October 31, 2008

Vol. LXXXVIII No. 8 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 88 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

October 31, 2008

Remembering Rabin

At Temple Israel, candidates give views on national issues by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Congressional and Senate candidates Jim Esch, Scott Kleeb, and Lee Terry sounded off at a candidate forum at Temple Israel earlier this month. Mike Johanns was invited but not able to attend due to a prior commitment. Robert Evnen, a member of Tifereth Israel in Mike Johanns Lincoln, represented Johanns. Esch, a Democrat running for the second time against Congressman Terry, warned that “Democrats (who are elected) can’t fall into the trap of a small group of people leading the country. They have to unite the country.” Not “so sure” that the Patriot Act of 2001 was actually patriotic, Esch sugJim Esch gested that the new Congress “take a very hard look at how we are going to gain those civil liberties again.” Considering himself pro-life, he acknowledged that “reasonable good people can disagree” (over the abortion issue). “It’s a terribly personal issue” and “there’s a

2 Cheshvan, 5769

lot of common ground.” Gary Kaplan, who moderated the panel on behalf of Temple’s Social Justice Committee and Men'’s Club, introduced each candidate one at a time in 30minute segments. He asked for a show of hands regarding whether Israel should give up a significant amount of land to create a two-state solution to the IsraeliScott Kleeb Palestinian conflict. There was a nearly even split among the crowd of about 50 which demonstrated to the candidates in the room the division on the issue. Scott Kleeb, a Democrat running against former Nebraska Republican Governor Mike Johanns for the Senate seat being given up by Republican Chuck Hagel, stated that the counLee Terry try faces “historic challenges.” Kleeb added that the upcoming election has inspired “an historic rise in people participating in the election process. Seventeen million people are expected to register to vote for the first time.” Continued on page 2

by TAMAR HALEVY JCC Community Shlicha Thirteen years ago, when I was almost 11 years old, my mother took me to a big rally for peace in Tel Aviv. I was thrilled and excited because I knew I could go with my friends on that big bus to the big city, and maybe, if we behaved, our patents would buy us icecream. Our childhood joy soon turned into an unfamiliar sadness. The first time I remember seeing my parents crying was that night, when the rally ended. It was Nov. 4, 1995; and that was one of the most powerful sights in my life. The fact that our Prime Minister, Yitzhak Rabin, was murdered by a Jewish assassin, was inconceivable. The next day, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin 1922-1995 Israel woke up to a new reality, where hate triumphed over tolerance. I don’t think that my parents cried that night because they were close to Rabin or because they were sorry for his family; I think they cried because they knew that one of the basic and most important values in the state of Israel, in Judaism and in our society, was broken and torn into an uncollectible amount of pieces. Continued on page 2

Omaha police chief learns counterterrorism strategies in Israel, thanks to ADL seminar by THERESE VAUGHN for the Anti-Defamation League “Living under the daily shadow of terror has given Israel an expertise in security that is unparalleled in the world,” AntiDefamation League (ADL) Plains States Regional Director Alan Potash said. This is why Omaha Police Chief Eric Buske joined a delegation of American law enforcement professionals on a trip to Israel for the ADL National Counterterrorism Seminar (NCTS) last month. Taking place over the seventh anniversary of 9/11, the innovative training program underscores how globalized the world has become since the tragedy -- its threats as well as its preparedness. NCTS enables American law enforcement executives to study the state-of-the-art counterterrorism tactics, strategies and lessons learned from their counterparts in the Israel Police, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israeli security and intelligence communities. “The experience I had with the ADL counterterrorism mission was outstanding,” Buske said. “The days were very full with briefings from senior Israeli Police and IDF officials, and were extremely informative.” Visiting relevant sites in Israel helped participants to better understand the historical context of what they were learn-

Inside

ing, Buske continued. The itinerary included a walking tour of Jerusalem with Major General Mickey Levy (ret.), who was the Israel Police Commander of the Jerusalem district during the height of the Second Intifada. Levy pointed out the sites of numerous terrorist attacks, walking participants through how he heard about and responded to each of them. Participants also traveled to Netanya, where they met with Netanya's Chief of Police and then visited the Park Hotel, which was the site of the Passover Massacre, where 30 people were killed and 140 others were injured during a suicide bombing on March 27, 2002. Buske was inspired by the positive approach to security he encountered in Israel. “Perhaps the most impressive thing was how everyone we talked to, from junior officers to senior officials seemed to truly care about all the people of Israel, no matter whether they were Jewish or Arab,” he said. In learning specifically how Israel secures its international airport, malls, public areas and holy sites, the group met with an advanced bomb technician, as well as Brigadier General Shaike Horowitz, who previously headed the Israel Police’s Bomb Squad. Other participants in the seminar included Chiefs of Police from Salt Lake City, Green Bay, WI, Lexington, KY,

Agent in Charge from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the head of Specialized Operations for the City of Miami and a Deputy Chief from Virginia Beach were present. Buske noted that one of the primary strategies he wants to integrate locally is the seamless communication from the top down. “When information is received regarding a threat to security, that information is in the hands of those on the front lines within minutes. This is something we should try to emulate and duplicate,” he said. Ensuring that regional law enforcement officials like Buske have the necesOmaha Police Chief Eric Buske meets a member of Israel’s sary tools, information Police SWAT team. and resources to combat Mobile, AL, Mesa, and Scottsdale, AZ; terrorism -- both homegrown and interDeKalb County, GA; Durham, NC; and national -- is integral to ADL’s mission. the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Since 9/11, the League has expanded its who also serves as Vice President at Large expertise and capabilities to confront a of the International Association of Chiefs more dangerous world. Its priorities are of Police (IACP). Additionally, a Special Continued on page 2

This Week: Special Section on the Election: pages 10 -11 Coming Next Month: Tax and Financial Planning on Nov. 27

See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’ Opinion Page see page 12

Good Neighbors, Bad Times author at Book Month lunch: Page 4

The ‘No Nonsense’ candidate: Page 6

Monthly Calendar for November: Pages 8-9

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 31, 2008

Remembering Rabin

• Contact your local representative today

sign the Oslo Accords. Just six weeks later, on Oct. 26, Continued from page 1 Rabin was born in Jerusalem in 1922. His parents 1994 the Israel-Jordan Treaty of Peace was signed in the were a part of the 3rd “Aliyahâ€? from Ukraine to Israel in the desert between Aqaba and Eilat. Rabin received the the end of the 19th century, according to the Yitzhak Nobel Peace Prize in December 1994, as did Arafat. Rabin Center in Tel Aviv. In 1937, dreaming of being a The peace rally to which my parents took me 11 farmer, Rabin started his high school studies in the agri- months later drew masses to the square in Tel Aviv. The cultural school “Kaduriâ€? in the Yizrael valley in the demonstrators expressed support for the agreements and north of the country. There, only 15 years old, he first for Rabin’s leadership. Even though Rabin had not been learned how to use a weapon to defend himself in a 10 enthusiastic, he accepted the organizers’ invitation. With day course of the “Haganahâ€? -- the Jewish underground the masses cheering, Rabin felt that he had a powerful army. camp behind him. As he At the age of 18, Rabin headed to his car, a Jewish joined the Palmach, the most assassin shot him three times exclusive combating unit of in the back. Rabin died at the Haganah. Soon he Ichilov Hospital. became an officer and comA week later, on a Saturday manded a brigade. In night, my parents took me to November 1947, when a rally again. I already underIsrael’s independence war stood that this time, my ice started, he commanded the cream would not come first. Harel brigade, all the way Hundreds of thousands of from Jerusalem, to the the people filled the square that Negev and Eilat. night. Children sat in circles, In June 1963, after a long lighting candles, crying and and successful career in the singing songs. That square army, Rabin was appointed In 1979, Yitzchak Rabin, right, visited Omaha and Lincoln, became a part of my youth. as the IDF Chief of Staff; where he was greeted by University of Nebraska Regent Ed Every year, on a Saturday four years later, in 1967, he Schwartzkopf. night in the beginning of led the army to victory and the reunification of November, we took that big bus to Tel Aviv to remember Jerusalem in the Six Day War. Rabin, but most importantly, to remember this critical After 27 years of military service, Rabin was appointed turning point in the history of the Jewish people and State to his first civil post: Israel’s ambassador to the United of Israel. So that we will remember, please join us for a States. He returned to Israel and joined the Labor Party short commemoration ceremony in honor of Yitzhak in March of 1973. Rabin in the JCC Lobby on Monday, Nov. 10, 2 p.m. On Oct. 6, 1973 the Yom Kippur War broke out. In the first Torah portion of the year, last week’s porIsrael was surprised by the Arab attack and suffered a tion, Parashat Bereishit (Genesis), the Torah teaches great loss of human life, national morale and faith in its about the sixth commandment: “You Shall Not Murderâ€? leaders. Prime Minister Golda Meir resigned and the by telling the story of the first homicide in humanity, the Labor Party chose Rabin to take her place. Rabin story of Cain and Abel. “What have thou done? The voice of thy brother’s resigned after his first term as it was revealed that his wife blood cries unto me from the ground. And now are thou held an illegal bank account in the United States. But in 1984, Prime Minister Shimon Peres appointed cursed from the earth, which has opened her mouth to Rabin as Defense Minister. As Prime Minister for a second receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand; and the Lord time in 1992, Rabin joined President Bill Clinton and his set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill old nemesis, PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat on Sept. 13, him.â€?Genesis 4 10-11, 15. The voice of thy brother’s 1993, in a ceremony on the lawn of the White House, to blood cries unto me from the ground ‌

• Call toll-free 1-877-444-BLUE (2583) M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Omaha police chief

Candidates give views

Continued from page 1 to gather, analyze and disseminate intelligence on extremism and hate activity; enhance law enforcement’s ability to respond to serious threats; and provide assistance, support and resources on security to the Jewish and wider community. While the ADL reported fewer domestic terror plots in 2006 and 2007 than in some previous years, the leading civil rights agency has seen an 8% increase in hate-related crimes committed by extremists throughout the country. Hundreds of domestic extremists were arrested in the last two years on charges ranging from hate crimes to weapons and explosives violations to murder, according to the FBI. Victims included Jews, Hispanics, homosexuals, African-Americans, multi-racial couples or families and other minorities. “These days, we live in a global community,� Potash said. “Terrorism can strike from all corners of the compass from foreign and domestic sources, yet the ADL’s reach is also comprehensive. We are pleased to have sent Chief Buske to Israel for the NCTS training as it enables us to bring a new dimension of security to the Midwest.� Potash and Buske plan to meet with the Israeli Deputy Counsel General Gershon Kedar at a security conference in Omaha this fall.

