Vol. LXXXVI No. 8 Omaha, NE
Beth Israel Hires New Associate Rabbi by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue For the first time ever, Beth Israel Synagogue has hired an associate rabbi. Yeshiva Universiy rabbinic student Seth Nadel has joined the synagogue staff. The new position was created to further develop a cohesive educational curriculum for children, to expand the adult education opportunities and to increase the overall service that Beth Israel provides to all of its members. According to Executive Director, Beth Cohen, “Seth was here during the summer as a Rabbinic Intern. He had the opportunity to work with Rabbi Gross and the congregation, and meet others from the Omaha community. When we decided to create the Associate Rabbi position, we knew Seth would be an excellent candidate since he already knew our community. And, he had the education and experience we were looking for.” A teacher, singer, songwriter and performer, Nadel grew up in Passaic, New Jersey. He earned his undergraduate degree from Yeshiva University (Y.U.) in Sociology. Nadel is working at Y.U. on a Master’s degree in Jewish Education while concurrently studying for smicha (rabbinic ordination). He expects to complete both programs next spring. Rabbi Jonathan Gross looks forward to working with Nadel. “It’s very exciting and it will be great to have someone help with our education programs,” stated Gross. “Seth brings all kinds of great talent including music, scholarship and his experience as an educator.” He added, “In addition to my pulpit and educational duties, I’m committed to maintaining my extremely busy schedule of community involvement and the demands it places on my time. With the growth of our congregation, it’s great to have Seth here, a young Jewish educator, to help us better accommodate the educational needs of Beth Israel's members and their families.” Gross is also eager to serve in the role of mentor. “I remember when I Seth Nadel was an Assistant Rabbi in Los Angeles,” he recalled. “Rabbi Steven Weil, Senior Rabbi of Beth Jacob in Beverly Hills, became my mentor and I learned so much from him; the things that you don’t learn in a classroom, like the daily duties of being a congregational rabbi and working with your members. Now it’s my turn to mentor. I look forward to sharing my experience with Seth.” Rabbi Gross added, “Omaha is a great place to learn many rabbinic skills. The people here are nice, and they’re interested and involved. Seth will have constant opportunity to further acquire and enhance the skills needed to be a successful rabbi.” Nadel’s enthusiasm for joining Beth Israel’s staff was evident in his acceptance letter, where he wrote, “It is with great pleasure that I accept the position. During my internship in Omaha this July, I found the community to be vibrant and dedicated. My family and I are excited to join the Beth Israel family. I very much look forward to working along with the board, the staff, and congregants.” Nadel’s family includes his wife, Na’ama, and young children, Shalom and Ilan. “We’re excited to have this new family join our community,” noted Gross. “Seth’s talents will add to the momentum we’ve achieved with continued growth.” For more information, contact the synagogue office at 556.6288 or BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org.
Inside Opinion Page see page 20
Celebrating 85 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
12 Cheshvan, 5767 November 3, 2006
The $228 Million Question: How to Rebuild Israel’s North? How are the remaining by DINA KRAFT $228 million being spent? ACRE, Israel (JTA-While members of Salwa Zawawi’s tiny Omaha’s Jewish commusewing shop in Acre's Old nity were travelling City virtually shut down through Israel last week during Israel's monthon a Federation mission, long war with Hezbollah this summer as Katyusha the Jewish Agency’s rockets fell on the city. Board of Governors met It wasn’t clear whether in Jerusalem last week, its first gathering since the Zawawi's business would war, in large part to survive. But a grant of address that question. about $930 from the “We’re here to see Jewish Agency for Israel what’s happening after has helped her cover rent, the war,” Jane Sherman, buy fabric and keep the co-chairman of the doors open. agency’s Israel depart“The money came just ment, said as she toured in time,” said her son, Acre with a group of felFuad Zawawi. low board members. The grant was one of Sherman’s department is about 1,000 that JAFI overseeing the postwar gave to small-business expenditures. owners in the North. The money was drawn from JAFI will distribute the $320 million raised grants and longer-term during and after the war Lourdes Secola, a member of Omaha’s mission to Israel last week, loans of up to $75,000 to as part of the United and a child from Beit Elezraki, a children’s home in Israel’s north small businesses in the Jewish Communities’ supported by the Joint Distribution Committee, enjoy creating pic- North, accompanied by Israel Emergency ture frames. The children--and the mission participants--will consultations on business receive pictures of this visit to put in their new frames. plans. Campaign. Photo by Lisa Lieb Such assistance “helps About $92 million was distributed through UJC’s partners in Israel, JAFI and encourage people to stay in the region,” Sherman said. Reaching out to small businesses is a way of securing the American Jewish Join Distribution Committee, durContinued on page 2 ing the war and immediately afterward.
Got Kabbalah? Rabbi Lawrence Kushner Raises the Question During Jewish Book Month by GARY KATZ Library Administrator As part of the 33rd Annual Jewish Book Month, the Kripke Jewish Federation Library presents Rabbi Lawrence Kushner on Monday, Nov. 20, 7 p.m., in the JCC Theater. His latest book is Kabbalah: A Love Story. Few writers are more closely identified with the interest of spirituality in America than Rabbi Kushner. With his first book--the now-classic introduction to Jewish mysticism, The Book of Letters, Kushner established himself as one of the most creative religious thinkers in America. He is now read worldwide by people searching to understand the connection between the sacred and the ordinary. And many of those readers have found Honey from the Rock, another “Kushner classic,” to be just as influential. His latest book, a novel, is a beautifully written parable about life, love and the importance of finding meaning and joy when and where we least expect it. Rabbi Kushner brings us an enchanting love story with the lessons and special meaning of Kabbalah seamlessly woven throughout. Hidden within the binding of an ancient text that has been passed down through the ages lies the answers to the heart's eternal questions. The teachings of the Kabbalah are both tantalizing and timeless, filled with deep meaning for those drawn to its mysteries. A former pulpit rabbi in suburban Boston, this prolific author has been widely hailed as an inspirational speaker. Copies of Kabbalah: A Love Story will be for sale at
This Week: Election Issue Starts on Page 13 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’
Shafer Fund to Benefit NJHS: Page 3
$16, and signed by Rabbi Kushner. Other Jewish Book Month events include: • Elisa Albert, author of How This Night is Different, opens Jewish Book Month on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 7 p.m., in the Kripke Library. • “Chanu-Kids” celebrate on Sunday, Dec. 3, 3:30-5:30 p.m., in the Rabbi Lawrence Kushner Kripke Library. • Dr. Ronald Wolfson, Omaha native and author of God’s To Do List, will educate and entertain audience members on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m., also in Kripke Library. • Perri and Sheila Klass, the daughter and mother authors of Every Mother is a Daughter, share stories at the annual Book Fair Luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 11:30 a.m. JCC Auditorium; cost is $15; reservations are required and may be made by calling 334.6462. •The Book Discussion Group meets on Thursday, Dec. 21, 1 p.m. in the Kripke Library. For more information on Jewish Book Month, contact me at 334.6462 or gkatz@jewishomaha.org. Jewish Book Month is sponsored by the Special Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.
Coming Next Week: Literary Supplement Teen Age Features USY of Lincoln: Page 11
The Jewish Women of Congress: Page 17
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 3, 2006
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cent dip in registration this fall-- JAFI is giving $1,000 Continued from page 1 the regional economy as a whole, said Ofer Isseroff, scholarships to Israelis who served in the army during the war. JAFI’s director of finance and human resources. Fostering regional pride also is on the postwar agenda: “We know on average each small business supports four families,” he said. “The collapse of small businesses There are plans for a program to take school children on field trips around the North and teach them its history. is like a snowball. It affects the entire economy.” Increasing the Jewish population in the Galilee and Small businesses were among the hardest hit sectors during the war. Many closed for the entire month of the investing in its development has been a long-term goal war, with no money coming in, yet their bills and over- of the Israeli government, which is wary of the current head remained. While larger businesses probably could demographic situation. A little more than half of the Galilee population is Arab. absorb that kind of loss, it Other informal education was not so clear small ones projects would bring voluncould. teer tutors into after-school Shmuel Miron, owner of programs. Educational an electronics repair store in enrichment programs for Acre, also received a grant immigrant children also from JAFI. would be a focus. “As someone who comes “This is a rare opportunity from the world of small to make changes in the business, I know that we can North,” Sherman said. often get lost in the shuffle,” The remaining $210 milsaid the Romanian-born lion from the emergency Miron, 63, who immigrated fund is expected to go to Israel as a teenager. toward trauma counseling “Some people can fall for children and to repair between the cracks.” hospitals, schools and JAFIDuring the war, JAFI proowned buildings damaged vided funds to place air conby the war. ditioning units in bomb shelters and send about The mayor of Kiryat Shmona, Haim Barbibai, addresses Doug Seserman, president 25,000 children from the members of the Jewish Agency board of governors in a and CEO of the Allied North to summer camps in bomb shelter in his town, refurbished by the Jewish Agency Federation of Colorado, with funds raised by the UJC Israel emergency campaign, walked through the narrow the center of the country. Credit: Nir Ayalon stone alleyways of Acco’s Postwar projects also Oct. 23. include education, including $1,000 scholarships for Old City, hearing stories of the war. “My objective is to students in the North. Adding another incentive to see the situation on the ground,” he said. “The war study in the North--northern colleges suffered a 60 per- ended. The rebuilding is just beginning.”
Omaha’s Mission Group Visits Israel’s North MEMBER BBB of the Heartland
CLIP & SAVE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3 Tot Shabbat Service and Dinner, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Shabbat Tunes and Tales, 11:15 a.m. at Beth El AZA #1 Sweetheart Dance, 7:30 p.m.
C L I P &
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5 BESTT 6th Grade Family Program, 10 a.m. at Beth El Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El Men’s Club “Hearing Men’s Voices,” 10 at Beth El 4B’s with Rabbi Azriel, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Yachad Music Workshop, 11a.m. Nashir Community Jewish Choir, 11 a.m. at Beth El BBYO New Members Convention Meeting, noon Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing, 12:30 p.m. at Kripke Library Kohll’s Flu Vaccination Clinic, 1 p.m. Training Session, 2:30 p.m. at Beth Israel for Current Chevra Kadisha Members by Rabbi Elchonon Zohn Community Lecture, 7:30 at Beth Israel with Rabbi Elchonon Zohn
S A V MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6 E JSS Senior Luncheon, noon
C L I P
Lisa Lieb, Federation Communications Director, e-mailed photos during last week’s Israel mission. From top left: Nancy and Howard Kutler show the boat their daughter decorated for a joint art project by Friedel students, mission participants and Israelis in Omaha’s Partnership area. Mary Sue Grossman examines destruction caused by a katuysha rocket. Partnership Regional Chairman Zoe Riekes and Federation Executive Director Jan Goldstein view a new playground donated by several Omaha familes to a community center. At the Western Wall are, front row: Marina Libov, left, Sharon Kooper, Nancy Kutler, Zoe Riekes, Holly Goldstein, Inna Goldman; second row: Debbie Trenton, Lisa Lieb, Lourdes Secola, Mary Sue Grossman, Jan Schneiderman, Maxine Noodell, Kim Goldberg, Jan Goldstein; third row: Jack Noodell, Rabbi Jonathan Gross, Dick Glazer, Howard Kutler, Howard Goldstein, Andrew Meeker, Sharon Sloan, Shelly Lerner, Sharon Kirshenbaum, Stacey Rockman.
& S A V E
Jewish Ethical Wills Class, 11 a.m. at Kripke Library Kohll’s Flu Vaccination Clinic, 3 p.m. at JCC JFO Annual Campaign Calls & Dinner, 6:30 p.m. Jewish Film Series, 7 p.m. at Beth El CJE Class Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 7:30 p.m. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7 General Elections, 7 a.m. at JCC Eye on Israel, noon at Kripke Library BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Women’s Book Group, 7 p.m. at Beth El Big Love Class, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel The Mothers’ Circle Class, 7p.m. at Beth El BBYO Advisory Board Meeting, 7 p.m.
C L I P & S A V E
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Rabbis & Presidents Meeting, 11:30 a.m. JFO Annual Campaign Calls & Dinner, 6:30 p.m. Jewish Book Month Event, 7 p.m. at Kripke Library What’s Jewish on the Web?, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel NCJW Meeting, 7 p.m. Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Insights into the Siddur, noon at Beth El Center for Jewish Education Board Meeting, noon Yiddush Group, 1 p.m. Pennie Z. Davis Parent Teacher Conferences, 4 p.m. The Art of Jewish Paper Cutting, 7 p.m. at Beth El Advanced Parshah Study, 9 p.m. with Rabbi Gross
All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)
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NCJW Hosts Israeli Jewelry Boutique by LISA LIEB NCJW Co-Vice-President of Public Relations The Omaha Section of National Council of Jewish Women will host a boutique featuring Israeli jewelry from Mavrik, a unique jewelry and gift boutique located in St. Louis. The boutique, which will take place on Sunday, Nov. 12, 7 p.m. at the home of Patty and Steve Nogg, 1425 No. 135 St., is sure to have something for everyone. Mavrik’s owner, Igal Alon, searches the globe to find original, handmade treasures from a spectrum of talented and well-respected artists, including popular Israeli artists Michael Negrin and Ayala Bar. Alon prides himself in discovering the latest innovations in silver, gold, gemstone and fine jewelry. He also carries a large collection of one-of-a-kind ceramic, glass and fabric art pieces. You can view his collection online at www.mavrikjew-
elry.com. “I am thrilled to be co-chairing this event along with Patty Nogg, Wendy Raffel and Suzy Sheldon on behalf of NCJW Omaha Section,” said Jaime Nogg, an NCJW Director. “This is a wonderful opportunity for members of the community to purchase beautiful jewelry and gifts made by talented Israeli artists, whose work is not sold in our city. In addition, this is a great way to support NCJW and the wonderful community service projects the organization supports each year.” Members of the community are invited to a special patron party beginning at 6 p.m. where attendees will have the opportunity to meet Alon and to shop before the event opens. A minimum donation of $18 is required to attend the patron party. The event opens to the community at 7 p.m. For more information, call Jaime Nogg at 991.6753.
November 3, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
Shafer Endowment to Benefit Nebraska Jewish Historical Society by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Foundation Pubic Relations Coordinator Miriam (Mickey) Shafer “was always interested in history. She was a very bright girl. A good student and graduated with honors,� according to her husband George Shafer. George, who enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942, was included in the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society’s (NJHS) veterans display last year. “The veterans display sold me,� he remarked. “You realize somebody’s got to perpetuate family history.� And so, last summer, George Shafer met with Marty Ricks, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation Foundation, to set up the Mickey and George J. Shafer Endowment Fund for the NJHS in Mickey’s memory. George, a native of Omaha and a Central High School graduate, met Mickey on a trip to Chicago in 1941 with friends Oscar Diamond and Milt Bloom. Mickey, who lived in Maywood, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, was related to George’s friends. That was the beginning of a relationship that resulted in a wedding on Sept. 6, 1942. George and Mickey moved to Omaha and began married life living in the Commodore Hotel at 24th and Dodge Sts. George, still in his early twenties, worked for Appleman and Robinson, a sportswear and uniform manufacturer. At 24, George, who already had a pilot’s license, enlisted in the military. He qualified for flying, navigation, and bombardier. However, World War II was winding down in Europe, and George fulfilled his service in the States. Mickey followed George to several locations as he learned to fly bi-planes and spy planes.
