Vol. LXXXVI No. 6 Omaha, NE
Harris Family Dedicates New Building for Goodwill by KRIS PACHUNKA Goodwill Community Relations Coordinator Earlier this month, Goodwill Industries, Inc., serving Eastern Nebraska and Southwest Iowa, held a building dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony at its newest retail, donation, and training facility near the northeast corner of 108th and Blondo in Omaha. The 15,500 facility replaces Goodwill’s store previously located at 108th and Maple. The newly constructed building has been named the Sheldon J. and Janice R. Harris Center after Shelly and Janice Harris. For the past 24 years, the couple has supported Goodwill’s mission. A partner in the law firm of Harris Kuhn, Shelly Harris has donated legal services related to real estate transactions to Goodwill since the late 1980s. He has served on Goodwill’s board of directors since 1982.
Janice and Shelly Harris, center, cut the ribbon to open the new Goodwill retail, training and donation facility. Continued on page 3
Celebrating 85 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
28 Tishrei, 5767 October 20, 2006
Emergency Drive Tops $320 Million Shifts Toward Rebuilding Israel’s North by JACOB BERKMAN NEW YORK (JTA)-Since the early days of Israel’s war with Hezbollah, the North American federation system has garnered some $320 million in pledges from the Jewish community. The Israel Emergency Campaign of the United Jewish Communities and local federations already has collected more than $100 million in cash. Of that $100 million, $94 million has been allocated and $54 million has been paid out, according to an allocations report released by the UJC last week. When it began in July, the During the Sukkot festival holiday last week, much emphasis has been drawn to the north of campaign was meant to take Israel, which bore the brunt of the Hezbollah rockets during the summer Lebanese war. care of the immediate needs Many thousands of Israelis as well as foreign visitors have been visiting the north as a sign of those in Israel’s battered of solidarity for the people there who endured hardships during the war. Above: The tradibomb tional summer theater has been playing to full audiences. The Festival of Alternative Israeli North--outfitting shelters with air condition- Theater in Acco--part of Omaha’s Partnership with Israel region--has offered many theatrical Copyright: ISRANET ers, lighting and televisions, productions and a variety of street theater. moving some 40,000 Jewish and non-Jewish children to the UJC’s president and chief executive officer, Howard summer camps out of the range of Hezbollah’s rockets Rieger, told JTA. Jan Goldstein, Executive Director of the Jewish and providing psychological help for those directly Federation, will be visiting Omaha’s Partnership with affected by the attacks. Now that the rocket fire has ended, the fund-raising Israel region--the Western Galilee--which was the hardcampaign is continuing. The focus now, say officials est hit during the summer war. She’ll be leading a cominvolved, is to make the northern region more inhabita- munity mission there from Oct. 22-27 and will see, firsthand, how donations from the Israel Emergency ble and actually draw people back to the area. “When the bullets and the bombs and rockets were Campaign are being used. “Based on past experience of flying, the imperative was getting kids out of harm’s way, IEC distributions a few years ago,” Goldstein explained, and I think we did a pretty damned good job of that,” Continued on page 2
The Bagel: An Immigrant Story Joan Micklin Silver and Matthew Goodman Team Up for a New Documentary Film
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT by LEO ADAM BIGA Bagels occupy much of acclaimed feature filmmaker Joan Micklin Silver’s time these days. That’s because the Omaha native and Central High School graduate, best known for Hester Street (1975) and Crossing Delancey (1988), two films about the Jewish experience in America, is preparing to shoot a new documentary that tells the history of the bagel in the U.S. in terms of the classic immigrant success story. Silver was turned onto this story by noted food writer Matthew Goodman, author of the book Jewish Food: The World at Table and the former Food Maven columnist for The Forward. Co-producers on the project, Silver will direct Goodman’s script. The bagel film project arose from a meeting Silver arranged with Goodman for his insights into the food of the Catskills, the famous East Coast Jewish resort that is the subject of a second documentary Silver is prepping. In the course
Inside Opinion Page see page 20
of their Catskills conversation he mentioned his findings on the bagel and suggested it might make an interesting film. According to Goodman, long an admirer of Silver’s films, she said, “’Would you like to work together on it?’ Of course, I was delighted. I think she has a wonderful literary sensibility when it comes to her work.” As research by these first-time collaborators reveals, the rise of the bagel has strong reverberations with the greater immigrant story in America and the assimilation and discrimination that is part of it. “It came from Poland, it struggled and strained and went through everything most other immigrants do before it prospered,” Silver said. “That caught my imagination so totally when we figured that out that we decided, Okay, let’s do this.” Immigrant tales have long fascinated Silver, whose parents, the late Maurice and Doris Micklin, came here in the wake of the Russian revolution. Hester Street explores turn of the century life for newly arrived Jews on the Lower East Side and their struggles to blend in. Crossing Delancey eyes contemporary Jewish life in Manhattan and the conflict of traditional versus modern values.
Scott Brezack, left, Sue Brezack, and David Brezack, owners of Omaha’s only kosher restaurant, The Bagel Bin, inspects a batch of bagels hot out of the oven. Sue moved to Omaha more than 30 years ago from--where else?--Brooklyn--with her husband, Joel, now deceased. She and her sons now run the business.
This Week: Arts & Entertainment Issue See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’
Line-up of Scholars for Klutznick-Harris Symposium: Pages 4-5
The now ubiquitous bagel was brought here by Eastern European Jews, among whose members were artisan bakers steeped in the closely guarded tradition of Old World--read: handmade--bagel baking techniques. “This was artisanal baking. These guys were the holders of the keys of the kingdom, as it were, when it came to bagels. This was the knowledge of the correct way to bake a bagel that had been passed down from generation to generation, going all the way back. The way to do it was a pretty tightly held secret,” Goodman said. “They took great pride in their ability. It was not easy to do. The ovens were not easy to work. The dough unwieldy. It took a long time. You had to apprentice awhile before you became a member. So these guys really were craftsmen,” he said. Continued on page 11
Coming Next Month: Election Issue, Nov. 3 Former Omahan Still Wowing Music Fans: Pages 18-19
Work Begins on Lincoln’s Holocaust Memorial: Page 24
Page 2
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October 20, 2006
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20 Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Shabbaton for grades 3, 4, & 5, 10 a.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22 Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El Men’s Club Speaker, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Yachad at Fontenelle Forest, 11 a.m. Nashir Community Jewish Choir, 11 a.m. at Beth El Mah Jong Tournament, noon at JCC & Beth Israel Travelin Toddlers, 4 p.m. at Valas C L I P
MONDAY, OCTOBER 23 S JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. A United Way Campaign Season Finale, 2 p.m. at JCC V Beth El Rosh Hodesh Group, 7 p.m. at Sylvia Wagner’s Home E Israel in the Middle East, 7 p.m. with Dr. Moshe Gershovich Jewish Press Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 7:30 p.m.
C L I P & S A V E
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24 ADL PEW Facilitator Training, 4 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. BBYO New Member Training, 6 p.m. Reading the Women of the Bible, 7 p.m. at Beth El The Troubling Family Triangle, 7p.m. at Temple Israel WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25 Elie Wiesel - His Other Works, 11 a.m. C Malashock Project Open House, noon at JCC L What’s Jewish on the Web?, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel I THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26 P Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel & Insights into the Siddur, noon at Beth El Yiddush Group, 1 p.m. S Scholastic Book Fair and Parent/Teacher Conferences, 6 p.m. at Friedel A V NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m. E JSS Concert “The Avi8ors,” 7 p.m. at JCC ADL Youth Leadership Mission, 7 p.m. at JCC Advanced Parshah Study, 9 p.m. with Rabbi Gross 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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Emergency Drive Tops $320 Million Continued from page 1 speaking social workers. “the UJC has developed a thoughtful process and frameRoughly $5 million of the emergency campaign money work for those of us on the committee to examine and that has been allocated to Ethiopian causes would have prioritize the comprehensive needs. As a partner with the been covered under Operation Promise, Krakow said. Israeli government, foundations and private organiza- He said that the Ethiopian cause is now a postwar cause tions, these dollars are being expanded far beyond our because it is a population on the lower rungs of Israeli initial collections. Our challenge now is cash collections; society and was therefore harder hit than some others. we don’t have to wait to put these dollars to work.” “The fact is that the Ethiopian community is already sufGoldstein and Joe Kirshenbaum, a Trustee of the fering from the impact of the war,” said Krakow, noting UJC’s National Board of Directors, have been selected that domestic violence in that community has been exacto sit on the Israel Emergency Campaign workgroup erbated by the war. representing the 58 intermediate committees. The focus In addition, six absorption centers were damaged durof this group will be allocations and monitoring pro- ing the war, according to the UJC report, for which grams and cash availability for needs and services. $229,926 was given for immediate repairs--and another Added Kirshenbaum, “We are honTo date, more than ored to be representing the intermedi$1,193,000 has been ate communities in this critical work. In our 10-year relationship with the raised locally towards Western Galilee, we have seen firstthe $2 million Israel hand the need and vulnerability that Emergency Campaign have only been intensified by the war. It goal. To donate, call will take hundreds of millions of dollars 334.6436, visit www.to rebuild.” or jewishomaha.org, As the UJC gets set to announce a send your donation to second round of allocations, the Jewish the Jewish Federation, Agency for Israel and the American 333 So, 132 Street, Jewish Joint Distribution Committee-the UJC’s non-governmental partners Omaha, NE 68154. in Israel--stand to see significant Stacey and Jonathan Rockman, Co-chairmen of $3.2 million has been increases in their budgets. The JDC has already seen a boost of Omaha’s Israel Emergency Campaign, eduate allocated for improveDebbi Zweiback, left, at a donor meeting last month. ments. $25 million, according to its executive vice president, Steve Schwager, and it could see a doubling of its roughly $100 million budget for Israel next year, he said. The new allocations will be decided by professional and lay committees made up of representatives from small, medium and large federations from across North America based on proposals from Israeli agencies and the government, officials say. The new allocations will go to improving the edu- Chart based on UJC data. cation system in the North and to help rebuild the area’s economy, Doron Krakow, the UJC’s senior vice president for Israel and overseas, told JTA. The allocations report released two weeks ago indicated that some $4 million had been designated for small business loans. The Jewish Agency is seeking funds to give scholarships to Israelis to draw them to universities in the North, said the chairwoman of its board of governors, Carole Solomon. And the JDC has been working to improve several schools in the North, bringing in consultants to help teachers and administration, and to help with structural improvements. The JDC is now asking for $8 million of IEC money to expand the program to more than 50 schools. Some of these initiatives do not appear to be directly war-related, but those involved draw a link. “This war revealed that the North needed strengthening and needed to upgrade the level of services it could provide,” Schwager said. “We would not have recognized these weaknesses. All of the dollars are going to be targeted for improvements of the North, not only to rebuild but to make the North a better place to live.” A portion of the funds are being allocated to help Ethiopian Jews. In 2005, the UJC launched Operation Promise, a three-year campaign to raise $160 million to help frail and elderly Jews still living in the former Soviet Union, to help bring over to Israel the remaining Falash Mura living in Ethiopia and to help with the continuing settlement in Israel of the Ethiopian Jewish community. But that campaign ran into trouble. It stagnated, according to the UJC’s Krakow, when Israel’s government declined to double the number of Falash Mura it was bringing into the country to 600 per month. Now, roughly $10 million of the emergency campaign funds has been allocated to the Ethiopian National Project, which was designed to help the absorption of Ethiopian Jews. Of that, according to the UJC report, $5.6 million will go to build youth centers and provide support for parents, $2.9 million will go to expanding such programs in seven new cities, $1.3 million will go to providing domestic violence workshops and Amharic-
The UJC’s Rieger said that the scope of the emergency campaign-which he said does not have a specific dollar goal in mind--has not changed since its inception over the summer. He dismissed critics who say the federation system is trying to use the war to fill in fund-raising gaps. Some debated whether JAFI and JDC should work with banks and obtain loan guarantees instead of relying on Credit: JTA the broader Jewish community if they were going to be working on continuing projects that weren’t necessarily just for repair, said Stephen Hoffman, president of the Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland and former CEO of the UJC. But Rieger said that it was not going to fall solely upon the North American Jewish community to build a better northern Israel. Whatever dollars the UJC raises will be leveraged by Israel’s government and by Israel philanthropists, he said. “Clearly we’re not going to rebuild the North by ourselves, even if we put every penny we raised into it.” “I agree with what they did,” Hoffman said of the expanded IEC initiatives. “The rationale is that when we told the story about what Israel would need because of the war, we did not say we are only going to build housing in the North and jobs. We talked very distinctly about helping Israel deal with vulnerable populations when budget sources would be tight.” The campaign did come under fire last week, after a mass e-mail circulated by Helen Freedman, the former executive director of American Friends for a Safe Israel, a group that opposed Israel's disengagement from Gaza last year. She insinuated that 30 percent of the money the UJC allocated was going to support Arab causes. Her letter, which prompted an e-mail campaign directed at the UJC, was based on reports in Israeli newspapers, she told JTA. “All of this while the Jews from Gush Katif are getting nothing,” she said, referring to Jews who were forced to leave Gaza. “The mainstream Jewish organizations have ignored them completely. This is what made me furious.” In its report released last week, the UJC rejected the allegations, saying the actual allocation to non-Jewish causes was three percent. “It’s really outrageous,” Steven Nasatir, the president of the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, said of the criticism. “It’s irresponsible. I was in Israel during the war. I saw the devastation in the North. And I am proud that we can support those in need, Jew and non-Jew alike, even if it wasn’t 33 percent.”
October 20, 2006
Expert in Jewish Law Pertaining to Burial Practices Will Visit Omaha by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue We’re familiar with Jewish law, halacha, pertaining to births, bar and bat mitzvahs and weddings. However, there is one life-cycle event that may not be as well understood: death and burial. What does Jewish law tell us about death and how does Judaism guide end-of-life decisions? Rabbi Elchonon Zohn, internationally recognized as one of the foremost experts in halacha surrounding death and burial practices, will speak about this topic on Sunday, Nov. 5. Rabbi Zohn is the founder and director of the Association of Chevros Kadisha, a national network devoted to exchanging current information and technical assistance in the field. Chevra Kadisha is a burial society that prepares the bodies of Jews for burial. The Association helps establish new groups, provides training and counseling, engages in outreach to the community in order to explain the meanings of traditional Jewish burial practices and serves as a resource on issues of Jewish law as it pertains to Chevra Kadisha groups. “As the Rav Hamachsir of Omaha’s Chevra Kadisha, I’m pleased we are able to bring Rabbi Zohn to Omaha,” noted Rabbi Jonathan Gross. “He is very well known for his expertise in Jewish law as it pertains to Tahara and Chevra Kadisha. He’ll provide valuable training and insight to our Chevra Kadisha members and further educate the community about Jewish death and burial practices.” Rabbi Zohn’s visit to Omaha is the second of two special events aimed at educating the community and providing in-service training to members of Omaha’s Chevra Kadisha. The first was Rochel Berman’s lecture in August, “Tahara: The Final Act of Loving Kindness.” Rabbi Zohn will present two lectures on Sunday, Nov. 5. The first lecture, from 2:30-5 p.m., is aimed at current Chevra Kadisha members and will include a lengthy question and answer session. The topic of Rabbi Zohn’s talk will be “Advanced Techniques and Special Situations in the Tahara Process.” The second lecture will be open to the community and starts at 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Zohn will discuss “Bridge to Eternity: How Judaism Understands Life, Death and the Issues of Euthanasia and Dignity.” There is no charge to attend the lecture. “This is an important opportunity for us, and I strongly encourage the community to attend Rabbi Zohn’s talk,” stated Gross. “We can all benefit by learning more about this life-cycle event.” Rabbi Zohn’s visit is sponsored by the Jewish Funeral Home. Lectures will be held at Beth Israel.
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Blumkin Residents Proud to Be Part of “New Beginning” ture, decoration and clothing by NORM LINCOLN, item is in the same place it was from October 19, 2006 speech in the other room. Do you When my wife, Marge and I really want to know how great moved to the Blumkin Home it is here? After we moved from we found a new family. The the South station to the North staff has an innate ability to station, a nurse from the South know how a person is feeling. station came up and kissed me Perhaps it’s the eye contact that and said she missed me! It creates a deep relationship doesn’t get better than that! between the residents and the They provide all kinds of staff. activities and entertainment I would swear that they have a here. There’s so much to do secret service here. They seem to that everyone is involved all the know everyone’s story both past time. As a matter of fact, we do and present. From the social more here than we did when workers, to the nurses and aides, everyone works well together. Norm and Marge Lincoln at their Rose Blumkin “home”. we lived at home. We have They work in harmony and the care is exceptional. The even attended the Playhouse and the symphony. The new Rose Blumkin Home promises to open up a handling of the medications is remarkable. Everyone who works here knows the names of all the residents--from the whole new world for all of us. We don’t quite know housekeeping staff, to the dietary staff, the laundry staff what to expect, but we find the prospect of watching it and everyone who is employed at the Home in any way. being built to be very exciting. As President of the Resident’s Council, I know that we tend to talk about They even stop in to visit and share the news of the day. When we were asked to move to another room in the same things all the time. Now every day will be a preparation for the new building project, we didn’t new and exciting experience. We look forward to meetknow what to expect. They promised that they would do ing our friends and family on Main Street. We came to the Home to live. The new Home will everything for us; we wouldn’t have to lift a finger. The “they” turned out to be Social Worker, Bert Benson, make living here an even more positive experience than and Director of Nursing, Shelley Cash and Eileen it is now. It has been and we know it will continue to be Shelllhardt, Nursing Secretary. Our new room is a mir- --a place where we are always close to our family--the ror image of the old one. Every piece of furniture, pic- Rose Blumkin Jewish Home family.