Continued from page 1 Issues such as health care, energy, and the environment are on voters’ minds, the self-described “strong libertarian� said. “We’re strongest when we are who we are. We cannot become slaves to fear,� he warned. Kleeb advocates fighting al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and heroin production at the Pakistan-Afghan border. He also would invest in every type of energy -- wind, solar, biodiesel -- “something we should have done 30 years ago.� Kleeb described Johanns as “a good guy, but he’s part of the way Washington works.� On behalf of Johanns, Evnen said the former US Secretary of Agriculture in the Bush Administration also wants to explore multiple energy sources including wind, solar, biodiesel, and nuclear. Evnen emphasized that renewable energy, such as wind, needs to be converted economically. He stressed the need to make sacrifices. Addressing the federal budget, he emphasized, “You cannot control taxes unless you control spending.� Evnen recalled that Johanns had no choice but to balance the budget as governor of Nebraska -- even during hard times. “Controlling taxes will help us control our economy.� On the issue of health care, Johanns opposes a single payer system and is in favor of equivalent coverage for mental and physical illnesses. Incumbent second district Congressman Terry was the last to speak and began with the recently passed federal economic “bailout bill.� Terry said that after he determined that the economic crisis was “real,� he believed that “stabilization is key� to recovery which led to his voting for the bill the second time it came up for a vote. “I believe a crux of our economy is energy independence. We spend 700 billion dollars a year� purchasing fuel from foreign nations. He favors “conservation and alternative fuels� such as nuclear, wind, and solar to ease the energy crunch. “We have to be diversified.� He believes that hydrogen “is the next generation of fuel.� Internationally, Terry thinks “good diplomacy� on the part of the United States has probably been lacking during the last eight years. He recommended engaging Russia’s help in resolving Iran’s nuclear development, because Iran owes Russia a large financial debt.

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To Submit Announcements to the Jewish Press: 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 (with photos we will scan and return). Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, or by e-mailing: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org. Readers 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. Deadlines are normally eight days prior to publication, on Thursdays, 9 a.m. Check the Jewish Press, however, for notices of early deadlines prior to secular and Jewish holidays.

October 31, 2008

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Seldin scholarship established in real estate law

Kristallnacht to be recalled at Shabbat service at Temple Israel

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Director of Programs and Operations Center for Jewish Education In the Omaha area, the name Seldin is synonymous with real estate. The Seldin Company, with its distinctive angled blue S sign, is a well-known and wellrespected company with interests around the city and beyond. Founded in Council Bluffs in 1923 by Ben I. Seldin, the company has grown to a diversified full-service commercial real estate, multi-family management and development organization. Ted Seldin is one of the company’s principals. Seldin is also a University of Iowa graduate, from which he received a B.A. degree in economics and a J.D. degree in 1955. In November 2007, Ted and his wife, Sarah made a gift to the Iowa Law School Foundation to endow a scholarship in real estate law at the University of Iowa College of Law. The Theodore M. and Sarah N. Seldin Scholarship in Real Estate Law will be awarded to law students who demonstrate financial need and share Seldin’s interest in improving the quality of life in the Midwest through well-planned real estate development, including the preservation of affordable housing. Preference is given to students from eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. The scholarship was created in honor of UI law professor and UI president emeritus Willard “Sandy” Boyd, Ted Seldin’s professor, mentor, and longtime friend. “It was our honor to create this scholarship both to honor our good friend Sandy Boyd and to encourage law students in pursuing a concentration in real

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Kristallnacht pogrom in Nazi Germany, Robert Cohen will focus on the story of German Jews between 1933, when Hitler came to power in Germany, and the immediate aftermath of the events of Nov. 9 and 10, 1938. Cohen will give the d’var at the Torah Robert Cohen Shabbat service on Friday, Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m., at Temple Israel. Two thousand synagogues were destroyed on Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass. Tens of thousands of Jewish businesses and homes were ransacked, 25,000 to 30,000 Jewish men were imprisoned, and about 100 Jews were murdered. Sponsored by Temple Israel and the Institute for Holocaust Education, Cohen’s d’var Torah will reflect “on the basic aspects of Jewish lives in Germany during this time frame -- their homes, families, schools, businesses, professions, and communities -- in order to explain how they reacted to and coped with a growing level of persecution against them,” Cohen explained. He’ll discuss “how Jewish families faced the impossible tasks of preserving sanity and the normalcy of their lives while assessing the mounting dangers against them which they were powerless to stop.” Their dilemma, he pointed out, “dif-

estate law,” states Seldin. “There is a tremendous need in providing affordable housing, particularly in today’s economic times. Our goal is for the students utilizing this scholarship to develop skills to promote sustainable, environmentally sensitive real estate development.” Since his graduation and throughout his career, Seldin has kept close ties with the University of Iowa as a member of the UI Alumni Association and as a member of that group’s board of directors from 1978 to 1983. Since 1983, Seldin and other principals of the Seldin firm, Millard Seldin and Stanley Silverman, have been members of the UI Presidents Club, which recognizes the UI’s most generous benefactors. In the 1960s, the firm developed the Mayflower student apartments in Iowa City, which leased to graduate students and incoming faculty members and in 1967 became the first home of the UI’s International Writer’s Workshop. In 1983, the university acquired the apartment complex, an acquisition that was enabled by a timely donation by the Seldin Partnership which provided much-needed additional student housing for a growing UI student population. For information on applying for this scholarship, students should contact the University of Iowa College of Law, Office of Financial Aid, 276 Boyd Law Building, Iowa City, IA 52242-1113. By phone, please call 319.335-.9142 or 800.553.IOWA, ext. 914. For email, please use law-financialaid@uiowa. edu.

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fered from that of Eastern European Jews trapped by the Nazi invasions after 1939 and was magnified by ties to Germany -their friends, culture, livelihoods, and identities -- which were difficult to abandon. The uncertainties and difficulties of emigration and the Nazi policies and the reactions of the non-Jewish majority... vacillated enough to keep them off guard.” A board member of the Institute for Holocaust Education, an Omaha organization that provides curriculum and teacher training for Holocaust education in schools throughout Nebraska, Cohen is a student of Holocaust history from the Jewish perspective. “I’m not sure when I first became interested,” he remarked. “I am a constant reader and generally my interest is history. I have long been interested in Jewish history and particularly the history of the Holocaust. I tend to focus on Jewish reactions rather than what the Germans and others did to the Jews. I read a lot of memoirs, diaries, etc. I am very much interested in Jewish intellectuals in the ghettos and the writings they produced during that period. My purpose in pursuing this pastime is to be a reference on various Holocaust topics and in this small way to educate others on it.” He hopes his efforts will contribute to the spread of Holocaust education. Cohen organized participation, on a nationwide basis, of offices of his law firm, Kutak Rock, in assisting Holocaust survivors filling out applications for payments under a new German reparations program. A number of law firms participated in the national program which originated with a Jewish legal aid agency in Los Angeles.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 31, 2008

ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Dick Fellman will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Nov. 5 at noon according to Gary Javitch, chairman. The UNO Professor will comment on the exciting results of yesterday’s national and local elections. Join us at Regency Lodge at 107th and Pacific. All men and women in the community are invited. The program is free. An optional buffet lunch is $13; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to get on the email list, contact Lois at 334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

THE YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Join us on Monday at the JCC with musical entertainment with Classics with Christine Coulson. Lunch is served at noon for $7.00 per person. The program will begin at 12:30 p.m. Join us for Bingo with Miles Remer at 10 a.m. Call Teresa at 330.4272 for transportation. For information call Maggie Conti at 334.6521.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish brings us closer to our roots! Come join us every Thursday, 1-3 p.m., in the social hall of the JCC. For information call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.

VISIONS Reminder: Visions board meeting is Friday, Nov. 7, 9:30 a.m. in the social hall of the JCC.

Joslyn Art Museum to view the Diego Rivera Exhibit on Thursday, Nov. 13, 11 a.m., starting with a docent led tour. Lunch, on your own, will follow in the Joslyn Museum CafÊ. Cost is $4 per person for admission. Joslyn members are free (bring your membership card). Aside from his immense painting talent, he was an outspoken Communist and had a fiery public love affair with fellow painter, Frida Kahlo (the movie Frida with actress Salma Hayek centered on this affair). Reservations are due by Nov. 7; send to Doris Alloy, 11317 Harney Plaza Circle, Omaha, NE 68154. Write check payable to Visions. If you need a ride, call Florence Hauss at 571.4583. Visions invites you to a concert by Arlene Richman with accompanist Esther Wax on Sunday, Nov. 16, 7 p.m. at the JCC auditorium. There is no admission fee. Arlene and Esther will be performing music from Broadway, the 40’s and Jewish music. Refreshment following the show! All are welcome - bring a friend. JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES Opera Omaha presents Voices in Residence on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 7 p.m., at the JCC auditorium. There is no admission fee. Opera Omaha will again regale us by performing music from one of the world's greatest Italian Romantic composers -- Giuseppe Verdi's magnificent operas such as La Boheme, La Traviata and Rigoletto. For information, call Linda Fitzgerald at 334.6520.

IN THE NEWS

Dr. Paul Fine was honored by the National Association of Social Workers, Nebraska Chapter, when he received the chapter’s 2008 Public Citizen Award at its annual conference earlier this month. This award pays tribute to a non-social worker whose contributions to the community over time demonstrate core humanitarian and child welfare values. The award notes that “Dr. Paul Fine, Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry of Creighton University, has been a child and adolescent psychiatrist for five decades. During his distinguished career he has served his profession as a beloved teacher, mentor, author, leader and child advocate.� One nominator stated, “When he speaks, everyone listens.� Dr. Fine has worked extensively with foster families addressing the challenges they face and providing the support needed to both foster parents and foster chil-

EXPERIENCE

dren. He has also provided years of service to the Native American community by providing mental health services to the Omaha Indian people. Dr. Fine’s colleagues in their nominative statements stated repeatedly that his life’s work demonstrates that his career has reflected the values and ethics of social work. Allan Gonsher, who introduced Dr. Fine to conference participants, further described him as a consummate healer, teacher and mentor. Born in New York, Paul Fine has been an enthusiastic citizen of the Omaha community since 1970. During this time he has taught at both Creighton University School of Medicine and University of Nebraska Medical Center, is a founding member of the Nebraska Regional Council of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and still serves as a consultant to some organizations providing mental health services to children and families. Through his activities in national professional organizations, he continues his advocacy and teaching in behalf of this population.

EXCELLENCE.

