and Harper Mattie and Zev Gordman; brother, Charles Stark and brother and sister-in-law, Stephen and Sharon Stark; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Sherry Sinclair and Reinhard Pawlicki and David and Barbara Lewin. Memorials to United Hebrew Congregation’s Rabbi’s Appreciation Fund, 13788 Conway Rd., St. Louis, MO 63141 or Lewis Lewin Stark Scholarship Fund, c/o university of Delaware, Academy Bldg., Newark, DE 19711. ALAN J. CROUNSE Al Crounse died Sept. 13 at the age of 71. A former sales executive with several local radio and television stations, Crounse performed regularly in the Press Club Balls, serving as both chairman and executive producer. He was Press Club President in 1977. He is survived by his former wife, Pat Rothamel of Des Moines; a son, Andy Crounse; and step-daughter, Kristten Buttermore of Ames, IA.

Don’t Forget the Jewish Press Salute to Education and Camps Publishing Nov. 7 Deadline for articles, ads and photos: Monday, Oct. 27. For ad space reservations, call Allan Handleman, 3346451, or Ray Pred, 334-6559.

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Page 16

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 10, 2003

Thirty Years After, Israel Still Confronting Psychological Toll of Yom Kippur War by DAN BARON TEL AVIV (JTA)--Dashing in his eyepatch and brimmed general’s cap, Moshe Dayan was disgraced by a strategic oversight that cost his country dearly. Dayan’s lowest moment has been immortalized in Silence of the Sirens, a television drama broadcast in Israel in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War. That the late defense minister is played by his bohemian actor son Assi is, perhaps, an irony appropriate to a country where the cataclysmic conflict with Egypt and Syria is still discussed in the hushed, hurtful tones of children robbed of their innocence. “Having Assi Dayan in the role of his father is significant,” screenwriter Motti Lerner said. “No less significant is the opportunity to examine, in public, how Israel managed to get so badly taken by surprise.” Silence of the Sirens focuses on the two weeks leading up to the outbreak of hostilities on Oct. 6, 1973, when Dayan and Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir ignored intelligence warnings about Egyptian forces massing on the Suez Canal and similar Syrian designs for the Golan Heights. The decision meant Jerusalem was fatally slow to respond to the combined onslaught that caught Israelis at sleep or at prayer on Judaism’s holiest day. In the 18 days it took to turn the war around, some 2,300 Israeli servicemen died. Though the war’s final outcome was a resounding military victory for Israel, the early setbacks constituted a blow to

national morale unparalleled since the forces across the Suez Canal-- saying the 1948 War of Independence. war im-proved the Jewish state’s strate“It was about as shocking as an act of gic position. man can be, especially coming on Yom “Clearly, Israel exists in a region that Kippur,” said Haifa engineer Pinhas refuses to reconcile itself to our presHerzog, who saw action on both fronts ence,” Sharon said in a television interas a paraview. “But at trooper plaleast the toon comA r a b s m a n d e r. learned in “Even after 1973 that we had they cannot regrouped beat us miliand begun tarily.” fighting back, Indeed, we still knew historians we would be argue that the paying the surprise Suez price of our attack--celelack of prebrated to this paredness for day as a vicyears to tory in come.” C a i r o ’ s The ordeal October War bred the Museum-inevitable restored Israeli soldiers take cover on the Golan Heights as Syrian conspiracy Egyptian planes start strafing runs during the Yom Kippur War. theories-pride batPhoto courtesy of GPO/BP Images such as that tered in 1967 Israel, having launched a pre-emptive and thus paved the way to the 1978 strike to begin the 1967 Six-Day War, had Camp David peace treaty. been ordered by the United States to At a Tel Aviv symposium marking fight from a position of pure retaliation Shimon Peres’ 80th birthday last month, and self-defense to maintain internation- the Israeli elder statesmen took the theal support. ory further, telling his audience that the But official opinions have mellowed Yom Kippur War ushered in an era of since, with even Prime Minister Ariel Middle East peacemaking that culminatSharon--then a maverick reserve general ed with the Oslo accords. and division commander who forced an But Lt. Gen. Moshe Ya’alon, who as Egyptian cease-fire by leading Israeli the Israeli army’s chief of staff has seen

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firsthand how quickly Oslo deteriorated into the bloodshed of the Palestinian intifada, took a somewhat different tack. Just as war “brought Egypt, the biggest and most important Arab nation, to realize that the only way out of the imbroglio the Arabs marched into in 1948 was negotiations on the basis of recognizing Israel,” so “will it be in the conflict with the Palestinian Authority,” Ya’alon told Yom Kippur War veterans. Of course, there is a world of difference between the sprawling Sinai Desert tank battles and hand-to-hand skirmishes in the Golan 30 years ago, and today’s often messy sweeps of West Bank and Gaza terrorist strongholds. Israel’s military intelligence, like its civilian adjuncts the Mossad and Shin Bet, has been bolstered massively since the Yom Kippur debacle and keeps a close eye on restive neighbors. But all that is not enough, it seems, to stop Palestinian teenagers donning explosives belts and blowing up Israeli restaurants and buses. According to David Makovsky of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, it comes down to geography rather than military prowess. “When the Egyptians and the Israelis made peace, they suddenly had a hundred miles of desert between them. They signed a treaty and, for the most part, they never really saw each other again,” Makovsky told The New Yorker magazine. “But with the Israelis and the Palestinians, the quality of the relationship after they make a deal is at the core of everything, as with a marriage.”