He decided to become an aviation works for the University of Nebraska mechanic and was transferred to bases in Foundation in the role of University of Idaho, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Nebraska Medical Center Director of California where he was discharged on Development, and Rothenberg teaches remedial reading and is an instructional Feb. 8, 1946. Back in Omaha, George returned to facilitator in the Millard Public Schools clothing manufacturing. He also worked District. George has been a member of B’nai with his cousin Robert Swartz in the furnace, plumbing, and heating industry, B’rith since he was 21 and has taken his and then ran Midwest Water Heaters turn chairing the annual sports banquet. “I’ve been to 50 of 51 of those banwhere he remained for 40 years before he quets,� retiring. After pointed out. a five-year To this day, he stint with a t t e n d s Asha Supply, Breadbreakers where he did every week. all the purHe gets a ride chasing, he with Ricks, retired again. who used to In the be George’s meantime, B’nai B’rith “Mickey was a bowling partm o t h e r , ner. “If not homemaker, volunMarty, then and Gary Javitch teer,� he said. gives me a Active in Beth ride,� George Israel Sistercommented. hood, she also Miriam (Mickey) and George Shafer Over the was a member of Eastern Star (Tangier Women), the years, including last year, George has Red Cross, B’nai B’rith Women, NJHS, worked on the Federation Campaign. Hadassah, National Council of Jewish But as of late, “I’ve kind of slowed down Section, Young a bit,� admitted the 88-year-old. Women-Omaha After World War II, the Shafers lived at Energetic Seniors, and helped found Volunteers Intervening for Equity, an 30th and Seward in an apartment before organization that assists seniors and is building a house at 49th and Decatur. They lived there about 13 years and then supported by the Junior League. Parents of two daughters, Patty spent about a year in Chicago where Sherman and Bunny Rothenberg, the George ran a water heater plant. But Patty and Bunny weren’t happy in Shafers have three grandsons, two granddaughters, and one granddaughter-in- Chicago prompting the family’s return to law. All but one live in Omaha. Sherman Omaha in 1961. They moved back into
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their 49th and Decatur home and George went into the home building business. In a couple of years, he and Mickey bought a house at 63rd and Western Ave. “Bagel Road,� he quipped. “I kept remodeling� the house where they stayed for 38 years. For about five years, George helped the Slosburgs build apartments at 114th and Blondo Sts. Mickey began to have medical problems necessitating the sale of the house and a move to Remington Heights at 126th and West Dodge Road. When her health worsened, she became a resident of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, and George moved to Livingston Plaza to be near Mickey. In 2003, at the age of 84, she died from Parkinsons Disease and cancer. Renee Corcoran, Executive Director of NJHS, said the new endowment fund will be used “to help with the yearly costs of operating our office. We feel fortunate to have the support in our effort to preserve the history of our Jewish community for future generations. Since NJHS depends solely on memberships and contributions to exist, the kindness and thoughtfulness of the Shafers is greatly appreciated.� “George is an amazing guy with interesting stories from the past,� remarked Ricks. “I really look forward to our chats every Wednesday when I pick him up for B’nai B’rith. And during the week, I frequently see him at the ‘J,’ always dressed impeccably. I know he loves residing at the Livingston Plaza, because there is so much going on both day and night. If I don’t see George at a program, it’s either because he is with his family or he caught a cold.� Ricks added, “I am very proud to call George a true friend.�
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 3, 2006
AC/DC Replaces Super Sunday by LISA LIEB Federation Communications Director The Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Campaign Co-Chairmen Steve and Patty Nogg have announced a new element to the 2007 Annual Campaign. The Annual Campaign Direct Calling (AC/DC) telethon will take place on several weeknights in November and December, providing the opportunity for campaign workers to come together as a group to solicit donors. AC/DC will supplement face-to-face and special solicitations, which will remain a significant part of the campaign. “This has been done in other cities and has been very successful,” Women’s Campaign Co-Chairman Jody Malashock explained. “Our callers will be getting a short, informative training session, which we feel will be very helpful in making solicitations. Members of the campaign leadership team and Federation staff will be on hand to answer any questions that may come up.” “My hope is that the community will embrace this new approach as we reach out to involve more people and ensure that we give as many people as possible the opportunity to support the campaign,” added Men’s Campaign Chairman Steve Levinger. During its pilot year, AC/DC will involve select divisions, and the program will be evaluated for expanded use next year. The entire Super Sunday Division will be involved in this pilot according to Co-Chairmen, Brian and Jaime Nogg. The benefits of this change are that donors won’t be interrupted during their Sunday family time, and they will
have the opportunity to make their pledge before the end of the year. The theme for AC/DC is “Our Community Rocks,” which the Campaign Leadership Team feels speaks volumes about Omaha. “While some elements of our Campaign are changing, the generosity of the Omaha Jewish community remains outstanding year after year,” said Marcia Pitlor, Women’s Campaign Co-Chairman. “I feel very proud of last year’s results, and all of us involved in this year’s campaign are hopeful that the increasing needs of the Jewish community in Omaha and around the world will continue to be met.” The Annual Campaign meets the needs of Jewish people across the globe by feeding the hungry, rescuing the oppressed and fighting anti-Semitism. Locally, contributions to the Annual Campaign fund programs and services delivered through the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s five Centers of Excellence: the Center for Jewish Education, the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Services and the Anti-Defamation Relations League/Community Committee. Campaign dollars also help support the synagogues, the Jewish Press, Friedel Jewish Academy, Va’ad HaKashruth, Bar/Bat Mitzvah programs, teen trips to Israel, BBYO and more. Omaha’s goal for the 2007 Annual Campaign is $3.4 million. To donate, call 334.6436, visit www.jewishomaha.org, or send your donation to the Jewish Federation, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154.
Abracadabra: Beth Israel Sisterhood’s Annual Donor by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue Magic, comedy, desserts, prizes and more! Beth Israel Synagogue’s Sisterhood Donor, “Abracadabra,” will be held Saturday, Nov. 18, 8 p.m. Featuring the magic and comedy of The Amazing Arthur, as well as extravagant desserts and fabulous raffle prizes, Donor will also include the opportunity to shop for unique Hanukkah gifts and “Made in Israel” items. Sisterhood’s Gift Shop will be open, starting at 7:30 p.m. Co-Chairmen are Julee Katzman and Sharon Kirshenbaum, who first thought of the theme, “Abracadabra,” when she recalled the connection between the magical word and Hebrew. According to Kirshenbaum, “The ancient Hebrew phrase, ‘avra kedabra,’ means ‘with these words I shall create it.’ Sisterhood is creating a magical night of entertainment. We’ll have surprising desserts and drinks, and The Amazing Arthur’s performance includes amazing magic tricks. ‘Abracadabra’ was the perfect choice for our theme.” “The Amazing Arthur is back by popular demand,” noted Katzman. “He performed for Beth Israel families during Purim and his show was so successful, we decided to bring him back for an adult-only performance.” Arthur’s show is “shul-approved” comedy for grown-ups only. Who is The Amazing Arthur? According to his website, “Vowing to only use his super powers for good, The Amazing Arthur is a one man comedy super hero! Comedian, Master Magician, Juggler, Yoyo-er,Arthur stands ready to answer the
call that beckons him--entertaining and interacting.” In other words, Arthur will make you laugh! “I think what’s really exciting about this donor is that it’s really going to be fun. We’re creating a magical comedy club atmosphere. Drinks and desserts are included, and I think people will be surprised by what we have to offer. Feast your eyes on a vast array of treats at Donor’s Decadent Dessert Buffet. And enjoy a limited open bar, including a couple of signature drinks created just for the event.” Katzman emphasized “This event is not just for women! This is a time for Sisterhood members to bring their spouses and their friends for a great evening. This year’s donor will be different from the ‘ladies luncheons’ we’ve had in the past. Whether you’re coming by yourself, as a couple or with a group of friends, you’ll have a terrific time.” A “Chinese” auction will also add to the evening’s excitement. Purchase raffle tickets and enter for only the prizes you want. There will be a wide range to choose from, such as beauty and spa treatments, gift baskets, services and much more. Come early to pick out Hanukkah gifts and unique “Made in Israel” items from the well-stocked gift shop. Sisterhood Fundraising Vice President, Betty Kozlen, also has made arrangements for a vendor of Israeli jewelry to be in attendance. Since the donor will be held in the evening, arrangements have been made to provide rides to those who are unable to drive at night. If you need a ride, please call Charlotte Kaplan at 551.5658. For information and to RSVP, call the office at 556.6288.
I am so disappointed in the way the Assessor’s Office is being run, I wrote this letter eded County Assessor Roger Morrisseyns’s. Icocomne n r o s s e s s a New Douglas w valuatio in response to onsible for lo
sp I am writing y that I was re so accused. g. 26 news stor never, ever be Au ill an w in ey reds, if not ss ts ri en or m t. Mr. M ssey has hund en ri im or pl M m r. co M a n . I am certai sidered this xes are too high e. This is a sin. We all know ta dget from my er market valu ov ed ss se as s raised the bu es ha m d ho n. an s of ar s, ye nd t thousa of $1.1 millio fice eigh total increase has been in of a b ey r jo ss fo e ri th or n, t M io ge r. ill t M ey, he can’ his $2.7 m on to m ar er ye ay a xp n ta $1.6 millio ge amount of has spent a hu ended increasAlthough he ’t he recomm sn ha hy w y, rl valuations? done. the elde just increasing such a help to of d en ea be Dena st s in ha ns he If ayers. Vote for exemptio spect our taxp of homestead re nty e ill lu ou w C va e as ho th gl w g in to someone ment at Dou oy ge pl an ch em a of r s fo ar It’s time ugh her 30 ye has created. s proven thro Mr. Morrissey at is, Omaha th s es Kowal, who ha m e Frank W. Bem hten out th ig ra st ill w e nty assessor that sh Douglas Cou 1975-1999
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A Chinese New Year by CAROL GENDLER Special to the Jewish Press I attended Yom Kippur 2006 services at Kehillat Beijing, a congregation “devoted to sustaining and enriching Jewish life in China.” I was visiting my daughter, Amy, and her daughter, Elita, who live in that fascinating city, where Amy is Director of AIGA-China, the professional organization for design, and is a faculty member at the Central Academy of Fine Arts.
Carol Gendler, center, visits her daughter Amy, right, and granddaughter Elita during the Jewish High Holy days. Services at Kehillat Beijing take place in the auditorium of the Capital Club Athletic Center, which generously makes its facilities available. A pre-Kol Nidre meal as well as a break-the-fast were attended by as many as 150, most of whom appeared to be Beijing residents affiliated with various businesses, diplomatic services and academic institutions. Some were visitors to the city. Students are welcomed as guests of the congregation. Services were conducted by Peretz Rodman, a Jerusalem-based rabbi and educator who, with his wife, Miriam Laufer, spent the holidays as guests of the Beijing Jewish community. While the first members of Beijing’s Jewish community may have arrived as early as the 1930s and 1940s, Kehillat Beijing dates back to 1979, the year Deng Xiaoping’s “Open Door” policy went into effect. In those early days, efforts focused on getting together for Passover and the High Holy Days, which were usually celebrated at the homes of members. The community’s first seder took place in 1980. The congregation was originally founded and is still led largely by Roberta Lipson and Elyse Silverberg, U.S.- born and educated women who came to greater China in the 1970s and ultimately founded Chindex International, Inc., an independent company that distributes Western healthcare products and provides
healthcare services. Recently they have opened hospitals in Beijing and Shanghai. Both of these women and their spouses have raised their families in Beijing. By the early 1990s, Kehillat Beijing had become a diverse and growing international Jewish community. Weekly Friday evening services began in 1995 and all major holidays are now observed. Services are usually lay-led though guest clergy are sometimes invited to visit the congregation and conduct services. A Sunday School enrolls about 25 children. In 1996. the community celeThe Ark of the Torah at Kehillat Beijing brated its first bar is really a Chinese wedding cabinet mitzvah, and the year painted in a somewhat ususual manner. following the first b’rit milah--not easily accomplished in a city with neither a rabbi nor a mohel. Another Bar Mitzvah is planned for later this fall. A sefer Torah was donated by Dr. Jordan Phillips, a Los Angeles physician, and his wife, Mary Zoe, whose have efforts resulted in the founding and Amy Gendler and daughter Elita get a operation of great view from atop China’s Great wall. “Medical Books for China International”, which over time distributed more than three-million books to more than 1000 libraries in China. The congregation’s web site, www.sinogogue.org serves as a virtual synagogue, providing information and the opportunity for participation.
33rd Annual Jewish Book Month
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Dr. Ronald Wolfson God’s To Do List Tuesday, Dec. 5 7 pm Kripke Library
Jewish holidays, rites, and gatherings are the glue that binds these stories together and, at the same time, unbinds each protagonist. Passover preparations, bar/bat mitzvahs, and tours of concentration camps form the settings for characters who feel emptiness in their observance.
Native Omahan Dr. Wolfson has created a practical guidebook to repairing the world - often in simple everyday ways - details the biblical accounts of what God does, not what God says: God creates, blesses, rests, calls, comforts, cares, repairs, wrestles, gives and forgives.
Rabbi Lawrence Kushner Kabbala: A Love Story Monday, Nov. 20 7 pm JCC Theater The answer to the heart’s eternal questions has been passed down through the ages to lonely intellectual Rabbi Kalman Stern. Through Kalman's relationship with his girlfriend, the wisdom of Kabbalah is revealed and we discover that when we choose to give away the precious part of ourselves, we are ready to receive love.
Perri and Sheila Klass Every Mother is a Daughter Wednesday, Dec. 6 11:30 am JCC Auditorium
Other Jewish Book Month Events Chanu-Kids Sunday, Dec. 3 3:30 - 5:30 pm Kripke Library It’s Chanukah! Pre-schoolers through third graders will be entertained by renowned story teller Joel Ben Izzy, face-painting, and a magician.
$15 Luncheon Reservation Required Looking deep into the lives they lived separately and together, Perri and Sheila tell their mother - daughter story with honesty, humor, zest and mutual admiration. Every Mother is a Daughter is a duet that resonates with the experiences that all mothers and daughters will recognize.
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Part II: Ten Days in October: A Russian Journal by GARY JAVITCH Chechens. An equal-opportunity invesSpecial to the Jewish Press tigative reporter, the writer also railed (Part I of this series appeared in last against the rebels of Chechnya for their week’s Press—and is posted on our website terrorist activities. Politkovskaya’s murat: www.jewishomaha.org, click on der was the 21st unsolved death of a ‘Jewish Press.’ In the first installment, reporter since Putin took office in 2000. Javitch wrote that he accompanied his Nevertheless, the Russians we talked to twin brother, who had been invited by the really like Putin. The embassy staff said State Department to lecture in Russia. he had about an 80% approval rating. Among his objectives, he wanted to meet During our chat, the young man Jews in Russia and find out how they and revealed that the couple had visited Israel ordinary Russians lived. The story contin- a short while ago. That’s when I realized ues with a few of the people they met at the that the couple was Jewish. Jeremy was previously desan American from cribed Yom North-field, MA, who Kippur service in had been living in a small synaMoscow for the last two gogue in St. years. He met his girlPetersburg.) Anna, a friend Besides the Muscovite, five years young couple earlier when she visited working for the America. Joint DistribThey invited me to join ution Committee them for a snack and we and a student, found a Starbucks-like among the coffee house. Anna Americans, we informed me that her coincidentally father was working on a met a U.S. project to bring Jews embassy staff back to Judaism with a Russians gather to protest the murder of member who cultural and educational investigative reporter Anna Politkovskaya, works for the program. the 21st journalist murdered in Russia since Department of It seemed like I was Putin took office. All cases remain unsolved. Commerce and back home, as we sat and was familiar with discussed life in Moscow David’s program. (hard) and her studies. When we went In just a few days, Anna out for a breakwould receive a master’s the-fast treat, I degree, which was why asked him for she left us so she could some impresprepare for a class pressions. He menentation. Jeremy, on the tioned how other hand, had time to much he apprecispare before going to a ated the presence sports bar to see the of the synaNew York Giants play gogue, knowing the New England how much antiPatriots. He was kind Semitism existed enough to take me on a in the country. walking tour of the city I nodded, Gary Javitch meets a Jewish couple, Anna and back to my hotel. recalling the dou- Pinskaya and Jeremy Lanou, at the protest of There were two other ble locks on the the reporter’s murder. interesting Jewish consynagogue and the cautious way we had tacts. One occurred at Red Square while been admitted to the service. The syna- walking past some historical markers. A gogue president also told us how she had woman asked my brother to take a piconce been stopped by the “road police.” ture of her and her friend with the state She added that they do not have to have a historical museum as a backdrop. Because reason to do that. The officer who pulled her English was nearly perfect, David her over noted she wore a Star of David asked the two ladies where they were around her neck and cautioned her about from; they were Israelis there on busivisibly wearing it. It was chilling. ness. From St. Petersburg, we traveled to And finally, on the return trip from Moscow via Aeroflot for the flight to Moscow to Boston, I helped an elderly launch the next phase of the lecture tour. Russian couple, who it turned out were Moscow was at once overwhelming and now residents of suburban Boston, living impressive. The roads were jammed with with their daughter and her family. The traffic. The Metro (subway) was packed conversation grew warmer and friendlier with commuters. The guidebook said the when the man explained he helped his city’s population was 12 million, but the daughter out every day by taking his embassy said it was closer to 17 million. grandchild to the local JCC! Guests of the U.S. Embassy At the St Petersburg synagogue, I parTagging along with my brother to tially fulfilled my first goal of meeting Jews. In a city as big as Moscow, I unex- Russia turned out to be a bigger treat pectedly met that objective again at a than I thought. That’s because the trip protest rally among a group of strangers. came with perquisites, so it became easy I was walking down Tverskaya Street on to combine and fulfill my second and my way to the Kremlin, when I chanced third objectives: to see the major Russian upon a large group of people milling sights and meet the Russian people. One perk was that the embassy picked around a park across the street from Pushkin Square, a favorite meeting spot. us up at the airport. But lest you think Many of them were shouting. Unaware that American tax dollars were being of what was taking place, I turned to a wasted, I must add that the embassy staff couple who were speaking English and arrived in a General Motors Chevy SUV, asked them what the furor was all about. and not a limousine. (On the return to The clamor, they explained, was a the Moscow airport, it was a Ford prodprotest of the murder of Anna uct.) No flag was flying on the fender. Politkovskaya, an outspoken opponent of Motorcycle policemen didn’t stop traffic. We had a Russian driver and an Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime of abuse against the rebel Continued on page 7
November 3, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
A Russian Journal Continued from page 6 English-speaking guide. Still, I was impressed. And we saved over $60 each way in taxi fares. I don’t know if the drivers were specially trained, but ours maneuvered in and out of traffic with precision-like skills. In St. Petersburg, we saw the renowned Hermitage. It’s the Russian version of the Louvre and it was very impressive. In case you wondered, the Russians pronounce it without the “H.” It’s a little confusing because of the way it is spelled in English. The museum is across from a big military academy, so we frequently saw cadets on the street. Besides the tiny reform synagogue, we also visited the largest synagogue in the city. Coincidentally, so had President Bush who also took in that sight during the G-8 Summit a few weeks before. His picture The largest synagogue in St. was proudly dis- Petersburg is the Edmund J. Safra played with the Synagogue.
his grave if he could see the great capitalist success of the largest department store in Russia, opposite his tomb on the other side of the square. Inside the former church, the three levels and three rows of small shops feature the best from Europe, Japan and a few stores from America, including a Levi’s jeans enterprise. On another day, we were taken to the U.S. Embassy for the beginning of the Edmund S. Muskie program (a State Department program designed for Russian students at U.S. universities). We had an opportunity to see the well-fortified building, obser ve the artw o r k (Andy Outside view of the Safra Synagogue. Wa r h o l originals, and some Chihuly pieces in one wing). We also heard a welcome speech from a member of the Russian Duma (Parliament). The highlight for me at the embassy was meeting the U.S. Ambassador to Russia, William Burns. Quick observations Between the embassy cultural attachés, the people on
Lubavitch Rabbi on a wall that we saw as we walked in. In Moscow, there are so many sights to see. I had fun just strolling the 30 minutes from the hotel down to Red Square and the Kremlin (“Kremlin” means fortress and there are many throughout the land. However, the most famous Kremlin is in the capital.) At one end of the square is the beautiful multi-colored, oniondomed St. Basil’s Church, one of many magnificent churches Behind Lenin’s tomb in the heart of Red Square, throughout the country. In the lie the graves of Stalin, marked by a small head Gary notices traffic light with sign middle of one side of the Red monument, and the graves of other famous below that says “Stop!”--an unusuby plaques, like Yuri Gagarin, marked Russians Square (actually a rectangle) is al aspect of Moscow society. the first man in space. the mausoleum of Lenin, one of the founders of the Bolshevik movement and commu- the street, the guides at the museums, and the friendly hotel staff, I was able to ask a great many questions nism in the Former Soviet Union. Lenin is remarkably well preserved and lies “in state,” about life in Russia. Here are some quick observations. The architecture was plain on the apartments and available for viewing twice a week, guarded by a cadre of green-uniformed soldiers who make certain that you most government buildings. Of great beauty were many of the historic sights, especially the churches, which had don’t linger too long by his glass-encased tomb. Ironically, the old socialist would probably turn over in gold plated domes and unique designs.