Author of ‘Good Neighbors, Bad Times’ highlights Jewish book month luncheon

by SANDY AMAZEEN Celebrated bestselling author Mimi Schwartz, Good Neighbors, Bad Times will speak at the 35th Annual Jewish Book Month Luncheon on Nov. 19, 11:30 a.m. in the JCC Auditorium. The cost of the lunch is $18, reservations are required. Throughout Mimi Schwartz’s youth, her father, Arthur Loewengart, frequently mentioned how in the tiny German village where he grew up, “everyone got along� and “in Benheim, everyone behaved!� Trying to become as American as possible, Mimi largely ignored the stories of pre-Nazi Germany her father loved to recount. Many years later when she learned of the existence of a Torah, rescued from the Benheim synagogue by Christian neighbors, she realized there might have been some substance to her father’s tales. Learning of that simple act of bravery and defiance began a twelveyear international quest to collect the stories of those who lived through Hitler’s Germany. Good Neighbors, Bad Times is not a Holocaust book in the usual sense, although Mimi and a host of scholars and historians researched the historical records, it was more to add credence to the stories she heard from Christian and Jewish survivors. For the most part, these are touching tales of small acts of kindnesses and courage in the face of unspeakable horrors. Although many found it easier to deny atrocities, as in simply saying families were sent east rather then acknowledge they were being sent to concentration camps, food and clothing was left where Jewish neighbors could find it, windows were repaired at a terrible personal cost and some refused to join Nazi Youth Groups. It is these personal stories of triumph and tragedy, the crystal clear recollections of some and memories altered by time, perspective and to one degree or another, denial that puts a very human face on those dark days. So much is being lost as the survivors of the Holocaust age and die, taking their memories with them. Mimi has done an outstanding job of collecting the stories surrounding one small village, tying the people and events together with warmth and compassion. Often the memories are conflicting, even disturbing as survivors and historians attempt to balance good and evil with the facts, but it is this balancing act that makes these stories so compelling. Copies of Good Neighbors, Bad Times can be purchased for $24. For reservations or more information on any Jewish Book Month events, contact Gary Katz at 334.6462 or gkatz@jewishomaha.org

Woman Digs Tunnel From H e r H o u s e t o Gr o c e r y S t o r e

THG-08917

Page 4

BEXAR COUNTY– After applying Thera-GesicŽ to her sore shoulders, Mary Ann W. dug a 3,927 foot tunnel from her house directly to the entrance of her favorite grocery store. When asked by curious onlookers why she didn’t just drive her car there, she painlessly replied, “None of your dang business!�

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October 31, 2008

Friedel students encounter wild life

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT come to our classroom on Erev Sukkot and build us a If Ron Giller thought being Principal at Friedel Jewish sukkah. The walls and roof were made out of cypress, pine, Academy was a nice calm job, he was sorely mistaken. and palm branches.” Perhaps he hadn’t counted on the Friedel Activity She added, “Sitting inside the sukkah, and smelling the Committee, headed by Ruti Margalit and Naava Naslavsky. fresh aroma of those branches, was a super exciting experiMargalit and Naslavsky, with the help of several volunteers, ence for the whole week. Soon after the sukkah was built organized a Sukkot advenwe used to select fresh vegture at Fontenelle Forest. etables and fruits, which “After what started out we hung in the sukkah. An as a friendly family picnic, eggplant would get a carthings quickly got grim,” rot for a nose, two olives Giller said as he wiped the for eyes and with a bit of sweat off his brow. “We cotton (grown in the fields were sent on a savage trek of the kibbutz) it would through the wilderness, become a funny old genwith only some binoculars tleman. We made faces and bug catchers to ward with home grown zucchioff the wild animals. ni, tomatoes, pomegranate Sometimes there were and grapefruits. A day or paths, but mostly, we had Top: Here’s the “Bridge to Nowhere” that Friedel students had to two before Sukkot, we to plow through the mud. cross twice. Below: Mika Caplan and Yael Schuller enjoy the Sukkot would go on a long hike in I even crossed a wobbly outing. and near the kibbutz, to bridge; almost fell in the collect vegetables, fruits water, only to find a dead end at the and plants for the decoraother side. I am telling you, if I tion of the Sukkah.” hadn’t been surrounded by kinderHer family would take gartners, I don’t know what I fresh yellow dates and would have done. Wait, are those string them on a wire bear tracks?” along with olives and All joking aside, Giller has reason other tiny fruits, to hang to be proud of “his” kids, the from the ceiling of the majority of whom made the hoursukkah. “We also had a long nature walk with enormous small table at the Sukkah, enthusiasm. After an excellent where the four ‘species’ lunch, the students and their famiwere placed. The etrog lies were divided into groups, and was always the most excitgiven backpacks with special tools ing one, both because of to make the outdoors experience come even more alive. its incredible aroma, and also because that was the only They were able to see some animals up close, albeit most- occasion where we were able to see and touch one. Our ly caterpillars, and found several tracks which they identi- daily activities were transferred to the Sukkah, making the fied with the help of a special chart. entire week an unusual and very special period,” she The weather cooperated wonderfully, as it was one of the added. last truly nice days of the season. Naslavsky said it’s very Although Naslavsky admits that Sukkot in Nebraska is important to engage the students when a festival occurs. “I “nothing like it is in Israel”, she didn’t hesitate to roll up grew up in a kibbutz,” she said, “and have such fond mem- her sleeves and put a fabulous outing together, showing ories of Sukkot. It was always an extremely agricultural that Friedel students know how to celebrate within, as well event, and we absolutely loved it. Our parents used to as outside of the classroom.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

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by SHEVI KATZMAN Where do cute Jewish kindergartners to third graders in Omaha hang out together? They look forward to Thursday afternoons when they get together with their friends at the Chabad House to learn the Parsha and to play. First grader Gavriella Edwards and her third grade sister O’Bryen think of Thursday as the highlight of their week. Their mom, Fran Edwards, raves, “O’Bryen and Gavriella loved going to Parsha Club! They loved having a membership card and would make sure they had it before going to school. They also really loved the raffle.” Edwards wasn’t sure that attending a Jewish study club once a week would be something positive for her daughters. “At first, I thought they would be like, ‘Why do we have to go?’ But they got very excited every time I said that it was Parsha Club day.” The Edwards will be moving from Omaha. Fran continues, “I’m sad they won’t be able to continue, because I know they would’ve loved it.” Parsha Club’s first session was launched this year in August to fill the void for Jewish kids to supplement their Judaic studies. Kelly Kirk, mom of kindergartner Emily and second grader Lauren, knows that “Parsha club is an amazing addition to Chabad’s educational program for kids!” She added, “I know that each week not only are my girls learning more than I ever thought possible, they are doing it in an environment that makes Jewish learning fun and exciting. Nothing makes me happier than knowing my children are proud to be Jewish!” The Parsha Club uses a newly developed curriculum to impart the teachings of the Parsha to the young students. The Parsha is a recurring theme in Judaism. Shani Katzman, co-director of the Chabad House, said, “Universally, all Jews ‘live’ with the Parsha of the week. The Parsha is the road map for Jewish living and inspiration each day. I love this unique opportunity that young children are offered here and that they are trained to be tuned in to what the Torah is telling them each week. They know that in each day and in every circumstance they can look to the Torah for meaning and relevance. And that is a fabulous thing.” At the last meeting of the session the Book of Devarim was completed. After learning the last Parsha in the Torah, the kids selected their favorite awards for partici-

pation. The children took home their decorated Parsha books to show to their families and to review at home. Natasha Kraft, mom of first grader, Alex, listens in to the Club meetings and is very grateful for them. She remarks, “My favorite aspect of the club was watching learning take place. It was like I could see the light bulb turn on for some of the kids, and when they answered the question correctly their eyes really lit up!” Parsha Club is an exclusive and members-only gathering. However, Parsha Club member Isabella Wright announces, “Parsha class is great and makes me feel smart. I really have to think when I’m there. Everybody in the world should come to Parsha class!” All Jewish kids in the community aged 5-9 are welcome to contact Shevi at 330.1800 or Shevi@ochabad.com to receive a guest pass and try out the club or to sign up for a full session at www.ochabad.com.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 31, 2008

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The ‘No Nonsense’ candidate

by JOAN K. MARCUS “Right after that election, I met It has been many years the love of my life. While eating since I worked with Mike lunch, one of my fraternity brothers Albert. In the 1980s, he asked if he could sit at my table with was chairman of the his date. I didn’t even look up and Eastern Nebraska Human they sat down,” he recalled. Services and I was the “When I did look up, I couldn’t chairman of the ENCOR believe that anyone could be as gorAdvisory Committee. We geous as the girl he was with. Her locked horns because he name was Anita Matalon and I was was always so cautious ‘struck’ with her! She was brilliant about making changes. and from a Jewish family in My theory was act immeKingston, Jamaica. I called her for a diately and worry about date and we were married on Sept. people’s feelings later. 2, 1959, in the second oldest synaMike, on the other hand, gogue in that area. ” didn’t want to offend Albert graduated from college in people. 1960 and they moved to Jamaica. I have since learned to They had two children, Deborah in be a little bit more conser1961 and Mark in 1962. In 1963, vative; my friendship with Anita contracted Hodgkins disease Mike was but a memory and died in 1964. when his name came up Mike remained in Jamaica for two Former County Commissioner Mike Albert on the list of Omaha peoyears and then decided to move ple involved in politics. We met to recall old times. We back to the United States in order to be close to his famare both grayer and, I hope, a little wiser! ily. He opened Michael Albert, Inc., a food brokerage Mike’s parents, Lucille and David Albert were pillars of business. He later married again and had another son, the Jewish community in Sioux City, IA, which was very David, an official with Morgan-Stanley. He has nine large in those days. David ran Kaplan Wholesale grandchildren. “I am lucky because my children and Grocery, a very successful business. They sold groceries grandchildren are wonderful. My only sadness is that I to more than 250 stores in the area and David developed don’t get to spend enough time with them.” a co-op grocery program. Lucille was a homemaker and He continued, “I was fortunate enough to meet peoMike had two brothers, Burton and Neal. ple who gave me food lines to start a business. My most The Albert Family attended the reform synagogue. important was Totino’s Frozen Pizza. It was just getting Mike has fond memories of Rabbi Albert Gordon and a started and I was their first broker in the U.S.” very large family. “My mother was one of five children Warehouses in Omaha wouldn’t buy from him, so he and her mother was one of nine. So, we had many gath- sold 30,000 cases of pizza out of the backseat of his car. erings at the local restaurant, the Green Gables.” That “I kept the stock frozen at the Millard Warehouse and restaurant, started by his grandparents, is still in Sioux would pick it up and deliver it to the grocery stores. City today. It remains in his family and they continue to Finally, I established a good reputation and the wareserve matzo ball soup! houses took me in. Then, I began representing other He graduated from Sioux City Central High School in frozen foods like Banquet Foods, Stouffers, Ore-Ida, 1956, where he was president of the school, captain of Green Giant and McCormick-Shilling spices.” the basketball team and, he says, “all those silly things. I Albert ended up with more than 130 employees and had the lead in the class play and I loved school. I had many brand names, such as Jolly Time Popcorn, Brachs lots of friends and if I go up there, I stop at the Green Candy and No-Nonsense Pantyhose. Gables.” Mike found his business financially rewarding, but a After high school, he went to Wharton School at the run at politics was even more satisfying. In 1973, he University of Pennsylvania. As a college student and a bought an office building in Omaha at 82nd and J. poli sci major, he aspired to be in the foreign service. “There was a tunnel that I had to go through in order “My family was business oriented, but I didn’t take any to get to my office,” he recalled. “I asked who was in of those courses. I liked the the concept of politics. One charge of what they called ‘the awful tunnel.’ I was told of my professors, Dr. James C. Charlesworth, had creat- that the Douglas County Board of Commissioners was ed Civil Service and he was my mentor.” in charge. I decided that I would run for County During college, Albert was in the sophomore honor Commissioner. So, in 1973 I ran for what was supposed society and became a member of Mask and Wig, a to be a part time job.” famous male theatrical group. “I was elected to the Albert became the “No Nonsense Candidate.” As part board of directors as a sophomore and we performed on of his campaign, he gave out No Nonsense panty house. the Ed Sullivan Show. I was the only Jew to receive that “I applied to run as an Independent and was told that I honor.” had to run from a specific party. Since the three incumAlbert’s first taste of politics came during his junior bents were all Democrats -- John Cavanaugh, George year, when he ran for president of the Mask and Wig Buglewicz and Bill Greene -- I registered as a Board. “I didn’t know that you are supposed to lobby Republican.” when you’re running for an office! By that time, there He remembered his father and his reputation as a hero were two other Jewish guys on that board -- one was my in Sioux City Jewish affairs. “My father had been presiroommate. I was just shocked when the vote came out dent of the Jewish Federation, the Temple and other because I had lost -- eight to seven!” he laughed. “I Jewish organizations. I could never be like him, but never thought about the other Jewish guy not voting for being a county commissioner was my way of helping. I me. Others had told him it wasn’t a good time for a Jew wanted to do something he didn’t,” Albert added. “My to be president.” venture into politics was simply to give back to the comFrom that experience, Albert learned never to take munity. I wasn’t going to be on the Federation or votes for granted and that people who are your friends Temple Board. Because my father had done that better may not necessarily vote for you. “I also learned that you than I could, I was going to give of myself in other ways. should always solidify your votes before an election!” He explained, “I knew how to sell pizza door-to-door. That election was an eye-opening experience. Continued on page 7