Harris Family Dedicates New Facility Continued from page 1 More than 70 people attended the ceremony, including: Rabbi Eric Lender, Temple Israel; Lee Simmons, Director of the Henry Doorly Zoo; Bill Ramsey, Ramsey and Associates and Goodwill Life Member; James Mounce, President of Woodman of the World and Goodwill Board Member; as well as several members of the Harris family and their friends, and Goodwill staff. Following the on-site dedication, family and friends attended a reception hosted by Goodwill Industries at Champions Run recognizing Shelly and Janice Harris’ support of the agency’s mission. “It’s not every day Goodwill names a building after someone. In fact, this is only the second time we have done so,” says Rita Hamele, Goodwill Marketing Director. “Shelly and Janice are so deserving of this recognition. For more than two decades, the Harris family has supported Goodwill and helping those with
special needs. The proceeds from Goodwill’s retail sales benefit the agency's mission of preparing people with employment barriers for work, and managing diverse operations that create jobs for people with disabilities. In addition to providing reasonably priced merchandise for its customers, the Harris Center store will house Goodwill employment specialists to provide case management for participants in the agency’s Employment First program. Through the Employment First program, case managers assist welfare recipients in identifying and overcoming employment barriers, finding and retaining employment, and securing resources necessary to become self sufficient. “The Sheldon J. and Janice R. Harris Center will be a legacy of the Harris family,” says Hamele. “Allowing Goodwill to provide services to the community for many years to come.”
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 20, 2006
Klutznick-Harris Scholars Face the Music at Annual Symposium by LEONARD GREENSPOON What’s a Jewish wedding without music? Or a bat mitzvah? Or, for that matter, the 19th Annual Klutznick-Harris Symposium? With the title, “‘I Will Sing and Make Music’: Jewish Music and Musicians Throughout the Ages,” this year’s Symposium on Sunday, Oct. 29, and Monday, Oct. 30—will feature discussions and presentations from the time of the Hebrew Bible up to today’s reggae and rap. The incredible wealth of talents and topics on display can be sampled by looking at each presenter and his/her subject. Chronologically speaking, Jewish music is as old as Judaism itself. “Musical Notations in the Biblical of Book P s a l m s ” explores the often cryptic notes that provided Charles Isbell musical direction for those who sang the Psalms in their original settings. Louisiana State University Professor and popular Symposium speaker Charles Isbell is our guide through this fascinating material. When Jews “read” the Torah, it is not enough that they know the unwritten vowels that accompany the consonants of the text. They must also familiarize themselves with the cantilation or trope. Rabbi Jonathan Gross, of Beth Israel, will explore this cantilation to its fullest in his
presentation, titled, “Make a Note of That: The Importance of Cantilation in Understanding the Torah.” As he demonstrates, understandthese ing notes gives us a new understanding of the familiar text of the Torah. A graduate of Rabbi Jonathan Gross Yeshiva University, Rabbi Gross served Beth Jacob Congregation in Beverly Hills before coming to Omaha. Many centuries later, Jewish musicians, some of whom converted to Christianity, were establishing themselves as music and dancing masters or as instrumentalists. “Public Space and Jewish Music in Renais-sance Italy” narrates their successes and their trials. The presenter, Daniel Juette, is a young Israeli who is studying and conDaniel Juette d u c t i n g research in Heidelberg, Germany. The Jewish community of 1820s Vienna forms the context for two papers. The first raises the question of why one of the themes in Beethoven’s String
Quartet, Op. 131 (1826) appears to bear a resemblance to the Kol Nidrei prayer. Leading the search for answers is Theodore Albrecht, who, before he went to Kent State University, was the Music Director of the Philharmonia of Greater Kansas City for over a decade. The title of his presentation is “Beethoven’s of Kol Nidrei? A Quotation Circumstantial Case for Sherlock Holmes.” Creighton’s own Charles Jurgensmeier, S.J., introduces us to the second, a significant collaboration between the Jewish singer-composer Solomon Sulzer and the well-known composer Franz Schubert. The result, performed for the first time in Vienna in 1828, forms center the piece of the presentation, “Solomon Sulzer and Franz SchuCharles Jurgensmeier bert: A Musical Collaboration.” Among his other accomplishments, Father Jurgensmeier conducts Creighton’s Chorus and Chamber Choir. The early 20th century saw the proliferation of Jewish art music, which is music on Jewish themes, including folksongs,) designed for the concert hall. In her presentation, titled “Leo Zeitlin and the Early 20th Century Society for Jewish Folk Music,” Paula Eisenstein Baker, who teaches at Houston’s University of St.
Thomas, introduces us to one of the talented composers of this period, Leo Zeitlin, and to the Society for Folk Jewish Music organized in St. Petersburg. In addition to her teaching and writing, Baker Paula E. Baker also an is accomplished cellist. Among the millions of Jews who traveled from Eastern Europe to the United States were composers and performers for the Yiddish theater. The earlier generations influenced stars who became famous on Broadway. In her presentation, “The Music of Yiddish Theater and Its Influence on Broadway,” Susan M. Filler provides a comprehensive overview of the many ways in which the Yiddish theater made its presence known in the New World. From her home base in Chicago, Filler travels throughout the world as a researcher and speaker, most recently in China. Paralleling the rise and influence of the Yiddish theater in New York City was the introduction of Jewish music in the Klezmer tradition, which reached its zenith in the 1920s. The 50 years between the 1920s and the klezmer revival of the late 1970s--during which musicians developed new styles and found new markets--form the subject Continued on page 5
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Scholars Face the Music Continued from page 4 matter for the presentation by Joel E. Rubin, “‘They Danced It, We Played It’: Adaptation and Revitalization in Post-1920s New York Klezmer Music.” Rubin, an accomplished clarinetist and ethnomusicologist, was recently appointed Director of Music Joel E. Rubin Performance at the University of Virginia. As Jewish music and musicians filled the theaters and dance halls of New York, they also retained their central role in the synagogue. Among the most influential of these musicians was Cantor David Putterman, who served for over thirty years at Park Avenue Synagogue. His Annual Service of New Music series featured commissioned works by composers such as Leonard Bernstein. These are analyzed by Emily A. Bell in her presentation, “Revitalizing the Synagogue Ritual: Cantor David Putterman’s Annual Service of New Music at New York’s Park Avenue Synagogue.” Bell is a graduate student in musicology at the University of Florida and recently performed with the University of Florida Opera Emily Bell Theatre. As early as 1945, Jewish musicians had to decide whether or not they would ever again “make music” for a post-Holocaust German audience. Famous and accomplished Jewish performers and conductors have lined up on both sides of this question. They are the subject of a paper titled, “To Play or Not to Play: Jewish Musicians in Germany after 1945.” This paper will be presented by Anat Feinberg, who teaches at the College of Jewish Studies in Heidelberg, Germany; she is a scholar of Jewish and Hebrew Literature, and the author of three novels in Hebrew. As Jewish musicians debate their role in a postAnat Feinberg Holocaust Germany, certain Jewish musical traditions have taken on new roles of their own. Rita Ottens investigates some of these in her presentation, “‘It’ll Still Take Some Time until We Will Get over It’: A Field Report from the Klezmer Scene of the New Germany.” As Ottens describes it, Klezmer in Germany has become a national movement, largely depleted of its Jewish content and turned into a German commodity. Ottens, a Ph.D. candidate in the Music Department at City Rita Ottens University of London, is also an instructor at the University of Virginia and the author
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
and editor of books, CDs, and films. Jewish rappers, hip-hoppers, and reggae musicians? They are here and now, with such names as Matisyahu, Chutzpah, and Hip Hop Hoodoos. Their adaptation of musical genres traditionally associated with black artists-and the meaning of this phenomenon--is explored by Dan W. Clanton, Jr., in his presentation, “‘From Biblical Times to Lyrical Rhymes’: The Assertion of Jewish Identity in Music as Cultural Resistance.” Clanton, who lives in the Denver area, often writes on the intersection between the Bible (and, more generally, religion) and popular culture. Dan W. Clanton, Jr. “What Do You Mean, ‘It Doesn’t Sound Jewish,?’” asks Marsha Bryan Edelman, as part of the title of her presentation, which continues “Debunking Myths and Defining Models for ExtraLiturgical Music.” Edelman will use recorded illustrations to uncover the “real truths” about the origins of Jewish music and to see how some contemporary compositions fit into the continuum of the Jewish musical past. Edelman is Professor of Music and Education at Gratz College and coordinator of its graduate programs in Jewish music; in addition, she is an accomplished choral director. Symposium presentations will take place from Sunday Marsha Edelman morning, beginning at 10:30 a.m., until 5 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center. Presenters during this time are Albrecht, Baker, Filler, Rubin, Bell, Juette, and Ottens. The keynote address--“Jewish Music: What is That?”, at 7:30 p.m. will conclude Sunday’s presentations. It will be delivered by Zamir Chorale Director Joshua Jacobson and will include a live performance of selected pieces of Jewish music. A dessert reception will follow. Monday’s presentations, at Creighton University’s Skutt Student Center, will begin at 8:45 a.m. and continue until the afternoon. In addition to the Monday speakers already mentioned—Jurgensmeier, Feinberg, Isbell, Edelman, Clanton, and Gross—there are two special presenters: Cantors Wendy Shermet and Gaston Bogomolni. At 2:30, Cantor Shermet, of Omaha’s Temple Israel, will provide insight on “The Making of a Cantor.” Beginning at 3:30, Beth El’s Cantor Bogomolni will introduce his audience to “The World of Sephardic Music.” This Symposium is co-hosted by Creighton University’s Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization and the Harris Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with the Kripke Center for the Study of Religion at Creighton University and the Jewish Federation of Omaha. A full Symposium program, along with a list of sponsors, will appear as an insert in next week’s issue. All Symposium presentations are free and open to the public. For further information, please contact Fran Minear at 280.2303 or fminear@ creighton.edu.
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Buy Art You Love by JULIE WYNN Art is a very personal thing. One man’s art is another man’s junk. Art has changed over the years. Lewis Art Gallery opened in 1971, selling only oil paintings. Within three or so years, the gallery had added serigraphs, lithographs and other fine art prints by the likes of Norman Rockwell and LeRoy Neiman. Over the years, the business has changed and grown. Today, Lewis Art Gallery carries works by artists from all over the world, including China and the Russian Federation, two places that were nearly impossible from which access works 20 years ago. The gallery has works in every style and price, from posters to fine antique oil paintings, traditional to very contemporary and abstract. We also have expanded our offering to include works by prominent American Craft Guild members, these works include furniture, glass, jewelry and other objets d’art. New printing methods such as giclee have also changed the market. One of the frequent questions asked is what to collect. The best answer to this is to collect what you love. If art is purchased to match the current sofa or wall color it doesn’t seem
to have the same staying power as the pieces we chose because we loved them. Art will never have the liquidity of a stock portfolio. You will be miles ahead if you purchase good quality work that you love, by artists of local or national reputation, not just the latest trends. A home never looks like a home with bare walls. It will always look like you just moved in if you do not decorate your home with art and beautiful accessories, art glass and other items that reflect you, your style and taste. Lewis Art Gallery, located at 8025 West Dodge Road, is open Monday thru Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.. We are in Omaha. For more information, call 391.7733.
To order a gift subscription to the Press... Send a check for $36, made out to the Jewish Press, to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. For more information on how to connect your out-of-town relatives and friends, call 334.6448.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 20, 2006
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Federation Commences Fundraising, Introducing Agencies to Campaign Leaders with a call for help. “I know there are Jews in need we by LISA LIEB haven’t connected with who are under the radar,” he said. Federation Communications Director Earlier this month Campaign leaders gathered at the “Please help Karen and I identify people who can benefit home of Bruce and Anne Shackman. The focus of the from the services we provide. We want to help these folks, evening was to brief the volunteers about the work of that’s what we’re here for. Our agency, of course upholds the Jewish Federation and its Agencies during this past the highest level of confidentiality.” Jewish Community year. “As campaign workers, it’s critical for us to fully Center understand the programs and services that our camJCC President Michael paign dollars support,” said Steve Nogg, Campaign CoMiller described the chairman, along with his wife Patty. What follows are statements from the Federation, the Jewish Community Center as the place which Foundation, and its Centers of Excellence. ties together the entire Anti-Defamation League/ Jewish community. Community Relations Committee One of the year’s highBefore describing the work of the ADL/CRC, agency lights was this summer’s President David Gilinsky welcomed new Regional teen ARTZA trip to Director Alan Potash back to the Omaha Jewish comBuzz and Jody Malashock, CoIsrael. “To a person each munity. Former Director Bob Wolfson left Omaha for a chairman of Operation Promise, of the 20 young people national ADL position. explain needs of Ethiopian Jews who went has expressed a Gilinsky praised the transition between Wolfson and and elderly Russians to the group. strengthened Jewish Potash. He noted that Potash is continuing to build on the kick-off event. identity as well as a strong the solid relationships with local law enforcement and is also focusing on Israel advocacy, having recently partici- desire to go back, which was exactly what we were after,” Miller said. pated in a local Israel Advocacy Workshop. This summer the JCC took several local teams and three “Our tag line is to fight hate and build hope. We consider ourselves the 9-1-1 for security and the 4-1-1 for Israeli teens from our partnership area to the Maccabi information,” Gilinsky explained. Through its Prejudice games in Phoenix, bid farewell to community shaliach Uri Elimination Workshops, the Plains States Regional office Levin and welcomed new shlicha Zolar Winer. Other new of ADL teaches teens--both Jewish and non-Jewish--to be staff members include Leslie Gendelman, Community ambassadors of diversity and tolerance in their high Services Director; Esther Katz, Dance Director; and schools. This Federation Center of Excellence provides Lauren Aliano, Girls Sports Director. Holocaust education, investigates and exposes extremism, Wireless internet service has been added to the JCC protects civil rights, and educates children and adults in recently in several locations for convenient member ways to fight prejudice and cultivate diversity. access. Miller also mentioned the new PJ Book Club, a “We not only serve the Jewish people, we serve to pre- program run through the Pennie Z. Davis Child vent discrimination and promote tolerance for every- Development Center. For just $18 per year, children body throughout the world,” Gilinsky said. The agency from newborn to age five can receive a different Jewish is also embarking on its second year of an interfaith book or CD monthly, helping parents build a Jewish department led by Beth Katz, which has provided inno- library in their home. vative programming throughout the Omaha Jewish and Miller concluded by calling for feedback and suggesnon-Jewish community. tions. “If there are areas of need Jeff (Aizenberg, Jewish Family Service Executive Director) and I want to hear about it,” Miller David Goldberg, President of Jewish Family Service, said. “Our recent self-defense class was due to a memopened his remarks by introducing new JFS Director ber’s suggestion and we had the class going within four Karen Gustafson, praising her leadership and experience. to five weeks. We want to be responsive to the needs of Prior to taking the director role, Gustafson had been the the community.” lead counselor at JFS for the past six years. Jewish Press Omaha is the smallest Jewish community in the country “JFS is where tzedakah gets delivered,” explained Goldberg. “We help local Jews who are impoverished still publishing a weekly newspaper. The Jewish Press, led work through their debt and pay their bills. We also try by Chairman Howard K. Marcus and Editor Carol to teach them to help themselves.” Kazman, is the community’s definitive source for local, JFS also provides Family Life Education programs, national and international news from a Jewish perspective. adoption, pregThe first-ever Press exhibit was featured in the JCC nancy and infergallery last spring. Entitled “Front Page: 85 Years of Jewish Press History,” the exhibit was co-sponsored by tility counseling, the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society and was covered crisis intervenentirely by grants. The exhibit included 120 framed tion, referral front pages and 92 covers from New Year’s and Passover services and supissues. When the New Rose Blumkin Jewish Home is port for Jews complete, the exhibit will hang permanently on its walls. with developInteraction and communication with the community mental disabiliis always welcome in the ‘Letters to the Editor’ section ties through the of the paper. The Jewish Press has always served as a very successful Yachad program. Federation President Norman H. forum for issues to the community, and signed letters Goldberg ended Sheldon welcomes new Jewish Family and opinions are always welcome. his presentation Service Director Karen Gustafson. Continued on page 7
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Temple’s Fall Classes Span the Ages from Abraham’s Wives to Jewish Websites by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Rabbi Aryeh Azriel will talk about a family with a lot of issues when he introduces “Big Love: The Troubling Family Triangle of Sarai, Avram, and Hagar,” an adult education class at Temple Israel. It could be “kissing cousins” or “bloody foes,” but it’s “all in the family” for four generations of ancestors who gave birth and provided life patterns to the Jewish people and to the other nations known as the children of Abraham. If you’d like to discuss Abraham’s complicated relationship with the women in his life, join Rabbi Azriel on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 7-8:30 p.m., at Temple. Subsequent “therapy” sessions are on Oct. 31, Nov. 7 and 14. The fee is $18 for members and $25 for non-members. For learners more interested in surfing the internet than exploring family ties, Wendy Goldberg will navigate an interest in all things Jewish on the world wide web in “What’s Jewish on the Web?” Learn how to access infor-
mation including the latest news, blogs, podcasts, Torah commentaries, and more in this adult education class at Temple Israel. Goldberg, president of the Temple Board, has been operating a small business providing computer training for nearly 12 years. “This class is not about how to use a computer. It’s an overview of Jewish resources such as websites about Jewish social justice. You don’t need a laptop to participate. I will provide take-home information that any level of computer user will find useful,” she said. “What’s Jewish on the Web” begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25 and continues Nov. 1, 8, and 15. It costs $18 for members and $25 for non-members to enroll. To register for these classes, send an email message to Temple’s Program Director Rosie Zweiback at rzweiback@templeisraelomaha.com or call her at 556.6536. Temple’s adult education classes are sponsored by the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning.