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The Cyrillic alphabet has 33 letters, some of which look American and have similar sounds. I learned 25 of them, which enabled me to “read” Russian street signs and navigate around the city. It did, however, take me about 10 seconds to figure out a word. Occasionally, I could define a few special words. Those were words that had an English-sounding derivative like “bank,” “boulevard,” “synagogue,” or “café.” I also discovered why it was that the old abbreviation for the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republic) appeared in the Cyrillic alphabet as CCCP. That’s because the “C” has an “S” sound. That covers “Soviet” and “Socialist.” The word “Union,” the third “S,” comes from the Russian word “Soyuz” (as in Soyuz satellite) which represents the third “C.” Finally, a “P” in Russian is pronounced as an “R.” So CCCP represents USSR. The young women in Russia are very attractive. Perhaps that was because they all seemed so trim. Many of them smoked and for certain, they did a lot of walking. The young men were rugged and good looking also. (Middle-aged men and women carried more weight.) Life in Russia did not appear to be easy. One physician from a small Russian town who worked for an American company told me that doctors, as government employees, earned a little more than $500 per month. It was hard to imagine such well-educated people earning so little. How could they live? They certainly couldn’t survive financially at the Marriott Hotel where the embassy booked us. There we encountered the breakfast buffet for nearly $40 and the Sunday brunch at a whopping $94. Needless to say, we ate at other restaurants, but relatively speaking, I still found some of the prices high. In contrast to American eateries, the portion size was considerably smaller. We found the food tasty. Dorothy had it right In the end, the trip was magnificent. I viewed things I had never seen. I got to talk to some extremely interesting people. I joked to my friends how great it was to know people in high places--like my brother! At the same time, the Jewish connections I made helped me realize it’s a small world after all and that family is everything. And finally, after hearing so many things re-translated from English to Russian or vice versa, I truly appreciated the timeless phrase that “There’s no place like home.”
EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the deadline for the Nov. 24 issue is Wednesday, Nov. 15; the deadline for the Dec. 1 issue is Tuesday, Nov. 22. Questions? Call 334.6448.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 3, 2006
Beth El Class Links Contemporary Life with Weekly Torah Readings by JILL BELMONT Dave Cooper said he decided to sign up for the class Beth El Publicity Coordinator because “I wanted to find more meaning and underAndy Greenberg is a matchmaker of sorts. Not in the standing of the weekly parshiyot – I had many questions traditional, Fiddler on the Roof ‘yenta-style’ of match- about them.” Admitting that at times, he finds it difficult making, but in his passion to connect Jews of all ages to relate to the parshiyot, Cooper added that, “The more with Judaism. I study, the more questions I have.” Responding that Whether leading Shabbat services or Passover Seders at contemplation and questioning are healthy and of great the Blumkin Home, teaching adults at Beth El, helping value, Greenberg noted, “We may never know the to develop Shabbatonim for youth, or helping B’nai answers but the questions keep us all going. The way the Mitzvah celebrants write their speeches, Greenberg is Torah was written inspires questions, and of course, committed to strengthening these connections, and God’s ways cannot always be understood, and demand helping people to see how probing. biblical teachings are relevant “Questions also mean an to contemporary life. interest in finding out Last year, he created and more about a subject,” he led “From Your Heart to added. “If life and literaGod’s Ears,” an adult-educature were all taken on face tion class at Beth El which value, there would be a explored Jewish prayers; this lack of knowledge and year he’s engaging adult studiscovery. Asking quesdents during the cleverly tions and being puzzled titled “The Weekly Parasha: promotes creativity and It’s All About Me!?” Held thought-provoking discussions.” Sunday mornings at 10 Greenberg went on to a.m., this class serves as a applaud all of his class parlively discussion group, offering attendees opportunities Greenberg chuckles at a comment made by class participant ticipants saying, “They’re to find commonalities Dave Cooper, back to camera, during “The Weekly Parasha: all amazing! Each brings his or her own unique and between their lives and the It’s All About Me!?” held every Sunday morning at Beth El. personal stories to class each week. The amount of weekly Torah readings. According to Greenberg, “This class has been designed respect they have for each other during discussions is to help participants develop their own insights and per- truly inspirational; they feel so free in discussing their sonal relationships with the weekly parasha. My goal is own issues or past or future dreams.” The respect and admiration goes both ways, as several for everyone to be able to relate in some way to each character, event, insight, meaning and impact of the class members lauded their instructor for his teaching Torah readings, and together we’ll see how history has a skills. “I had attended Andy’s class about prayer,” said Anna Wiesman. “I found him to be an excellent moderdirect impact on our lives.” Because of varied perspectives and interpretations, ator, asking questions intended to make us think about delving into the Torah holds an endless fascination to what we were reading and how it affected, or could Greenberg. “You never know everything – it’s not possi- affect, our lives. Having never been involved in a discusble. The fun is in the learning and teaching,” he said, sion of the parshiyot, when his current class was noting, “Just as the body is exercised, when the brain is announced, I knew I could not stay away. Besides, the trained to think, the benefits are amazing, and can be of title intrigued me!” Through the class’s thought-provoking discussions, great value in many areas of life -- work, parenting, etc.” He added that he gets enjoyment from helping others Wiesman said she has benefited by “understanding pos“to relate and discover that being Jewish is truly benefi- sible meanings and having ‘ah ha!’ moments when I realcial. It can be a hard thing to do, but I love the chal- ize how I act in my own life according to – or not! – leslenge. Having these types of discussions are also good for sons passed down through the generations. I have learned, and am learning, so much about Torah with the brain -- theirs and mine. It keeps you going!”
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Not in Our Jewish Homes? by SUSAN ROTHHOLZ for the National Council of Jewish Women Domestic violence is rampant in many homes...Jewish and non-Jewish. How do we recognize the symptoms? Should we report a friend? What happens to the children who are involved? Are only men the abusers? The Director of the Domestic Violence Coordinating Council’s Court Watch program is a member of the National Council of Jewish WomenOmaha Section. Tracy Grinstead-Everly will give us answers to these and many more questions on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 7 p.m., at the home of Suzanne Singer, 11223 Woolworth Plz. (Brookhollow Condominiums, 114 and Pine Sts). A magna cum laude graduate of Teikyo Westmar University in 1992 with majors in history, philosophy and political science, she earned a law degree from Creighton University in 1995. Prior to her current position, Grinstead-Everly worked as the lead attorney with Legal Aid of Nebraska’s Domestic Violence Project. She also is the co-founder and first president of the Nebraska Women’s Bar Association. Join us to learn more about this insidious behavior and how we can recognize and help both the abused and the abuser. RSVP to me at spredwood2@cox.net or 391.3043.
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Andy that I will never read it the way I have in the past.” Ann Goldstein, who was tutored by Greenberg during her Bat Mitzvah training, called his teaching methods “participatory, enthusiastic and interesting,” and said she enjoys learning from others in the class; Cooper echoed Goldstein’s thoughts, adding his appreciation of Greenberg’s humor, insightful perspectives and respect of others who hold different opinions. “He adds so much to the discussions,” he commented. As the class has progressed, Greenberg’s matchmaking talents have proven to be successful. “Each week we uncover new ideas and concepts,” he said. “As we explore the parshiyot, these new insights help everyone to develop and understand their own personal connection with the lessons of the Torah.” All adults in the Jewish community are welcome to join in the weekly conversation. Cost is $36 for the year; for information, contact Program Director Margie Gutnik at 492.8550 or programming@bethel-omaha.org.
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November 3, 2006
LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638. VISIONS Visions Luncheon meeting is at Westside Community Conference Center (3534 So. 108 St.) on Friday, Nov. 17, 12:30 p.m. The cost is $10. Our speakers will be reporters from the KETV 7 News Team. Mike Sigmond and Ben Gray will bring us up-to-date on recent political developments and events. Send reservations with full
payment to Tootie Simon, 8725 Izard St. Omaha, NE 68114 by Nov. 10. As a joint project with Jewish Family Service, we are asking our members for a monetary gift. JFS will use this money for Jewish families who are in need. Please bring your donation to the luncheon or send a check to: Betty Kolnick, 1031 Hillcrest Dr., Omaha, NE 68132. Make check payable to JFS. Visions’ “Senior Conditioning” will be held at the JCC community room on Wednesday, Dec. 13, noon. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. and at 1:15 p.m., the Dancing Grannies will perform. The cost is $10 per person. Deadline is Dec. 7. Make all checks for programs payable to Visions. B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS David Kotok will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Nov, 8, noon, at Regency Lodge, according to Gary Javitch, chairman. Kotok, an Omaha WorldHerald reporter, will analyze the election results. All men and women in the community are invited to attend Breadbreakers. Cost is $11 for a complete lunch and $3 for beverage service only
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Throughout her career, Bernadette Peters has won over audiences and critics alike with her dazzling performances on Broadway, on television, on the silver screen, and in concert. Peters brings her amazing talents to Omaha for a special “one night only” performance with the Omaha Symphony on Saturday, Nov. 4, 8 p.m., at the Holland Performing Arts Center. The concert will feature Peters singing a collection of Broadway favorites including “Some Enchanted Evening,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” and “There is Bernadette Peters Nothing Like a Dame”--all backed by the talented musicians of the Omaha Symphony orchestra. While Peters is best known for her work in musical theatre, she also has an impressive list of movie, television, and recording credits--including roles in 17 feature films, guest appearances on numerous television series and specials, along with six solo CD recordings. Tickets range from $30 to $125 and are available at 402.345.0606, 402.342.3560, www.omahasymphony.org or at the box office, 1605 Howard St.
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ORGANIZATIONS YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Members will meet Monday at the JCC. Opera Omaha presents War Horse 101, a multi-media introduction to Opera. This live, staged, multi-media, musical presentation includes professional singers, and accompanist with Opera Omaha educators. The focus will be on the Italian operas. An Italian lunch will be served at noon for $6 per person. Try your luck with bingo at 10 a.m. For transportation call Dee Dee at 330.4272. Call Maggie Conti for information and reservations to the Ameristar Casino on Nov. 30.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Omaha Performing Arts brings Joan Baez to the Orpheum Theater on Thursday, Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m. Few artists can claim the title of “voice of a generation,” but Joan Baez is one of them, and her generation was one of the most turbulent in this nation’s history. Joan’s rich folk music served as the conscience of an era, her soprano voice lending a soundtrack to such historical moments as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s March on Washington, Cesar Chavez’s strike for fair wages for migrant workers and the escalation of the Vietnam War. More than 40 years later, Joan is still a vocal force for justice and peace. Her Omaha performance will include selections from a vast repertoire, including her first live album in 10 years, “Bowery Songs”, a chronicle of her 2003-2004 tour that was recorded in its entirety on the Saturday night after Election Day, November 2004. This performance is part of the Omaha Performing Arts Presents Popular Entertainers Series. Tickets are on sale now through Ticket Omaha online at www.ticketomaha.org, by phone at 402.345.0606 or walk-up at the Ticket Omaha box office at the Holland Center, 13th and Douglas streets. Tickets are priced from $19 to $45.
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BIRTHS Japanese Sushi Marianna and Aaron Pollak of San Francisco, CA, announce the Oct. 4 birth of their daughter, Shaina Rose, named for her great-grandmother, Reva Goldstein. Grandparents are Karen and Oliver Pollak, and Maya and Alex Shtromberg of San Francisco, CA. Great-grandparents are Ruth Pollak of Laguna Woods, CA, and the late Willam Pollak, the late Joseph and Reva Goldstein, and Mikhail Shtromberg of San Francisco, CA.
MARRIAGE ELLIOTT/ZACHARIA Alyssa Elliott and Brent Zacharia of Albany, CA, were married on Aug. 5 at the home of the bride’s mother, Joan Elliott. They had a garden wedding. A reception was held in Santa Cruz, CA The bride is a graduate of the University of California at Davis. She is a landscape architect with RHAA in Mill Valley, CA. She also is the daughter of the late Rod Elliott. The groom graduated from University of California at Santa Barbara. He earned a Masters in Civil and Environmental Engineering from University of Washington and works for Clearwater Hydrology in Berkeley, CA. He is the son of Terri and Dick Zacharia, and the grandson of Trickle Milder.
Shannon and Mitch Sherman announce the Oct. 11 birth of their daughter, Allyson Hannah, named for her great-grandfather, the late Arthur Sherman. She is the granddaughter of Marc and Claudia Sherman, and Roger and Rhonda Heffelfinger of Grand Island. Great-grandfathers are Irvin Harris of La Mesa, CA, and Jim Schlegel of Lincoln.
Hadassah Physician Participates in Lung Cancer Breakthrough by ROBERTA ELLIOTT Jerusalem--The results of an international research study published in this month’s New England Journal of Medicine report that an annual low-dose CT scan can detect lung cancer in its earliest stage in 85 percent of patients, and when followed by prompt surgical removal, 92 percent have a 10-year survival rate. Implementation of this simple procedure would dramatically decrease the number of deaths from this disease, considered the most lethal cancer in the western world. Some 170,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with this cancer every year; about 95 percent of them do not survive. Currently, most cases are diagnosed when the lung cancer is in its later stages. The study, initiated by researchers at New YorkPresbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center in 1993, expanded into an international research effort known as I-ELCAP (International Early Lung Cancer Action Program), involving researchers from 38 medical centers in seven countries. The Hadassah University Medical Center is the only Israeli hospital that participated in this research effort.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 3, 2006
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IN THE NEWS Becca Hornstein, a consultant for special needs, will be in Omaha this month to open a discussion with those interested in “Establishing a Special Needs Jewish Home,” according to one of the organizers, Doug Wolfson. Hornstein will speak in morning and afternoon sessions on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., at the Jewish community Center. For more information, call Wolfson at 551.5993 or 968.6364. The Nebraska Humanities Council and the Nebraska Foundation for the Humanities have new members. Elected to the NHC board are Tamara Buffalohead McGill, director of student support services at Creighton University in Omaha; Sara Brandes Cook, professor of social sciences at Peru State College in Peru, NE; and Mark Foxall, assistant director for community corrections at the Douglas County Department of Corrections in Omaha. Gov. Dave Heineman appointed Carol Gendler, a community volunteer in Omaha. University of Nebraska Medical Center Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., and his wife, Beverly Maurer, were honored by Children’s Square U.S.A. on Oct. 24 at a dinner at the MidAmerica Center in Council Bluffs. The Maurers and two other prominent area couples received the Jason Award from Children’s Square U.S.A., an organi- Dr. Harold and Beverly Maurer zation dedicated to providing care, education and treatment services for more than 425 children and families a day. Children’s Square U.S.A.’s main campus is located in Council Bluffs with programs and services also offered in Sioux City and Omaha. The organization is 123 years old.
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The Strategic Air & Space Museum will honor Veterans by inviting them to the Museum for the reduced rate of only $5 on Saturday, Nov. 11. Visitors are welcome to participate in Veterans’ round table discussions from 11:30 a.m.--1 p.m.; enjoy entertainment from WWII re-enactors from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and members of the Westside High School Band at noon. The 2006 Nebraska Book Awards program, sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book (NCB), recognizes and honors books that are written by Nebraska authors, published by Nebraska publishers, set in or concerning Nebraska. This year’s winners are: • Anthology: Slamma Lamma Ding Dong: An Anthology of Nebraska’s Slam Poets, Editors: J.M. Huscher, Matt Mason, Dan Leamen, iUniverse, Inc.; • Children/Young Adult: The Nebraska Adventure by Jean A. Lukesh, Gibbs Smith; • Cover/Design/Illustration: These Trespasses by Jim Reese, The Backwaters Press; • Fiction: This Is Not the Tropics by Ladette Randolph, University of Wisconsin Press; • Nonfiction: Impertinences: Selected Writings of Elia
Peattie, a Journalist in the Gilded Age by Elia W. Peattie, edited by Susanne George Bloomfield, University of Nebraska Press; • Nonfiction Honor Book: Rainmakers: A Photographic Story of Center Pivots by The Groundwater Foundation; • Poetry: No Accident by Aaron Anstett, The Backwaters Press. Award winners were honored at the Nebraska Book Festival at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln. David Sukiennik, a senior at Millard North High School, was crowned 2006-07 Homecoming King. He is the son of Marlene and Hyman Sukiennik. The Artists’ Cooperative Gallery (ACG), has announced the acceptance of new members. Sculptor Michael Godek and two-dimensional artists Inna Novikova, Nicholas Pella, Jeffrey Smith and Martie Wagner, were chosen by a jurying process. Novikova is a Russian artist residing and working in Omaha. She adapted a distinct style of painting on heavily textured canvas, using modeling paste, acrylics, gold leaf and oil pastels. Novikova’s art is a part of number of private collections in Europe and the U.S. In 2006 her painting “Jerusalem--Magic Journey” was published in the Art World News magazine, which named Novikova as “an artist worth watching.” The Artists’ Cooperative Gallery is located at 405 So. 11 St. in the Old Market. The Gallery is open to the public Wednesday and Thursday, 10-5 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11-10 p.m., and Sunday 12-5 p.m. NP Dodge Company will again be participating in the Rebuilding Together Omaha project. Three homes have been selected to receive some tender loving care from these great volunteers. Over 125 employees and agents across all company divisions will work together to rehab three homes by clearing debris in yards, painting, moving rock and making repairs. The three homes being worked on include: 5008 No. 60 Ave., 3509 ‘U’ St.; and 4552 Ogden Ave.
Yosef Abrahamson, left, Dinah Abrahamson, center, and Joe Shyken, were invited to meet Karl Rove, the architect of Republican strategy, second from left, while he was in Omaha working with Senate candidate Pete Ricketts, right.