BIRTHS Emily Michelson and Bill Shackman of Salt Lake City, UT, annouce the July 26 birth of their daughter, Lena Shackman Michelson. She is named for great-great grandmother, Lena Shachman. She has a brother, Joseph. Grandparents are Anne and Bruce Shackman, Kim and Mark Michelson of Boston, and Elizabeth Singer of Chicago. Kim and Justin Shur of Washington, DC, announce

the Sept. 23 birth of their daugther, Sofia Wiley, named for her great-grandfather, Willard and great-greatgrandmother, Sonja. She has a sister, Lilian. Grandparents are Anne and Bruce Shackman, Barry Broder of Boca Raton, FL, and Erica and Rudy Shur of Long Island, NY. Great-grandparents are Tham Friedman, the late Willard Friedman, the late Brenda and Abraham Rajman, and the late Issac and Sonja Shur.

October 31, 2008

The ‘No Nonsense’ candidate

Continued from page 6 So, I tried to sell myself that way. When the election results came out, I barely made it through the primary. The person who was in first place had been an administrative assistant to Congressman John Y. McCollister. The guy in second place was named Bob Anderson who hadn’t spent a dime. The reason that he didn’t have to spend any money was that there were 29 Bob Andersons in the phone book!” he laughed. “According to statistics, I shouldn’t have won. I put beautiful Masonite yard signs on either side of the other candidates. In my mind, I made it into politics in third place and it was my own thing!” Albert was elected to the Douglas County Board for a total of five terms, serving 20 years. During his tenure, it was discovered that the County was eight million dollars in debt. For some unknown reason, the Democrats decided to make Albert, a Republican, the chair. Within 18 months, they were out of debt. He instituted a hiring freeze and developed a good relationship with the unions. He talked them into a temporary no salary freeze, but guaranteed at the end of the two years, he would pay back wages. This helped the cash flow and balanced the budget. (He switched parties and became a Democrat in the late ’70s.) Albert also created the Omaha Convention and Tourism Bureau. Since he was supportive of the arts, he created a bill that allowed the county to allocate money to the arts, from people paying sales tax in Omaha hotels. The lake and campus at ConAgra was a project also started by Albert and the County. “The Heartland Park Fountain was put in later. It is the second highest

fountain in the United States and it’s beautiful.” Albert continued, “The biggest thing that I accomplished was to close those portions of the County Hospital competing with the private sector. That cut almost four million dollars right there! We helped employees get jobs at other places and turned the hospital into a long-term geriatric center.” In 1977, he ran for mayor against Betty Abbott. He lost because of a write-in campaign that eventually elected Al Veys. “My commercials were so bad that the write in for Veys worked. I had only been in politics for three years. It was humbling. After that, people said I would never get elected to the County Board again but I came in as a top vote getter.” Albert set his goals to not raise taxes and always look after the people who were less fortunate. When he took office, the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging served 4,000 people. And when he left, they were serving almost 50,000. “My work with ENSHA was the most rewarding of anything I’ve ever done. I never considered myself to be a politician but I loved what I did,” he insisted. Albert has retired from politics now. Despite a personal setback, he has been teaching Duplicate Bridge for the last eight years. He has many students whom he coaches in games and tournaments. He began playing bridge many years ago and began his teaching career with Dr. Richard Crotty, an Omaha dermatologist. Albert plays bridge on the Internet, at the Omaha Bridge Studio, and other venues as well. “Duplicate bridge is a cult unto itself,” he says. “It is a skill that uses deductive reasoning and reduces the incident of Alzheimer’s.”

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

WRJ to host Eppley Center Director on cancers affecting women

the central region of the United States. by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel In 2002, Dr. Cowan was one of seven sciCommunications Coordinator entists who received a presidential appointOver the past 10 years, there’s been a ment to the National Cancer Advisory 1% increase each year in survival rates for Board which advises the Secretary of the Department of Health and cancer patients overall. For Human Services and the direcbreast cancer patients, tor of NCI. He remains on the there’s been a nearly 2% Clinical Transitional Advisory increase every year in the Committee for NCI and other rate of survival, reports Dr. committees of the American Ken Cowan, director of the Association for Cancer Eppley Cancer Center and Research and the American the Eppley Institute for Association for Clinical Research in Cancer and Oncology. Allied Diseases at the “Eppley’s growth has been University of Nebraska Dr. Ken Cowan significant,” Dr. Cowan said. Medical Center. “There is now a 90 percent chance of One hundred new faculty have been surviving cancer,” Dr. Cowan added. added and “research funding has “Every increase by one percent means increased almost three fold to $60 million 5,000 lives” are saved. He’ll be the guest annually” since 1999. Dr. Cowan attributes the progress in of Women of Reform Judaism at a luncheon on Tuesday, Nov. 11, noon, at cancer survival rates to research done at Temple Israel. He’ll give a brief overview NCI, screening, early detection, more of cancers affecting women and then con- effective treatments, and learning a lot centrate on a discussion of breast cancer. about prevention treatments. “We’re at a A graduate of the University of new era for cancer diagnosis and treatRochester, Dr. Cowan, a native of New ment,” he said. “The future of cancer York, earned his MD and Ph.D. at Case treatment is towards more personalized Western in Cleveland. After completing care for each and every patient.” Commenting on his years in Omaha, an oncology program at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Maryland, he Dr. Cowan mentioned, “We’ve developed attended the University of Texas some programs that have been benefiSouthwestern Medical School in Dallas cial.” He’s “pleased we moved to for internship and residency. He returned Nebraska, not only for myself. My wife to NCI as a staff investigator. For the last and two daughters have really appreciated 12 years of his 21-year association with my move. The community -- the Jewish NCI, he served as the chief of the Medical community in particular -- has been very warm. It didn’t take us long to consider Breast Cancer Section. In 1999, Dr. Cowan moved to Omaha this our permanent home.” Reservations are needed by Nov. 5. to join Eppley, one of 64 nationally designated cancer centers and the only one in Please call 556.6536. Cost is $10.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 31, 2008

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All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the below events.

SUNDAY, NOVEMEBER 2 OTYG Camp Fair, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Beyt Shalom Meeting, 10 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El Teen Class with Rabbi Gross, 10 a.m. at Beth Israel Mishpacha Morning, 10:15 a.m. at Chabad Shabbat Mini-University, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel NJHS hosting Hazak, noon Kohll’s Flu Shots, noon OTYG Memorial Park Cleanup, 12:30 p.m. Sunday Night Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth Israel MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3 JSS Senior Luncheon, 9:30 a.m. Kabbalistic Insights for Women, noon at Chabad Kohll’s Flu Shots, 3 p.m. Senior NCSY Latte & Learning, 6:30 p.m. Judaism 102, 6:30 p.m. Tattoos and Jews, 7 p.m. at Beth El Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group, 7 p.m. Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 8 p.m. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4 General Election Voting, 8 a.m. Election Day Bake Sale, 8 a.m. at Beth El Parsha, Prayer, and Prophets, 9:15 a.m. at Chabad Mah Jongg, 12:30 p.m. Jewish Writing Workshop, 6 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Women of the Bible, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5 So You Want to Become a Jew?, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Voices of the Community performance, 7 p.m.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6 NFTY Fall Conclave Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel ADL Facilitator Training for PEW, 11 a.m. Jewish Ideals and Ethics with Rabbi Levin, noon at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Women’s Book Group, 1:15 p.m. at Beth El Parsha Club for Kids, 3:40 p.m. at Chabad JFS Love & Logic Class, 6 p.m. LOVE Board Meeting, 7 p.m. Prof. Gideon Fishman Lecture, 7:30 p.m. Class with Rabbi Gross, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7 BBYO Young Leadership Development in Kansas City, Nov. 7-9 Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9 JCC Basketball Parents Meeting BESTT Pre-Kindergarten and 6th grade Family Education Program, 10 a.m.; Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El Teen Class with Rabbi Gross, and Sisterhood Donor, 10 a.m. at Beth Israel Mishpacha Morning, 10:15 a.m. at Chabad IHE Kristallnacht Program, 5 p.m. Bedtime Storytime for Kids, 6 p.m. at Chabad MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10 Kabbalistic Insights for Women, noon at Chabad Yitzhak Rabin Commemoration Ceremony, 2 p.m. Judaism 102, 6:30 p.m. Tattoos and Jews, 7 p.m. at Beth El Jewish Learning Institute, 7 p.m. at Chabad Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 8 p.m. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 Veterans Day Parsha, Prayer, and Prophets, 9:15 a.m. at Chabad Mah Jongg, 12:30 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Lt. Irving Cohen Profiles in Jewish Courage Essay Contest Awards Program, 6 p.m. Women of the Bible Class, 7 p.m. JCC Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Spice and Spirit Cooking Club, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad WRJ Luncheon, noon at Temple Israel BESTT High School Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El OTYG Board Meeting, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel Introduction to Cantillation, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Beth Israel NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m. Update on Israel with Charles Mikhail, 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13 NCSY Fall Conclave Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Visions Joslyn Museum Tour & Lunch, 11 a.m. Jewish Ideals and Ethics, noon at Beth El CJE Board Meeting, noon Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Women’s Book Group, 1:15 p.m. at Beth El Parsha Club for Kids, 3:40 p.m. at Chabad ADL Facilitator Training for PEW, 5:30 p.m. Executive Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m. at Friedel JFS Grief Support Program, 7 p.m. Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m. Friedel Class with Rabbi Gross, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14 Temple Israel Shabbat Comes to You, 4 p.m. at Remington Heights Tot Shabbat and Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16 Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon; and Sisterhood Boutique, 10 a.m. at Beth El Teen Class with Rabbi Gross, 10 a.m. at Beth Israel Mishpacha Morning, 10:15 a.m. at Chabad Temple Israel JYG at Chalco Hills, 12:30 p.m. Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing, 1 p.m. Senior NCSY Bowling, 6:30 p.m. Visions Concert, 7 p.m.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17 JSS Senior Luncheon, 9:30 a.m. Jewish Book Club Meeting, 10:30 a.m. Kabbalistic Insights for Women, noon at Chabad Judaism 102, 6:30 p.m. Tattoos and Jews, 7 p.m. at Beth El Jewish Learning Institute, 7 p.m. at Chabad Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 8 p.m.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24 Kabbalistic Insights for Women, noon at Chabad Judaism 102, 6:30 p.m. Tattoos and Jews , 7 p.m. at Beth El Jewish Learning Institute: Soul Maps How to Navigate Your Inner Word, 7 p.m. at Chabad Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 Jewish Book Month Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. NJHS Board Meeting, 4:30 p.m. Introduction to Cantillation, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Bible Quiz Review Session, 7 p.m. at Beth El