October 20, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Federation Campaign Continued from page 6 Center for Jewish Education The mission of the Center for Jewish Education is to offer formal and informal Jewish education for people of all ages and sectors of the community. “We provide teacher training for educators in Omaha who work with Jewish kids--including the CDC, Friedel Jewish Academy and each of the synagogues,” said Agency Director Guy Matalon. Under the leadership of Agency President Ann Goldstein, the Center for Jewish Education provides close to $200,000 in scholarships to families here, including assistance with the Child Development Center, camps, undergraduate and graduate school. Cultural and educational programs from the Center for Jewish Education include the Jewish Film Festival, Jewish Book Month, Hebrew classes, Judaic studies and more. According to Matalon, the Introduction to Judaism course for people converting to Judaism is among their most popular offerings. Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing is their newest class, aimed at strengthening self-esteem and Jewish identity for adolescent girls. The Agency is planning an educator’s mission for June, and will also continue building on its Partnership with Israel, spearheaded by Partnership Chair Stacey Rockman. Jewish Senior Services/Rose Blumkin Jewish Home President Bob Belgrade updated the group on the exciting plans for the renovation of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. “The nursing home will be second to none in this marketplace,” Belgrade said, “continuing the tradition of special caring and attention to the Jewish elderly in the community.” Belgrade praised the efforts of JSS and RBJH Director Mike Silverman and noted, “Jewish Senior Services is more than the Blumkin Home. Regular programming and all kinds of services are offered, not just to residents of the Blumkin Home but to every senior in the community.” JSS delivers thousands of kosher Meals on Wheels to private residents each year. Other services that reach out to Jewish seniors living alone include mental health counseling, transportation for medical appointments and grocery shopping, and 24-hour medical alert systems. Belgrade noted that they receive phone calls from all over the world asking them to check on loved ones living in Omaha. “It’s really an ongoing process to care for every Jewish senior in our community, and we’re very proud that we can do that in a community like Omaha.” Belgrade added his gratitude to the Campaign volunteers. “The work you do provides the funding which allows the seniors of our community to stay connected and be healthy and happy. I thank you all very much for your efforts.” The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation The Foundation, led by President Steve Bloch and Executive Directive Marty Ricks, manages approximate-
The Community Development Department continues to reach out to newcomers, returning members of our community, and people needing help identifying how to connect to Jewish Omaha. The newest community development program, “Opportunity Omaha,” completed a very successful pilot program this summer. This internship program introduces college students to Omaha’s business, cultural and Jewish communities. The missions program has been an incredible experience for all who participate. Several members of the community went on a Mission to Cuba earlier this year, and Executive Director Jan Goldstein will be taking a group to Israel and Prague later this month. There has been a great deal of interest in the next mission, which will be a family mission to Israel, scheduled for June of 2007. Hostess Anne Shackman, second from left, welcomes Of course, fundraising is always critical to Federation Florence Brody, left, JSS/RBJH Director Mike Silverman, success. Sheldon reported that the Federation met the and Michael Schop to her home. 2006 annual campaign fundraising goal, raising $3.3 ly $72 million. The agency has attracted more support- million. The Federation also raised money for the ing foundation funds and associated with some private Operation Promise campaign to support Ethiopian Jews foundations over the last five years. This has significant- and Jews in the Former Soviet Union. And the Omaha ly increased the available money for programs and proj- community showed tremendous support for the Israel ects of all agencies on the JCC campus, as well as for the crisis this summer, attending a community rally in suplocal synagogues and Jewish service organizations. In port of Israel and donating to the Israel Crisis Fund as fact, the Omaha community now stands second nation- well as the current Israel Emergency Campaign. ally per capita in Foundation assets. “The generosity of the Omaha Jewish community is However, the Foundation does face special challenges nothing short of amazing,” Sheldon remarked. The today. The Omaha Jewish community, like Federation has put a lot of other communities across the country, is resources towards providdepending more on endowment funding. ing ongoing communicaThe Foundation is proactively taking steps to tions with our community increase the number of PACE (Perpetual and our partners in the Annual Campaign Endowment) and LOJE Western Galilee through (Lion of Judah Endowment) endowments, so this time of crisis. that donors can continue to support this Annual Campaign vibrant community in perpetuity. In order to donations go to support establish a PACE or LOJE, all that is needed the infrastructure, services is a provision in a will or trust. and programs locally, and During this past year the Foundation approximately 38% of announced the implementation of the very Campaign Co-chairman Steve Nogg, right, campaign dollars go overgenerous Phil and Ruth Sokolof Honor Roll discusses funding issues with Joe Erman, seas. Part of the overseas Fund and the Karen Sokolof Javitch Music left, Guy Matalon, and the evening’s host, allocation goes to our Appreciation Fund, providing the largest Bruce Shackman. Partnership with Israel, a scholarships that have ever been available in the Omaha program that bridges Omaha and the other cities in the Jewish community. Through these funds $70,000 Midwest consortium with communities in northern Israel. worth of scholarships were awarded earlier this year. Zoe Riekes has taken on the role of Partnership Midwest Jewish Federation of Omaha Region Chairmanship and Goldstein has assumed the role This has been a very active year for the Jewish of professional leader for the consortium. Federation of Omaha, according to President Norman Campaign Co-Chairmen Patty and Steve Nogg along Sheldon. Young Jewish Omaha held a family picnic and with Federation President Norm Sheldon expressed pool party, Omaha Royals baseball outing, and the sec- their pride of the exemplary offerings and vast resources ond annual Casino night with residents of the Rose of the Federation and its agencies. “We built a sound Blumkin Home. The season finished strong with the infrastructure, and we offer our heartfelt thanks to all Peter Himmelman concert and Young Leadership who step forward as workers and donors for keeping this Awards just a few weeks ago. community strong,” Sheldon said.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 20, 2006
Students at Temple Israel Serve as Religious School Madrichim Another second-year madrich, Ethan by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Workman, 13, works in the Religious A record number of middle and high School office on Sunday mornings. “I school students at Temple Israel are think it’s fun,” he explained. Last year, working as madrichim, teaching assis- Ethan volunteered as a madrich, without tants, in the elementary grades of reli- any compensation, to fulfill his tzedakah gious school. The teens coordinate lesson requirement as a Bar Mitzvah student. planning with their assigned teachers and He enjoyed the experience and decided to be a madrich again this help supervise class year. on Sundays and Madrichim are given the Wednesdays. choice of volunteering their Madrichim work time or receiving a small with individual chilstipend for their work. dren on their They also earn a matching Hebrew skills, superamount that is held in an vise small groups account for them and studying Hebrew, and assist teachers Temple Israel’s hard working applied to the cost of with art and cooking madrichim, teaching assistants, took attending NFTY (North time out for some fun at the American Federation of projects. Temple Youth) events or “They add sparkle Farmhouse Cafe. to our school with their dedication, trips to Israel. The only requirement is charisma, and vigor,” emphasized that their accounts be used by the summer Temple’s Director of Education Elyce after their high school graduation. All madrichim attend the Middle/High Azriel. “Their enthusiasm as they participate in our program is energizing for all School on Wednesday nights at Temple of us! Our younger students, in particu- Israel furthering their own Jewish educalar, look up to these young women and tions. The 28 madrichim are: Yaniv Azriel, men as role models to emulate.” In addition, the teens learn about the Haley Burnes, Sam Burrell, Jessie Danon, art of teaching, how to be good role Anna Eirinberg, Adam Goldberg, Joe models, and contribute to making Jewish Goldberg, Hannah Grossman, Noah Grossman, Grace Hack, Jordan Jensen, education fun. Rachel Saferstein, 13, a second-year Emily Katz, Sophia Miller, Josh Moran, madrich, works in the Religious School Jackie Neesman, Ben Noodell, Molly office on Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. Noodell, Ben Ozeroff, Aaron Passer, this year. Last year, she helped in the Brenna Robinson, Alexis Slutzky, Sam third and fourth grade classrooms. “I Weinstine, Ethan Workman, Taylor answer the doors, the phone, do paper- Workman, Rachel Saferstein, Haley work, run errands, copy and FAX Goldman, Avery Lehr, and Susan Freeman. things,” she said. “It’s really fun!”
Facing the December Dilemma by BETH KATZ Director of the ADL Malashock Project for Interfaith Affairs The ADL’s newest publication, An Educator’s Guide to Jewish Religious and Cultural Practices, is just the latest resource available through the Omaha ADL office to help Jewish parents work with the schools to craft an inclusive, inviting environment for their children. The brochure is designed to assist public school educators with developing policies, procedures, and programs that are sensitive to the beliefs and practices of Jewish students. It also offers suggestions for ways in which educators and administrators can accommodate Jewish students’ practices. With the school year well under way, questions inevitably begin to arise as the “December Dilemma” draws near. The December holiday season presents our public schools with interesting challenges and wonderful multi-cultural learning opportunities. The ADL has some helpful advice and tools for parents: • Developing an on-going relationship with your child’s educator(s) and school administrator(s) is key to working through the “December Dilemma” and any other issues that may arise. Arrange a meeting with them early on in the school year and focus this initial meeting on getting to know one another so that you may become partners in creating an inclusive learning environment for your child and the other students. • Educate yourself and understand the guidelines about what is permissible when it comes to religion in the schools.
Take advantage of several very helpful resources regarding the online “December Dilemma” at www.adl.org. The ADL publications--The December Dilemma: Guidelines for Public Schools during the December Month, Religion in the Public Schools, and Religious Clubs in Schools: Guidelines for School Districts, all available online at the ADL website, are particularly helpful. Also, the professionals in the Omaha ADL office are available to help. • When meeting with your school principal to ask about school policies regarding religious issues (materials in the schools, presentations by teachers, music programs, religious decorations) and to share any concerns you may have about these matters, it is important to bear in mind that decision makers must address competing demands and that mistakes and misinformation, not malice, underlie many of the problems which typically arise. • Share a copy of our newest publication An Educator’s Guide to Jewish Religious and Cultural Practices with your child’s teacher(s) and principal. Copies are available through the Omaha ADL office. • Meet with your school music teacher as soon in the year as practical. Discuss the musical selections that will be performed at the winter music program, as well as at other various programs. If you have any questions regarding religion-state issues, civil rights concerns or dealing with your school administrators, the ADL is here to assist you in any way we can. E-mail me at bkatz@adl.org or call the ADL office at 402.333.1303.
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October 20, 2006
ENGAGEMENT MILLER/KULAKOFSKY Elizabeth Miller and David Kulakofsky announce their engagement. The bride-to-be graduated from University of Arizona with a B.A. in Social and Behavioral Sciences. She was a member of Psi Chi Psychology National Honor Society, and the Executive VicePresident of Alpha Epsilon Phi. She also earned her MA in Counseling Psychology from Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, and now works as an early childhood educator. She is the daughter of Sharon Miller of Naples, FL, and Raymond and Marsha Miller of Bayside, WI. She is the grand-daughter of Jeanette Miller of Milwaukee, WI, and Barbara and Norman Blumenfeld of Naples, FL. Her fiancé graduated from Northwestern University with a B.A. in Economics, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He earned his MBA in Analytical Finance from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Business, and now works on leveraged buyouts for Madison Capital Funding. He is the son of Janie and Alan Kulakofsky, and the grandson of Anita and Leonard Kulakofsky of Glenview, IL, and Frances Fox. A August 11, 2007 wedding is planned at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, WI.
ORGANIZATIONS YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Members will meet Monday at the JCC. Join us for a great day with musical guest Gene Magden from Sioux City. Magden was a former solo crooner with the Lawrence Welk Orchestra. Lunch is served at noon for $6 per person. Try your luck with bingo at 10 a.m. For transportation call Dee Dee at 330.4272. WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going on the day trip to the Ameristar Casino on Thursday, please meet at the JCC at 8:45 a.m. For information call Maggie Conti at 334.6521. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638. VISIONS Join us for a tour of the historic village of Girls and Boys Town on Thursday, Nov. 2 starting at 9:15 a.m. from the JCC. Cost is $7 per person. We have arranged for a narrated tour of the grounds with stops at the Hall of History, Dowd Chapel, Father Flanagan’s Tomb and Historic House, and special stop at “The Clothes Line,” where Louise Abrahamson will tell us about this unique store and what it does for the residents. The last stop on our tour will be at the Visitor’s Center, where we will eat lunch in the Café (lunch is on your own) and visit the gift shop. Send reservations by Oct. 25 to Rosalie Meiches, 5036 Parker, Omaha, NE 68104. Visions special events “Senior Conditioning” will be held at the JCC community room on Wednesday, Dec. 13, noon Learn what you can easily do to keep your body healthy. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. and at 1:15 p.m., the Dancing Grannies will perform. The cost per person is $10 per person. Deadline is Dec. 7. Make all checks payable to Visions. JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES Reminder: The Avi8ors will perform for an early Veteran’s Day Celebration at the JCC auditorium on Thursday, Oct. 26, 7 p.m. The Avi8ors Ensemble: The wonderful music of the World War II era, performed in USO show style by some of the finest musicians in the heartland. The Avi8ors Ensemble blends subtle choreography and dialogue with the music to give the performance a bit of a nostalgic feel. There is no admissions fee and is open to the public. This performance is supported in memory of Dr. Arthur M. Greene, a flight surgeon in the Army Air Corp by Deborah Greene, Silvia and Larry Roffman and grandchildren.
IN THE NEWS Omahans are invited to help select the inaugural class for the hall, said Shane Bradford, committee chairman for the Omaha Sports Hall of Fame. By going to the Durham Western Heritage Museum website-www.dwhm.org--voters can review accomplishments of the 26 nominees and cast their ballots for up to five. Votes for the inductees are accepted through November. The inaugural class of eight to 12 inductees will be recognized at a banquet to be held in the spring of 2007. Located in Omaha’s beautiful art deco Union Station, the Durham Western Heritage Museum is the premier museum dedicated to the history and heritage of the region and its people. As an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the Durham additionally features exhibitions, artifacts, programs, and research activities available only to member organizations. For more information on the Durham Western Heritage Museum and its exhibits, please visit us at www. dwhm.org. The National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced a $1,168,014 grant to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) to support the production and development of the science education project “IPY (International Polar Year): Engaging Antarctica.” The project includes a public television documentary produced by NET Television for broadcast as part of the NOVA series on PBS as well as nationwide community outreach activities developed by the University of Nebraska State Museum. Gary Hochman, NET Senior Science Producer, is a member of Tiffereth Israel. David Feingold, NET Assistant General Manager-Content, is a member of Congregation B’nai Jeshurun (South Street Temple). Hochman and his crew are heading back for their second trip to Antarctica next month. Two more “shoots” are on the schedule through winter of 2007. “IPY: Engaging Antarctica” will help people understand and know more about Antarctic research and discovery. The project will focus on explorations by the multinational, NSF-funded Antarctic Drilling Program (ANDRILL). The ANDRILL program, managed by UNL, is a new and ambitious drilling program that builds on a legacy of international efforts to recover important geological records that lie hidden beneath Antarctica’s icy blanket. ANDRILL’s main goals are to investigate Antarctica’s role in global environmental change over the past 65 million years and to better understand what may happen to the frozen continent because of global changes. “Antarctica’s Icy Secrets” will be produced by NET Television in partnership with WGBH Boston and the WGBH Science Unit as part of the NOVA science series on PBS. The one-hour episode, shot in high definition, will examine global climate change through the exciting Antarctic research conducted in concert with the International Polar Year (IPY). Space Adventures has opened and runs through Jan. 7, 2007 at Strategic Air & Space Museum. Space Adventures examines fiction and nonfiction space adventures of the past, present, and future along with the pop culture that has helped inspire them. With a mix of nostalgia and education, this interactive exhibition will let children and adult visitors relive these space travels with a fun and unique perspective. In conjunction with the exhibition, on Saturday Dec. 9, 11 a.m., the Museum will welcome Gary Kitmacher, the Space and Life Sciences Directorate Manager for Crew Health Care Systems at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX, for a special presentation. His responsibilities include managing the habitat and environment, astronaut’s health, nutrition and medical care, and science operations. Kitmacher has been at Johnson Space Center since 1981 and has worked in a variety of positions including leading design efforts for the International Space Station, manned moon and Mars habitats, and the commercially developed Spacehab module. The Strategic Air & Space Museum is located at Exit 426 off I-80, halfway between Omaha and Lincoln. The Museum is open 7 days a week, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admissions is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors/military, $3 for children ages 6-12, and children under age five are free. DEADLINE NOTICE Please send all articles, photos and ads to the Press by Thursdays, 9 a.m., for all regular issues. Early deadlines will be announced in advance. Questions? Call 334.6448.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 20, 2006
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BERT’S EYE VIEW by BERT LEWIS Have you noticed how many local people are writing and publishing books lately? We have poets, biographers and even some mystery writers, all “home grown” and enjoying a measure of success. Well guess what? My room mate and I are now in a special category called “Parents Of Published Authors.” (To be scrupulously honest, we’ve been on that list since 1998 when Lisa first published.) While I recognize the fine line between kvelling and bragging, I ask you to realize when a Jewish mother talks about such things, it’s known as kvelling. I think it has something to do with genes or chromosomes or something like that. But don’t let me digress; I want to share with you this interesting tidbit from the world of books, and offspring who write them. Our daughter Shelley, who has been writing since she was a little girl, has not taken her pen in hand, but has gotten serious with her computer. Since her profession and career have always been the news business, it’s only natural that politics and political figures interest her greatly. The idea to write a book about unsavory characters actively involved in government struck her as a project worth pursuing. That explains why a colorful paperback titled Naked Republicans is now available at your favorite bookstore.