Yachad Takes Closer Look at “Big Bugs” by DUANE J. PIEPER found their way into the Torah. Remember Moses and Just when you thought it was safe to go outdoors, a the eighth plague and those hordes of locusts descendswarm of “Big Bugs” landed at Fontenelle Forest, the ing upon Egypt? In Proverbs 6:6, we are admonished site of Yachad’s latest event. Even though larger than not to be sluggards, but to look to the ant and its induslife, they had no ability to trious ways. move beyond their fabriAfter our mile long explocated frames strategically ration, we returned to the placed throughout the cozy and safe confines of the forest. The members had Nature Center, where an the privilege of getting a insect quiz of 20 more facts closeup look of 10 unusuawaited. This was probably ally large wooden insects more scary than the exhibit sculpted at artist Dave itself. It’s amazing what a Rogers. complex and diverse world Apart from the cool of creatures are flying and weather and even a few crawling around our neighsnowflakes, while hiking borhoods. It’s good for us, through the forest we who live in their midst to learned some “cool” facts know something about about the insect world. In the shadow of Dave Roger’s preying mantis sculpture are: them. Did you know that insects Eric Friedberg, left, Jill Salomon, Ron Giventer, Grace Isler, Lisa We could not find any of make up almost 80% of Salomon, Tyrie, and Josh Parsow. those delectable chocolate the creatures on the earth. Fortunately for us they are covered gourmet ants for a thematic snack, so we finished the day with the next best thing, chocolate chip much smaller than Mr. Roger’s creations. With these sorts of numbers these creatures have even cookies from Bagel Bin.
November 3, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
underwritten by A GENEROUS GRANT FROM THE MORTON A. RICHARDS YOUTH FUND Editor’s note: This month’s Teen Age features the teens of USY of Lincoln. Special thanks goes to Lori Feldman, Youth Director of Tifereth Israel, for collecting the material.
Yes, There are Jewish Youth in Lincoln, Nebraska! Impressions of A First Timer huge success. This would not have been possible withby LORI FELDMAN LUSY Youth Director out the amazing attendance and work ethic of our members. The above response is Currently we are in the what I repeat often. No matprocess of renovating a ter where I go, or even if I space to become a youth am right here in Lincoln, lounge. We have been very people are surprised that fortunate to have congrethere are enough Jewish gants support the youth of youth to form a youth Lincoln to make this all posgroup. sible. Carpeting and paint Imagine their surprise will be accomplished soon. when I tell them what a After completion we will be mighty few can accomplish. outfitting the lounge with Lincoln USY (LUSY) curcomfortable furniture and rently has 11 USYers and media equipment. seven Kadimaniks. Hopefully we will be able This small but mighty to locate a foosball table and group has had a variety of other games to have availactivities and events this past year. Some of those activities USY and Kadima members include, front row: (Kadima) D.D. able to add to the fun. include movie nights, make Krout, left, Jeremy Payne, Courtney Brockman, Avi Knecht; I cannot express enough your own smoothie bar, back row: (USY) Haleigh Brockman, Donnie Earl, Sammie how honored I am to watch such excitement for our attending conventions, and Payne, Zach Knecht, and Carly Feldman. Jewish community. Our members are ready and willing leading services to list a few. The most recent highlight was our highly successful to represent the positive side of youth. Stay tuned and watch us grow! “Pizza in the Hut” Sukkot dinner. The evening was a
Lincoln USY by EMMA FELDMAN Lots of loving people Intense relationships made Nice events for people Community service is great Our chapter is the best Lincoln chapter is small but tight No one is left out or hurt Unbelievable programming Services are fun when USY leads You’re missing out when you’re not in LUSY! Emma Feldman is a ninth grader at Lux Middle School.
How I’ve Grown Through USY by CARLY FELDMAN My freshman year Kinnus, I was not the least bit religious. I sat at the services and could barely sit still. I didn’t know many of the tunes, and was bored out of my mind. Sophomore year I knew a bit more of the tunes, but was not very into it. When I went back home, things went back to normal, and I forgot all about how we could actually have some fun during services Junior year, in my third year of USY, it clicked. I thought, “Hey these services aren’t so bad.” I looked forward to the next convention, where there would be tons of ruach-filled services. Also, I knew I had to start getting into the services because I’d be doing it three times a day, every day for six weeks, on USY Pilgrimage that summer. Senior year, I’ve only been to LTI so far. But after my trip, I’m so excited about going back to my USY family. I have many lifelong friends through USY, and I’ve grown to love the services, tunes, people, and the enormous amounts of ruach. I look back at my early years of USY when I wasn’t so sure about it, but I’m so glad I’ve stuck with it. I am counting days until the next convention. The USYers I see at the conventions are all my family. Without USY in my life, I think I would still be at the point of not caring about services, my Jewish identity, or other Jewish people. But thanks to USY I am a better person. I’m very sad this will be my last year with USY. I cannot imagine how much it will stink not going to conventions next year. I’ll miss it very much, but for now I just make the best of it, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Carly Feldman is a senior at Lincoln East High School.
Jewish=Positive by HALEIGH BROCKMAN I absolutely love being Jewish, and one of the main reasons is because of all the amazing people that I get to be around. One of the best experiences that I have had with other Jewish kids was attending Herzl camp for the last two years. Being from Lincoln, I haven’t had the opportunity to be around a lot of Jewish kids, so I was absolutely in awe when I saw so many Jewish kids at Herzl. At first I was pretty shy since I didn’t really know anyone, but the other kids welcomed me with open arms. This is another one of my favorite things about being Jewish; everyone is so nice and caring. While at camp I experienced many great things, including the activities that made me look at Judaism in a whole new way. I love being Jewish, it may not always be easy, but it is definitely worth it. I have already had such positive Jewish experiences and I know I will have a lot more throughout my life. Haleigh Brockman is a freshman at Southeast High School.
by DOMINIQUE KROUT (D.D.) When I first started KADIMA, I thought it was going to be the most boring thing ever in my life, that there was not going to be anything fun to do or to talk about. But when I finally joined, it turned out good. The activities we are planning right now seem really fun--like the “Lock-In” and leading services on Friday nights. So I am looking forward to that. Also, we are getting a lounge with a TV and a game area and lots of stuff so we can just hang out. That seems like oodles of fun! Since I am not on the board now, I don’t know if I would like to be on it next year or not. It gives me time to think and see what it is like. I love the people who are in our chapter. It is like our own little family; we all love each other very very much. It also will allow me to know the people involved, even though I know them. It is always fun to find out new things about people! I hope this year will be fun, which I am sure it will be! The activities sound great; the people are great, and the learning experiences teach me well. Dominique Krout is a sixth grader at Irving Middle School.
Being Jewish by COURTNEY BROCKMAN Kadimah Co-President Every Friday and Saturday we sit in the Synagogue But everyday we pray We have different beliefs But we like it that way No matter what we are a family Through stares and glares No matter what we are community We are the people that care We don’t look at you differently We don’t make comments about you We are just Jewish We are people too! We have different holidays A lot of people think that’s cool We celebrate different things But that doesn’t mean we rule! I love my Jewish family I love teaching my friends new things everyday I love being Jewish I wouldn’t have it any other way! Courtney Brockman is a seventh-grader in Lincoln.
LUSY in the Sky (with Jewish Kids from Lincoln ) by SAMMIE PAYNE I am really really really really really looking forward to Kinnus this year! I can’t wait to see all of my friends from camp and my friends from last year’s Kinnus. I also can’t wait to have fun with my LUSY friends: Carly, Haleigh, and Donnie. I love them so much and we’re going to have so much fun together. I’m also excited about the shirts and sweatpants that we decided to make
for Kinnus. They’re so cute, but I can’t say what they’re going to look like because not everyone knows yet. So the clothes are going to be a suprise. So...hmmm...the last thing I wanted to say was that I’m really happy to be the vice-president of LUSY this year; I love it! Sammie Payne is a junior at Lincoln Southeast High School.
Perspectives from a Recent Nebraska Transplant by JENNIFER ROSENBLATT Kadima and USY Mom My family and I moved here from Tampa, FL, in July 2006. My husband is attending UNL, studying for his DMA in composition. In Tampa, I taught preschool part time at the JCC and Hebrew school at the synagogue. My two sons, Zach, 14 and Avi, 11, were both active members of our synagogue, Hebrew school, and youth groups. I was a little worried moving from the Tampa Bay area with a population of about 2.5 million to college town with a population around 225,000. We were going from an area with at least five Conservative synagogues to a state that only had two. Jewish kids are always in the minority, but were there going to be any at all in Lincoln, NE? To my relief the answer was yes. Not only do Jewish kids and youth groups exist in Lincoln, they are vibrant and active. The youth’s level of participation and commitment is extraordinary. I have
seen more kids show up to youth functions at Tifereth Israel. In Tampa, they would all turn up for the kick-off and then never show their faces again. Another great thing about the Jewish kids (and adults) in Lincoln is that they all stick together. In Tampa, as I’m sure happens in a lot of larger cities, there is a chasm between the “Day School” kids and the “Hebrew School” kids. They all attend shul together; they all attend Kadima/USY together, go on trips and conventions together, but they never hang out together. In Lincoln, there are no cliques. We are all Jews and that is the way it should be. So even though our shul was bigger, the Jewish population was bigger, and the community-wide events were bigger, when it comes to quality youth programming and participation we have learned first hand that bigger is indeed not always better. However, it is never too soon to start looking for a nice Jewish girl …
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 3, 2006
Children Throughout Area Practice for Great Plains Hanukkah Concert by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator They’re singing in Omaha, and Lincoln, and Des Moines. Preschoolers and elementary-age children are practicing for the Great Plains Hanukkah Concert: Rededication to Our Children which is only a couple of weeks away. Approximately 200 children will participate in the concert at Beth El on Sunday, Nov. 19, 4 p.m. Tickets are being sold at Temple Israel, Beth El, and Beth Israel for $10 per adult, $5 per student, and $2 for children, four to 12 years old. Tickets will also be sold at Beth El on the day of the concert for $10, $7, and $4. Children less than four years old are free of charge. Patron packages are available for $50 (two tickets), $100 (four tickets), and $200 (eight tickets). Patron tickets can be any combination of adult, student, and child tickets. Families with children singing in the concert will be given two free children’s tickets. In the interest of educating the larger, mostly Christian community about Jewish traditions as Jews of all denominations celebrate their faith, history, and music, the Hanukkah Concert is an opportunity to buy tickets for the participants’ music and public school teachers. “At a time of year when Christian holiday celebrations and shopping dominate our community, the Hanukkah concert is an important step in alerting the wider world to the life of Jewish people in their midst,” said Cantor Wendy Shermet of Temple Israel, who along with Cantor Gastón Bogomolni of Beth El, has spent more than a year planning and working on this first-time event. Elissa Wiener, a fourth grader who attends Beth El, said, “I know most of the songs. On Sundays, we have practice for about three hours with the cantor and volunteers.” She also listens to a CD that the cantors made for all the children to use for practicing at home. “I like to sing to express myself,” said the nine-year-old. “Sometimes I just make up songs to express my feelings. The concert is a very special opportunity, because a whole bunch of places are participating. It’s going to happen at Beth El. We Elissa Wiener might never do this again!” She looks forward to being “with a lot of friends and
meeting new people.” Elissa recommends attending the concert to hear “kids singing and being happy for Hanukkah.” Ariel Kohll, 11, practices “when I’m cleaning my room and at Temple” where she practices “with Cantor (Shermet) and Mr. (Jeff) Taxman.” When asked if she likes to sing, Ariel emphatically responded, “Oh yes! I Ariel Kohll think I’m pretty good. It makes me feel good when I use my abilities.” Some of the songs in the concert will be sung in Hebrew which is “kind of different,” she admitted. “There are going to be a lot of kids from all over the Midwest, and it will be kind of cool to hear us sing the same songs. I think it’s going to be really fun!” Sam Kricsfeld is a second grader who attends Friedel Jewish Academy. His family belongs to Beth Israel. He likes to sing, but “it depends on what songs they are. I like to sing songs that are in the plays (performed) Sam Kricsfeld at school.” He also likes the songs he’ll sing in the Hanukkah concert. “Most of them are happy Hanukkah songs,” said the seven year old. “Most of the people who go will enjoy the concert, because they have really good songs, and they get to go to a new synagogue and be in front of everybody from kindergarten through sixth grade from five states!” Preschoolers from the Child Development Center at the Jewish Community Center will bring the youngest voices to the concert. Eylon Caplan, four, likes to sing “all kinds of Eylon Caplan songs in Hebrew and English.” He also thinks, “it’s fun to be with the other kids.” He practices at home with his sister Mika, eight, who is also participating in the concert. Eylon added
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that people will want to go to the concert, because “it’ll make them feel good to watch the kids.” Second grader Hannah Cline, from Temple B’nai Jeshurun in Des Moines, will be coming with her fellow classmates to Omaha for the concert. “Yes, I do like to sing. I sing along with anything I know on TV and radio.” Hannah, who is seven, is practicing at her Temple and also at home. “I think the songs are great. It’s just amazing to sing Hebrew. When I was two years old, I didn’t think I could learn that. But here I am!” She is excited about traveling to Nebraska. “I’ve never done a traveling singing thing, and I’ve never been in a choir before.” She suggested that people who might not know the songs “could learn them” as well as “get the experience to see something live like this.” Singing in Hebrew, “makes me feel like I’m very special,” Hannah said. Proceeds from the concert will be divided between Child Saving Institute, which provides a variety of services to children and families in the Omaha community including therapy for victims of neglect and physical and sexual abuse, and Wings, a non-profit Israeli organization that assists young adults who have disabilities.
The Women of Offutt
Sponsoring the kiddush at B’nai Israel Synagogue in Council Bluffs last month were: Lynn Samuels, left, Jane Dreyfus, Susie Besser, Sherry Fletcher, Carol Lainof, and Claire Blass. All have connections to the Air Force Base at Offutt. At next week’s Shabbat Service, men and women inducted into the Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson High School Hall of Fame will be honored during 7:30 p.m. worship service.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 13
The General Election
November 3, 2006
2006 America Decides
(Editor’s note: All candidates running in the Nov. 7 election and those supporting or opposing in itiatives and/or amendments were given the opportunity to submit 300-word statements to the Jewish Press for this special election issue. The Press, owned by the Jewish Federation of Omaha, does not endorse candidates or political parties, nor does it takes stands on issues such as amendments, but does attempt to cover candidates when they speak before Jewish audiences, such as B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers. Only the following statements were received by our deadline. Don’t forget to vote this Tuesday, Nov. 7!)
UNITED STATES SENATE PETE RICKETTS Pete Ricketts’ Position on Israel and the Middle East Peace Process: The United States and Israel share a special bond based on our shared values and commitment to democracy. Israel has seen impressive economic growth, and is a shining example that democracy in the Middle East is not only achievable, but also a realistic goal. Israel and the United States as Friends and Allies: Israel and the United States share a commitment to democracy. Support for Israel has been a consistent component of U.S. foreign policy, and Israel is a crucial trading partner. The fundamental goal of regional security in the Middle East cannot be achieved without a safe and secure Israel. Continued Foreign Aid: U.S. aid to Israel is a vital element of both Israel’s national defense and the defense of U.S. interests abroad. I support continued aid to Israel. It is in the United States’ interest to support our allies and to work for a strong Israeli state so as to insure a meaningful peace in the Middle East. Regional Peace and Security: Israel and the Palestinian people work together to achieve a lasting peace. However, this cannot be achieved without a two state solution. The fact that Hamas has chosen to recognize Israel was a step in the right direction, but I do not support negotiations with a government that provokes armed conflict with its neighbors. For over 50 years, the United States and Israel have worked together in the pursuit of peace in the Middle East. Israel continues to be a strong partner in that mission and is the region’s most successful democracy. As a candidate for U.S. Senate, I will strengthen the relationship between the U.S. and Israel as friends and allies; support continued foreign aid to Israel; and work to foster regional peace and security.
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT LEE TERRY Eight years on the Omaha City Council and eight years in Congress have provided me the opportunity to get to know the people of the district, their goals, and values. I work each day to represent those views and values in Congress. I have the experience, leadership, and seniority to best represent Nebraska. I
Vote YES on AMENDMENT 1!
know how to operate within the system and I have built up important relationships within the government, which allow me to make Nebraska’s voice heard in Washington. I serve on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which oversees telecommunications, energy, finance, trade, consumer protection, and business-related issues. The Committee’s wide-ranging jurisdiction makes it one of the most influential in Congress. My committee work proves I am a strong advocate for energy independence, pro-family policies, strong national security and pro-business legislation. My priorities are centered around securing the future for our families. Finding alternatives to traditional oil-based energy is critical to our economic security as well as our national security. I worked to include several key provisions in the 2005 Energy Bill, such as increasing ethanol production, more funding of alternative fuel research, growing the nation’s natural gas supply, which will stabilize home energy costs, and establishing new hydrogen fuel cell incentive programs. I have a strong record in voting to increase our national security efforts in order to protect the freedoms we enjoy today for our children and grandchildren. I have voted to help fund the war on terror as well as strengthen our nation’s borders. I am a proven advocate for Nebraska. It has been an honor serving as your congressman .
NEBRASKA SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN GALE Serving as your Secretary of State for the past six years has truly been an honor and privilege. As a fifth generation Nebraskan, I am proud of our state and see a tremendous future for growth and prosperity for our state. Working for those goals as a constitutional officer is an exciting and meaningful challenge each day. We have made significant accomplishments, modernizing election equipment, utilizing e-government, and expanding civic outreach programs. In the next term, I look forward to building upon past successes and reaching for new goals. With a new term, I will work to strengthen fair elections, promote good citizenship, and create economic opportunity. Utilizing reliable, accessible and accurate election equipment is vital to fair elections. I will always refuse to compromise the accountability and security of our elections. We will continue to innovate by promoting programs such as early voting and satellite voting. Children need to know what makes a good citizen, why we participate in elections, and why we’re proud to be Americans. I have expanded and will continue to grow our youth outreach programs. My civic programs will reach over 50,000 school children this year alone. For Nebraska to remain competitive in the global marketplace, we must actively promote our state to foreign businessmen and diplomats. Two years ago, my office organized a two day International Diplomatic Conference in Omaha, introducing over 50 diplomats to the opportunities in Nebraska. We are
planning our second conference this month. Israel has been involved in both conferences, and we appreciate it’s interest. We are promoting international economic ties and hopefully we can improve our trade with Israel. Finally, thank you for your interest in this race. For more information, please visit my website, www.Gale2006.com.