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 Parsha, Prayer, and Prophets, 9:15 a.m. at Chabad JSS/RBJH Board Meeting, 11:30 a.m. Mah Jongg, 12:30 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Jewish Ideals and Ethics, noon at Beth El Temple Israel Torah on Wheels, noon School Directors’ Meeting, noon Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. at Kripke Library Women’s Book Group, 1:15 p.m. at Beth El Parsha Club for Kids, 3:40 p.m. at Chabad RBJH Family Night, 5:30 p.m. Class with Rabbi Gross, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27 Thanksgiving; JCC and Federation closed Annual Football Game, 10 a.m. at Beth Israel

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Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 31, 2008

Candidate statements for Tuesday, Nov. 4 election

E VOT

John Sieler Learning Community

TESAR RE-ELECT RICH

Paid for by John Sieler for Learing Community, 7801 Woolworth Ave, Omaha, NE 68124

PAPIO NRD DISTRICT 5 Real Flood Control Is Important

www.RichTesar.com Paid for by Rich Tesar for NRD

Vote Tuesday, November 4

www.MikeJohanns2008.com

Paid for by Johanns for U.S. Senate, 1201 O Street, Suite 101 Lincoln, NE 68508

AMERICA DECIDES 2008 Editor’s note: Owned by the Jewish Federation of Omaha, a tax-exempt non-profit charitable organization, the Jewish Press does not endorse either candidates or political parties. However, this newspaper does publish a variety of viewpoints on issues of interest to our readers. The opportunity to publish 300-word statements was offered to all candidates running for office in the Greater Omaha area; as of press time, the following are the only ones received by the Press. SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT U.S. HOUSE OF RPRESENTATIVES Jim Esch I’m Jim Esch, Democrat for Congress, and I’m asking for your vote on Nov. 4. Recently I learned about the Jewish concept of “Tikkun Olam”, repairing the world, which the Jewish community of Omaha has translated into action for over 150 years. As your representative, I will focus on U.S. economic recovery to repair the world and our place in it; and I will work for peace and security in the Middle East. I will support Israel, America’s one sure friend and the one true democracy in the region. This is the most important election of our lives. We are at a crossroads. We must lead from the center, and end partisan divide. Hope for recovery demands new leadership in Washington: to restore our economy, rebuild American infrastructure, and gain energy independence; to ensure quality education and expand health care; and, simultaneously, to control costs. Recovery will be slow and difficult, but we must repair our country, step by step. I have the experience to guide recovery: I ran a successful business, brought millions of dollars of economic development to Omaha, and worked for poverty relief. During 10 years in Washington, Lee Terry provided tax breaks to big oil while voting against economic regulation and against every investment in alternative energy. In fact, his only legislative success was a bill naming a post office. I pledge to represent you intelligently and honorably. With your support and vote, we can begin to repair our country and our world. To learn more, visit, www.jimesch.org Rep. Lee Terry In spite of all of the problems we share here at home – higher energy prices, the weak economy, the rising cost of health care – there is another important issue we must not lose sight of and that is America’s close relationship with Israel. This alliance is critical to both countries. Israel is our strongest ally in the war on terrorism and exists in the midst of nations hostile to America and our democratic way of life. We must continue our economic and military aid to Israel, share defense technology, and continue U.S. access to Israel’s Haifa port. The single most direct threat to Israel is the regime in Iran led by a president that openly wants to “wipe Israel off the map.” Iran sponsors both Hamas and Hezbollah and continues to train and fund insurgents fighting our troops in Iraq. Iran’s continued efforts to achieve nuclear weapons present a danger not only to Israel but the entire world and we should not rule out any measures necessary to prevent Iran from doing so. The United States, in concert with its allies in the Middle East and European partners, must press for tougher economic and political sanctions to change Iran’s behavior. The United States must continue to support talks between Israel and Palestinian President Abbas and ensure that the Palestinian Authority honors its commitments, despite the violent, disruptive actions by Hamas to sidetrack progress toward peace. While moving this process forward Israelis must be able to live peacefully and free from terrorist attacks. Finally, while in Congress I have supported efforts by my Republican colleagues to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem. The U.S. maintains an embassy in the capital of every country where we have diplomatic relations. It is an important symbol of the close relationship between the United States and Israel. METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT Mike McGowan My name is Mike McGowan. I am a candidate for the Metropolitan Utilities District (MUD) Board of Directors. When elected, I will work hard to fairly and effectively represent the interests of the Omaha ratepayers and the employees of MUD. My success in the Primary Election was based on my single campaign theme: Experience. I believe my extensive business experience working in the natural gas business, my knowledge of the issues and working relationship with MUD’s management and the current board members clearly set me apart and make me the candidate of choice. I am a lifelong resident of Omaha. I attended Creighton Prep

High School and received two degrees from Creighton University: BS in Mathematics (1970) and a Masters Degree in Business Administration (1980). I have been married to my wife Mary for almost 35 years. Together, we have raised five children, and are expecting our first grandchild in early November. In June 2006, I retired from Northern Natural Gas Company after working 36 years here in Omaha in the natural gas industry. Over those 36 years, I was responsible for designing rates, buying, selling and transporting natural gas. I know and understand the natural gas business. No other candidate has this level of direct experience. I have been endorsed by: the MUD employee Union (IBEW Local Chapter 1521), The Omaha Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, The Metropolitan Omaha Builder’s Association, and all seven of the current MUD Board members. Please visit my campaign Web site, MikeForMUD.com, for more information on me and my campaign. I would truly appreciate your vote on Nov. 4. Please tell your family, friends and business contacts to also vote for McGowan for the MUD Board. Vote for experience, vote for McGowan. NRD BOARD Rich Tesar We live in a truly unique area of the Papio-Missouri River NRD, made up of the Papio Creek basin and three river systems. For 16 years I have represented your interests on the Papio NRD Board of Directors. You deserve someone to represent you with experience and proven leadership, someone committed to continue to work on your behalf to safeguard your natural resources and, at the same time, be prudent with your tax dollars in providing meaningful flood control which is so urgently needed. The Papio watershed is the most dangerous watershed in the state in terms of potential loss of life and property damage. More people die from floods than any other natural disaster, and it can and will happen here unless we become more proactive. The Metropolitan Omaha Builders Association and political leaders have endorsed me for my support of a comprehensive flood control plan. No matter where you live – at the top of a hill or the bottom of a valley, a flood will affect your community. Every flood control management tool must be considered. We cannot limit ourselves to the least effective flood control measures while ignoring the most efficient and cost-effective options, which may include the construction of multi-purpose flood control reservoirs that provide green space and water-based recreational opportunities for the public. I also care about our state’s rivers. Governor Heineman, in 2007, appointed me to the Riparian Management Task Force to save Nebraska’s rivers and waterways. My pledge to you as your elected NRD board member is that I will do everything I can, working with every tool available, to provide meaningful flood management in the Papio-Missouri River NRD. I would appreciate your vote on November 4th for my re-election to the NRD Board; Please visit www.RichTesar.com. “Protecting your life, protecting your property, protecting your future.” LEARNING COMMUNITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 1 Nancy Jacobson A strong public school system reflects the values of Omaha and its leaders. The new Learning Community Coordinating Council is an exciting opportunity to build on the strengths of our 11 school districts. We need public school systems which provide equity and quality for all students and teach youth basic skills to supply Omaha with a competent work force. Great public schools also provide a recruitment advantage to our businesses to attract the best and brightest to relocate and stay in Omaha. We need strong leadership to achieve these goals and I will provide direction and leadership with my 20 years of volunteer board experience, first hand knowledge of Omaha Public Schools and my Masters degree in Social Work. I have the communication skills to listen, negotiate, and advocate to improve our schools. The Learning Community should evaluate current data about how students are progressing in all eleven school districts. We can allocate resources when we have an understanding of student needs and achievements in all of the districts, Working with Bright Futures, we should focus on introducing programs and services to help all students achieve at a higher level. The LCCC needs to ensure that each district develops and adopts plans to address poverty needs and English proficiency and evaluate the plan after implementation. Focusing on reducing the achievement gap in all 11 school districts, the Learning Community is required by law to distribute funds to achieve this goal. The LCCC should foster good communication between school districts and the LCCC and we should continue to assess needs, identify problems and work toward solutions. I’m a child and family advocate, proud mom of four children, Rachel, Sara, Ben and Justin, all of whom graduated from OPS schools. I’ve been married 33 years to David Jacobson, Chairman, Kutak, Rock LLP. Continued on page 11

October 31, 2008

Candidate statements DOUGLAS COUNTY COMMISSION, Continued from page 10

LEARNING COMMUNITY, DISTRICT #3 John Sieler I have a plan and I put it in writing. As your Learning Community Representative I will fight for these priorities: to protect the interests of the students; to protect the interests of taxpayers; be good stewards of every tax dollar spent; to maintain strong local school districts. I believe that the Learning Community Board will be composed of two groups, the “Loose Constructionists� and the “Strict Constructionists.� The “Loose Constructionists� will want to interpret the Learning Community law broadly and loosely and be involved in the minutia of governance of the local school districts (micromanagement). I strongly oppose this point of view. I will be a “Strict Constructionist� and will work to send decision making to locally elected school boards whenever possible. The Learning Community should be involved in “guidance� rather than “governance� of the local school districts. I want the Learning Community to succeed. I promise to be a positive voice to implement the law and make it successful. I will work in a positive manner to implement needed changes and modifications. I believe that the Learning Community board must be open and transparent. On a personal note, my wife Becky and I have been married 42 years, have four children and six grandchildren. I graduated from the University of Nebraska and have been the owner of a small business for over 30 years. We are active volunteers in our church and in many civic organizations. I have volunteered for 20 years at The Open Door Mission, my favorite. My favorite verse is, “This is the day the Lord has made. I shall rejoice and be glad in it.� Becky and I feel we are truly living the American Dream.