This is probably the place where I should say “the ideas expressed in this article are those of the author and not the Jewish Press,” but I’ll just remind you I’m her mother. I promise you, no matter how you vote, you’ll read and laugh and laugh and laugh. You might gasp in horror now and then, but most of what she writes in this tell-all has been in print many times already. She singles out certain congresspersons, senators and people in even higher places in government and reports on dirty tricks, illicit dealings and in general, nasty stuff that shouldn’t be connected to such figures. If you want to be a literary critic, you might be horrified to learn certain ugly facts about public servants. When such facts are reported in an entertaining fashion however, well there’s no way you can read them without being amused, shall we say. It goes without saying, each and every outrageous detail was meticulously researched and verified, so when a person is casually reading and suddenly says out loud “oh my lord I can’t believe this,” yes he can. Let me just say at this point, there’s some pretty bizarre stuff in between the covers of that book. And in addition, my kid has an amazing ability to take such stuff and turn it into a book. You want my unbiased opinion about this book? Are you kidding? Unbiased? Of course I can’t be objective. I’m her mom, for crying out loud. Just the same, I feel safe in telling you it’s a darn good read, no matter how you vote. But don’t take my word for it; get your own copy. Don’t forget the title: Naked Republicans by Shelley Lewis. Bert Lewis can be reached at BertLewis39@aol.com.
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Looking for a birthday gift for the little princess (ages six and up) in your life? This cookbook is pink, has pretty graphics with hearts and flowers and recipes for Perfect Princess Cakes and Cookies, Magical Princess Finger Foods, Fairy Princess Breads, Sweetest Princess Treats and Sparkling Princess Drinks. These are kid tested recipes that Berry has developed to keep little princesses and other children busy in the kitchen at her Batter Up Kids Cooking School in Austin, Texas. Think tea parties, rainy days and dress-up occasions. Although the 30 recipes are easy, an adult “assistant” is needed for younger children learning their way around the kitchen. Bake Pink Princess Crown Cookies and Angel Cloud Cake, make Candy-Coated Dragonflies, Enchanted Unicorn Horns and
Rainbow Milks...dreamy recipe names. The book is divided in one recipe to a page format with a color photograph and Let’s get baking...spreading...blending... chilling...scooping or mixing instructions. Tips are here and there. A recipe follows for you and your princess to make together (crowns optional). FAIRY-TALE FONDUE Makes about 11⁄2 cups Ingredients List 3/4 cup heavy cream 12 ounces white chocolate, chopped 1 teaspoon vanilla Let’s get melting! Heat the cream in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat until hot, about 2 to 3 minutes. When hot, add the chocolate and stir until it is just melted and smooth. Stir in vanilla. Transfer to a warm fondue pot. Serve with your choice of fresh strawberries, banana slices, apple wedges, pound cake, lady-fingers, and biscotti for dipping. Lois Friedman can be reached at ReadItAndEat@yahoo.com.
Election Process Focus of Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh
2006
America Decides
The Nebraska General Election
by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator In the interest of sending a more informed electorate to the polls next month, the Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group will focus on a variety of timely election issues at its next meeting, planned for Monday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m. Co-hosted by Sylvia Wagner and Phyllis Hoffman, the evening’s discussions will revolve around the election process, plus “how we decide for whom to vote and which issues we support, what role political parties play, and why the Electoral College matters to us
in Nebraska,” Wagner said. She added that individual candidates will not be discussed. This informative meeting will be held at Wagner’s home, 1349 So. 101 St., #106; RSVPs may be made by contacting her at 392.0600, or at sy@lady8.com. Coffee, tea and lively conversation await all who attend, Wagner said, adding that “We invite all the women of Beth El to join us for this educational gettogether. We want you to enter the voting booth with a clear understanding of the issues; your informed vote is important!”
8721 Shamrock Rd. in Countryside Village. Beginners and experts alike are invited to “Knitting Night.” Enjoy wine, cheese, and schmoozing with old and new friends while stitching works of art. String of Purls staff will teach novice knitters how to knit and purl as they settle back in comfortable couches.
will be sold. Winners will take home skeins of yarn and knitting kits. All women in the community are welcome to attend. Seven dollars covers the cost of the evening including knitting instruction. Call the Temple office at 556.6536 to make a reservation.
Publishes 11.03.06 Ad deadline Reform Women Invite Community to Knitting Night 10.23.06 by CLAUDIA SHERMAN More advanced knitters can learn how to make a felt bag. The shop is offering a ten percent discount on purCamera ready deadline Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Judaism of Reform with Women Spin some yarn that evening. 10.30.06 (WRJ) on Monday, Oct. 30, 7 p.m., at String of Purls, chases Raffle tickets, at two dollars each or six for ten dollars, Call Allan Handleman at 402/334-6451 or email: ahandleman@jewishomaha.org
Call Terri Greenwood at 402/334-6559 or email: terrigreenwood@jewishomaha.org
October 20, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
The Bagel: An Immigrant Story Continued from page 1 Unfortunately one of the things lost over time is that sense of artisanship, he added. “They were masters at making bagels. There was an art to it,” Silver said. “They were artists and they really cared about the quality of the product.” Old-style bagels, much smaller than the modern variety, were distinctive for their hard crusts, chewy interiors and savory flavor. The International Bagel Bakers Union Local 338 formed to protect the recipes, methods and interests of the master bagel bakers. Only sons or nephews of current members could join. Every bagel in New York City came out of a union shop. With the advent of bagel-making machines that churned out bagels faster than any hands could, the old ways became obsolete and the bagel assimilated into the cultural melting pot, turning blander and fatter in the process. “Part of the story we’re telling in this film is that the demise of the union really led to the demise of the bagel as well,” Goodman said. “The machine just couldn’t make as good a bagel as the men could, for a number of reasons. One reason being the traditional bagel dough was too stiff to go through the bagel machine. It kept breaking down the machines. So bakery owners started adding water to the dough so it would go through the machines better, but that ended up making the bagel softer. And bagels since that time have gone through all sorts of changes with the addition of dough conditioners, which most bakeries use now, to relax the gluten in the dough immediately so bagels don’t have to sit overnight. It’s a big money saver for the bakery owners, but it reduces the flavor of the bagel significantly. “A lot of places don’t even boil their bagels anymore before baking them, which is the hallmark of the bagel - boiled before baked. They just sort of steam them because they don’t want that hard crust. They think people don’t want to chew that hard.” Goodman said the bagel’s transformation from handcrafted, ethnic food stuff to homogenized, mass-produced staple reflects “the American public’s taste. The American public likes big, soft, bland, white baked goods. But that’s part of the story, too -- that as the bagel became less Jewish and more mainstream American it had to take on more of mainstream America’s tastes.” A similar thing happened with pizza and many other ethnic foods whose authentic characteristics were diluted or distorted on the path to Americanization. The story of the bagel in America is also the story of the IBBU Local 338. Bagel bakers fought hard to improve the arduous conditions they worked in, using their union as leverage in negotiations with employers. “The conditions were terrible. The heat of the bakery while they were baking got to be like 110 degrees. Bakers often slept on benches in the bakery. They went
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through a lot. After a great deal of effort, they built a strong union. It was a terrific thing,” said Silver, who is doing much of her studies at the famed Yivo Institute of Jewish Research in New York, where former Omaha resident Leo Greenbaum is associate archivist-acquisitions archivist. Goodman “discovered” the IBBU while doing research for an essay on the history of the bagel published in the Harvard Review. He’d never heard of the union. “I just thought it was a fantastic thing, you know, a Joan Micklin Silver union composed entirely of Photo courtesy of the bagel bakers,” he said. “And Nebraska Jewish the more I looked into it the Historical Society more fascinated I became by the story of a union that for several decades controlled all of the bagel bakeries in New York City and then within a span of less than a decade had been wiped out. I thought this was a really poignant story. It’s a little-known story. And also a story that allowed the telling of a larger story about the way ethnic foods assimilate in the larger society and also the demise of the labor movement.” The IBBU, whose exclusive ranks never exceeded 300some members at any one time, reached beyond New York, although that’s where it was centered. “My sense of it is if you were a bagel baker anywhere in the country you were a member...It happened that the vast majority of bagel bakers were in New York, but I believe there were members in places like Chicago and Boston,” Goodman said. Long before bagel machines replaced them and broke their union, Local 338 brethren faced challenges from bakery owners, who, Goodman said, used “strikebreakers and scabs” to try and crush their solidarity. Resistance to the union included the emergence of “non-union shops,” said Goodman, “many heavily subsidized by organized crime. So, there was certainly a lot to deal with.” By the mid ’70s the union was no more. “The older guys retired. Some ended up working in non-union shops, working in much poorer conditions than they had been working in previously. Some joined the general bakers union and went to work in other union shops, not necessarily baking bagels. A lot of the guys left New York and took off around the country to open their own bagel shops. That’s how bagels really got introduced to different parts of the country that had never known bagels before. That’s the first time places like Albuquerque or Sacramento had seen fresh baked bagels,” he said. Goodman and Silver say a fair number of IBBU bakers
are still around, but no one’s quite sure exactly how many. The filmmakers’ plans call for on-camera interviews with many of these men, some quite aged now. There’s a sense of urgency to record and preserve the bakers’ stories before the legacy of their craftsmanship and union is irretrievably lost. For his Harvard Review essay on the bagel Goodman interviewed some of the men, tapping memories of long ago. Memories of favorite foods, especially aromas, are known to be among the strongest our brains store. As the bagel is a food bound up in ritual, whether along family ethnic lines or urban lifestyle lines or breakfast staple lines, it is a food that serves as a nostalgic “touchstone,” Silver said. “People think about it and it’s sort of like Proust’s (Marcel) madeleines. It has kind of ringing memories for people.” Her own remembrances of things past take her back to when she was a little girl and her father brought her to a downtown Omaha bakery for “the best rye bread you can imagine and wonderful bagels.” Goodman too recalls the traditional bagels of his childhood. The filmmakers are counting on the public’s bagel nostalgia, including memorabilia, to help illustrate their story. In a letter recently emailed to Jewish newspapers nationwide, the filmmakers made an appeal: “As part of our research for the film, we are interested in obtaining all manner of visual material concerning the history of bagels in America: old photographs of bagel shops or bagel bakers, home movies that include bagels, newspaper or magazine advertisements for bagels, etc.” Readers with materials are asked to respond to bagelmovie@hotmail.com. The filmmakers’ letter ends with, “We would be very grateful for any assistance you might provide. We look forward to hearing from you.” The pair hope to start production in late fall. They must first secure funding. In a new immigrant twist on the bagel’s evolution in America, the filmmakers say the rare bagel made today in the traditional manner is usually crafted by...Thais. Oy vey!
BIRTH Dana and Adam Wisnia announce the Oct. 4 birth of their son, Preston Scott. Grandparents are Shelley and Abe Wisnia, and Mary and Doug Current. Great-grandparents are Bernice Adler and the late Morrie Adler, Mary and John Martich, and Sara Wisnia and the late Berek Wisnia.
CORRECTION The Jewish Press regrets last week’s error.
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Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 20, 2006
Beth Israel’s Travelin’ Toddlers Ride Ollie the Trolley for a Sukkot Adventure by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue Despite the rainy weather and cooler temperatures, Beth Israel’s Travelin’ Toddlers had a terrific time on a their recent Sukkot adventure. Youngsters, their parents and siblings traveled in style as they rode Ollie the Trolley to visit the sukkah of Drs. Michael and Karen Cohen. Afterwards, they journeyed back to Beth Israel to enjoy dinner and create gingerbread-and-icing sukkahs. Travelin’ Toddlers go on monthly adventures appropriate for children under the age of 5 and their families. “Last year, we rode Ollie to the Children’s Museum and the kids had a blast, so we thought it would be enjoyable to use Ollie for another event,” said Brooke Shrago,
DirYouth “This ector. event was great because we had entire families join in on the fun.” For information about upcoming Travelin’ Toddlers adventures, please Photos from left: Rebecca Novak, call the office at left, Ilana McNamara and Noa 556.6288. Kipnis had fun during their ride
on Ollie the Trolley. Lillian Cohen displays the graham cracker sukkah she created. Parents
enjoyed riding on Ollie the Trolley, too: Janet Kohll, left, and Aviva Segall.
Temple Israel Middle/High School Students to Get in Touch with Artistic Sides by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Temple Israel’s T.A.G.--You’re It! middle and high school program has drawn several students back to Wednesday night classes who had not attended for a year or two, noted Elyce Azriel, Director of education. T.A.G. consists of three mini-mesters: fall, winter, and spring with all-school informal education and tikkun olam opportunities in between the classes. In the winter mini-mester several offerings will appeal to the artfully-inclined student. Lee Needelman will facilitate “Jewish Symbols from Home.” Students will be asked to bring a Jewish ceremonial art object from home. “We’ll talk about why the object is special to them and the history of each piece. We might imagine stories about the objects,” Needelman said. “This connects with the adult education theme of ‘Many Stories--One Congregation,’” she pointed out. Each
The high school Klezmer band will participate in the Nov. 17 Shabbat service at Temple. Practicing are Joe Slosburg, left, Julianna Scheet, and Linda Marcoe. object has a story behind it and a connection to Jewish heritage. The students will then have the opportunity to express their creative impressions about the objects through drawings. “We’ll use pencils and markers, and hopefully, at the end of the class, they’ll have something to show that is Jewish and meaningful,” Needelman remarked.
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Previous drawing experience is not required to take this class. Miriam Moran will guide another group of students in the creative process of designing Jewish greeting cards. A selfdescribed “scrapbooker and card maker,” Moran will work with students to connect the creative process with a sense of joy and use of hands-on satisfaction as they learn about Judaism. Various textures of paper, colors, and patterns will be available for the students to use. They’ll design get well cards, Bar and Bat Mitzvah cards as well as Chanukah and Rosh Hashanah cards. Moran said the cards will be made available to Temple’s Caring Committee for their visits to people who are ill or confined to their homes. Some cards will be sold in the Temple Gift Shop. Proceeds will benefit KAVOD, a non-profit Omaha-based tzedakah collective. Moran also leads a monthly scrap booking club at T.A.G. No prior knitting
experience is required for students to enroll in Rosie Zwieback’s Jewish fiber arts class. As they knit and needlepoint their way to the sounds of Jewish music, Zweiback will teach the basics of needlepoint and knitting to her class. “Both forms of fiber arts include the potential to create something Jewish or at least carry on Jewish tradition,” Zweiback said. “I still treasure the blankets my mother knit for my kids,” she commented. Needlepoint has even more Jewish applications including wall art, pillows, and other decorative items incorporating Jewish designs. “As the students get in touch with their creative, artistic sides, they’ll also have the opportunity to learn about themselves and their individual spiritual paths as well as how to do something they can continue to enjoy for their entire lives. My grandmother needlepointed and knitted well into her 80s.” Winter mini-mester classes will meet on Wednesdays, Jan. 10, 17, 24, and Feb. 7.
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October 20, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 13
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 20, 2006
New Beth El Class Offers Education, Support Temple Scholar to Look at Israel to Non-Jewish Mothers Raising Jewish Children Through American Eyes will have the opportunity to learn and to share their experience with others,” he added. Rubin agreed, saying, “Women who were raised in a different faith and who have made the decision to raise their children as Jews are very courageous. They have given up certain familiar and comfortable customs and practices from their own backgrounds to secure a Jewish identity for their own children. This program allows them to share their experiences with each other and discuss issues that arise in their own homes that need clarification.” Stressing that the Mothers Circle is not a conversion class, she added, “I would like the women who participate in this class to feel comfortable and at home in the Jewish community, to be knowledgeable about Jewish practices and beliefs and to feel at ease about including Jewish rituals in their homes for their children. The atmosphere of the class will be welcoming and inclusive and will provide invaluable information and contacts for the women who participate. Classes will consist of discussions oriented with interactive exercises. Handouts will be provided and the following books will serve as guides: How to Be a Jewish Parent, by Anita Diamant and Karen Kushner, and Living a Jewish Life, by Anita Diamant and Howard Cooper. (Books will be sold during class.) For more information, contact Rubin at 498.0904 or eddir@bethel-omaha.org.
by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Parents raising children in a faith different from their own can be a challenging, if not daunting, undertaking. And for children, sharing rituals and holidays may be difficult when their parents haven't been provided with any background or guidance about observances. The Mothers Circle, a new class at Beth El, will provide a valuable resource by alleviating these difficulties and answering often-asked questions. A monthly program geared to non-Jewish mothers raising Jewish children, The Mothers Circle is scheduled to begin Tuesday, Nov. 7, 78:30 p.m., and will focus on “creating a comfortable space for mothers raised in a different faith to learn about Judaism and to explore Jewish holidays and rituals,” according to class facilitator Judy Rubin. Beth El welcomes the opportunity to offer this program to the entire community, says Rabbi Mordechai Levin. “Dozens of interfaith couples have found a home at Beth El and are raising their children as Jews, and we know there are more interfaith families in the Omaha community doing the same,” he remarked. “But for some people, there is a question about how to create a Jewish home, because they feel that they don’t know enough. We are offering this new and exciting program to help them achieve their goal of educating their children as Jews. They
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by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Seeing Israel through American eyes comes effortlessly for Rabbi David Forman. An American by birth, he moved to Israel nearly 35 years ago. Founder of Rabbis for Human Rights in Israel, Rabbi Forman will begin a weekend as scholarin-residence at Temple Israel at the Shabbat worship service on Friday, Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m. when he’ll present “Four Major Concerns of the Jewish State.” He’ll also speak Saturday morning, Oct. 28, 9 a.m. in the Milder Center at Temple followed by Shabbat morning services at 10:30. That evening, he’ll join diners at Mediterranean Bistro, 1712 No. 120 St. at 7 p.m. for an “Israel Lovers Dinner and Havdallah.” Cost for the dinner is $18. Call Temple Israel at 556.6536 to make reservations. On Sunday morning, Rabbi Forman will wrap up his residency, which is sponsored by the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning, with an update on the present reality including reactions to the Lebanon War.