JAY STODDARD I am seeking the position of Nebraska Secretary of State for the following reasons: 1. To clean up our election process. Nebraska’s Campaign Limitation Act (CFLA) is only as good as it is administered. 2. The form of “franking,” with our money being used for politicians to praise themselves is improper handling of “fine” money received by the Secretary of State and Attorney General’s offices. If they want to run an ad, they should use their own funds. 3. Voting machines must be transparent with names of people handling software and verified by experts, not just employees. 4. The Secretary of State’s main duty is handling election process properly, keeping records of ballots, and making certain people who are seeking office adhere to the rules. Every vote should be counted properly (Voting Rights Act of 1965). 5. All of the persons working for the Secretary of State should be treated fairly and likewise treat the public fairly (be happy in the workplace), and pleased at the job they are performing. I was born in Nebraska and have never lived any other place. We have a great family and love Nebraska. I am in love with Nebraska. I promise you a better job than the current Secretary of State is providing, with friendlier service and kindness to each other. Let us restore ethics and dignity to Nebraska with friendly service to all.
NEBRASKA UNICAMERAL DISTRICT FOUR PETE PIRSCH I wish to thank my friends and relatives in the Jewish community for their support in helping me to win the recent primary election for state legislature in district 4. I ask for your vote again in the general election this Tuesday, Nov. 7. I have the experience, energy and vision to help lead the state in the right direction. I care deeply about our community. It has always been, and will forever be, my family’s home. As a Criminal Prosecutor in Omaha, I work hard every day to protect children from physical and sexual abuse, to protect state funds from fraud, to fight illegal drugs, and to keep our neighborhoods and schools safe. As a Governor-appointed board member of the Nebraska Crime Commission, I have worked over the years to help efficiently oversee the management of millions of dollars in state and federal funds to ensure public safety in every Nebraska community. Last year, I helped to initiate a law that was sucContinued on page 14
On November 7 th . . .
YOUR VOTE will:
Does NOT use any tax dollars!
help children become better readers and do their best in school without raising taxes or creating a new tax.
Helps charities do more for our communities!
help reduce crime, welfare dependency, special education costs and school dropout rates.
Makes Nebraska equal with other states!
help children from all across the state participate in early childhood activities.
Good for Nebraska's smaller communities!
Learn more at: www.familiesforamendment5.org
Vote Yes on Amendment 1! Learn more at: www.YesonAmendment1.com Paid for by Building a Better Nebraska With Amendment 1 Committee - Bob Hallstrom, Treasurer 233 South 13th - Suite 800F - Lincoln, NE - 68508
Paid for by Families For Amendment 5 1125 S. 103rd St. • Suite 200 • Omaha, NE 68124
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 3, 2006
Statements from Candidates Continued from page 13 cessfully passed in the legislature creating tougher penalties for child predators. I am proud to be supported by every major law enforcement and public safety organization in the area. Several of my family members are educators, and I am committed to ensuring a quality education for every child in Nebraska. As a former family businessman with an MBA, I understand the best ways to foster economic development and job creation in Nebraska. Over the last few months, I have visited every door in the district, well over 10,000 homes. My pledge is that you will always find me to be open and responsive to your concerns and questions. I will be a strong new voice in the legislature.
NEBRASKA UNICAMERAL DISTRICT 20 BRAD ASHFORD I have been blessed over the years to be able to have a career in the private sector as a lawyer and business owner and, at the same time, work on issues for our city and state. I learned about the importance of public service from my retailer grandfather, Otto Swanson. As owner of Nebraska Clothing for over 50 years he also demonstrated a commitment to our community that has been memorialized by NCCJ with the Otto Swanson Humanitarian Award. The people of Omaha are incredibly generous and involved citizens. We all do our part. I have found public service to be my avenue to help contribute. The greatest lesson I have learned in public life is that working together to solve problems is a far superior approach than positional politics. I am convinced that when the chips are down we can sit down, leave our egos at the door, and come up with solutions that help our community move forward. The recent debate over LB 1024 highlights the importance of education to each of us. Though there is uncertainty as to the impact of LB 1024, what is certain is that the next Legislature will be making many of the critical decisions in the implementation of this law. As I did as state senator from 1987 to 1995, I pledge to support the independence of all our community schools while addressing the unique needs of OPS and encouraging cooperation and collaboration. There will be 20 new State Senators and 9 new Committee Chairs. I am running because during this uncertain time I believe I have the experience as a State Senator to help bring people together to solve issues like those in LB 1024. The issues to be faced by the next Legislature will not wait.
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA BOARD OF REGENTS DISTRICT 4: BOB WHITEHOUSE
Master of Science in Secondary School Administration from the University of NebraskaOmaha along with an Educational Specialist Degree in Secondary School Administration. He is an adjunct professor at UNO. In addition, Whitehouse coordinates the Nebraska Educational Leadership Institute sponsored by the University of Nebraska Lincoln, Gallup University, and Nebraska Council of School Administrators, is a member of the University President’s Advisory Board, served 12 years on the Wells Fargo Bank board of directors, has been active in South Omaha Optimists for 24 years, as well President of the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame Foundation Board. Bob and his wife, Kim, have three children.
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA BOARD OF REGENTS DISTRICT 8: CAROL RUSSELL Carol Russell has a deep respect for the State of Nebraska, its people and its University System. A Nebraska native and lifelong resident, Carol received her Bachelor of Science degree at UNL and her Master’s Degree in Pathology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. A tireless force in promoting programs and services to improve the quality of life for all Nebraskans, Carol has helped chart the vision and mission of numerous non-profit organizations. In addition to assuming extensive fiduciary responsibilities while serving as President and/or Chairman of many Boards of Directors, Carol also managed cancer research studies at the Medical Center in her professional career. She understands the importance of education in Nebraska and its role in fueling the economic vitality of the state. Russell believes that the future success of the University system depends on learning centers of excellence on each of the four campuses. Carol recognizes that each campus can no longer be “all things to all people” and she believes that by focusing on areas that support the career paths important to the state, jobs will be provided for young people and keep them in Nebraska. Russell is proud of the growth at UNMC. She knows medical research has a direct impact on each of our families, and she understands the importance of continuing to grow Nebraska’s research capabilities. While 51% of all University of Nebraska students are women, there are no women who serve on the Board of Regents. Carol will provide a voice to represent the majority. Russell has been described as “an articulate, energetic observer of the NU system… and is well-deserving of voters’ support.”
DOUGLAS COUNTY TREASURER JOHN EWING
I believe the three most important issues for Bob Whitehouse is a candidate for the the voters of Douglas County regarding the District 4 University of Nebraska Board of Douglas County Treasurer’s Office are: restorRegents seat. It is an open seat previously held ing fiscal integrity; restoring public trust and by Drew Miller. Bob is a life-long educator and improving customer service. I will restore fiscal administrator. He has taught in the classroom, integrity by eliminating cash refunds, utilizing served as a principal at the middle school and standard accepted accounting principles and high school level, and for 33 years has been a bringing a CPA on staff. director of the Nebraska State High School I will restore the public trust to this critical Track Championship. office by always telling the truth and treating Current Regent, Drew Miller, has this to say citizens and employees with dignity. I will never about Bob. “Whitehouse is the only candidate abuse the Douglas County Treasurer's Office, with experience managing school budgets and by soliciting campaign contributions from comcontrolling cost. He is the District 4 candidate panies during negotiations where I am one of pledged to support the University’s research, the decision makers. important to curing disease and for obtaining I will utilize technology to provide on line grants and economic growth for the community.” services to eliminate the current waiting times Whitehouse promotes these tenants as a of 60 to 90 minutes. I will also offer true candidate for the University of Nebraska Board expanded hours for those who work during the of Regents; improvement of student and staff day staying open as late as 6 PM on most diversity, affordable tuition rates, enhanced days. I will provide satellite services to citizens collaboration for aggressive economic develop- in Ralston and western Douglas County. ment and accountability for excellence in I have a proven record of acting with integriteaching. ty at all times during my twenty-four year Whitehouse is a graduate of the University of career of public service to the citizens of this Nebraska-Kearney with a Bachelors of Science state. I have a proven track record of fiscal in physical education and biology. He holds a Continued on page 15
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Statements from Candidates Continued from page 14 integrity managing the $87 million dollar budget of the Omaha Police Department as a Deputy Chief and ensuring checks and balances are in place for all of our cash funds. I have also served as President of the Board of Directors for the Siena Francis House and Habitat for HumanityOmaha helping to manage both budgets and fundraising campaigns. I have also served as the Chairman of the Morning Star Baptist Church Building Committee and Co-Chairman of the Trustee Board. I have always insisted on having proper checks and balances in place as well as limiting unnecessary access to cash. I believe the most important part of this is eliminating the cash refunds which have resulted in several embezzlements. Not allowing third party refunds which allowed a former manager to embezzle over $120,000 of taxpayer money would be a priority. I would conduct more frequent audits and have external audits of all of the processes in the Treasurer’s Office. I would also limit access to the state VTR system which was utilized in this large embezzlement. I also believe the refund audit system should be utilized to track and audit refunds to ensure accuracy and limit chances for embezzlement.
DOUGLAS COUNTY ASSESSOR DENA KOWAL I will work for you to return the Assessor’s Office to a taxpayer-friendly office that is not intimidating, to obtain fair and equitable valuations, to implement a quality control program, and to utilize all resources available to the Assessor's Office. Creating one website, available to all taxpayers with full access to public records. Working with the Board of Equalization to serve the taxpayers In a fair manner where the taxpayer, appraiser and referee work towards fair assessments together.
Equalization should be the Assessor’s priority. Some areas have not been reassessed for eight years and other areas have had multiple or large single increases. The current assessor uses outdated information to reappraise property and does not always physically inspect properties. The Assessor’s Office currently has “quality control” issues. Some new commercial properties have not been added to the tax rolls until reported by the public. The current assessor missed adding the new Homeland Security Building worth over $13,000,000. This makes you wonder how many houses or buildings may have been missed? The office currently has staff and resources to generate fair and equitable valuations, but they are not used efficiently. The appraisers are licensed, but need training in mass appraisal techniques. A majority of the appraisers do not appraise, but only review values set by management. The mass appraisal system is designed to develop values, however, only a select few are allowed access to the system. In the eight years since my opponent took office the Assessor’s Office budget has increased 1.1 million dollars and the assessments are still not fair. Four County Commissioners, Frank Bemis, former Assessor, Tom Doyle, County Engineer have endorsed me along with many organizations. With my knowledge and experience I believe we can do a better job, Visit www.kowalfordcassessor.com
ROGER MORRISSEY Roger Morrissey is seeking his third term as the Douglas County Assessor with the same promise he’s made and kept for eight years-he’ll continue to fight for fairness in valuations “First and foremost, nobody should pay more than their fair share in property taxes,” said Morrissey. “We have made great progress
Paid for by Don Kleine for Douglas County Attorney
in equalizing valuations in the pursuit of fairness. This is not the time to turn the clock back.” Morrissey said advances in technology and changes in state regulations would make it difficult to comply with state law if a county tried to return to assessment practices of the past. He said all taxpayers benefit when valuations are accurate and fair. In addition, Morrissey said his office works hard to make valuation information available to the general public through the office and via the Internet. The eight-year incumbent is a graduate of Creighton University and holds professional memberships in the International Association of Assessing Officers, Omaha Area Board of Realtors, Nebraska Realtors Association and the Appraisal Institute. He is a Nebraska Certified General Appraiser. He is the only candidate in the race with professional fee appraisal experience. Morrissey said he is particularly proud of the efforts of retired business and community leaders who have volunteered each year to help elderly and disabled homeowners with the annual application process for the homestead exemption program. “I have the experience not just in the Assessor’s office, but also through my prior career as an appraiser in the private sector,” Morrissey said. “We believe the Assessor’s office has demonstrated a commitment to a process that is fair. We have worked with the media, citizens organizations, and through our website to educate taxpayers about assessments. We have also reached out with volunteers to expand access to homestead exemptions for elderly or disabled homeowners.”
Don’t forget to vote Tuesday, Nov. 7!
DOUGLAS COUNTY ATTORNEY STU DORNAN Douglas County Attorney Stu Dornan has a breadth of experience in all aspects of law enforcement. Stu has served as an FBI special agent, a public defender, a private attorney and as Douglas County Attorney. His wide-ranging legal experiences make him the most qualified candidate to meet the complex needs of a modern County Attorney’s office. Stu initiated the STAR 6 Program to crack down on repeat offenders and uses the habitual offender statute as it was intended--to put bad guys away for a long time, not as a tool for plea bargaining. Lawyers now advocate for the State at the time of sentencing and often receive stricter penalties. He has bolstered the County’s Civil Division by hiring exceptional attorneys with an overall average of 12 years experience. Stu spearheaded the Young Adult Court and mental health jail diversion programs so that criminal prosecutors can spend more time going after the worst criminals lurking in our communities. Stu also partnered with public schools to teach children to make better decisions about avoiding crime and peer pressure and to stop crime at its source--all while returning over $325,000 in taxpayer money to the County General Fund. Stu is a former Westside School Board Member who is involved in a wide range of community activities including the Ronald McDonald House, Big Brother/Big Sisters and the Open Door Mission. He is the father of nine children who actively participates in their endeavors including serving as a coach for youth soccer, volleyball and baseball. As Douglas County Attorney, Stu has committed himself to strengthening our community by making it safer through tougher prosecution of gang, drug and gun offenders as well as by Continued on page 16
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November 3, 2006
Statements from Candidates Continued from page 15
AMERICA DECIDES 2006 by placing new emphasis on caring for and advocating on behalf of victims.
DON KLEINE I am running for Douglas County Attorney. I was born here, raised my family here, and devoted much of my professional career to making our community safe. Public safety is the paramount concern of the County Attorney. I have 20 years experience as a prosecutor, and former Chief Deputy Douglas County Attorney. I have prosecuted criminals in over 125 jury trials. I have become a leading expert in DNA prosecutions and have been trained in both international and domestic terrorism investigations. I also have extensive administrative experience: Statewide Bureau Chief in the Nebraska Department of Justice; past President of the Nebraska County Attorneys Association; and manager of a law firm. As County Attorney, I will fiscally manage the office, ensure county officials receive the best representation, and vigorously prosecute criminals. Residents are concerned with: child sex offenders; the vigorous prosecution of all crimes; and the efficient expenditure of taxpayer dollars. My 20 years as a prosecutor illustrate my commitment to public safety. As County Attorney, I will monitor released child sex offenders and continue to vigorously prosecute criminals. The efficient expenditure of taxpayer dollars can be safely achieved by placing non-violent, first time offenders in diversion programs instead of more expensive prison
cells. However, I will ensure pubic safety is not threatened and tax dollars are not wasted on duplicate programs which are soft on criminals. The County Attorney is the top prosecutor in the county. The County Attorney must have a close working relationship with law enforcement. I am endorsed by: the Omaha Police Officer’s Union, the Deputy Douglas County Sheriff’s Union, local State Troopers, the Omaha Fraternal Order of Police, and Fraternal Orders of Police in Elkhorn, Ralston, and Boys Town. Learn more at www.voteDonK.com.
NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD DISTRICT 4 BARB NICHOLS The next four years is critical for the Papio NRD. It will be a turning point in how your NRD will tax you to fund its mission to protect and enhance our natural resources. Property tax is the primary source of revenue for the District’s programs and projects. Last month, the NRD Board adopted a stormwater policy that if implemented, could double your tax liability to the NRD. I believe we can accomplish our responsibilities to improve water quality and provide flood protection through sound stormwater management practices without indebting you to $300 million in general obligation bonds. I am a fourth generation, lifelong Nebraskan. My family homesteaded in northeast Nebraska in the mid-1860s. For over 150 years my family has trusted Nebraska’s natural resources to sustain our needs and maintain the quality of our lives on the land and in our family business. My sincere and passionate interest in our natural resources is manifest in study as well. I
hold degrees in both environmental studies and political science from UNO. My sons Jeremy, Dusty, and Adam, have made career choices that support their own respectful values for their environment. Honesty and open communication has been the cornerstone of my long history of volunteer leadership dedicated to improving our Jewish community. As Scoutmaster, I brought the scouting program back to the JCC to instill character and respect for nature in our sons; as vice-chairman of Women’s American ORT, I chaired programs in our local Jewish community for Jewish Family Service. I proudly bring a solid background of family business and Nebraska common sense, education, and experience to represent you in the crucial decisions to be made for sound natural resources management.
STATEMENTS ON AMENDMENTS/INITIATIVES INITIATIVE 421 VIDEO KENO SLOT MACHINES by DEBBIE DENENBERG Initiative 421 would immediately put an unlimited number of video keno slot machines into over 600 Nebraska neighborhoods. Soon, local restaurants, convenience stores, etc, would apply for keno licenses—they’re not that hard to get. 421 would dramatically change Nebraska’s landscape. Four reasons to vote no: 1. Experts in compulsive gambling say that video slots have earned their reputation as “the crack cocaine of gambling”. Video slots are involved in two out of three gambling addictions in the nation. Iowa’s addiction rate tripled after casinos with slots opened there. Based on that rate, introducing video keno slots here would addict 65,000 Nebraskans, and impact many more: retirement funds spent, college savings vanished, homes lost, businesses robbed through
embezzlement, and families shattered by divorce, abuse, and suicide. Teen addiction rates are triple those of adults. Should we even attempt to raise money by spreading a miserable, lifelong disease like addiction? 2. The most comprehensive gambling study, commissioned by Congress and the president states: “Convenience gambling facilities…benefit only a few operators, while bringing gambling into neighborhoods in close proximity to children and families…The Commission recommends that states should not authorize any further convenience gambling operations and should cease and roll back existing operations.” --the National Gambling Impact Study 3. Let’s learn from our neighbors. Iowa, Louisiana and South Carolina have each thrown out neighborhood slot machines and South Dakota is trying to do the same. Bill Janklow, Governor of South Dakota, said neighborhood slots were “the biggest mistake the state ever made”. 4. 421 is heavily promoted by keno owners. Don’t trust them. Nebraska’s entire congressional delegation, governor, religious leaders, business leaders like Warren Buffett, and many more are united against 421. Trust them. Learn more at www.noslotsnebraska.com .