DISTRICT 7 Clare Duda As the longest serving Douglas County Commissioner, since 1993, I bring a proven track record as a County Commissioner and a long record of community service. During my 16 years on the Board, Douglas County has seen tremendous growth in its criminal justice needs, with its costs growing from 40% of our budget to 60%. We have had to get smarter and more cost effective in how we administer justice. Douglas County has Nebraska’s first drug court and other specialty courts, including the Mental Health Court, which provides arrestees with appropriate, cost effective treatment for their problems rather than repeatedly sending them to jail. Similar improvements have been made in our jail, which just became the first in Nebraska to earn accreditation from the American Correctional Association. This means that our jail is a professionally managed safe place for both the staff and inmates. The next step in improving our system is addressing the space problems with our Historic Courthouse. I am committed to extending the life of our beautiful 96 year old courthouse, but understand the need for more space for our ever growing court system. I am proud to have created the Douglas County Health Center Foundation, which provides employee scholarships and enhancements for the Long Term Care Unit. This is in an effort to supplement tax dollars with private donations for enhancing the well-being of some of Douglas County’s most dependent residents. One of the Foundation’s most recent achievements was the gift of the Baright Solarium, this $1 million gift did not cost any tax dollars. I am proud of my accomplishments on the County Board but there is much left to do. With your vote, we can make even more good things happen.

by d d ral e e s or ld-H d E n or eW th

““This articulate Omahan displays an impressive dedication to community.� – Omaha World-Herald A high standard October 8, 2008

A strong public school system reflects the values of Omaha and its leaders. The new Learning Community is an exciting opportunity to build on the strengths of our 11 school districts. I would appreciate your vote on November 4th! Sincerely, Nancy Jacobson

0AID FOR BY .ANCY *ACOBSON FOR ,EARNING #OMMUNITY s $AVID *ACOBSON 4REASURER 0 / "OX "OYS 4OWN .% s NancyJacobson.08@gmail.com nancyjacobsonforlearningcommunity.blogspot.com

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

Temple turns Yom Kippur fast into food for Omaha’s hungry

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Temple Israel donated 5500 pounds of non-perishable food to the Omaha Food Bank during the congregation's annual Yom Kippur food drive. This represented a 25 percent increase over last year’s donation by Temple Israel families and individuals. Don Schinzel, president of the Food Bank, pointed out that the donation from Temple “is so important especially at this time of the year.� The “food drive is one of the first big drives and provides us with a lot of the fruits and vegetables plus a lot of other things that are low this time of year.� Top left: Cole Horner, and his classmates Ali Brehmer, left, Sarah Krasno, and Abby Reiss stocked the shelves while at the Food Bank, right, Omaha Temple Youth Group members Haley Halsted, left, Emily Katz, and Molly Goldberg were among the youth groupers who loaded trucks on Yom Kippur morning. Bag ’n Save Supermarkets donated the reusable bags for the food drive. On Oct. 12, Temple’s fifth grade Religious School class donated another 220 pounds to the Food Bank.

Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 31, 2008

Congratulations ... or condolences? Yippee -- campaign season is almost over! With the exception of the financial meltdown, the media has covered little else. (Oh, where was Britney Spears when we needed a little distraction from politics?) This issue, our special issue on elections, contains statements from candidates who responded by press time (all candidates were offered the opportunity to submit 300-word statements). As a reminder, the Jewish Press neither endorses candidates nor political parties, however, we do publish op-eds and articles on various positions and issues of interest to our readers. Depending on the outcome of the election, we may have some wrap-up articles in next week’s Press. However, given that we go to print on Wednesday mornings, we may have to delay coverage until the Nov. 14 issue. Be that as it may, we have some advice to the winners: don’t gloat or become arrogant. If the McCain/Palin ticket wins the White House, it will certainly face a hostile Democratic House and Senate, maybe even a veto-proof Congress. Though Sen. McCain does have a reputation of reaching across the aisle (he did co-author the McCain/Feingold Campaign Finance Reform Bill with Democrat Russ Feingold of Wisconsin), he’ll need every ounce of charm and good will to pass any part of his agenda -- and stave off parts of Congress’ legislation with which he disagrees. On the other hand, if the Obama/Biden ticket wins, they’ll have a slew of friendly faces waiting with open arms. The danger there, however, is that if the Democrats go too far with a liberal agenda, they’ll be turned out of Congress in a mere two years, much like Rep. Newt Gingrich did to President Bill Clinton in 1994 with the Republican “Contract with America.” Regardless of who captures the White House,

the winner won’t be facing a pretty picture. First on the agenda, surely, is the economy. But too much government interference could actually lengthen the recession and delay a recovery. And raising taxes now in the face of rising food prices and job losses would also hurt chances for a quicker bounce back. Of course people are hurting -- and some stopgap measures would be welcome (like increasing unemployment benefits from six months to, let’s say nine). But too much “help” isn’t the way to go either; most people want jobs, not a handout, and the government needs the help of private enterprise to achieve that. Once the economy is back on track (and it’s anyone’s guess how long that will take), the next president will have to turn away from domestic issues in order to look at the big picture -- which, unfortunately, includes rogue states like Iran and Syria. We learned last week that the U.S. fired missiles on the Syrian border with Iraq, possibly killing Abu Ghadiyain, a senior member of Al Qaeda. Some have opined that the helicopters flew over Israeli territory first, suggesting that the goal was to destroy Hezbollah supply routes building up missile stocks after the 2006 Lebanon War. Earlier in the year, Israel Air Force jets destroyed a building in eastern Syria said to have contained components (supplied by North Korea) for development of nuclear weapons. Speaking of weapons of mass

destruction, Israeli experts stated recently that Iran could produce a bomb as early as February -- wouldn’t that be an awful surprise for a newly inaugurated President? But even if Iran’s nuclear weapons program lags behind, even if President Ahmadinijad is seriously ill, our next President will have his hands full. There’s not enough space here to list all the challenges; we just hope the next team is up to them. We wish them well, no matter who wins.

Jewish Press Board Michael Sigmond, Vice President; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Michael Siegel, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Immediate Past-chairman; Marc Brodkey; Andie Gordman; Michael Kaufman; Bette Kozlen; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; Andy Ruback; 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. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service/Jewish Senior Services, and the Jewish Press . Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: Just a personal thanks from us for your wonderful article in the Oct. 3 Jewish Press: “Refusenik: How it All Began,” about Shirley Goldstein. It is a most deserved tribute to her. As Natan Sharansky has pointed out time and again, the Soviet Jewry movement showed how even a relatively small group of people can change Jewish history for the better. Glenn and Lenore Richter New York City To the Editor: In reading the article, “Virtual Hebrew high school now available in the heartland” in the Jewish Press of Oct.10, we at Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah were somewhat surprised and disappointed by the omission that our High School of Jewish Studies does indeed offer a distance learning opportunity for our students in grades 9-12 through a partnership with the Rothbart Distance Learning Program for Teens of Gratz College in Philadelphia. This was reported in an article that was published in the Press on Sept. 5. Students have a choice of four courses: “The Torah’s Top 50 Ideas” led by Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkins, “Dilemmas in Jewish History” with Dr. Katharine Beller, “Israel: Current Events and Controversies” -- Asaf Romirowsky is the instructor, and “Introduction to Education I” with Dr. Saundra Sterling Epstein. College credit is available for the latter two courses. The cost of the non-college credit course is $175 per course and for the college credit course tuition is $250. BESTT subsidizes the costs of these courses so that the cost to the families is $50 for the non-college credit course and $75 for the credit course.

Beth El students may participate in the coursework while attending Wednesday evening classes or from their homes if they are unable to attend on Wednesday evenings. With students’ busy lives, the distance learning course allows students to stay connected to their Jewish studies and they receive full credit as if they had attended when school is in session (as long as they complete the work satisfactorily.) Judy Rubin Education Director Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah (BESTT) To the Editor The manner in which Senator McCain, Governor Palin and their supporters refer to Senator Obama is creeping toward hate speech. We in the Jewish community are well aware of the dangers of using inflammatory political language to marginalize individuals and groups. Increasingly those speaking on behalf of the McCain campaign have been demonizing Sen. Obama as not being like us. They recently used a uniformed sheriff to warm up the crowd at a rally by emphasizing the senator’s middle name. At another event Senator McCain seemed shocked when one of his supporters stated that Sen. Obama was an “Arab.” That false belief is the fruit of the McCain campaign’s emphasizing Sen. Obama’s middle name. Gov. Palin’s assertion that Sen. Obama pals around with terrorists is a false claim built on three distortions and a lie. In 21st century America, no word is more emotionally loaded than “terrorist.” Republican operatives who managed to convince Americans to believe the lie that the government of Iraq was connected to Osama bin Laden, think they can now con-

(Founded in 1920) Bobbi Leibowitz President Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Robyn Belgrade Sales Associate Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper

vince Americans of another big lie, that 1960s campus radical William Ayers is connected to contemporary terrorists and that he is a close, influential friend of Sen. Obama. Anti-Obama hate speech is not limited to the official McCain Campaign.The Republican Jewish Coalition falsely labels Sen. Obama as “reckless on Israel.” They know that in the Jewish community this is the moral equivalent of crying fire in a crowded theater. The RJC put forward a list of people known to be hostile to Israel and they dishonestly suggest that these people shaped Sen. Obama’s views on the subject. The RJC approach harkens back to the classic Republican red baiting tactics of Joe McCarthy and Richard Nixon from the early fifties. I would not endorse a candidate who is hostile to Israel. I and other rabbis around the country have put our credibility as rabbis who love Israel on the line to publicly endorse Sen. Obama for President because of the smears and lies coming from the other side. We have each individually devoted our lives to providing moral and spiritual leadership to the Jewish community. At this crucial moment in history, we step forward as a group to add our voices to those supporting Sen. Obama. Never before in the history of the United States has a group of rabbis come together on this scale to work on behalf on a candidate for president Jewish tradition teaches us that we should respect those with whom we disagree. Ben Azzi says, “Despise no person.” I call upon the McCain campaign to return to a respectful conversation on the issues confronting our society. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel Congregation Temple Israel

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 $33 per calendar year U.S.; $72 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