Government Fellows: a Long Term Program for Students Specializing in Israeli Government by HADASA GREENBERG-YAAKOV Menachem Begin Heritage Center The Menachem Begin Heritage Center is initiating a program for students specializing in the study of Israel’s government--“Government Fellows” The “Government Fellows” Program, at the initiative of the Menachem Begin Heritage Center, provides an opportunity for recent undergraduates from different disciplines to gain experience in practical work in a variety of different government offices in Israel. The goal of the “Government Fellows” program is to introduce the participants to Israel’s government systems, its various authorities, its system of democracy and politics, work processes and the decision making process in Israel’s government. Additionally, the purpose is to provide a deep, comprehensive knowledge of
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the history and political history of Israel, combined with learning Hebrew, exploring Jewish heritage, being exposed to different faces of Israeli society. The “Government Fellows” Program is open to post-baccalaureate students between the ages of 21 and 26 who studied at a recognized institution, who are native English speakers or speak English at a very high level and who have a basic knowledge of Hebrew. The starting date is January 2007; the program runs through July 2007. Additional details regarding price and acceptance criteria can be found at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center website at: www.begincenter.org.il, or by calling 011.972.2.565.2020, or 011.972.2.5652027, or at the MASA website at: www.masaisrael.org.
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Among Rabbi Forman’s topics of discussion during the weekend will be the place of Israel in Jewish sacred literature. He’ll also talk about Israel, human rights, and the Jewish tradition. “Iran’s Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is the Hitler of 2006,” he added. “However, in response to his constant threats upon the life of the Jewish state, we must integrate the cautionary tone of our tradition with the painful echo of our history. Though history teaches us that a preemptive strike upon Iran may ultimately be justified, tradition instructs us to be certain that the threat to our life is immediate, and even if so, to first seek both peace and weigh the outcome of going to war -- considerations born out of great wisdom.” “In a world of Islamic fanaticism, kneejerk liberalism is no longer acceptable,” said the former director of the Israel Office of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (now the Union for Reform Judaism). All of Rabbi Forman’s addresses and conversations are open to the community.
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October 20, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 15
Developing Unique Talents Bemis Center Hosts Annual Art Auction by LINDA MEURET Performer's Edge Academy of Performing Arts Performer’s Edge Academy of Performing Arts is a unique opportunity in the Omaha area where children in grades Kindergarten-12 are able to receive the highest quality training in acting, singing and dance--all in one place, one day per week. Our faculty includes some of the top names in Omaha’s professional music and theater community, each with a mission to help our students develop their unique talents, gain confidence and learn the joy of performing. Parents love the convenience of having only one appointment per week rather than driving all over town for singing, acting and dance lessons--and at only $225 per term ($11.25 per hour of instruction!) Performer’s Edge is a great value compared to instruction in each discipline on a separate basis. Performer’s Edge offers fall, winter and spring terms. Each term lasts 10 weeks and includes one two-hour session per week. Students are grouped by grade level and rotate through 40 minutes of singing, dance, and acting. Each term culminates in a showcase for family and friends. The benefits of participating in Performer’s Edge reach far beyond preparation for stage performances. Studies show that children who participate in the performing arts have measurably higher math and communication skills and greater selfesteem, confidence and creativity. Performer’s Edge is more than training for the theater, it’s… Training for Life! The winter term begins Jan. 6. Get the scoop at www. PerformersEdge.org
by KIM CARPENTER For the past 25 years, the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts has had one mission: to support exceptional talent. And for a quarter of a century, close to 700 artists from around the world have come to Omaha to participate in the Center’s Artistin-Residency program to experiment, innovate and ultimately, to create new art. As the Center celebrates its 25th Anniversary, its Annual Art Auction is more important than ever. The 8th Annual Art Auction, which takes place on Saturday, Oct. 28, serves as the largest and most important fund raiser of the year. Every dollar goes toward the Bemis Center’s Sustaining Fund, which directly supports its Artist-in-Residence program. To celebrate its Silver Anniversary in style, the Bemis Center is pulling out all the stops. Close to 250 works by local, regional, national and international artists are on the auction block, and many of the names are immediately recognizable: Andy Warhol, Red Grooms, Luis Jimenez, Betty Woodman, Terry Rosenberg, Steve Joy, Allan Tubach and William Wegman are just a few of the famous names certain to set bid cards flying. Rosenberg just had one of his paintings acquired by the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, DC, and the Smithsonian also ran a major exhibition of Wegman’s work this past summer. In New York, the Metropolitan Museum of Art held a solo exhibition for Woodman, the first ceramic sculptor ever accorded such an honor at the Met, while right here in Omaha, the Joslyn
Art Museum will mount an extensive retrospective of Joy’s work in 2007. And the emerging talent is just as impressive. Whether it’s an intricate collage by Kenneth Adkins being added to the Joslyn’s permanent collection or Scott Blake’s work being reviewed in the New York Times, every artist in the auction lineup is equally as impressive in terms of talent, innovation and imagination. Given such a widely-divergent line-up, Julie Wright, Communications Officer for the Bemis Center, says, “This will likely be the biggest arts event of the season. We’re excited to host a social event of such stature and to showcase the kind of talent the Bemis Center supports.” Bemis Center’s Art Auction starts with the silent auction, from 5:30–8 p.m. The live auction follows, from 8–9:30 p.m. Cost is $25 for Bemis Center members ($35 for a non-member) and includes admission to the silent auction, artful buffet and open bar. A $50 ticket per Bemis Center member ($60 non-member) includes all of the above plus a reservation to the invitation preview cocktail party on Thursday, Oct. 26, as well as VIP reserved seating in the live auction gallery. Seats are limited to 250 for the live auction gallery, and advance purchase is recommended. To make reservations or absentee bids contact the Bemis Center at 402.341.7130. For more information on all the works up for bidding, visit the Bemis Center’s auction web site at www.bemiscenterartauction.org
Let’s Make You Smile
The Art of Tree Trimming
Golf, Travel and Business?
by DR. MARTY MATZ For more than 18 years, Omaha families have trusted me with their dental health and beautiful smiles. At each visit, I thoroughly explain prescribed treatment to patients so they know what to expect and how the treatment will benefit their health, the function of their bite, and the increased confidence they will feel with their improved smile. Teaching children oral care and prevention is a top priority for me. I routinely conduct classroom visits with children and educate them, using songs and puppets the importance of brushing and avoiding sweets. As a veteran member and current Vice President of the Omaha District Dental Society, I am aware of the latest advances in the art of dentistry, as well as the current concerns of the aging. An area of great interest is Implant Dentistry, which allows a patient to replace a missing tooth without adding a bridge. Implants can also stabilize partial and full dentures. Our office is hosting a free dental implant seminar on Thursday, Nov. 2, 6:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to come to our office and hear about the process and benefits of receiving a dental implant. Refreshments will be served during this question and answer presentation. The office is centrally located at 10810 Prairie Hills Dr. in Rockbrook Village at 108th and Center. 402.397.8050 or look us up on the web: www.2thdoc.org.
by TERRI COMPTON TLC Tree Care Inc. would like to introduce our services to you. We are a small company with very personal service. We try to meet with each prospective customer and walk the yard with them to see what their concerns are when having their trees trimmed. We want to see what is important to each individual and if they are more concerned with privacy or the ability to mow under the trees, or if they would like more sun for the grass or flower beds. We strive to meet each person's individual preferences when maintaining the trees in the landscape. At the same time, we try to offer advice as to how the trees in the landscape need to be trimmed for proper growth structure and development. We want to be sure that we are leaving your tree in the best condition possible so that you have less chance of storm damage. We have found in the past that mature trees that are trimmed on a regular basis sustain less damage from wind and weather than trees that have not been trimmed or maintained. When we are done with your job, we want your trees to look better and be healthier and your yard to be clean and free of debris. We are trying to achieve a balance between the health and structure of the tree and the look of the total landscape of the yard. We would love to meet with you and discuss your tree care needs! Call us anytime at: 402.453.4114
by JOE COONEY Have you ever considered being in a dream business, one that is almost too good to be true? For instance, do you have a passion for golf, wish that could be your life business but you just aren’t quite good enough to be on tour? What if your office could be the driving range, the fairway, the green? What if you could make a significant income living like that? Perhaps, instead, your passion is traveling. What if you could focus on your next cruise several times each year? What if you could make a significant income on that? How about combining the two? I’m an expert in matching people up with the business that is perfect for them. I’m contracted with over 100 different franchises and match the profiles these franchises need to the applicants who are looking for the right match. I found this golf and executive travel business by accident and spent a significant amount of time investigating it to be sure it could do what it advertised. It’s not a franchise! However, I’m convinced this business can offer a great life style for the right candidate. It’s even perfect for people who don’t want to sell anything, since the corporate office handles all the calls and call-backs. It’s definitely something to consider. Call me at 402.330.7306 or visit www.sgsgolfbiz.com.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 20, 2006
No Time for Fun or Travel?
Barter For Your Vacation?
by CHERYL A. CLAUSEN If you could use your time more effectively so that you had time for fun and travel would you feel more successful and less stressed? According to a new survey by America Online and Salary.com, the average worker admits to frittering away 2.09 hours per 8-hour workday, not including lunch and scheduled break-time. Perhaps there is time for fun and travel. Why do you allow your time to slip away? One reason is the attitudes you hold about the value of time.You value time differently than those who have time for the important things in life. So how can you get the time you want to have the fun you want? Start by changing how you think about time. Think of time as a valuable commodity that you spend rather than something that slips away. Develop a big picture plan for what you want to accomplish, and what you must do each day to get there. Why aren’t you managing your time well now if it’s so easy and you know what you’re supposed to do and how to do it? Until your lack of time becomes painful it’s just easier to do what you’ve been doing. You may never have stopped to realize just how much a little time is really costing you in dollars, and in your ability to fulfill your dreams and reduce your stress. So when will you take action? Start today by choosing how you $pend your time. Time’s a wasting… Contact me at 402.926.1134 or visit www.measuredsuccessinc.com..
by TERRI SMIEJA ITEX, the leading marketplace for cashless business transactions across North America, is celebrating its 10th anniversary in Omaha, Lincoln, and Council Bluffs. Local members processed more than $300 million in transactions last year. Now that’s a lot of trading! ITEX members increase their sales, conserve their cash, and utilize new distribution channels by using barter dollars to transact business. The ITEX office offers incredible customer service to its members and our trade directors help business owners get more business and save them cash by using their ITEX dollars instead. The women of ITEX who work for you are: Kolleen Otte has been with the office for four and onehalf years. She loves working for the business owners to find them great buys. The first large deal she put together was selling a $12,000 collator. She also used ITEX when she got married four years ago. Marie Aaron has been with ITEX for five years. She paid for her daughter’s wedding cake, photography, music, and flowers--nearly $6,000 worth - with her ITEX dollars. Her best find for one of her clients was a 2004 Ford-450 van. Kristina Holoun, a Nebraska native who just recently relocated back to Omaha from the Seattle area, enjoys the womanpositive atmosphere of ITEX. She loves working with business owners and supports small business. Paula Gamble is the ITEX bookkeeper and has been doing a fantastic job for the last three years. Christina Strasser runs the sales department and enjoys working the trade shows and Chamber of Commerce events. And me: the licensed Franchise owner of ITEX. I was born in Honolulu, HI, and have lived all over the world. When I married my husband, Gerard, we were able to trade $15,000 of our $17,000 wedding through ITEX. This gave us the opportunity to use our cash to buy a home.
A Masterpiece of Design and Engineering by SCOTT SCHUETZ The all-new fourth-generation Lexus LS460 will launch Oct. 20. It offers two versions: standard and long-wheel base (LS460L). The latter offers such limousine-like features as reclining, heated bucket seats, a cool box, four-zone climate control, a folding table, an ottoman, a shiatsu massager, and 9” DVD monitors with wireless headphones. Showcasing a combination of comfort, performance, and features, the 2007 LS460 is the quietest, most serene luxury-class sedan Lexus has ever built. This is the first car in the world with a computer-controlled eight-speed automatic transmission. Its 380-hp, 4.6-liter V8 can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, yet still gets an EPA-rated 27 mpg under highway driving conditions. An optional parking guidance system uses onboard cameras to help the driver park, a system offered by no other manufacturer. Options also include satellite navigation with Bluetooth cell phone integration, XM satellite radio with a gigabyte hard drive, a pre-collision system with radar cruise control, and Lexus Link for emergency aid or assistance at the touch of a button. Lexus’ innovative Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management System is standard on both models. This feature seamlessly controls all braking, throttle, and steering functions for enhanced vehicle stability control and handling. Stop by or contact Lexus of Omaha, 402.333.6400 for more information or to arrange a test drive of Lexus’ new luxury automobile.
by DR. CHRISTOHER STANOSHECK Tired of your same old ho-hum, factory style dental appointment. The type of appointment where you see the dentist for two-minutes and he is out the door to see the next patient seems pretty typical. I feel differently. My office will make your visit much less typical and much more memorable by offering a comprehensive, personal and unique approach to dental care. I am originally from Omaha. I attended Creighton University where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. I earned Doctorate in Dental Surgery from Creighton University Dental School and later attended the University of Nebraska for residencey in Hospital Dentistry. I strongly believe in staying on the cutting edge of dental technology through extensive training and continuing education. My advanced training has been at the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies or LVI. There, I received training in smile design, laser surgery, neuromuscular dentistry (TMD
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by MATT KEISER KM Landscaping Inc. Tired of that deck? Do you still find your concrete patio as dull as the day you first saw it? Are you looking for a new artistic backyard that you can be proud of and entertain your family and friends? Maybe a new paver patio, landscaping, sitting wall, fire pit, water feature, custom art, landscape lighting, custom woodwork or even an outdoor kitchen. You can have it and we can help! Here at KM Landscaping our staff of educated and experienced Landscape Designers can create the perfect backyard experience for you and your home. We have a fantastic supply of high quality materials and the experienced work force to create an Artistic and entertaining space for our costumers. The process starts with an in-depth initial meeting; we probe your ideas, space and needs to come up with a plan to create your new backyard. We will then return in a timely matter with our designs and solutions to your needs. We will provide pictures, samples and referrals that will help you visualize your dreams. We supply you with a detailed and itemized estimate so that there is no confusion to what is expected. From this point you decide how to proceed and you’re out of pocket expense remains at zero. Interested? Our professional staff here at KM Landscaping takes pride in our work and in our craft. We see your dreams and investments as our key to our success. You will find all of our employees to be knowledgeable, engaging and hardworking from start to finish. So, if you’re looking for advice, one tree or an ultimate backyard give us a call at 402.359.2898 or look us up at KMLandscaping.com.
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Lied Center Brings the Memories of a Survivor to Life in The Train by ASHLEY PRITCHARD Marketing Intern for Lied Center for Performing Arts Crossing the borders of two different eras, Carl Slotboom’s The Train is a haunting and thought-provoking play that asks the question, how does a survivor live with the memories of what they have experienced and seen? Clara and David, an elderly Jewish couple on a train to visit Clara’s sister, experience unexpected delays that jolt them back into another time and a different place. Two train cars set along side each other represent the modern day first-class train car and a rundown cattle car from 1943. Translated for the first time by Lincolnite Dr. Louis Leviticus, The Train reminds us all what freedom means. During the Holocaust, the young couple were packed in a cattle wagon train car and sent to a concentration camp. Their modern day train ride brings back memories from the past and unearths
emotions they thought they had forgotten. The Third Chair Chamber Players and The Angels Theatre Company collaborate to create this moving chamber theatre production at the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln, from April 11-14, 7:30 p.m. For more information, please visit www.liedcenter.org or call 402.472.4747. Funding is provided by the Cooper Foundation, Lincoln Community Foundation, Nebraska Arts Council and Nebraska Humanities Council. Corporate support is provided by Sartor Hamann Jewelers. This Arts Across Nebraska event is funded in part by TierOne Bank Foundation and the Friends of Lied. Arts Across Nebraska performances are scheduled at Omaha Presbyterian Church of the Cross, the Omaha Jewish Community Center, Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, and Merryman Performing Arts Center in Kearney.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
When you patronize these fine establishments, tell them you saw their ad in the Jewish Press.
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Flowers Should Make You Happy by AMY BLUMENTHAL Floral designing and arranging can be challenging, but also fun and rewarding. A good floral design program can teach color, proportion, the “rules” of floral design, and of course, types of flowers and how to care for them. However, with a little bit of effort, you can arrange flowers by following some simple ideas: Know your style. What’s your style? Traditional? Cutting edge? A little bit of both. Sometimes, it's okay to break the rules. Some people don’t like babies’ breath in their arrangements - others love it. Work within your style. Know what flowers you like. Design around your favorites, and it's hard to go wrong. Roses, lilies, hydrangeas - - stick with what you like. But don’t be afraid to try new combinations and ideas every now and then! Color, color, color. There are flowers for every season and of every color. Having an eye for color goes a long way towards making a great floral arrangement. Understanding color
schemes and the use of primary and secondary colors is essential. A good rule of thumb is to have one predominant color in your arrangement, a secondary color and then throw in a splash of an accent color. One other thing that is particularly helpful when arranging flowers is to look at your arrangement from different perspectives. If you happen to be tall, you may need to place your arrangement on a stand to see how it might look to others. Also, try placing your arrangement in different areas of the house to see what works and what doesn’t. These are just a few thoughts. There are millions of others: containers, size, etc.--the options are endless. The key, at the end of the day (or design), is to try different things, don't be afraid to start over, and trust your instincts. Above all, flowers should make you happy! I am the owner of Blossom, a full-service florist located in Millard at 14306 U St. I can be reached at 402.895.0141.