AMENDMENT 5: EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ENDOWMENT by JESSIE RASMUSSEN On Nov. 7, Nebraskans will have a unique opportunity to vote for Amendment 5, a policy that will strengthen our most vulnerable families and children, and at the same time, will promote economic productivity. Amendment 5 establishes an early childhood education endowment--without raising taxes or creating a new tax--that will give children from families of limited resources the opportunity to have a Continued on page 17
VOTE JAY STODDARD N e b ra s k a S e c re t a r y o f S t a t e
I am seeking the position of Nebraska Secretary of State for the following reasons: 1. To clean up our election process. Nebraska’s Campaign Limitation Act (CFLA) is only as good as it 1. is administered. 2. The form of Franking, with our money being used for politicians to praise themselves is improper 2. handling of “fine” money received by the Secretary of State and Attorney General offices. If they 2. want to run an ad, they should use their own funds. 3. Voting machines must be transparent with names of people handling software and verified by 3. experts, not just employees. 4. The Secretary of State’s main duty is handling the election process properly, keeping records of 4. ballots, and making certain people who are seeking office adhere to the rules. Every vote should be 4. counted properly (Voting Rights Act of 1965). 5. All of the persons working for the Secretary of State should be treated fairly and likewise treat the 5. public fairly (be happy in the workplace), and please at the job they are performing. Paid for by Jay Stoddard for Nebraska Secretary of State
November 3, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Sisters Doing It for Themselves: Jewish Women on Rise in Congress by JENNIFER JACOBSON contends that minority women, including Jewish WASHINGTON (JTA) -- Why are there so many women, “have taken advantage of the opportunity, have women in the congressional Jewish caucus? Rep. Jan been inspired --almost doubly inspired -- to be part of Schakowsky (D-Ill.) cuts to the chase. It’s the Jewish- that progressive change.” mother factor, she says: They get things done. Nowhere is this trend more apparent than in the “Is it surprising that a Jewish mother would be in the Democratic Party. “Without a doubt we are certainly the U.S. Congress?” Schakowsky asks with a laugh. more welcoming of the two parties to women’s rights “We know how to do things. We state our minds. issues” and “that includes a woman’s right to choose,” Often we come from educated and successful back- says David Goldenberg, deputy executive director of the grounds.” Jewish women outpace their non-Jewish coun- National Jewish Democratic Council. terparts in the Congress, both in terms of the relative He attributes the slew of Jewish Democratic women in Jewish population in the United States -- about 2 percent Congress to the fact that the “Jewish community really has -- and in terms of the male-to-female ratio in Congress. sought to empower women.” Also, he says, mainstream Women hold Jews are more progressive than the rest of 67 of the 435 America. Republican Jewish women have won seats in the leadership roles as well. Matt Brooks, executive U.S. House of director of the Republican Jewish Coalition, cites RepresentaLinda Lingle, governor of Hawaii, and Florence tives, or about Shapiro, a state senator in Texas, as rising stars 15 percent. Of within his party. Brooks acknowledges that fewer the 26-memJewish women have ascended the ranks of the Jewish ber Republican leadership, but says that’s because the contingent, goal is “to get more Jewish Republicans, period.” seven are “It’s not a gender thing,” he says. “We’re lookwomen, more ing for the best people, men and women.” than 25 perThat’s what voters look for, too, says Matt Dorf, cent. managing partner of Rabinowitz/Dorf They are Communications and a Democratic Party conRep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), left, Schakowsky; sultant. “Race after race, it’s the views that mataddresses a crowd about birth control rights. Susan Davis ter, not the Jews,” he said. “People are voting Credit: Office of Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Calif.); Nita for good candidates with smart ideas.” Still, he Lowey (D-N.Y.); Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.); says, that doesn’t stop U.S. Jews from looking to their Jane Harman (D-Calif.); Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.); and representatives with pride. Allyson Schwartz (D-Pa.). There are two Jewish women “It’s always been a badge of pride how many Jewish in the Senate: Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Diane members of Congress there are,” Dorf says. “The Jews Feinstein (D-Calif.), among 14 women and 11 Jews. in America look to public figures for proof of their comA number of the female lawmakers have moved up the munity’s acceptance in mainstream America.” leadership ranks of the Democratic Party: Lowey served a Berkley has been keenly aware of this throughout her term as chairwoman of the Democratic Congressional political career. When she first ran for office in 1982, she Campaign Committee; Harman is the ranking member of says, some elected officials in Nevada just happened to be the Intelligence Committee; and Schakowsky serves on the Jewish. She wanted to reverse that equation. “When I ran, House Democratic Leadership team as chief deputy whip. I wanted to run as a Jewish woman who happened to be Three more Jewish women are running in these a public servant,” she says. “My Jewish background is the midterm elections: Gabrielle Giffords, a Democrat, is a essence of who I am. It’s important for people to know shoo-in in an open seat in southern Arizona; and Ellen and appreciate that.” It’s also what propelled her into Simon, a Democrat, is running a competitive race in public service. Berkley says her mother, a homemaker, was central Arizona against incumbent Rep. Rick Renzi, a active in her synagogue sisterhood and B’nai B’rith. Republican. In northern Virginia, Democrat Judy Feder The people skills her mother used in those organizahas an outside chance against incumbent Frank Wolf. tions are the same skills Berkley uses to campaign. She also The increased visibility of women is a recent phenom- took from her mother a commitment to social justice and enon. The number of women in the House doubled in equality. “I took the values I got from my mother, and the 1990s and increased in the Senate in the past decade. I’m able to translate that into legislative action,” she says. “Inside that increase of women in general, there’s The Jewish value of “tikkun olam,” or repairing the been a strong representation of women from groups of world, is a natural fit for Jewish women and the the population that are minority groups,” says Ruth Democratic Party, Schakowsky says. “A sense of justice Mandel, director of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at is very much part of our Jewish upbringing,” she says. Rutgers University. Some 25 percent of the women in She describes her Jewish female colleagues as passionate Congress are women of color, she says. and committed to the issues. “Self-confidence certainly As political office has become more accessible, Mandel characterizes all of us,” she says. “So it’s not surprising that we’d seek leadership positions.” They also have similar agendas when it comes to supIsrael, children and the elderly, she says. porting Continued from page 16 Schakowsky attributes the recent success of women cana good start in life. didates, and not just Jewish ones, to the fact that “votThe research is very clear- what happens in the first five ers think women are more honest and less likely to be years of life sets the stage for the rest of our lives. Childrenswayed by special interest groups.” especially disadvantaged youth- who participate in quality Schultz agrees. The average voter views Wasserman early childhood education are more likely to be good readers, women as being in politics “for the right reasons,” she graduate from high school, go to college and become prosays, and sees them as “agents of change.” ductive contributing members of our community. over government corruption When public frustration The research is also clear that some of the most expensive and scandals surface, women tend to do well in elections, and fastest growing programs in state government- special Schultz says. She expects this November will Wasserman education, Medicaid, criminal justice- are the result of failbe no different. Female Jewish candidates tend to help ures to meet the needs of children in the early years of their Schultz recently flew to each other out. Wasserman lives. Investing in the early years is much more effective- and Arizona to help Giffords’ campaign. Berkley held a funda lot less expensive--than trying to fix problems after they raiser for Giffords at her home in Washington. occur. Giffords, 36, believes sending more Jewish women to Amendment 5 creates flexibility for a small portion of an Congress will push forward issues such as stem-cell existing fund dedicated to the public schools to be used for and ensure that women continue to have the research early childhood education. Educators want this because they right to abortion. Jewish women will also push educaknow they are the direct beneficiaries of children arriving at tion to the forefront, she says, and will advocate for school better prepared to learn. U.S. involvement in Israeli-Arab peacemaking. greater Private contributions will provide a 50% match to the pub“This administration has not taken an active role in the lic funds for the Endowment. The annual earnings from the peace process as it should,” Giffords says, but contends combined public-private endowment will fund grants to pubthat Jewish women could change that. “In my family, if lic schools to provide opportunities for at-risk children to paryou want to get something done you take it to the ticipate in quality early childhood education programs. Jewish women relatives,” she says. When you vote, remember “High Five for the Kids!” For “Jewish women, by and large, know how to get things more information, go to www.familiesforamendment5 done.” .org.
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2006 America Decides Vote on November 7
Vote Pete Pirsch for Legislature on November 7th
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The Right People The Right Investment The Right Programs Carol Russell understands that a strong state university system is good for our state’s economy and so much more. Dedicating herself to public service, Carol has taken an indepth look at the university system and has identified ways that it can be improved for the benefit of us all. It’s time to make a change on the Board of Regents that will get the right people, the right investment, and the right programs in place.
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For Many, Book Clubs Offer Easy, Stimulating Path to Jewish Identity by SUE FISHKOFF SAN FRANCISCO (JTA)--A dozen women are sitting in a second-floor lounge at San Francisco’s Jewish Community Center, heatedly discussing the first volume of Maggie Anton’s trilogy, Rashi’s Daughters. “I thought it was a cheap ‘Red Tent’ imitation,” says one woman, referring to Anita Diamant’s popular biblical-era novel. Another said she “gobbled up” the bits on 11th-century midwifery. The women, ranging in age from mid40s to early-70s, are members of a monthly book group. The group isn’t advertised as “Jewish” but the women all are Jewish, as are most of the books they read. Several of them go to other Jewish book groups. Nine are JCC members. Five take Jewish adult education classes. Only three belong to a synagogue. “I like to read, I like to learn,” Roslyn Rhodes says. “I don’t have any Jewish background. Even when I go to temple, I feel like, why is this being said? Why is that being said?” Judith King goes even further: She flies in from Colorado once a month “just to feel Jewish again.” For these women, the book club is a chance to stretch their minds and get together with other women in a friendly, supportive setting. For them and thousands of others across the country, it’s also a way to connect with their Jewish heritage and the greater Jewish community. “Jewish book clubs are growing,” confirms Jonathan Schwartz, director of the Jewish Community Library in San Francisco. The library sponsors “Book Club in a Box,” sending free packages of 12 books, plus discussion guides, to more than 70 local Jewish book clubs. As such clubs proliferate, the traditional demographic --older women--is changing. Clubs are skewing younger, moving online and targeting niche audiences. “The initial catalyst to joining is social,” says Carolyn Hessel, director of the Jewish Book Council, which sponsors national Jewish Book Month. “It has to be a group where people get along.” The Book Discussion Group at Omaha’s Kripke Jewish Federation Library is more than 26 years old, according to one of the founders, Library Assistant Dorothy Kaplan. The next meeting is on Thursday, Dec. 21, 1 p.m., and members will be sharing their thoughts on The Singing Fire by Lillian Nattel. “This dedicated book group has been meeting every third Thursday of the month for 26 years,” said Library Director Gary Katz. “They started by reading Saul Bellow and they haven’t let up.” When the council started a recent study of book clubs, Hessel was surprised at the wide variety they found, including clubs where daughters cook for their mothers before each discussion, and another where women meet in the park with their children and watch the kids play while discussing books. It’s the informal Jewish education that appeals to people, Hessel says. “They are nonthreatening. Anyone, regardless of their Judaic background, can feel comfortable,” she says. Most book clubs used to be informal, held in members’ living rooms. Today more and more institutions-from JCCs to Hadassah groups to synagogues--are sponsoring them, both to meet members’ needs and to attract new people. Temple Israel, a large Reform congregation in West Bloomfield, Mich., sponsors six book clubs. Eight years ago, Rachel Kamin, the temple’s libraries and media center director, started a mother-daughter group. Rabbis told her she should run one for boys as well.
When the boys showed up, dads in tow, Kamin was “shocked,” she says. Twenty-five synagogues take part in “One Book, One Congregation,” a national program launched early this year by Nextbook, a three-year-old organization that promotes Jewish reading. Based on similar mass reading projects sponsored by cities from San Francisco to New York, “One Book, One Congregation” asks members of participating shuls to read the same book at the same time. Books are chosen from the Jewish Encounters series of short, lively books on Jewish personalities and themes published by Nextbook and Shocken Books. Nextbook offers a 40 percent discount on orders of 20 or more books. They bent the rules, however, for six Jewish prisoners in Pennsylvania who ordered Robert Pinsky’s The Life of David for their group. Omaha’s Temple Israel also is participating (read about it below). A similar community-wide read is taking place this fall in Long Island, N.Y., with the goal of using Jewish books to stimulate discussion around core Jewish ideas. Four dozen groups--including Hadassah branches, synagogues, Jewish community centers, libraries and even a women’s studies group at the local community college-all are reading Simon Wiesenthal’s The Sunflower in preparation for six weeks of discussion, films and lectures exploring the Jewish concept of forgiveness. “We’re using the explosion of interest in book clubs and Jewish books as an opportunity to discuss different ideas,” says project coordinator Sharie Calderone, who is coordinating the project for the Suffolk Association for Jewish Educational Services in New York. As the discussions continue and move to other topics, the hope is that a sense of one large community, brought together by its consideration of the same ideas, will emerge. “We call it building community, one book at a time,” Calderone says. Books are powerful community-builders, says author Jonathan Rosen, editor of the Jewish Encounters series. A Jewish book, like Jewish culture itself, “is a conversation, and that’s why Jewish book clubs are such a good thing. Bringing together people to talk about books creates community.” Rosen likens the relationship between a book and its group discussion to that between the Torah and the Talmud, Judaism’s oral tradition. “There’s a way in which we’re becoming an oral culture again, and there’s a way in which book clubs allow us to become that oral culture,” he says. Some book clubs are moving online to attract people who are too busy to add another meeting into their schedules. Modern Mom, Inc., launched its Modern Jewish Mom online book club last month with a live chat with author Maggie Anton. CEO Meredith Jacobs plans to offer live author chats every month, as well as a message board where people can share impressions of the books as they read them. “You can do this while folding laundry or packing lunches, and still have a community of readers to connect to,” she says. “It’s an extreme form of Jewish culture itself,” says Dan Schifrin, a San Francisco Bay area writer and editor. “As Jewish culture is a place where people can connect to Jewish life without the anxieties they feel about institutional or ritual life, people feel a freedom to express their Jewish identity in a Jewish book club, through the prism of a book. It gives it more distance.” Schifrin has suggested that Jewish book clubs might be “the new chavurot.”
Temple Israel to Study King David at Shabbat Sparks Sessions Nov 3 Nov 4 Nov 24 Nov 25
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by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Poet, warrior, and king, David looms large in myth and legend through the centuries and continues to haunt our collective imagination. His flaws and inconsistencies distinguishing him as one of the most implausible of biblical heroes, King David will be the topic in November at Temple Israel’s Saturday morning study sessions, Sparks Beneath the Surface, which meets weekly at 9:15 a.m. Robert Pinsky, former poet laureate of the United States, plumbs the depths of David’s life, his triumphs, and his failures, his charm and his cruelty, his divine destiny and his human humiliations in the book, The Life of David. Four mornings will be dedicated to discussing this compelling book about the most renowned king of the Jews. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel will also weave biblical texts into this concentrated study of King David.
A teacher in the graduate creative writing program at Boston University, Pinsky authored this fourth book in the Jewish Encounters series published by Nextbook.org and Schocken books. According to Nextbook, Pinsky “teases apart the many strands of David’s study and reweaves them into a glorious narrative. Under the clarifying and captivating light of Pinsky’s erudition and imagination, and his mastery of image and expression, King David--both the man and the idea of the man--is brought brilliantly to life.” New learners, particularly lovers of great books, are welcome to join Sparks Beneath the Surface for this fourweek study and throughout the year. The Life of David is available for purchase in the office for $13. Rabbi Azriel will also have copies on hand at the class. To ensure there are enough books, please let Program Director Rosie Zweiback know you’re coming; contact her at 556.6536 or rzweiback@templeisraelomaha.com.
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Temple Israel Hosts Dr. Richard Freund on How Archaeologists See the Exodus by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator “Many archaeologists, rabbis, historians, Egyptologists, and Bible scholars have lined up on two sides of the question of whether the Exodus happened the way the Bible tells it or not,” according to Dr. Richard A. Freund, the Maurice Greenberg Professor of Jewish History and director of the Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Hartford, Connecticut. To shed more light on the question, Dr. Freund will be back in Omaha next Friday, Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m. He’ll give the d’var Torah at the Shabbat worship service at Temple Israel. His latest book, Digging Through the Bible: People, Places, and Controversies, is to be published in 2007. “I have put all of the arguments together with some new archaeological insights with a surprising conclusion,” said Dr. Freund. The topic has “great relevance for Jews and Christians,” added Dr. Freund who has Dr. Richard A. Freund been a guest speaker at Temple numerous times over the past 17 years. He finds it “always a pleasure to return to Temple!” His return in November is sponsored by the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning. As the director of the Bethsaida Archaeological Excavations project, Dr. Freund co-authored Bethsaida: A City by the North Shore of the Sea of Galilee, volumes I, II, and III with Dr. Rami Arav, a professor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). National Geographic, Eretz, and Biblical Archaeology Review have featured articles on Dr. Freund’s excavations at Bethsaida, a first-century city that Dr. Freund’s excavation project discovered in 1987 by the Sea of Galilee. He has appeared in television documentaries on sites associated with the origins of Rabbinic Judaism and Christianity in the Galilee. In the classical period of the Bible, Bethsaida and Jerusalem were major cities of King David. Both cities were visited by Jesus and many of the apostles, Jewish historian Josephus Flavius, and important rabbinic figures. Then, mysteriously, Bethsaida disappeared. The site remained virtually undisturbed for nearly two millennia until excavations began there after 1987. Bethsaida “was one of the few excavations to totally complete its research objectives this summer despite the rockets that were falling throughout northern Israel,” Dr. Freund said. “It is a testament to the program that
the staff and volunteers stayed through the end of excavations to finish this important work,” according to Dr. Freund. Attracting international attention, the NOVA science series and the BBC filmed a documentary that premiered nationwide in 2004 based on Dr. Freund’s bestselling book, Secrets of the Cave of Letters: A Dead Sea Mystery. Literary accounts discovered in the Cave of Letters confirmed for the first and only time that ancient literary accounts of mythic characters needed to be taken seriously by archaeologists, according to Dr. Freund in an interview with the Connecticut Jewish Ledger. Literary texts, objects, and other bits of information all contributed to Dr. Freund being able to unravel a code that was sitting in front of scholars for years. It revealed what happened to the treasures of the Temple of Jerusalem, a mystery as deep as that of The DaVinci Code but in Freund’s case, important to the history of Judaism and certainly not fictitious. Dr. Freund will also be speaking at UNO’s annual Bachelder Conference on biblical archaeology, Nov. 911. He will present findings on new excavations at Yavne and new discoveries at Bethsaida with many other international archaeologists. An ordained rabbi, Dr. Freund holds doctoral and master’s degrees from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America as well as several undergraduate degrees.