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October 31, 2008

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 13

Palin’s leadership, experience make her strong choice for VP

AMERICA DECIDES 2008 by LINDA LINGLE

HONOLULU (JTA) -- If there was any doubt that Sen. John McCain will shake up Washington and institute real change, the selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as the Republican vice-presidential nominee has put that question to rest. Few people can match McCain’s maverick spirit and bipartisan nature like Governor Palin. I’ve known Sarah Palin since her election as governor in 2006. I am confident she will be a great friend of the Jewish community and Israel, as well as a terrific leader and great vice president. It is not surprising that her historic nomination has brought enthusiasm and excitement to the nation. In my speech at the Republican National Convention last week, I shared a few reasons for that excitement. “As a fellow Republican governor, I have had the chance to get to know Gov. Sarah Palin,” I said in that speech. “She is a terrific individual and an outstanding governor. Sarah is a person with proven leadership skills and strong moral character.” Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA), the only Jewish Republican in the House of

Representatives, wrote that he was “excited” by the choice. “Sarah brings a wealth of experience to the campaign and will pose a formidable challenge to the Democratic nominees,” he said. “Sarah Palin is a smart woman who represents change.” Gov. Palin brings numerous strengths and qualities to the position of vice president. She has been a mayor, a governor and the head of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. While serving in these positions, she has built a reputation as a leader willing to work across party lines to bring about real reform and to better the lives of her constituents. Palin has cut taxes and curtailed budgetary spending. Rooting out corruption and establishing ethics reform have been hallmarks of her career. She has also shown that she is not wedded to party politics, nor does she play politics as usual. She has said that the function of a politician is not to serve one’s self-interest but rather to serve with a “servant’s heart.” Perhaps one of Gov. Palin’s greatest assets is her firm grasp on one of our country’s greatest security issues -- how to tackle our dependence on foreign oil and our growing need for energy independence. On this critical issue, she has a

depth of experience and firsthand knowledge that will prove invaluable to a McCain-Palin administration. As governor, she challenged the influence of big oil companies and fought for the development of new energy resources in her state. And as an outdoorswoman and naturalist, she understands and cares deeply about the impact of climate change. Palin has advocated that environmental issues be weighed against economic and social needs, and that meaningful discussion take place in order for policymakers to make the best decisions for our country. During her tenure as commander-inchief of Alaska’s National Guard, she made it a priority to visit the troops from her state deployed to Kuwait and Germany. Finally on Iran -- an issue that is critically important to readers of this publication -- Gov. Palin gets it. She recognizes the importance of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons while advocating for strengthening the strategic U.S.Israel relationship. It is also clear that Gov. Palin is a woman of deep personal faith. She has established a good relationship with the Jewish communities of Alaska, supported the residents’ desire to create the Alaska Jewish Historical Museum and was present at the reading of Alaska’s resolution

commemorating Israel’s 60th anniversary. In her office in Juneau, Governor Palin has hung an Israeli flag. She displays the flag because Israel is in her heart. One of the finest qualities she has demonstrated recently is her tremendous grace under fire. Since the announcement of her selection as our vice presidential nominee, she has faced an onslaught of rumor, smear and innuendo. Yet Gov. Palin has remained strong and resolute. She has let the truth speak for itself. Shortly after coming into office, Gov. Palin asked her former pastor for examples of biblical people who were great leaders and what was the secret of their leadership. The pastor suggested she reread the story of Queen Esther, the Jewish woman who rose to help her people and become queen of Persia. Like Queen Esther, Governor Palin has faced tremendous adversity, and time and again she has risen to overcome obstacles. This is the sign of a true leader. As Americans get to know Governor Palin, I think they will see all the wonderful things about her I have seen over the years. She will be a great friend and advocate for the issues important to us. For that she deserves our respect, friendship and, most importantly, our support. Linda Lingle, a Jewish Republican, currently serves as the governor of Hawaii.

Besmirching Biden, partisanship on Israel hurt Jewish community

AMERICA DECIDES 2008 by MICHAEL ADLER

MIAMI BEACH (JTA) -- I returned from the Democratic National Convention in Denver with the announcement of Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE) as the Democratic vice presidential nominee, the memorable acceptance speech by Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) and the announcement of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as the Republican vice presidential nominee. It was the most momentous week of this, or perhaps any, election cycle. Yet with all the excitement, I must admit that this last week has left me disappointed with our level of political discourse -- particularly in the Jewish community. When the Biden vice-presidential nomination was announced on Aug. 23, Republican voices in the Jewish community called his selection by Sen. Obama “risky” and talked about his inconsistent support for Israel and his “wrong” views on Iran. These people must be talking about a

different Joe Biden than the one I know. I have known and worked closely with Sen. Biden for more than 36 years, and the caricature that is being painted of him by some who value partisanship over truth is truly astounding. Perhaps even more distressing than the attacks on a good friend of the Jewish community is the use of the U.S.-Israel relationship as a partisan wedge issue. Biden publicly labels himself a Zionist. He has stated that “I do not accept the notion of linkage between Iraq and the Arab-Israeli conflict,” according to JTA. “[Biden] has a sterling voting record on pro-Israel issues and as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has helped shepherd through key pro-Israel legislation.” He has worked cooperatively with every Israeli prime minister since Golda Meir. His knowledge of the wider Middle East, as well as the Arab-Israeli conflict, is unsurpassed by any other member of Congress. Republicans have not let these facts get in the way. They use votes not related to

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Israel in an effort to besmirch Biden in the Jewish community. Supporters of Sen. Biden can readily go to the voting record files and show that he has a significantly higher percentage of pro-Israel votes than Sen. McCain. We, too, could take some obscure issues to try to argue that the GOP nominee is insufficiently pro-Israel. The fact of the matter is that McCain is pro-Israel. Obama is proIsrael. Biden is pro-Israel. These attempts to use the U.S.-Israel relationship for partisan purposes distorts the truth and weakens the bipartisan consensus behind support for Israel in this country. Moreover, it is not just Israel upon which we should judge Sen. Biden. Perhaps no politician in America, Jew or non-Jew, has a better rapport with Jewish leadership and Jewish audiences. He is a strong supporter of the separation of church and state, and he has opposed Republican attempts to return prayer to the public schools. Biden also has opposed teaching intelligent design alongside evolution in the public schools and is pro-choice. Biden’s profile in the Jewish community is starkly different from that of

McCain’s nominee for vice president. Sarah Palin has no foreign policy experience and has never visited Israel. She is against a woman’s right to choose even in cases of rape and incest. She favors teaching intelligent design in the public schools and believes climate change is not caused by human activity. I have long believed that the game of trying to show that friends of Israel are really enemies is destructive to our community’s interest. But it really hits home when a close friend like Joe Biden is vilified after all these years of friendship with our community. In these times, it seems that some people would charge Yitzhak Rabin with being anti-Israel if he ran for office as a Democrat. It would be far healthier for American democracy, as well as for our community, if we would reject the use of Israel as a partisan issue and look at the policy areas where candidates from the two major parties truly do differ. Michael Adler is the immediate past chair of the National Jewish Democratic Council and was national finance chair of Sen. Biden’s last presidential campaign.

Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 31, 2008

Candlelighting Friday, October 31, 6:03 p.m

Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com

Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org

Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org

Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 www.OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com

Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org

Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 323 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154

Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org

The Neighborhood 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.tiferethisraellincoln.org

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B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.

Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Marianne Schaffer and Annie Barrows.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg. FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Beth El; Minha/Ma’ariv, 5:05 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: 10 a.m., Bible Study Discussion Group, Navigating our services with Joy, led by Susi Frydman-Levin; I am a Jew, led by Andy Greenberg; and The Mitzvah Club, 11 a.m. led by Susi Frydman-Levin. MEMORIES OF BRANDEIS: Sunday, Nov. 2, noon at the JCC. Join Hazak for lunch and memories during the film, The Brandeis Story. For more information, contact Tootie Simon at 397.3616. TATTOOS & JEWS: led by UNMC medical ethicist Toby Schonfeld on Mondays, Nov. 3, 10, and 24, 7 p.m. For more information, contact the office. WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH GROUP: Monday, Nov. 3, 7 p.m. Attend “Tattoos & Jews”. Dessert and discussion will follow. RSVP to Dee Goodman at 330.0545, or to Ann Goldstein at akgoldstein@gmail.com. JEWISH IDEALS AND ETHICS FOR EVERDAY LIVING: taught by Rabbi Levin will meet on Thursdays, noon, beginning Nov. 6. Class will explore contemporary issues and ethical dilemmas, values, wisdom and moral teachings of Judaism. Cost is $36; open to the Jewish community. For more information, call the office. WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB: Thursday, Nov. 6, 1:15 p.m., with Ann Goldstein leading the discussion of the book, The

Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:03 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood; “Guard Your Tongue” and “The Great Midrash” are one hour before Mincha; Mincha, 5:45 p.m., followed by Seudah Shlishit; Havdalah, 7:02 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Rabbi Gross’s Teen Class, 10 a.m.; Sunday Night Dinner, Brinner: Breakfast for Dinner, 6 p.m. by reservation; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. MONDAY: Senior NCSY Latte & Learning, 6:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Rabbi’s weekly class, 7:30 p.m.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m. MiniMensch title will be awarded; Gan Israel Shabbat, 11 a.m.; Kiddush lunch follows; join Rabbi Katzman from 12-1 p.m. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Mishpacha Mornings, 10:15 a.m.; Heading Somewhere, studying the book of Numbers, 10:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Kabbalistic Insights for Women, 12:15 p.m.; Halacha, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: W.O.W. Prayer, Prophets, and Prayer, 9 a.m.; MU

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 7:45 p.m. celebrating the Bar Mitzvah of John Williss. Service led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg following hosted by the Williss Family. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel. SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Gam Simcha-2, 9:45 a.m.12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at South Street Temple; Social Action Committee organizational meeting, 1:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (LJCS grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. THURSDAY: Board of Trustees meeting, 7 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAYS, Nov. 11 and 18, 7 p.m. Crafting the Vision: The Temple and its Role in our Lives, led by Rabbi Emanuel.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. led by Nancy Rips and Andy Greenberg. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m., led by Rabbi Eric Linder and Cantor Wendy Shermet. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m. Ariel Kohll, daughter of Ivy Kohll, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. SUNDAY: Teacher meeting, 9 a.m.; Grades Pre-K-6, 10 a.m.; Prayer Assembly, 10 a.m.; The 4 B’s: Behaving, Belonging, Believing and Bagels. Shabbat MiniUniversity, 10:30 a.m.; Camp Recruitment Pizza Lunch; OTYG Memorial Park Cleanup, 12:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 46 p.m.; All School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 712, 6 p.m.; Nu? So Want to Become a Jew?, 6:30 p.m. led by Rabbi Linder. THURSDAY: Adult Study with the Clergy with Rabbi Azriel, 10 a.m.; Kol Rina Rehearsal, 6:30 p.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 6:03 p.m. SATURDAY: Srvices, 9 a.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. MONDAY and THURSDAY: Minyan, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch and Talmud study. SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Gam Simcha-2, 9:45 a.m.12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at South Street Temple. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066; Hebrew classes (LJCS grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

Rabbi Linder to discuss process of becoming a Jew

BAR MITZVAH Eli Solomon Fried, son of former Omahans Sandi and Ed Fried, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Beth Shalom in Kansas City, MO. Eli is an seventh-grade student at Overland Trail Middle in Overland Park, KS. His interests include following college and professional football and basketball, especially the Kansas Jayhawks. For his mitzvah project, Eli worked on “Bike for the Brain,” a ride to support mental health. He has two sisters, Maggie and Gabby, and a brother, Josh. Grandparents are Shirley White the late Lew White, Frances and

Exploring Jewish Identity through Writing, 6:30 p.m. Kabbalah WEDNESDAY: Circle, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m.; The Parsha Club for Level I beginners, ages 5-6; and Level II for ages 7-9, 3:40 p.m. All events and programs are open to the entire community.