Local Artisians at Work by DAN ZONGKER Are you tired of looking everywhere for that piece of furniture, and not finding exactly what you’re wanting? Discontinued furniture lines, cheap imports, plastic carvings and woodgrain vinyl exteriors have left you exhausted and disappointed? Zongkers Custom Furniture offers you the solution. Not only is each piece custom designed exactly how you wish, but the quality is that to be handed down for generations. Known as Omaha’s best-kept secret! Zongkers is tucked away inside the walls of the old Metz Brewery building near Third and Hickory Streets. This area’s finest craftsmen are busy custom designing and fabricating “top-quality”, handcrafted custom furniture. Beginning with an idea, your product is developed before your eyes. You’re included from the beginning to the end with designs; engineering drawings, finish samples, and detailing.
Zongkers is a specialty, craftsman oriented, and custom furniture manufacturer. Distinguishing ourselves from other shops by fabricating originally designed furniture, one piece at a time…. complete with the artist’s signature to assure authenticy. With more than 25 years of experience, your satisfaction is guaranteed with a full five-year warranty. Specializing in custom artwork and hand-carvings, marquetry veneer inlays, curved furniture and specialty finishes. Offering full design services for your furniture, kitchens, or casework and then handcrafted by experienced craftsmen with attention to detail and quality. Whether it’s contemporary or traditional designs, Zongkers can accommodate any request and work within your budget. Visit our website at www.zongkers.com to see hundreds of examples of finished projects. Give us a call at 402.344.7784, we’ll be happy to help.
Page 17
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Every Guest Is Important by SHERI RISSEEUW Director of Sales-Regency Lodge As the Director of the Sales Department at Regency Lodge, we assist people in planning a variety of functions, from corporate meetings to family reunions to wedding receptions. Recently I had the pleasure of a first hand experience at our facility while hosting a baby shower for my niece. Every event that is held here at the hotel is important, but when it is “your” event and the guests in attendance know that you are affiliated with the property, the success of the function becomes more significant. At the conclusion of the shower everyone was complimentary of the hotel; they were impressed with the personal service as well as the quality of the food. The additional benefit was that I could relax and simply enjoy the time with my niece and her guests, because everything was
taken care of for me by the hotel staff. The process allowed me a perspective that is so important to all of us in business….the viewpoint of the client! It reminded me that every client has different needs and that our role as a Sales Department is to identify those priorities and insure that their expectations are met. Our goal is to take the meeting planners vision of the event and turn it into reality! At Regency Lodge, we have 145 guestrooms and 10,000 square feet of function space to accommodate your next function. We are situated in the heart of the city and the perfect location for all your celebrations. Our service is outstanding, our product is unique and we hope to share them both with you! Regency Lodge is located at 909 So. 107 Ave. in Omaha; Call 402-397-8000 or visit www.regencylodge.com.
Use Sign Art to Sell by JIM BAUDLER “Why should I have a sign?” is a question often asked by business owners. In a highly impulse oriented business, good signage can be the difference between the success or failure of the business. Your sign is the primary indicator that you are there, and want the customers' patronage. Even if you aren’t part of a national franchise or chain backed by major media advertising, the right sign can “brand” your site in your local trade area. Good signage can increase your business's opportunity for success. Signs are the most affordable means of advertising for many businesses. The United States Small Business Administration says, “...signs are the most effective, yet least expensive form
of advertising for the small business.” Signs bring clarity to your customers which leads to your greatest successes. What’s more, signs are always on the job for you, advertising 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Vehicles decorated with signs are one of the newest and fastest growing methods of advertising and marketing a business. New technologies give you “sign options” on your car or truck ranging from decals to full car wraps that cover the entire car with graphics and messages. Vehicle signage can bring you more attention in any parking lot and on the street. Bring more customers to your store with signs by calling Sandi or me at “Your Neighborhood Sign Shop.” Improve your bottom line with signs. Accent Signs is located at 2819 So. 125 Ave. #353, in Westwood Plaza; call us at”: 402-408-9683.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 20, 2006
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Literary Supplement Publishes 11.10.06 Ad deadline 10.30.06 Camera ready deadline 11.06.06 Call Allan Handleman at 402/334-6451 or email: ahandleman@jewishomaha.org Call Terri Greenwood at 402/334-6559 or email: terrigreenwood@jewishomaha.org
Karen Kushner: Playing Bach, Beethoven and Brahms in a Bill Blass Dress by OZZIE NOGG Music, Kushner received a Bachelor of Music from Karen Kushner began studying the piano when she Northwestern University in 1980, a Masters in Music was six. Forty-plus years later, her hands are much larg- from the Juilliard School two years later, and did poster and, in her words, “pretty strong. But they are also graduate work towards a Ph.D. at New York University. delicate. Playing the piano,” she explains, “is an athletic “I moved to New York for grad school and stayed activity that requires a balance of strength and finesse.” twenty years. In the city I didn’t have a 9 to 5 job, ever. The activity required to market and promote her latest I always taught privately and at two New York City CD--Music of Brahms, Clara and Robert Schumann on schools--Mannes College of Music and Turtle Bay the Palatine Recordings label -requires another kind of Music School.” There were times when Kushner pieced balance. It’s that tricky yin-yang of chutzpah and mod- together an income as a freelance musician, and one esty that Kushner pulls off with aplomb, as evidenced by memorable extra-pocket-money assignment came her this e-mail she sent my way. “Pasted below is a note from way via a Juilliard job board listing. Harris Goldsmith. He’s a critic and teacher in New York “Springmaid, the company that makes sheets, was and a good pianist himself. His note means a lot to me. sponsoring a retrospective of designer Bill Blass’s fashions Do you think you could use it in the interview? I’m real- and wanted an attractive female pianist to provide backly proud of it.” ground music for a three day stint. It Justifiably proud. In his note to paid well, and there were lots of Kushner, Goldsmith called her new applicants. I got the job, and it came CD “the best playing I have heard with the best perk. Every morning I from you yet” and praised her interwas dressed by the Blass people in a pretation for its “structural architecglamorous full-length red runway ture, rhythmic poise, technical massample--complete with shoes and tery and best of all, poetry.” To cap spectacular accessories--and had my things off, Goldsmith deemed makeup done by their pros. When I Kushner’s version of the Brahms and was dressed I played whatever came Schumann as “right up there with to mind ...for hours... on a white Masselos and Richter,” referring to grand piano in the showroom, surSviatoslav Richter--one of the 20th rounded by artfully posed mancentury’s legendary pianists--and nequins sporting Mr. Blass’s fabulous William Masselos--the esteemed haute couture. It was such fun. I only American pianist who often served as wish I could have kept the dress.” mentor to other keyboard artists. “I Kushner also augmented her income was floored with the comparison to by playing chamber music on cruise Karen Kushner Mr. Masselos’s recording,” Kushner ships and as a rehearsal pianist for balsays. “He was my teacher at Juilliard and I had tremen- let companies. “I learned a lot from the dancers,” dous respect for him from the first time I heard him at Kushner says. “The best ones were deeply musical, and the Aspen Music Festival in the mid-70s. I remember he observing on a daily basis the uncanny way they were played Brahms’ First Piano Concerto, and I was thrilled able to translate sound into motion inspired my own and moved by his performance.” playing.” Among listeners who are thrilled and moved by In 1992, Igor Kipnis, the internationally acclaimed Kushner’s performances is Pulitzer Prize-winning music fortepianist and harpsichordist, heard Kushner’s critic, Tim Page. His Washington Post review of her new acclaimed recordings of the Chopin Mazurkas. In a subBrahms/Schumann CD said, “Kushner’s playing is sequent Stereophile Magazine review, Kipnis wrote, “The exemplary throughout, but I am especially happy with 51 Chopin Mazurkas (have been recorded) over the her rendition of Kreisleriana, eight miniatures welling years by such distinguished performers as Rubinstein, over with fantasy and invention that demand a pianist Cortot, Friedman, Horowitz, Kapell, and Rosen, (so) it who will not only read the notes but also give herself might perhaps seem presumptuous to offer a recorded entirely to the composer’s opulent, idiosyncratic cos- debut by a virtually unknown New York pianist. mos. This is a beautiful disc.” Critic Scott Morrison Nonetheless, Karen Kushner, a former Adele Marcus agrees, calling Kushner “a technically assured and musi- and William Masselos student at Juilliard, performs cally perceptive performer (who plays with) feeling, clar- these pieces with such rhythmic verve, poetic sensibility, ity and grace. This is charm personified.” and spirit that repeated hearings each time reconfirmed Fourteen years ago, Kushner’s debut CD recording, my initial impression of delight and enthusiasm.” Soon Chopin: The 51 Mazurkas on the Connoisseur Society afterward, Igor and Karen met, expressed their admiralabel, was greeted in equally enthusiastic terms--the tion for each others’ playing, and the Kipnis-Kushner Chicago Sun Times writing, “The Chopin masters of the collaboration was born. early part of the century would have adored her.” And “We shared a love for the duet repertoire and music Kushner’s reputation as an international soloist and cham- education,” Kushner says, “and our concert schedule ber music player is secure. Carnegie Recital Hall. The often included teaching programs for kids. Igor strongNational Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. The Dame ly believed that it’s important to bring a deeper underMyra Hess Memorial Concert Series in Chicago. Concert standing of music into the lives of children.” The Kipnistours in Spain, France and Poland plus the festivals at Kushner Duo was the only North American ensemble Aspen, Newport and Ravinia. But for Karen Kushner, the invited to perform at the Music in Old Crakow Festival plaudits that come with performance -be it live or record- in August, 1997. The pair later toured Brazil and ed--are secondary to the preparation that precedes it. Germany. Their CDs, which are available on two labels “My real ‘happy time’ is when I’m alone at the piano, --Parnassus Recordings and Palatine--include composilearning a score or rehearsing chamber music with other tions by Brahms, Dvorák, Grieg, Ravel and Schubert. like-minded musicians,” she says. “It’s the day-to-day When Kipnis died in 2002, Swiss music critic Jennifer reality of the process that’s so fulfilling, not the end Paull wrote, “Karen Kushner and Igor Kipnis performed result. For me, that means spending time alone, delving together with four hands, one piano and one soul.” into a score, getting up close and personal with the Kipnis still has a place in Kushner’s work. “Recently I’ve music--discovering its secrets, its joys and sorrows-- been studying a Bach partita, a suite of dance pieces,” appreciating its craft. That’s why we musicians do what she says. “My biggest inspiration stems from a recording we do. Performing, on the other hand, is an artificial sit- that Igor made of all the Bach partitas years ago. It gives uation, a one-shot deal.” me enormous joy to hear his music-making. It is so At Kushner’s first piano recital--where she played “The spontaneous, lively and heartfelt. He is no longer with Snow Fairy,” written by Anna Parker Christensen, us, but his music lives on. And for that, we are all lucky.” Kushner’s dear first teacher--it’s a safe bet that little Life in Missouri is full. “I have some terrific students, Karen wasn’t looking for secrets, joys or sorrows in the both at the UMKC conservatory and in my private stumusic. She was a typical young girl who didn’t let piano dio. They range in age from fifteen to sixty-five and I lessons trump other activities. “I didn’t practice that enjoy working with each of them. Some of my graduates much as a kid,” Kushner admits, “though I probably have gone on for advanced degrees. Some teach or do a should have. And I’ve always had lots of other interests fair amount of playing. I encourage my students to be as besides music--art and art history, languages, ballet, lit- versatile as possible, to augment their skill sets any way erature, sports. I’m close with my family and have tons they can.” Kushner takes her own advice. She is a sought of friends who are more than willing to help me procras- after writer of articles and book reviews for Clavier tinate when I don’t feel like practicing. Just kidding,” Magazine, and has a “side gig” as a writer of program and liner notes for Carnegie Hall, the Friends of she says, then adds with a grin, “Well, maybe not...” Currently an Adjunct Associate Professor of Piano at Chamber Music in Kansas City, and various record the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Continued on page 19
October 20, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 19
Playing In A Bill Blass Dress Continued from page 18 labels. “The research required for these jobs keeps me sharp and provides another creative outlet.” But making music is still Karen Kushner’s main focus. “My husband, Robert Weirich, is a remarkable musician and a well-known master teacher. Occasionally we play duets together, which is a blast. In May of 2007, we’re going to China to play and teach at the Beijing and Shanghai conservatories. That should be way cool.” The most recent Kushner/Weirich performances took place last month in Kansas City and San Antonio where the pair -along with James Snell and Nick Petrella--performed Bartók’s Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion. “It’s one of the seminal works of 20th century music,” Kushner explains. “Sophisticated rhythmically and quite demanding for all the players. As with any chamber music, each of us must work on our respective parts alone. Then we get together in pairs to refine our ensemble, and finally we put all four parts together. We all get along well, so instead of rambunctious disagreements in our rehearsals, there are discussions and the willingness to try various options in the interest of the best possible result.”
Rambunctious. Such a playful word, so descriptive of Karen Kushner’s spirit and energy. “I choose to learn, perform and record only the music that truly speaks to “Clara Schumann (1819-1896) was an outstanding pianist --one of the most eminent in Europe--and the wife of composer Robert Schumann. In 1841, when she was a mere 22years-old, Clara Schumann began work on Sonata in G Minor, her most extended piano composition. This relatively little known work is (heard) on a new release by the superlatively graceful United States pianist, Karen Kushner. Kushner’s texturing and articulation in nuance and style weave a masterly performance (and) is a must for lovers of the great 19th century tradition of Romantic piano repertoire... (Kushner) brings welcomed light to a rarely heard hidden gift (from) Robert Schumann’s young bride.” Excerpted from the CD Spotlight review by Jennifer Paull (Vouvry, Switzerland) in the Sept. 19, 2006, edition of Music & Vision, the world’s first classical music magazine published daily on the internet. me,” she says. “It’s a luxury, really. Orchestral players don’t have that freedom of choice. Right now I’m learn-
A Self-Directed Account Leads to True IRA Diversification by ZACH SAMPSON Most financial planners agree that diversification is one of the most important aspects of successful retirement investing. Having exposure to a broad range of assets lowers overall portfolio risk and leads to more consistent returns. Like most people, when you think of the investment opportunities available to your IRA, you probably think about mutual funds, stocks, and bonds. Like most people, you probably did not know that you can also invest in many other assets including real estate, mortgages, notes, and private businesses. And like most people, you probably were not aware that these options have been available to you since 1974 when Congress passed the Employee Retirement Income and Security Act (ERISA). With the right guideance and using the right structure, your IRA investment opportunities are almost unlimited. The IRS does not specify what investments you can make, but it does detail those that you may not make. These are called prohibit-
ed transactions. Prohibited transactions include life insurance, collectibles (works of art, rugs, stamps, gems), and transactions with a disqualified person. “You” are a disqualified person, as are your family members (except for your siblings) and fiduciares. There are some exceptions and you may even apply for a specific exemption through the private letter ruling process. It is recommended that you do not attempt self-directed, nontraditional retirement investing on your own. The rules are complex; the administrative work is daunting, and failure to comply or file all reports can lead to serious penalties. The best way to protect yourself and enjoy diversification is to enlist a strong team of advisors who are knowledgeable in the self-directed industry. Surround yourself with the best advisors and start enjoying the rewards of self-directed retirement investing today! For information, contact Mary Lueth, Regional Manager, Security Trust Company at 712.490.3657 or via e-mail at mary.lueth@securitytrustcompany.com.
ing a new solo program of Mozart, Poulenc, and Chopin to play in the spring. Also, I have a mental list of pieces I want to get my hands on before I die, and I’m slowly checking them off. The list includes lots of Schubert. And Brahms, of course.” With Kushner, Brahms is a subject of more than musical interest. “I always harbored a secret wish that Brahms was Jewish since he’s my favorite composer. Believe it or not, a musicologist wrote an article hypothesizing that the name ‘Brahms’ was a secret, coded version of ‘Abrams’ or a shortened version of ‘Abrahams’. No dice. He couldn’t prove it. Too bad.” Note: Karen Kushner’s new CD--Music of Brahms, Clara and Robert Schumann--is found on the Palatine Recordings label, and is available online at Amazon.com and on the Palatine, Eroica, CDBaby and Arkiv websites. NPR’s Performance Today is planning to feature the CD in the near future. The final Kipnis-Kushner Duo recording of Schubert and Brahms will be released by Palatine soon. Plans to reissue Karen Kushner’s debut two-CD set --Chopin: The 51 Mazurkas--are in the works for early 2007. Stay tuned!