Omaha Students Attend AIPAC Conference
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Maintenance Technician $15.66-$24.00 These Omahans attended the recent American Israel Public Affairs Committee National Summit in Houston: Alex Clark, a senior at UNL; left, Trevor Gerson, a senior, at Creighton; Gary Javitch, AIPAC member; Robert Mosenkis, a senior at UNO; and Dan Morris, a senior at UNL who has taken time off to work as a campaign aide for a congressional candidate. Not pictured, Jerry Slusky. AIPAC has placed great emphasis on the next generation of leaders, which is why the lobbying organization invited the students.
Tetra Micronutrients in Fairbury, NE, a 24/7 manufacturer of feed and fertilizer micronutrients has an immediate opening for an experienced Maintenance Mechanic. Ideal applicant will have a minimum of 5-10 years experience in a manufacturing or similar environment. Position requires experience in, but not limited to, hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical, instrumentation, rotating equipment, welding, fabrication and general maintenance. Position will be responsible for facility maintenance as well as predictive and preventive maintenance. The selected person will be responsible for maximizing the quality and productivity of the production units by maintaining, trouble shooting and improving the mechanical, electrical of production units. This person is also responsible for maintaining and improving production units safety, housekeeping, communication, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Primary shift assignment is 1st shift but position will occasionally work shifts. Position must be available to work on weekend and will be periodically on-call. Excellent benefit package includes paid vacation and holidays, health and dental insurance. Pay commensurate with experience. Hiring Manager 71025 - 569th Ave Fairbury, NE 68352 or e-mail to: ringram@tetramicro.com www.tetramicro.com We are an equal opportunity employer committed to drug-free workplace.
Israeli Policy Expert to Promote Rethinking Jewish World from Global Perspective by CHERYL LERNER Administrative Assistant Center for Jewish Education The Center for Jewish Education brings renowned Israeli political affairs analyst, Einat Wilf, to Omaha to discuss the recent Lebanon/ Hezbollah conflict and women and politics in Israel on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 8 p.m., in the JCC Theatre. Wilf served as Foreign Affairs Advisor to Israeli Einat Wilf Deputy Prime Minister Shimon Peres, and was herself a recent Labor candidate for the Israeli parliament. Wilf is a graduate of Harvard University, has an MBA from INSEAD in France and is completing her Ph.D. at Cambridge University in England. She dedicates much of her energy promoting a new rethinking of the Jewish world from a global perspective. Wilf is a frequent columnist for The Jerusalem Post and Israeli daily Ha’aretz and writes regularly for Ynet, Israel’s leading news website. In recent articles of the events of this summer, Wilf emphasizes that there is little clarity on the most significant questions surrounding the conflict. She states that it is remarkable that the passage of time is only making
these questions more pronounced. As the Israeli public seeks to learn lessons from all that has happened in Lebanon, it finds itself hindered by the fact the Israelis and many others can’t even agree what it is that actually took place. In the aftermath, as Israel picks up the pieces, Wilf examines the political fallout and casualties. In addition to her presentation, she will be showing striking video from Israeli imbedded reporter, Itai Anghel, senior correspondent on Channel 2’s Uvda (“Fact”) investigative news magazine, and the Israeli equivalent to “60 Minutes”. Anghel accompanied Regiment 931 of the Nahal Brigade to a battle that took place on the night of Aug. 6-7 in Houleh, a Hezbollahcontrolled village in Lebanon, about two kilometers north of the border with Israel. Anghel documents the fierce battle that took place using a camera equipped with a night vision lens. Wilf will also be the featured guest for “Eye on Israel” on Nov. 14, noon. Led by Dr. Guy Matalon, “Eye on Israel” is a lively discussion group about current events in Israel which meets every Tuesday in November, January, March and May in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lunch and join in the dialogue. Einat Wilf ’s appearance is co-sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women-Omaha Section, and is made possible with the support of the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Endowment Fund. For more information, call Mary Sue Grossman, 334.6445.
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November 3, 2006
Voting is Your Right... But it’s also your obligation. It’s too late to register now, but for those who are registered, you have two--no, make that three--choices: 1) You can visit the Election Commissioner’s office on 115th and Davenport Streets in Omaha and cast your ballot until Monday, Nov. 6 at 5 p.m.; 2) You can go to your neighborhood polling station on Tuesday, anytime between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. and cast your ballot; or 3) You can skip it altogether. Obviously we think the first two options are far better than abdicating your responsibility as a citizen. Voting is a privilege not granted to most people on this planet. And even in elections that are described as democratic in places like Egypt, Sudan, and Iran, the outcome is often predetermined. In fact, in all three countries, members of the opposition party were thrown into jail immediately after the ruling party won. We also believe that voters should be educated, which is why the Jewish Press regularly sends letters to all candidates running for elected office, as well as to those supporting and opposing various initiatives and amendments. Regardless of whether or not they pay for advertisements in the Press, we allow these individuals and groups an opportunity to publish 300-word statements. Those received prior to our deadline are included in this week’s special Election Issue. And then it’s up to you. Our readers are intelligent; they can make up their own minds about political parties, candidates, amendments to the state constitutions and the like. At least we hope so. We hope you have become informed about
candidates’ positions on a wide variety of issues that affect you as a Jew and a citizen of Nebraska and the United States. Hot topics this year appear to be the War in Iraq, Homeland Security, borders and immigration, support for the State of Israel (and its own issues of borders and immigration, Homeland Security and a continuing--if low-level--war with Muslims who would like to destroy their country and kill their people). But that’s not all members of the Jewish community are talking about; stem cell research, early childhood education, gambling in various forms, funding for schools, health care, Social Security solvency...well, the list goes on...and on. Regardless of religion, it appears that most Nebraskans are concerned about these issues, too. Since the Press now goes to print on Wednesday morning, we may not have complete results of national races in time for next week’s issue. There are quite a few Jewish members of the House of Representatives running to retain their seats, as well as a several hotlycontested Senate seats. One of those seats is currently held by Sen. Joe Leiberman of CT, who is now running as an independent after losing to challenger Ned Lamont in the Democratic primary. The other is in the State of Maryland. Former Rep.
Why Kill the Garbage Collectors?
BEHIND THE HEADLINES by TOM NEUMANN It is not entirely wrong to focus on the American death toll in Iraq--they are our children. But it is surely wrong to focus entirely on the American death toll. In recent polls, the Iraqi public shows increased confidence in the capabilities of the Iraqi security forces and wants the U.S. military to withdraw in a short time frame. The American public agrees. The President’s recent press conference, the joint press conference of Gen. Casey and Amb. Khalilzad in Iraq, and some excellent on-thescene reporting by Nibras Kazimi at The New York Sun, offer a formula for ensuring that the al-Maliki government has standards to meet as regards its own citizens, and American help to meet them. It is clear that U.S. strategy has progressed steadily through the elements of Iraqi reconstruction--though not in a straight tactical line: invasion, liberation, occupation, appointed provisional government, elected transitional government, constitution writing and ratification, and elected permanent government. Along the way, coalition forces have built an Iraqi military from the ground up (successful in maintaining its allegiance to the State though not yet self-sufficient) and a police force stitched up from existing units (much less successful--3,000 of them were fired last week, including two generals). Now the U.S. has laid down six goals for Iraqi government progress toward reconciliation, primarily by meeting some of the political promises made to the Sunni minority: • Passing a law that would guarantee the sharing of Iraq’s oil wealth; • Amending the Constitution;
• Turning the de-Baathification Committee into a reconciliation body; • Disbanding Shiite militias; • Setting a date for provincial elections; and • Increasing the credibility and capability of Iraqi forces. Encouraging/pushing to help/make the alMaliki government keep those promises is enormously important because, for all internecine warfare (including increasing Shiite on Shiite violence in the south), the Sunni members of the government have remained committed to the Iraqi state-- which keeps functioning. Kazimi writes: The Iraqi state continues to function and improve its performance. Salaries are being paid, oil is being sold, and the incredibly complex monthly food-ration system is still up and running. The anti-corruption arm of the government is doing marvelous work in prosecuting the guilty, which is a first for the Middle East. Given that the insurgents kill municipal trash collectors for simply doing their jobs, it is no small feat that any garbage is being picked up at all. The insurgents continue to threaten teachers and professors, yet schools are open. It is these simple acts of courage--to keep going amidst all the threats of terror --which were on display during the elections, but they keep happening daily even when the cameras stop rolling. Why kill garbage collectors? Because clean streets presage an orderly future under a competent government. Undermining the Iraqi people and American media’s belief in the ability of the elected Iraqi government to govern and the people to survive is the only way the insurgents can win. It seems undermining the second is leagues easier than undermining the first. Tom Neumann is the Executive Director of JINSA, the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs; visit: www.jinsa.org.
Ben Cardin (son of Shoshana Cardin, the first woman to lead the United Jewish Appeal-which merged with Council of Jewish Federations to become United Jewish Communities) is running against Michael Steele, an African-American and a Republican. The outcomes of both these races are of great interest, not only to Jews, but to Democrats and Republicans, as these races could determine in which direction the country is moving. And that, of course, could have an effect on the 2008 Presidential elections. We’re not pundits here at the Press; we present the news--on issues and candidates--and like a well known cable network, “you decide.” Come this Tuesday, we’ll each make our own decisions. How lucky are we that we can do that--and how unfortunate that so many Americans don’t take this right--this privilege and obligation--seriously enough.
(Founded in 1920) Howard K. Marcus Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Terri Greenwood Advertising Executive Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Anne Muskin Editorial Intern Jewish Press Committee Bobbi Leibowitz, Vice-Chairman; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Treasurer; Michael Siegel, Finance Chairman; Joanie Jacobson, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; George Quittner; Melissa Schop; Michael Sigmond; Jim Simon; Nancy Skid; and Dorothy Spizman. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a constitutional committee of the Jewish Federation. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Jewish the Committee, Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.
“A Republic, If We Can Keep It”
FOCUS ON ISSUES by RABBI ARTHUR WASKOW
In Philadelphia on Sept. 18, 1787, a Mrs. Powel anxiously stood outside the Constitutional Convention. As Benjamin Franklin emerged from the last session, she asked him: “Well Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” “A republic--if you can keep it,” said Franklin. In Philadelphia last month, in a cold and driving rain, on 24-hours notice, at noon on a workday, 44 people came to the Federal courthouse to mourn the signing of the socalled Military Commissions Act. It puts in the hands of this or any President the power to name anyone an “enemy combatant” and the power to define what is torture, reinterpreting laws and treaties against torture as he alone sees fit. It prevents anyone so named from invoking the ancient and crucial writ of habeas corpus to achieve a court review of his or her imprisonment. We don’t know yet whether it is also the Act to Abolish the Republic. It certainly puts the tools to do so in the hands of any President who chooses to use them. We had been gathered by The Shalom Center and the Brandywine Peace Community. There were Veterans for Peace, clergypersons, congregants, teachers, lawyers. We read aloud passages from the legal brief filed on behalf of Jose Padilla, a native-born U.S. citizen arrested in Chicago in 2002, charged with no crime, named an enemy combatant by the President of the U.S., and then held for almost two years in total isolation: no lawyers, no family, no one in the same cell Continued on page 21
Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $36 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
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Nebraska Press Association
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November 3, 2006
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Page 21
Courting the Jewish Vote:
Jewish Political Partisans in U.S. Engaged in Pre-election Outreach
AMERICA DECIDES 2006 by RON KAMPEAS AND MATTHEW E. BERGER WASHINGTON (JTA) In a turbulent midterm election campaign that could culminate with a major political realignment in the U.S. Congress, candidates are constant at least with one constituency: Jewish voters. In their campaigns for the Jewish vote on Nov. 7, Republicans are pitching support for Israel and anti-terrorism, as they have for years. Democrats are reminding voters of the party’s traditional support for Israel but are emphasizing health care, keeping church separate from state and supporting reproductive rights, as they have for years. What’s different is the intensity of the outreach, with major ad buys in Jewish media and innovative grassroots efforts, a consequence of a fevered campaign that could see the Republican majority ousted in one or both houses of Congress. In six tight races for the U.S. Senate and in 25 to 30 tight races for the U.S. House of Representatives, swaying just a few hundred votes could be the margin for victory. Losing one house could significantly alter the Washington agenda and bog down President Bush’s final two years in office in defenses of how he handled the Iraq war, national security, civil liberties and last year’s hurricane season. “This is going to be a nail-biter election,” said Matt Brooks, executive director of the Republican Jewish Coalition. “They’re looking everywhere they can to pick up votes here and there,” he said of
his party. One measure of the seriousness of the Republican outreach has been the RJC’s massive advertising campaign in Jewish media. The ads allege that support for Israel has eroded among rank-and-file Democrats. The National Jewish Democratic Council has responded with ads that say the RJC campaign undermines support for Israel. Unlike the RJC’s national campaign, however, the NJDC is targeting specific competitive races. Ira Forman, the NJDC executive director, identified ad buys this week in New Jersey, where Sen. Robert Menendez, a Democrat, faces a strong challenge from Tom Kean; and in Missouri, where state auditor Claire McCaskill threatens Sen. Jim Talent, a Republican. That reflects the overall Jewish Democratic effort, which is focusing money where it is most needed and getting out the vote in races Democrats think they can win. In contrast, Brooks says the RJC ads are less about individual races and are aimed more at what has long been the RJC’s overreaching goal: expanding Jewish membership in a party that Jews have traditionally rejected 3-to-1. “There’s a competitive political environment going on, and we’re using that opportunity to help educate the Jewish community; it’s fertile ground to convey our message, raise our profile and sign new members,” he said. “It’s why we’re also doing our stuff where there aren’t competitive races.” He cited for example his ad buys in California and New York, where urban voters overwhelmingly favor Democrats.
“A Republic, If You Can Keep It” Continued from page 20 block, manacled for hours, in his 9x7’ cell. No windows, no sunshine, no books, no radio, no mattress to cover a cold steel bed, even electronic locks so there were not even guards for human contact-except for interrogations. First contact with lawyers, 20 months after imprisonment. And even then, most of these forms of torture continued. This is one person. Under the new law, it could be anyone. Any number. Citizen or foreigner, abroad or in the U.S., with no recourse to the courts. At the courthouse, we remembered that we are taught that every human being is created in the Image of God. That torture shatters God. That on the most solemn day of Christian tradition, Good Friday, Christians mourn the torture unto death by the Roman Empire of a human being suffused with God. That on the most solemn day of Jewish tradition, Yom Kippur, Jews recall the death by torture of 10 great rabbis, carried out
by the Roman Empire. That this is not only our memory of the past but also our warning for the future: Empires torture. If you wish to end torture, dissolve empires. Gently, firmly. We signed letters to Members of Congress, urging them to begin working to repeal provisions of the Act that dirty our souls, debase our nation, and trample on our Constitution. And we remembered that Christians move from Good Friday to the rebirth of life on Easter, that Jews move from the solemn fast of Yom Kippur to the joy of the harvest in Sukkot, and that Muslims move from the Ramadan month of fasting to the Feast of Eid el-Fitr. We vowed to “bring to birth a new world from the ashes of the old.” Rabbi Arthur Waskow is Director of The Shalom Center in Philadelphia; the author of books on Jewish history and practice; and co-author of The Tent of Abraham: Stories of Hope and Peace for Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
Observers say the frequency of the ads -a new one appears virtually every week -is unprecedented, and the RJC is showing no sign of relenting. An RJC pitch to its members last week for funds to place more ads gleefully noted “what Democrats are saying about our ads: ‘obnoxious,’ ‘dangerous,’ ‘shameful,’ ‘disgusting,’ ‘offensive,’ ‘misleading.’ “That doesn’t mean Republicans have given up on Jewish votes in competitive races this session, Brooks said; but whereas the ads look to the long term, the short-term strategy relies more on grassroots outreach. Jewish Republicans like Sen. Norm Coleman of Minnesota and Ari Fleischer,
A Republican Jewish Coalition advertiseCredit: RJC ment. the former White House spokesman, have made Jewish appearances throughout New Jersey to support Kean. On Tuesday, Ken Mehlman, the Jewish national party chairman, stumped among Jews in West Palm Beach for Joe Negron, the Republican running to replace U.S. Rep. Mark Foley (R-Fla.), forced to quit what was once a safe Republican seat after revelations of his sexual overtures to minors. Another indicator of Republican outreach is a weekly conference call organized by Jeff Ballabon, an Orthodox conservative political activist. Geared toward like-minded activists, the callers discuss which races and political issues deserve funding, assistance or increased attention. “The purpose is not so much to debate and pick brains, as much as networking and seeking assistance and information,” Ballabon said. The calls are modeled after weekly meetings conservative Republican officials hold in Washington, organized by Grover Norquist, credited in part for catapulting the Republicans to power in the mid-1990s. The conference calls alleviate the sense of minority status some Jewish conservatives feel in their communities, he said. “It’s connecting people who really didn’t know each other before.” Sen. Rick
Santorum (R-Pa.), in a tight re-election race with opponent Bob Casey, has joined some of the calls, as has former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, considered a possible presidential candidate in 2008. White House and congressional aides also often join in. The National Jewish Democratic Council has been on the phone as well, orchestrating calls to get key candidates talking to Jewish, local and national media about Jewish issues. Candidates like New Jersey’s Menendez and Tim Mahoney, who is seeking the Florida House seat formerly held by Foley, talk about more than just Israel. They seek to reach out to Jewish voters on issues like abortion, stem cells and the separation of church and state. That contrasts with the party’s national campaign, which tends to focus on areas Democrats tended to cede to Republicans in 2002 and 2004: Iraq and national security. With Bush scoring low on both issues now, Democrats are seizing on those issues. Among the Jews, however, domestic policies are the natural emphasis for Democrats, said Matt Dorf, a Democratic strategist. “The message is that Jewish Democrats do not have to compromise their values to vote,” he said. “They trust Democrats on Israel and on national security, and they don’t have to compromise their values on the environment, health care, reproductive freedom, church-state and stem cells.” That doesn’t mean Democrats are ceding ground on national security and foreign policy when they reach out to Jews, Dorf said. In the conference calls, virtually every Democratic candidate says that by miring the United States in Iraq, Bush has empowered Iran, Israel’s deadliest enemy. “Israel and the United States are less safe than they were six years ago,” Dorf said. Republicans counter that the Democratic Party’s grassroots appear to be sliding away from Israel, according to national polls that show majorities of Republicans favoring Israel and pluralities among Democrats expressing neutral views about the Middle East. Democrats call it a scare tactic that could undermine bipartisan support for Israel, but Brooks says he’s just the messenger. “We’re illuminating a real problem within the Democratic Party,” he said, arguing that the “progressive, radical left” has become the party’s mainstream. Bush’s unstinting support for Israel in this summer’s war with Hezbollah on the Lebanese border created an opportunity to highlight differences, Brooks said. “People intellectually understand we’re all in the same boat, we face the same threats from fascists,’’ he said. Ron Kampeas is JTA’s Washington bureau chief; Matthew E. Berger is a correspondent for Congressional Quarterly.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 3, 2006
Candlelighting Friday, November 3, 4:59 p.m.
Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
The Neighborhood Minyan 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethlincoln.org
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to reserve space, call
Allan Handleman, 334.6451, or Terri Greenwood, 334.6559.
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. The first of 2006-07 Monthly Speakers series begins on Nov. 10 with a celebration of the Abraham Lincoln Jewish Hall of Fame honorees: Jan Lund, Maynard Telpner, Shirley Goldstein, Leo Meyerson, and the late Norman A. Cherniss, Eugene L. Telpner , and Jack Edward Brown. ALHS’s principal, Melanie Shellberg, will be the guest speaker. A special Oneg will follow services. The community is invited.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; K’tantan (K-2), 10:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Beth El; Elizabeth, daughter of Cynthia and Richard Salkin, will become a Bat Mitzvah at Mincha/ Ma’ariv Havdalah, 5:05 p.m. SHABBAT TUNES & TALES: Saturday, November 4, 11:15 a.m.-11:45 a.m. Monthly sing-along program led by Patty Nogg is open to all Jewish children (up to age five), their parents and grandparents, free of charge. SUNDAY: Bible Discussion Group, 10 a.m.; Living Hebrew, 10 a.m., with Susi FrydmanLevin; “The Weekly Parasha: It’s All About Me?!,” 10 a.m., led by Andy Greenberg; “Jewish Pot Pourri,” 11 a.m., led by Frydman-Levin. For information, contact Margie Gutnik in the synagogue office or at programming@bethel-omaha. org. HEARING MEN’S VOICES: A special forum, free of charge, sponsored by Men’s Club, on Sunday, Nov. 5, 10 a.m., following minyan. Breakfast will be served. Open to all Jewish men in the community; membership in Men’s Club is not required. (See full story on page 23.) BESTT FAMILY EDUCATION PROGRAM: For sixth graders and their parents, this Sunday, 10 a.m. to noon. NASHIR CHOIR: On Sundays, 11 a.m. to noon at the synagogue, led by Emily Meyer. Open to the community ages 14 and up. Cost is $18 (to cover materials). THURSDAYS, noon: Rabbi Levin leads “Getting More Out of Prayer: Insights Into the Siddur.”
To register, contact Margie Gutnik. JEWISH FILM SERIES: Monday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. Discussions moderated by Stephen Skulsky. Cost is $36 for the series or $6 per session. WOMEN’S BOOK GROUP: Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m., meeting weekly at the synagogue; facilitated by Susan Paley. MOTHERS CIRCLE: New monthly class for non-Jewish mothers raising Jewish children, beginning Tuesday, Nov. 7, 7-8:30 p.m. “Getting Acquainted/ with Introduction to the Jewish Community.” Open to community free of charge, with nominal fee for books. Free babysitting available. For information, contact Judy Rubin, 498.0904 or eddir@bethelomaha.org. THE ART OF JEWISH PAPER CUTTING: Taught by Daniel Christensen. Continues Thursday, Nov. 9, 7 p.m., and continues every Thursday night during Nov. except Thanksgiving. HAZAK LUNCH 'N' LEARN: Saturday, Nov. 11, following services. In honor of Veterans’ Day, Paul Cohen, retired Brigadier General, U.S. Air Force, is the featured speaker. For more information, call Natalie Rubin at 334.5893, or Gloria Goodman, 333.3351.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:59 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 10 a.m. (call the office for schedule); Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; Mincha, 12:34 p.m.; Suedat Shlishit, 5 p.m. with Gemara class; Havdalah, 5:59 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Rabbi Elchonon Zohn lectures at 2:30 p.m. for members of the Chevra Kadisha; the community lecture is at 7:30 p.m., “Bridge to Eternity--How Judaism Understands Life, Death and Issues of Euthanasia and Dignity.” Rabbi Zohn’s visit is sponsored by the Jewish Funeral Home; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Advanced Parsha Study, 9 p.m.
BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Halacha, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: Women of Worth Prayer Circle, 9 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m. All events and programs are open to the community. For information or to register, call or visit 330.1800 www. Ochabad.com.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Midwest URJ Kallah in Overland Park, KS; Motzi and Kiddush, 6 p.m.; Early Family Shabbat Service, 6:15 p.m. led by Sarah Kelen. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m., led by Sara Friedman; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m., led by Sam Sloan. SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 2-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; K-1, 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at South Street Temple. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew class (grades 2-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. An evening of Jewish poetry withHilda Raz and Jehanne Dubrow on Sunday, Nov. 12, 7 p.m. at B’nai Jeshurun. They will read selections from their own works and from a forthcoming issue of the Prairie Schooner, featuring Jewish poetry.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m., led by Andy Greenberg.
TEMPLE ISRAEL
BAT MITZVAH Anna Eirinberg, daughter of Dr. Lewis and Teresa Eirinberg, will become Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Nov. 11, at Temple Israel. Anna is a seventhgrade Superior Honor Roll student at Peter Kiewit Middle School. She was selected for Omaha Suburban Pride Softball, and Basketball for JCC Her interests include playing
guitar and spending time with friends. For her mitzvah project, Anna helped at Project Harmony Child Protection Center. Her brothers are John, 9, and the late Ben Eirinberg. Grandparents are Rose and Tom Langan, and the late Herman and Cele Eirinberg.
FRIDAY: Family Service, Grades 1 & 2, 6 p.m. Rabbi Eric Linder, and Cantor Wendy Shermet will lead the service; Tot Shabbat and Dinner, 6 p.m.
Rabbi Aryeh Azriel will lead the service. Cost for dinner is $5 for adults and free for children. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9-10:15 a.m. Robert Pinsky, former poet laureate of the United States, plumbs the depths of David’s life in his book, The Life of David. Starting Nov. 4, Rabbi Azriel will dedicate the next four Saturday mornings to this book (See full article on page 18); Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Sophia Miller, daughter of Jennifer and Paul Miller, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. SUNDAY: Teacher Learning Coffee, 9 a.m.; Religious School (K-6), 10 a.m.-noon.; Prayer Assembly, 10 a.m.; Summer in Winter, 10:30 a.m.; Camp and Scholarship Information lunch, noon. Join us for pizza and find out more about camp. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 46 p.m.; JYG Furniture painting, 5 p.m.; Family School, 6-8 p.m.; All School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6-8 p.m. LIFELONG LEARNING SUNDAY: The 4 B’s: Behaving, Belonging, Believing and Bagels, “A Help Mate: The Art of Living Together in Stories of Adam and Eve,” 10:30 a.m.-noon. TUESDAY: Adult B’nai Mitzvah, 6:30–8 p.m.; “Big Love,” 7 p.m. with Rabbi Azriel. Contact Program Director Rosie Zweiback to register. WEDNESDAY: Kol Rina Rehearsal, 6:30 p.m.; What’s Jewish on the Web, 7 p.m. with Wendy Goldberg, Temple President. Call Rosie Zweiback to register. THURSDAY, Nov. 9: Adult Study with the Clergy with Rabbi Azriel, 10-11:30 a.m.
NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 5 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Royi Shaffin. and Minyan, MONDAY THURSDAY, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. followed by a light oneg. SATURDAY: Weekly Parashat class, 8:30 a.m.; Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Shabbat lunch and Talmud class. SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 2-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; K-1, 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at South Street Temple. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Call Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066; Hebrew class (grades 27), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.
To Submit B’nai Mitzvah Announcements Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, or by e-mailing the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org. You can also submit other announcements--births engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements.
November 3, 2006
BLUE RIBBON
A Fateful Journey
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Lekh Lekha We have no idea what went through Abraham’s mind when he felt impelled to leave his homeland and journey to a unknown land. Was it a dream that seized hold of him and obliged him to give up all things familiar and to brave a new country? Was his mind filled with the demand that he couldn’t resist? Or, did he have the feeling that it was his God Who ordered him to take up this path and leave? Did he even know that he had a God? Quite aside from the impressive and sometimes amusing stories about him and idol worship that we find in the rabbinic literature, what led Abraham to despise the idol worship that surrounded him? In the message he had received, he was promised to become the progenitor of a great nation. That could not have meant much in a day when all the little pagan tribes that lived in his country and the countries surrounding were small and unimpressive. But he understood,
Scholars Face the Music at Klutznick-Harris Symposium
nonetheless, that the promise was of great things and that the people he would father would be of universal importance. And it was so. The people he fathered were never very large, never very powerful, never very impressive. Except in one sense. They were very large, very powerful, very impressive in the sense that morality matters. In the long run, armies and conquests and military might influence history. But over time, that is to say, decades and centuries and eons, it is the Word that matters. It is the way we look at the world that matters. It is how we see mankind and civilization that matters. Without knowing it, Abraham, through his journey, was the author of the Bible and a view of mankind new to the world. It was a view that has never been fully attained in practice, but it is a view honored century after century and striven for by civilized humanity over long and fateful eras of time. Wherever we find Jews, Christians and Muslims, we find people who look upon Abraham as their grandfather, and his journey as their Ur-origin. So, keep your mind open; keep your ears listening. Who knows? Perhaps one day to you or to me that Word may come which will lead to an understanding of Man’s mission on earth that will lead to a new society of humanity and a new understanding of Man’s place before his God.
DEATHS ELAINE GROSS WEISE Former Omahan Elaine Gross Weise died in Pasadena, CA, on Oct. 24. Services were held there. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Dr. Philip Weise of Pasadena; sons, Donn Weise, Howard Weise, and Dr. Richard Weise, and five grandchildren, all of California; brother, George Weise; sister, Lillian Lerman.
More than 300 music lovers enoyed the majestic voices of the Master Singers, led by Dr. Joshua Joacobson, Director of Boston’s Zamir Chorale, during the keynote session of the Klutznick-Harris Symposium on Sunday evening at the JCC. The annual event, which brings together scholars from all over the world, focused this year on “I Will Sing and Make Music: Jewish Music and Musicians Throughout the Ages.”
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
MILTON “MICKEY” SIMON Milton “Mickey” Simon died Oct. 31 at the age of 76. Services were held Nov. 2 at Beth El Cemetery. Born in Brooklyn, he served in the Air Force. He was preceded in death by his brother, Bernard Simon. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Florence “Tootie” Simon; daughters and son-in-law, Kathy and Harry Weiner and Karen and Dave Beckman; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Marsha Simon; brother, Charles “Chuck” Simon; five grandchildren, Michelle Simon, Joshua Simon, Jessica Beckman, Zachary Beckman and Max Weiner; sister-in-law, Ruth Oruch. Memorials to Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or Hospice.
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“Hearing Men’s Voices” is Focus of Beth El Men’s Club Wellness Series by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Jewish men in the Omaha community will have the opportunity to participate in “Hearing Men’s Voices,” a series of innovative meetings addressing a variety of wellness issues (spiritual, physical, emotional) that affect men’s lives. Facilitated by therapist Glen Fineman, MSW, LCSW, the first meeting, scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 5, 10 a.m., will explore Jewish perspectives on the connection between body and spirit. Guest speakers will include Glen Fineman Beth El’s Rabbi Mordechai Levin, who will present an introduction to Jewish perspectives regarding health; and Dr. Eric Phillips, orthopedic surgeon and spine specialist, who will offer tips on maintaining a healthy neck and spine.
According to Fineman, meetings during upcoming months will explore “Work and Worth,” looking at the balance between work and home life; “Building the Faith,” addressing interfaith families, and “Our Fathers, Our Selves,” which will offer an intergenerational perspective regarding men, their fathers and sons. This get together has been planned to give Jewish men a chance to discuss a variety of issues critical to their lives, Fineman noted. Approached through a spiritual context, topics to be discussed will include “our special interests, our unique needs and specific challenges,” he explained. Developed by the national Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs, “Hearing Men’s Voices” is open to all men in the Jewish community; membership in Beth El’s Men’s Club is not a requirement. The meeting (breakfast included) is free of charge; however, courtesy reservations are requested by contacting Beth El Program Director Margie Gutnik at 492.8550, or programming@bethel-omaha. org.
Tehillim: Recited and Explained by SHERRY TAXMAN for Chabad of Nebraska The Women of Worth Auxiliary has been meeting at the Chabad House on Tuesday mornings, 9 a.m., for a year. The group has been studying Tehillim (psalms), as well as several other topics. The schedule for the remainder of this semester’s classes is as follows: Nov. 7: Birthday of R. Shalom Dov Ber--“What About Me”; Nov. 14: Chayei Sarah; Nov.
21: Giving Thanks; Nov. 28: Jacob’s Ladder and Prayer; Dec. 5: Jacob Vs. Esau--Conflicts within families; Dec. 12: Dreams and their significance; and Dec. 19: Hanukkah. Please let the Chabad Office know if you want to be added to the e-mail reminder list by calling 390.1800 or if you have names for us to include in our Tehillim prayers. Questions? Call me at 397.5816 or Nancy Wolf, 330.6736
ADOPTION: CARING, loving, secure couples would love to provide your newborn with a life filled with happiness and endless opportunities. Expenses paid. Denise/Canny, 877-921-1102. BANKRUPTCY: FAST relief from creditors. Statewide filing. Affordable rates. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-872-8327. www.steffenslaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code. SELL YOUR classic car, truck or motorcycle online. Call this newspaper to place your ad on the national www.midwestclassiccars.com web site for only $25.00. Your ad runs until your vehicle is sold! ALL CASH candy route. Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local candy route. Includes 30 machines and candy all for $9,995. 1-888-755-1356. CABLE RATES outrageous? We won’t be undersold! $150.00 savings! Free equipment, more channels and more choices for less money. Call today, 800-843-4742, Dish Network Sales. HOLIDAY PUPPIES. www.petdoctorlincoln.com. Favorite breeds arriving daily. Vet checked & guaranteed. Call 402-464-9448. Pet Doctor, 66th & O, Lincoln, NE. HOT TUBS, End of Season Sale, 25 tubs $1,995 - $4,995, 1-800-869-0406 for sale prices. Good Life Spas, 27th & O Street, Lincoln, NE. EMERGENCY DISPATCH supervisor: The City of Holdrege is accepting applications for Harlan/Phelps Emergency Communication Supervisor. Contact Sheryl McClymont, 308-995-8681. November 6, 2006, deadline. EOE. GROUND FLOOR opportunity! Green-R-Power Wind, Solar Systems requires ambitious local representative. Protected territory. Wholesale prices. Expanding market. Innovative products. Explosive earning potential. Details: 1-800-973-WATT. PARTS SALES person: John Deere dealership. Small town in Northeast Wyoming. Fax: 307-283-2975; Call: 307-283-2971. SERVICE MANAGER position open. For more information, contact Friesen Chevrolet, 402-773-5538. DRIVER OTR for Omaha fleet operator, Classic Condo’s, 470/500hp, 75mph, driver chooses loads and lanes, home weekly, insurance, 2 years experience. Lanny at 800810-5432. DRIVERS: NO need to look any further. The perfect driving opportunity is here. High mileage pay, full benefits, practical route miles pay. Class A CDL/1 year OTR experience required. Grand Island Contract Carriers, 877-367-4422, www.gicc.chiefind.com. F.C.C. NEEDS company drivers and owner operators for van and flatbed. $1,000 sign on bonus. Medical benefits after 1st month. Call about our premium flatbed pay! 1-800228-9842 ext. 137. www.fcc-inc.com. CDL Class A required.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 3, 2006
1915 Alexander Bell places first transcontinental phone call.
1949 First phone to combine a ringer and handset.
1963 Touch-tone dialing is introduced.
1973 First cell phone call is made.
2006 First Annual Campaign Direct Calling (AC/DC)
The telephone has come a long way since Bell first spoke to Watson -- yet most of the time we take it for granted. During Annual Campaign Direct Calling(AC/DC), the telephone gets the respect it deserves. Campaign workers will contact you to request your support for the 2007 Annual Campaign. By answering the phone, you can change the lives of thousands of people in Omaha, Israel, and around the world.Your gift to the Jewish Federation of Omaha fights Jewish poverty, rescues and resettles Jewish immigrants, and strengthens Jewish life. Live Generously.ÂŽ It does a world of good.
Jewish Federation of
Omaha