Sam Fried, and the late Magda Fried. Matthew Stein, son of Susi and Mark Stein, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Beth El. Matthew is now an eighth-grade student at R u s s e l l Middle School, where he was an honors student in sixth and seventh grades, and a Geography Bee semi-finalist. His interests include football and gaming. He has a sister, Emilie. Grandparents are Lorrie and Art Stein, and the late Phil and Betty Laser.

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator If you've ever wondered what is involved in becoming a Jew, Rabbi Eric Linder will describe the journey when he presents “Nu -- So You Want to Become a Jew?” on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 6:30 p.m., at Temple Israel. One of a series of short courses during the year, this informational discussion, sponsored by the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning, is free and open to the community. “It’s not a conversion class,” explained Rabbi Linder. “It’s

intended for those Jews as well as non-Jews who have wondered what the conversion process is like. What do you have to do? Are there reasons why someone wouldn't convert? What makes someone want to convert in the first place? How does a clergy decide if that person should convert?” He encouraged anyone who is interested in why someone would want to convert to Judaism and is curious about the specifics of the process to attend. A panel of people who have completed the journey to conversion will talk about their experiences. To register, call the Temple office at 556.6536.

UNVEILING of the gravestone for the late Jack Stiss Sunday, Nov. 9, noon Beth Israel Cemetery, 78th and Crowne Point

October 31, 2008

Running out of water

SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Noah “Water, water everywhere, with nary a drop to drink.” So said the 18th century poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge in his prose poem, The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner.” It hardly seems possible, but supplying people in our world with potable water is a serious and overwhelming problem. We have heard that a proposed solution is to harness huge chunks of ice from the north, float them down south and melt them into drinkable water to provide for the thirst of people everywhere. I look out my window and see a substantial open field that gets drenched with fall rains. But it is impossible to get any water for the table from this supply, which the heavens grant us. Of course, we are nearsighted. We think that what we see around us is universal, and that the water we see is enough for everyone. If we remember, however, these few facts around us, we can understand why Noah assumed that the flood he saw involved all of mankind. I am particularly uneasy over God’s promise that He will not again come near destroying mankind because He limited His promise not to use water in man’s destruction. There is nothing abut nuclear explosions, however, with which Noah was not concerned. Flash floods are not unheard of in small areas of the earth, sometimes perilously close to where we are. An innocent looking creek, not necessarily a great river, may overflow its banks and make a puddle into a lake. I was born and lived into my early teens practically on the shores of one of our great lakes. I used to watch the steams moving supplies of that or that float by from one area of the country to another. As a child, I thought that the ocean was never to be conquered, even by someone like Columbus. So I understood the mind of people of Noah’s time. While he is busy building an ark, year after year, as we read in our Sacred Text, I am busy trying to write the name of Noah, with its only two Hebrew letters, and with its seven common spelling errors in the traditional puzzle. I know that some people are not afraid of running out of water so long as they have enough Scotch and bourbon! For most of us, with different kinds of thirst, we shall have to find a way to make sea water potable. All of this, because we cannot hope to build enough ships for all the people of the world and all of their domesticated animals. In the meantime, we must remember that physicians tell us that good health depends on drinking six or eight glasses of water a day. How can our frail bodies handle it all?

PERSONALS My family and I are very grateful to all our friends for your very kind and thoughtful expressions of sympathy and contributions in memory of my dear father, Enrique Frydman. They are a comfort to us. Thank You. Susi Frydman-Levin Thank you to all my dear friends and relatives for all your kind wishes for my 90th birthday. Jack Epstein

DEATHS HARRIET ROTHKOP STARR Harriet Rothkop Starr died on Oct. 21 in Palo Alto, CA. Services were held Oct. 26 at Temple Israel Cemetery, officiated by Cantor Wendy Shermet. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Julius Rothkop, Gertrude Rothkop Brodkey, Louise Rothkop Meyer, and Theodore Rothkop, all former Omahans. She is survived by her sister, Pauline Rothkop Segal; sons, Dr. Eric Starr of Palo Alto, CA, and Craig Starr of New York City; daughter and son-in-law, Susan Starr and Mark Peterson; two grandchildren, Madison and Alexandra Starr, all of Chevy Chase, MD. Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or Temple Israel. RABBI MOSHE COTEL Rabbi/painist Moshe Cotel, who was to appear at the JCC in concert on Nov. 13, died suddenly in New York on October 24 during his morning prayers. Rabbi Cotel was a concert pianist, composer and teacher who decided at age 60 to pursue rabbinic studies. He was ordained in 2003 and led Temple Beth El in Brooklyn. In addition to his duties as a rabbi, Cotel performed concerts across the U.S. chronicling his life as a musician/rabbi. The Nov. 13 concert was to have been sponsored by the Sokolof Javitch Music Fund.

Reveling in Simchat Torah in Moscow by GRANT SLATER MOSCOW (JTA) -- Across Moscow, Russian Jews poured into synagogues to celebrate the pinnacle of the October holidays with the dancing and singing cacophony of Simchat Torah, a holiday that resonated even during the decades of Soviet oppression. For those years, Judaism hummed below the surface of Soviet life. Holidays such as Rosh Hashanah or Passover, if they were marked at all, were celebrated in whispers behind double-thick doors in gray Soviet era apartment blocks. But in Simchat To r a h , Soviet Jews found a holiday that reso n a t e d with both their sense of identity and the pangs of Revelers celebrate Simchat Torah in oppression. Moscow’s Marina Roscha synagogue on Credit: Grant Slater P e o p l e Oct. 21. cameout by the thousands to streets in front of the synagogue, a rarefied and bold public display of faith. Now, with active and thriving synagogues and Jewish life flourishing in Russia, there is no need to dance in the street. The party has moved inside to the prayer halls, Moscow’s new centers of Jewish life.

Temple Consecration welcomes kindergartners, new students by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Left: Kirstine Terry and her daughter Sarah, a kindergartner, attended the potluck dinner prior to worship services on Erev Sukkot at Temple Israel. Families also made crafts with supplies organized by Mimi Silverman and Kate Kirshenbaum. On Erev Simchat Torah, 13 kindergartners and new Religious School students walked down the middle aisle of the sanctuary with cans of food to donate to the Omaha Food Bank. The children sat on the steps of the bimah and were led in song by Cantor Wendy Shermet before their parents ascended the bimah for the Consecration service welcoming the youngsters as they begin formal religious education. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel read the end of the Book of Deuteronomy followed by the beginning of Genesis read by Rabbi Eric Linder. Right: Participating in Consecration are, top row: Cantor Shermet, Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Eric Linder, second row from the top: Piper Streit, Sarah Krasno, Zack Streit, Sydney

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Page 16

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 31, 2008

First rain of the year comes early in Israel

by MARCY OSTER KARNEI SHOMRON, Israel (JTA) -- Rain is a precious commodity in Israel. That said, there are some facts about rain that everyone here seems to know and that we learned pretty quickly after we made aliyah eight years ago. For starters, you can leave everything outside during the summer months -- laundry, bicycles, furniture, grill. It does not rain in the summer. Ever. The first rain will hit sometime during the High Holidays. It doesn’t matter if the holidays are early or late, it will rain sometime, often during Sukkot. The corollary to this is that it is impossible to find umbrellas, rain boots or raincoats in the stores until after the first rain. The last rain will hit right around Passover, usually on seder night. I never realized how quickly we fell into the rhythm of the yearly rain cycle until I took my children back to Cleveland for a summer visit about two years after we made aliyah. As we walked from the airport terminal into the parking garage, we saw a steady stream of rain pouring down. “Oh no, Ima,” said my son, who was four years old at the time, “we forgot to bring our winter clothes.” To him, rain signified winter and cold. He could not conceive of rain in the summer. Rain is so important to Israel, and therefore Judaism, that there are special words for the first and last rainfall of the year: “Yoreh u malkosh.” Yoreh is the first rain of the season, and malkosh is the last. We recite these words every day in the Shema prayer.

Israel a week before Rosh Hashanah, like this storm earlier in the year, was joyful for one family. Credit: nicasaurusrex/Creative Commons Jews around the world pray for rain for Israel. The end of Sukkot features a special prayer service for rain. It can get a little tricky, asking for enough rain, or a rain of blessing, but not too much rain that would cause damaging floods and mudslides. It is a moving prayer, especially in drought years like the ones we have faced lately in Israel. We also pray for dew because even when the rains have ceased, the small amounts of moisture that coat the land in the early morning might be enough to sustain some of our plant life and give us hope for the future. And we recite short summaries of our prayers for rain and dew during the Shemonah Esrai, or the silent Amidah, that

we say three times a day. The Yoreh caught us by surprise this year. Yes, the mornings had been a little cooler and a little overcast during the week. But with Rosh Hashanah right around the corner and thinking about little else than the food I was preparing for a myriad of guests, I missed the signals completely. But on the Shabbat before Rosh Hashanah, as I sat around the table with my husband and five children, and we contemplated getting up and clearing the table for dessert, suddenly the lights went out. Losing power where we live is not unusual, but as we sat there relieved that we could put off clearing the table for another few moments, a cold breeze began blowing through the open door and windows. Then came a sound that we had not heard in five months: Rain was pattering on our roof and the roofs of our neighbors. Almost in unison my children, aged 4 to 14, let out a whoop and ran outside. From the door my husband and I watched them standing on the brick lane as they opened their arms and turned their faces toward the sky, letting the rain soak them all over. Watching the kids’ joyful dance in the first rain of the year, I didn’t bother to think about the grill and the hammock and the bicycles that were getting a good soaking. And I forgave them for the wet mess of clothing and muddy feet that they would soon track into the house. I felt their enthusiasm course through me as I watched them frolic. I silently thanked God for the refreshing and much-needed rain. And I marveled at my children's awareness of the importance of the moment.

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