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Omaha Performing Arts bring’s Miami City Ballet’s production of Don Quixote to the Orpheum Theater on Thursday, Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m. Currently one of the most renowned dance companies in the world, Miami City Ballet is also among the largest ballet companies in the United States. To open its 21st season this year, Miami City Ballet has chosen to premiere this exciting mix of ballet and lively Spanish dancing that brings Miguel de Cervantes’ famous novel to life. Tickets are on sale now through Ticket Omaha online at www.ticketomaha.org, by phone at 402.345.0606 or walk-up at the Ticket Omaha box office at the Holland Center, 13th and Douglas Streets. Tickets are priced from $24-$40.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 20, 2006
Nebraska in Israel There are Cornhuskers in Israel! No...not football players--but one-time members of the Jewish community of this state. At last count, more than four dozen former Nebraskans currently live there; some have made aliyah and have full-time careers...others are students in post-high school or college programs. Some, like Linconites Harry and Annie Allen, retired from their jobs in education to be closer to children (and grandchildren) who had made aliyah earlier. Others, like newlyweds Whitney Taxman and Dan Feferman are just beginning their Israeli careers. Regardless of their status, the Jewish Press wants to meet them, interview them and share their stories with our readers. It’s part of a week-long Press trip late next month to cover stories in our Partnership with Omaha region (like the reconstruction of the Western Galilee Hospital, severely damaged during the summer war with Hezbollah), plus stories about Israel’s health, business, education, diplomatic and social services sectors. While the Press appreciates our long standing relationship with JTA and newer agencies which provide us with news like Israel21 and IPS (the Israel Press Service), it’s important to continue a local connection with first-hand reporting. That’s one of the reasons the stories written by and about Stacey and Jonathan Rockman immediately following the summer war had such an impact on our readers. And, for the first time ever, this community will sponsor a reception for Nebraskans in Israel, motzi Shabbat, on Saturday evening, Nov. 25, 8 p.m., in Jerusalem. If you know of any Nebraskan (or former Council Bluffs resident) living there, please forward his or her e-mail address to: ckatz-
man@jewishomaha.org, or call us at 402.334.6448 with a phone number or “snailmail” address, or jot it all down and mail it to the Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. We need all information no later than Nov. 10 in order to ensure that all Cornhuskers receive their invitations in a timely manner! While you’re at it...if there are stories from Israel you think the Press should be covering, let us know. If we can’t do it during this upcoming short trip, we can make arrangements with our contacts in Israel. That’s how we were able to get our close-up of Warren Buffet’s first-ever trip to Israel last month when he visited his latest purchase, Iscar Industries, located--where else?--in the Western Galilee! Through our resources developed during the past decade (writers and photographers on the in ground Israel), the Jewish Press is able to bring you firsthand accounts not available in any other media. We’re very proud of the fact that our small community can “play with the big boys,” whether it comes to publishing a weekly
newspaper or running a bigger-than-average Israel Emergency Campaign (on top of our regular annual campaign), raising millions for an expanded, remodeled Jewish Community Center or breaking ground for the “New Beginning” of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Come next month, too, the Jewish Press will include the first ever Literary Supplement, courtesy of the National Foundation for Jewish Culture and locally, the Ann Woskoff Schulman Memorial Fund. This 24-page section of the Press will contain profiles of Jewish book award winners, book reviews and more. This is our way of trying to be responsive to the needs of our readers and advertisers. If you’ve got other suggestions--or concerns-we’d love to hear from you!
FOCUS ON ISSUES by GARY TOBIN SAN FRANCISCO (JTA)--Roland Stanton’s $100 million gift to Yeshiva University last month is the largest ever to a U.S. Jewish institution. Yet as Stanton himself said, “There are plenty of people who could do it.” Our research shows he's right: Dozens of Jewish philanthropists are capable of equaling Stanton’s gift. So why don’t they? It's not that wealthy Jews have no reputation for making large gifts to Jewish causes: Julius Rosenwald in his day invented modern Jewish philanthropy; Charles and Edgar Bronfman have built and continue to sustain the core elements of Jewish life around the world. The question is not one of capacity, the question is whether the Jewish community can imagine and prepare for gifts of that size and scope. Jews are among America’s elite in philanthropy today. They endow professorships, fund museums, build hospitals and science labs and set up foundations. Clearly, wealthy American Jews have no problem parting with tens or hundreds of millions of dollars at a time. But why not more to Jewish causes? Stanton is proof that we can succeed when we ask for big figures--$100 million or even $1 billion. Other Jewish organizations can set their sights as high as Yeshiva University, or even higher. Our annual research of mega-gifts--gifts above $1 million--turns up at least 50 people who could match or exceed Stanton’s generosity. These typically are wealthy Jewish
...we need to develop and support ambitious initiatives that ensure a secure Jewish community, help grow the Jewish people around the world and take care of the Jewish poor and elderly. That's the character of today’s new philanthropists. They typically are unimpressed by the donor recognition events of typical charities--the fancy dinners and building-naming ceremonies. They’re more hands-on and active in their philanthropy. They want to give away their wealth during their lifetimes. Many of them are entrepreneurial in background and temperament; Bill Gates is their living embodiment. They will disburse their money with the same attention they paid to the building of their businesses. The Jewish communal world not only
Jewish Press Committee Bobbi Leibowitz, Vice-Chairman; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Treasurer; Michael Siegel, Finance Chairman; Joanie Jacobson, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; George Quittner; Melissa Schop; Michael Sigmond; Jim Simon; Nancy Skid; and Dorothy Spizman. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a constitutional committee of the Jewish Federation. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Jewish the Committee, Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.
If U.S. Jews Are Among Donor Elite, Why Aren’t Jewish Causes Getting More? business leaders who give only relatively modest gifts to Jewish causes. It's tempting to write these people off as uncommitted Jews, but it would be wrong. If Jewish causes want to receive mega-gifts, they have to prove themselves worthy. They have to compete on equal ground with the secular hospitals, symphonies, museums and universities, all of which court and inspire Jewish donors. Richard Joel came to lead Yeshiva University three years ago; his vision has energized the place, and clearly energized Stanton, who is chairman of its board. Stanton could have directed his gift anywhere, but last week he chose Yeshiva University. It means that he believes in something.
(Founded in 1920) Howard K. Marcus Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Terri Greenwood Advertising Executive Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Anne Muskin Editorial Intern
should prepare for this shift in the philanthropic world, it should rejoice. There are hundreds if not thousands of wealthy Jews who have yet to become fully engaged in Jewish giving. There is an enormous opportunity to engage these Jewish givers. Look at birthright israel. Sending thousands of young Jewish adults to Israel for free is expensive, but it has support from some of North America’s biggest Jewish philanthropists. Look at Nefesh B’Nefesh, a project that is helping thousands of people to make aliyah. And look at the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee's efforts to feed the hungry and poor. Big ideas attract big donors. These are examples of what good, provocative ideas can do, and we need more of them. Of course, the Jewish nonprofit world--the professionals who staff the organizations-- also must be prepared to become more entrepreneurial. Most often, good philanthropists work hand-in-hand with good professionals. Look at it this way: Today’s philanthropists think like investors, because that's how they got wealthy. They want their money to achieve a return; they want results. We should applaud philanthropists who choose to search for cures for deadly diseases, feed the hungry or educate America's youth. At the same time, we need to develop and support ambitious initiatives that ensure a secure Jewish community, help grow the Jewish people around the world and take care of the Jewish poor and elderly. Philanthropists then would feel that the Jewish community is worth both a mighty financial investment and the invaluable donation of their personal involvement. Gary Tobin is President of the Institute for Jewish & Community Research in San Francisco, CA.
Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $36 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Remember Gaza Now
BEHIND THE HEADLINES by STEVE MASTERS and DIANE BALSER
5,000 Tax Credit
Lebanon held the world’s headlines for much of the summer as Hezbollah and Israel waged sudden, furious battles. On the strength of the internationally brokered cease fire which brought a halt to the violence, Israel has now withdrawn the last of its troops and the world is holding its breath, hoping the cease fire is sustainable. But in the meantime, the Gaza Strip has continued to fester and collapse, seemingly forgotten. The situation has been deplorable since Israel’s unilateral withdrawal in August 2005, its population suffering from hunger and growing desperation. Late spring saw further deterioration and an escalation in the violence. During a June 25 attack on an Israeli army base, two soldiers were killed and Israeli Cpl. Gilad Shalit was captured. Since that time, Gazans have been subjected to repeated Israeli attempts to combat terrorism, resulting in enormous loss of life and damage to the area’s infrastructure. Readers know, for instance, that the war in Lebanon led to the deaths of more than 850 Lebanese and 150 Israelis, combatants and civilians. How many know that since June 25, more than 240 Palestinians, combatants and civilians, have been killed by the IDF? Meanwhile, rockets have continued to be launched into southern Israel--far fewer in recent weeks, but still a source of fear and tension for those living within the rockets’ range. Despite an iron-fisted response to the Hamas attack, and
reports of a possible prisoner exchange, Cpl. Shalit remains in his captors’ hands. Most critically, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has gone from awful to far worse. The New York Times reported earlier this month that “it is difficult to exaggerate the economic collapse of Gaza,” and Jan Egeland, the United Nations under secretary for humanitarian affairs, called Gaza “a ticking time bomb.” The economy, health care, and social services are near collapse, and there are growing signs of malnutrition. Sixty percent of the population is without electricity--due to Israel’s bombing of Gaza’s only power station. Border crossings have been open for only a few days over the past several months, leading to shortages in basic human necessities. Seventy-nine percent of households are now subsisting below the poverty line and the World Bank forecasts that if the current situation persists, 2006 may be the worst year in Palestinian economic history. As American Jews for whom Israel’s wellbeing is of paramount importance, we find it impossible to believe that these circumstances will lead to Israel’s security or help bring about a lasting peace. While it is understandable that we focused our attention on Lebanon for many weeks, we now call on the U.S. government and international community to dedicate the resources employed in achieving the HezbollahIsrael cease fire to address the looming disaster in Gaza, and work towards reviving negotiations for a two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. First and foremost, the U.S. must work with Israel and the international community to open the border crossings on a regular basis, to ensure receipt of humanitarian supplies and the establishment of a functioning economy. Indeed, the Israeli
daily Ha’aretz reported early this month that the U.S. Security Coordinator, Lt. Gen. Keith Dayton, told Israeli and Palestinian business leaders that “without the restoration of commercial activity, there will be no security in the area.” The possible formation of a Palestinian unity government may allow for the resumption of direct aid to the PA, but seeing to it that more Palestinians get enough to eat and can meet their basic medical needs will not be enough.
Now that the cease fire is in place and Israeli troops have left Lebanon, the international community, led by the U.S., must turn its attention to Gaza. Continuing to ignore the problem will not make it go away. On the contrary--if the crisis is not addressed soon, Palestinians and Israelis alike will pay dearly as the peace process is further delayed. Masters and Balser are chairman and co-chairman of Brit Tzedek v’Shalom's national advocacy committee.
This Year...Yom Kippur in America
ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW by ZOHAR WINER JCC Shlicha This Yom Kippur was different. It was different because I went to synagogue, it was different because I wasn’t home, and it was different because I took the time to experience a different Yom Kippur. For me, Yom Kippur is holy and sacred, not just because of the Jewish meaning of it, but also because of the Yom Kippur war. I was raised in a kibbutz where 11 boys were killed in that war, and I know each and every name and exactly where each one of them was killed. Even today, you can feel the grief of this entire community for that loss of more than 30 years ago. I was always amazed by this weird connection between religion and war, selfinspection and grief, all in one day. A day when everyone in Israel is wearing white, everyone is walking, almost everyone is going to synagogue. It always gave me the feeling that I’m part of something that is so much bigger, that just for one day, there are no differences between the
people. For just one day, there’s no radio, no television, and people are just coming together, either in synagogues, memorial services or just to be together. I was expecting something different here. I didn’t really know what, but I knew it wouldn’t be the same. All around us, life was going on as usual, I was driving around, and yet, I was fasting. I wanted to get to all of the synagogues on Yom Kippur, to feel the difference, to see the similarities. In each synagogue I got goose pumps. In each one for a different reason; it was powerful, it felt like home, and I got this feeling again, of being a part of something that is so much bigger. It was beautiful to see so many people coming to services; it was exciting to see how important it is to everyone. There were minutes I was sitting in services and thinking of what my family in Israel was doing at that moment, and what would they say if they knew where I was on Yom Kippur. But for me, to see Judaism practiced like that, in many different ways, accepted by everyone, and to know that we are all accepting of one another, is the true gift from this Yom Kippur. I hope you appreciate that fact, because it is unique. G’mar Chatima Tova.
Good News from Lincoln
Take Advantage of a Nebraska Income Tax Credit for Four Years
When legislators passed LB28 (amended by LB1010) in late 2005, they provided a wonderful vehicle which allows Nebraskans to make a difference in their own communities through planned gifts to non-profit organizations.For four years beginning this year,gifts to an organization like the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation can qualify for an immediate state tax credit of up to $5,000 per year. Unlike a tax deduction, a credit directly reduces your tax bill up to $5,000 (up to $10,000 for husband and wife). What is a planned gift? It is simply a commitment to donate in the future, usually upon the death of the donor. You can make a gift to the Foundation through charitable remainder unitrusts and annuity trusts, charitable lead unitrusts and annuity trusts, charitable gift annuities, charitable life estate agreements and paid-up life insurance policies. These gifts enable donors to take a tax credit today for a donation that may not happen for many years. What this means to donors: ■ Tax credit for planned gifts to the permanent endowment funds of Nebraska based non-profits for the benefit of organizations, ■ communities and charitable purposes in Nebraska. ● A 15% credit for the present value of irrevocable planned gifts from individuals, S corporations, partnerships, limited liability ● companies, estates and trusts. ● A maximum annual non-refundable credit of $5,000 ($5,000 each for husband and wife), no carry forward. ■ A 10% credit for outright gifts of cash and other assets from C corporations, estates and trusts. ■ Effective January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2009. Call Marty Ricks at 402/334-6440 for information on planned giving, including examples illustrating the tax savings.Your professional advisor can help you decide which option is best for you. Make a gift that helps ensure the future of our community.
Martin C. Ricks, Executive Director 333 South 132 Street 402/334-6440 mricks@jewishomaha.org
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 20, 2006
Candlelighting Friday, October 20, 6:18 p.m.
Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
The Neighborhood Minyan 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethlincoln.org
If you’re looking at this space, so are others! YOUR AD CAN GO HERE...
to reserve space, call
Allan Handleman, 334.6451, or Terri Greenwood, 334.6559.
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.
to purchase books. Free babysitting available. For information, contact Judy Rubin at 498.0904, or eddir@bethel-omaha.org.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m.; Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m., followed by dinner for all families. Cost: $5 for adults, free for children ages six and younger. For more information, contact Margie Gutnik SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; K’tantan (K-2), 10:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Beth El; Ma’ariv and Havdalah, 6:30 p.m. BESTT THIRD-FIFTH GRADE SHABBATON: Saturday, Oct. 21, 10 a.m. to Sunday, Oct. 22, 9:45 a.m. Cost is $40. To RSVP, contact Judy Rubin, 498.0904 or eddir@ bethel-omaha.org, or Robert Mosenkis, 492.8550 or youthdir @bethel-omaha.org. READING WOMEN OF THE BIBLE: Susan Paley leads a discussion, Tuesdays: Oct. 17, 24 and 31, 7 p.m. Cost is $18. For information, call Margie Gutnik. THURSDAYS, noon: Rabbi Levin leads Getting More Out of Prayer: Insights Into the Siddur. To register, contact Margie Gutnik. WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH MEETING: Monday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m., at the home of Sylvia Wagner, 1349 So. 101 St., #106, focuses on the election process and timely issues. To RSVP, contact Wagner at 392.0600 or sy@lady8.com. SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE WEEKEND Joshua Jacobson, keynote speaker for Creighton University’s upcoming Klutznick Symposium, will be Beth El’s scholar-in-residence on Friday, Oct. 27, during Shabbat dinner, and Saturday, Oct. 28, during services and a special Kiddush luncheon. Discussion topics: Friday night, “What’s Jewish About Jewish Music?”; Saturday services, “Music, Magic and the Spirit”; during lunch, “Jews and Music.” Luncheon is free; cost of the Shabbat dinner is $12.50 for adults; $8.50 for children ages six12; no charge for children five and younger. Contact Margie Gutnik at 492.8550, or programming @bethel-omaha.org. MOTHERS CIRCLE: New monthly class for non-Jewish mothers raising Jewish children, beginning Tuesday, Nov. 7 from 7-8:30 p.m. Class topic: “Getting Acquainted/Introduction to the Jewish Community.” Class is open to the community, free of charge, with a nominal fee
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 10 a.m. (call the office for schedule); Yizkor, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Vera Lewis and Gary Parilman in commemoration of the yahrzeits of Sylvia Parilman, Iz Lewis and Dorothy Parilman; Mincha, 6 p.m. followed by Rabbi Gross’s Gemara class; Havdalah, 7:16 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. Rabbi Gross will be on the Federation’s Solidarity Mission to Israel through Oct. 29.
BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Torah Studies-Journeys, the book of Genesis, 10-11:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Halacha, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: Women of Worth Prayer Circle, 9 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m. All events and programs are open to the community. For information or to register, call 330.1800 or visit www. Ochabad.com.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m., led by Rabbi Emanuel including conversion ceremony for Jennifer Williss with oneg provided by Jennifer and David Williss. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m., all led by Rabbi Emanuel; Game Night/Potluck, 6
To Submit B’nai Mitzvah Announcements Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, or by e-mailing the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org. You can also submit other announcements--births engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries--online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements.
p.m. Contact Deborah Swearingen with any questions. SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 2-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; K-1, 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at South Street Temple. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew class (grades 2-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS, Oct, 22 & 29, 7 p.m.: Talmud for Beginners, led by Rabbi Emanuel. South Street Temple Youth Group is hosting Halloween at Champions on Sunday, Oct. 29 for post-b’nai mitzvah-aged members. Meet at Randi Emanuel’s house (3700 South 35th Street) at 2 p.m then go to Champions’ and stay until 5 p.m. Parents are welcome. Cost is $14.95 if kids want to do 3 activities and $18.95 if kids choose to do 4. R.S.V.P. to Randi at 805.4275 by Oct. 25
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Services, 6 p.m., led by Nancy Rips and Andy Greenberg. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m., led by Andy Greenberg.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Services, 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Eric Linder, and Cantor Wendy Shermet will lead the service. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Sam Burrell, son of Cantor Wendy Shermet and Len Burrell, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. SUNDAY: Teacher Learning Coffee, 9 a.m.; Religious School (K-3, 4, 6), 10 a.m.-noon. Grade 2, 10 a.m. at Gifford Farm. This experience reinforces the Religious School curriculum of Tzar’ar Ba’alay Chayim--kindness to animals. Meet at Temple at 9:15 a.m. to depart on the bus promptly at 9:30 a.m. We will arrive back at noon. Childcare for siblings will be available at 9:15 a.m.; Grade 5, 10 a.m. at Food Bank. This is a very critical time for the Food Bank. They will be feeding hundreds of people who cannot afford to feed themselves over the Thanksgiving holiday. Bring a sack to Religious School
on this day filled with as many cans of food as you can carry; Men’s Club Speaker, 10:30 a.m. in the Milder Center. Jessie Rasmussen, early childhood policy director of Nebraska Children and Families Foundation (NCFF), will speak about an early childhood education initiative on the November ballot. This program is open to the entire community. Bagels, coffee and juice will be served. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 46 p.m.; Scrapbook Club, 5 p.m.; Family School, 6-8 p.m. with Adult Ed Class: Jews in Comics, with facilitator, Barry Grossman; All School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6-8 p.m. LIFELONG LEARNING TUESDAY: Share the Moment, noon with Lee Needelman; Adult B’nai Mitzvah, 6:30–8 p.m.; Big Love: The Troubling Family Triangle of Sarai, Avram and Hagar, 7 p.m. Rabbi Azriel will talk about a family with a lot of issues. Contact Program Director Rosie Zweiback to register at 556.6536. WEDNESDAY: What’s Jewish on the web, 7 p.m. Learn how to access information on the web with Wendy Goldberg, Temple Contact Rosie President. Zweiback to register. THURSDAY, Oct. 26: Adult Study with the Clergy with Rabbi Azriel, 10-11:30 a.m.
NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Royi Shaffin. Minyan, MONDAY, & THURSDAY, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. with Zoe Tobin Bat Mitzvah followed by a light oneg. SATURDAY: Weekly Parashat class, 8:30 a.m.; Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Shabbat lunch and Talmud class. SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 2-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; K-1, 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at South Street Temple; USY Meeting, 12:15 p.m. at the synagogue. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Call Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066; Hebrew class (grades 27), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.
PERSONALS The family of Rose Kaufman-Rosenberg would like to express their deepest appreciation and thanks for all the cards, phone calls, prayers and memorial donations and expressions of sympathy during this difficult time of the loss of our beloved one, Ellen Sue Kaufman. We would also like to thank Shane Kotok for all her help and compassion in every way. Our thanks to the kitchen staff for serving the beautiful lunch after the funeral. Gratefully yours, God Bless each and every one, Rose Kaufman-Rosenberg, Larry Kaufman, and Jacob Rosenberg Thanks to the staff at the Rose Blumkin Home and my friends and relatives for their good wishes during my stay at the Home. Irving J. Forbes
October 20, 2006
Be Fruitful and Multiply
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Bereishit (Editor’s note: This column orginally appeared in the Jewish Press on Oct. 27, 2000.) We shall probably not be rid of the abortion controversy for who knows how many years. It looms large in elections, a serious event immediately before us. There are those who point to the very first chapter of the Bible, which is in our first Sidrah of the Torah, our reading for this Sabbath. “P’ru u’r’vu,” the text reads. “Be fruitful and multiply;” or “be fertile and increase.” We may turn back sardonically, if we are of that mind, and remind our bible-quoters the text does not say to overrun the earth, but merely to fill it. The whole abortion question could be solved by the use of contraception, which, at least under certain circumstances, is accepted in Jewish law. In our more developed countries, even among those whose religion forbids it, contraception is taken for granted. Planned Parenthood, which constantly campaigns for the birth of babies into families ready and eager for them to be born and loved, counsels contraception for couples not ready to receive and love a new baby. The problem, of course, is exacerbated in the countries like China and India. These countries already have
huge populations, and to add to the problem, have populations which for both social and economic reasons are difficult to reach with lessons of contraception. And yet, we have come a long way. I remember when I was in the sixth grade that a totally incomprehensible conversation took place between an older brother and my mother (z/l). He said that a girl in his sophomore class in high school had written an essay about (what was it?) contraception; that was in the 1920’s. My mother (z/l) immediately and piously and righteously declared, “She should be expelled from school!” My mother, of course, was conservative socially and religiously--but can anyone imagine a mother in our communities saying anything like that for such an ‘offense’? And now an enlightening comment from one of the most enlightened of the medieval commentators on Torah, the scientist, philosopher, and brilliant grammarian Abraham ibn Ezra (Spain, 12th c.). He insists that we note the context: “Be fertile and increase” is not a command, he notes, but a blessing. The text reads, “God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fertile and increase.” If you get into a debate about this with a friend or nota-friend, make your discussant read Genesis 1:28 from the beginning of the verse-including the blessing, “God blessed them and said...” (Rabbinic law, later, read P’ru u’r’vu as a command, a Mitzvah.) But I’m sure quiet words will not help much. For the controversy is one on a touchy subject and everyone has already made up his mind.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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BEN SUKIENNIK Ben Sukiennik, 87, died Oct. 14 in Kansas City. Services were held Oct. 17 at the Louis Memorial Chapel, followed by burial at Kehilath Israel Blue Ridge Cemetery. A Holocaust survivor, he came to the United States in 1953. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Hyman and Marlene Sukiennik; daughter and son-in-law, Esther and Charles Megerman; six grandchildren; five greatgrandchildren. Memorials to Beth El Synagogue or the Child Saving Institute.
Saturday, Oct. 28, 5 to 8 p.m.
To Submit an Obituary Notice: Send full name, age, date of death, location of service and burial site, as well as other pertinent information to the Jewish Press via e-mail: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; fax, 402.334.5422; or mail, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68114. Obituaries--as well as engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies, and births--also can be submitted at the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s website. Just go to: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press and click on “Submit Announcements.” Guidelines are located on the Jewish Press home page; click on the box at the lower right.
Report from Israel During Sukkot by DUANE J. PIEPER As Yom Kippur came to a close in Israel, it signaled the beginning of preparation for one of the most joyous feasts of the Jewish calendar year. Throughout Jerusalem, in the darkness of late evening, there could be heard the clinking of metal against metal and the tapping of hammers as the first sounds of the preparation for Sukkot began. At sunrise one could see through the early morning haze the skeletons of huts and booths in courtyards, on balconies, roofs and a variety of other suitable places. By weeks’ end, these humble beginnings gave way to a montage of dwellings reflecting the character, personality, and creativity of its makers. These newly created structures would be their intimate abode for the coming Feast of Tabernacles--Sukkot--where families would pray, eat and in some cases, even sleep in the sukkah throughout the week. On Friday morning, Oct. 6, as I was departing Jerusalem, I caught a final glimpse of the “Super-sized” Sukkah in Safra Square. After such a difficult summer of strife in Israel, this would be a special Sukkot celebration, as people tenderly and joyfully recalled God’s protection and deliverance from destruction. Transitioning back into Nebraska’s central time zone, after a long flight from Israel, I joined the Yachad group the next morning at Beth Israel. Walking into the syna-
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gogue’s sukkah was a reminder that, even though geographically separated by multiple time zones, there exists a common shared heritage, expression of worship, and renewed hope that connects the hearts of the Jewish community across the world from Omaha to Jerusalem and back. The Yachad members enjoyed participating in the morning Sukkot service at Beth Israel. Jeff Steinberg was especially involved throughout the service, participating in the readings, the music and Rabbi Gross’ interactive dialogue and questioning session. This was followed by a celebration of thanksgiving in the sukkah. The event concluded with a luncheon in which Yachad enjoyed the good food and the camaraderie of friends and family. They went away with their hearts filled with the joys, hopes and promises of a new year.
To Send Announcements to the Press: Articles, photos and public relations announcements should be sent to the Jewish Press via e-mail, preferably in the body of the letter--not as an attchment, by Thursday mornings, 9 a.m., for the following week’s issue. Photos may be sent as attached .jpg or .tif files (of at least 100K), along with accompanying logos or graphics. For more information about content or transmission, upcoming deadlines or special issues, call the offic e at 402.334.6448.
Maintenance Technician $15.66-$24.00 Tetra Micronutrients in Fairbury, NE, a 24/7 manufacturer of feed and fertilizer micronutrients has an immediate opening for an experienced Maintenance Mechanic. Ideal applicant will have a minimum of 5-10 years experience in a manufacturing or similar environment. Position requires experience in, but not limited to, hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical, instrumentation, rotating equipment, welding, fabrication and general maintenance. Position will be responsible for facility maintenance as well as predictive and preventive maintenance. The selected person will be responsible for maximizing the quality and productivity of the production units by maintaining, trouble shooting and improving the mechanical, electrical of production units. This person is also responsible for maintaining and improving production units safety, housekeeping, communication, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Primary shift assignment is 1st shift but position will occasionally work shifts. Position must be available to work on weekend and will be periodically on-call. Excellent benefit package includes paid vacation and holidays, health and dental insurance. Pay commensurate with experience. Hiring Manager 71025 - 569th Ave Fairbury, NE 68352 or e-mail to: ringram@tetramicro.com www.tetramicro.com We are an equal opportunity employer committed to drug-free workplace.
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Statewide Classified ATTENTION ADVERTISERS! For $195/25 word classified you can advertise in over 170 Nebraska newspapers. For more information contact the Jewish Press at 334-6448 or call 1-800-369-2850. BANKRUPTCY: FAST relief from creditors. Statewide filing. Affordable rates. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-872-8327. www.steffenslaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code. SELL YOUR classic car, truck or motorcycle online. Call this newspaper to place your ad on the national www.midwestclassiccars.com web site for only $25.00 Your ad runs until your vehicle is sold! ALL CASH candy route. Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local candy route. Includes 30 machines and candy all for $9,995. 1-888-755-1356. HOT TUBS, End of Season Sale, 20 new tubs and 9 trade-ins. Must be sold by October 30th, $1,995 - $4,995. 1-800-869-0406. For sale prices, goodlifespa.com. AREA REPRESENTATIVES needed to screen and select host families for international high school exchange students. Compensation based on experience. For information, call OCEAN: 1-800-286-2326. CALL TODAY! Landmark Structures is hiring experienced Tank Welders (Tank Hands) and Welding Superintendents with experience building ground storage, or elevated/legged tanks. Out-of-state travel is required, our crews work a 9 days on and 5 days off schedule - all travel expenses (hotel, flights, per diem) are paid by Landmark. We offer top pay, a full benefits package, year round work, and we get you home every 9 days. Please call Joseph at 800-888-6816, ext. 105, or fax your resume to 817-2302065 or e-mail to resumemgr@yahoo.com. LINEMAN OR lineman apprentice. Minimum qualifications for the job include an associate degree from an accredited line school, four years distribution line experience, or any combination. Applications may be obtained by calling the City of Gothenburg office at 308-537-3668. EOE. POLICE FIELD SERGEANT: The City of Chadron is accepting applications for Police Field Sergeant. For information contact Elizabeth Sanchez, 308-432-0505. October 31, 2006, deadline. EOE. SUPERINTENDENT VACANCY: Alliance School District, Alliance, NE. Apply to McPherson and Jacobson, Executive Recruitment and Development, Box 7346, Omaha, NE 68107. 402-991-7031. mail@macnjake.com, www.macnjake.com. THE NEBRASKA State Patrol is accepting applications for the position of Trooper until 11/15/2006. Salary up to $36,296.00. Application - www.nsp.state.ne.us or 1-866JOIN-NSP. Equal Opportunity Employer. DRIVERS: CDL training: $0 down, financing by Central Refrigerated. Drive for Central & earn up to $40K+ 1st year! 800-727-5865 Ext. 1110. www.centraldrivingjobs.net. DRIVERS: CIRCLE this ad! High mileage pay, full benefits, practical route miles pay, Class A-CDL/1 year OTR experience required. Grand Island Contract Carriers, 877-3674422, www.gicc.chiefind.com. OTR DRIVER needed. Must have good MVR and experience. Truck leased to GI Company. 2-5 day runs. 308-389-4715 or 308-380-2564. F.C.C. NEEDS company drivers and owner operators for van and flatbed. $1,000 sign on bonus. Medical benefits after 1st month. Call about our premium flatbed pay! 1-800228-9842 ext. 137. www.fcc-inc.com. CDL Class A required.
Page 24
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 20, 2006
Jews and Non-Jews Gather in Lincoln for Groundbreaking of Holocaust Monument by JOAN K. MARCUS Although the temperature dropped and the wind howled, warmth and cohesiveness radiated throughout the crowd of Jews and non-Jews alike at last Monday’s groundbreaking for the Holocaust Monument at Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln. The monument, which has been in the planning stages since January of 2004, will make it possible for Nebraska school children to learn about the Holocaust that took the lives of more than 11 million men, women and children. Until the conception of this monument, Nebraska has been one of six states without an official monument, library or museum depicting the Holocaust. Six million of the victims were Jews and the other five million consisted of people with disabilities, political foes, homosexuals and Gypsies. Although nothing in recent years has matched this horrific slaughter, the world has continued to allow genocides and politically motivated killing of mass populations. If the killings at the concentration camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau have taught us anything, said speaker after speaker, we have learned that people of goodwill must face unpleasant truths and that we must face unpleasant truths and stand up against anti-Semitism and other forms of racism and bigotry. According to Jarold Kohll, retired Omaha pharmacist, “About four years ago, the board of governors of Wyuka Cemetery called us to come to a meeting. The cemetery is owned by the State and there is a Jewish section.” They receive no money from the state, but there is a board appointed by the governor. “There are different plots containing the remains of those in the Civil War, orphan train survivors, people who have been incarcerated and others. The cemetery
committee made a call to Omaha and Sam small project, about $100,000. Although Fried, a Holocaust survivor, and I went to many of the people who have donated the meeting.” Kohll was appointed co- money are Jewish, many are not.” Rabbi Ilan chairman with Emanuel of Yale Gotsdiner Lincoln’s from Lincoln. B’Nai Jesh“I decided that, urun noted, in order for the “Obviously project to be very we’re I inclusive, proud that the needed to is memorial and resign going to be in appoint someLincoln. The one who isn’t Holocaust was Jewish,” Kohll the most horadded. Mike rific event in Hutchinson became the co- Yale Gotsdiner, left, and Mike Hutchinson, Co-chairmen, the 20th centuchairman with Chris Kingerly, Lincoln Mayor Colleen Sang, and Chuck ry. It deserves Pallesen break ground for the Holocaust memorial. remembering, Gotsdiner. “In my opinion, Holocaust monu- not just as a memorial for Jews, but as a ments are all about teaching people what reminder for everybody.” His Lincoln counterpart. Rabbi Royi can happen,” Kohll continued. “It’s happening to others and it can happen again Shaffin of Tifereth Israel Synagogue, added, “I am concerned about the conto us.” Nebraska school children will be invited tinuing genocides in the world--the ethto visit the monument/learning center; nic and religious hatred taking place on a speakers and educational programming daily basis. My hope is that monuments will be available. The steps leading down of this nature will make their impact on to the base level of the monument will public opinion and will truly educate and provide a group seating area. And, in enlighten people that it is immoral to spill addition, several thousand visitors will the blood of our fellow human beings.” During the ceremony, Gotsdiner tour the cemetery each year and be given announced, “The purpose of this monueducational material. Kohll, who remains on the 12-member ment is to pay tribute to the people who board, said that “seed money” that gave their lives during the Holocaust. amounted to 10 percent of the original Secondly, we are trying to memorialize projected cost of the sculpture, was pro- the events of those years so that they are vided by a grant from the National never forgotten. We must learn that we Holocaust Endowment Fund started by have to keep a wary eye. Thomas Fried. Other funding has come from Jefferson said, ‘Government can run amuck with the wrong leaders.’” statewide fundraising campaigns. Gotsdiner, who lost two uncles as a “We wanted to start with a broad base of small givers. We have received dona- result of the Holocaust, went on to say, tions from children who are really stake- “A democracy only lives as long as its citholders in this project. This is a relatively izens are vigilant. And we want to edu-
cate future generations about what happened in the camps so they can be wary and on the lookout.” Coleen Seng, Mayor of Lincoln, thanked all who have supported the project with their time, effort and money. “It is important that we do remember. Many years ago, I had the privilege of visiting The Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. I was inspired by the many stories of heroism and humanity,” she said. “I believe this beautiful memorial that we’re breaking ground for today will have the same feeling. I carry a picture of the shoes in the Museum that I use to set the stage for my weekly prayer meeting. I keep the picture with me to remind me of what happened to those millions and millions of people. What is really distressing is that we continue to see examples of mans inhumanity to each other.” Morton Katz, an architect/artist from Toronto, Canada, and the son of a Holocaust survivor, was commissioned to design the monument. Katz has exhibited work in Canada, the United States, Hong Kong, Europe and Japan. He has been a professor of architecture at the University of Toronto for 10 years. According to Kohll, “Katz put the drawing together and it just blew us away. He has already begun building the monument. I’m sure that even though we are paying him, he will be putting in extra time on the project.” The structure, three years in the making, is being built in Canada and will be shipped to Lincoln at its completion. It will be made from a combination of bronze and stainless steel and will have depictions of scenes from Holocaust sights and camps. Dedication for the completed project will be Sunday, April 15, 2007--the same day as Yom HaShoah, the annual Remembrance of the Holocaust.
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