Vol. 90 No. 10 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 89 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
Jewish Federation of Omaha honors awards recipients
From left to right: Jewish Federation president Jody Malashock, Spirit of Federation Award winners Pete Brodkey and Judy Josephson, and Rick Schrager, who presented the awards. See more photos from the Jewish Federation of Omaha Volunteer of the Year event on page 12.
An excellent summer adventure: Partnership with Israel Kefiadah by MARY SUE GROSSMAN all of their time with Israelis and making a strong perDirector of Operations & Programming, sonal connection,” says Katzman. “The follow-up The Center for Jewish Education reports we received from the Partnership staff about our Taylor Workman, Salo Cemaj and Daniel Grossman Omaha participants was excellent. Taylor, Salo and experienced Israel in a different type of program this Daniel made a very positive impression on the Israelis.” past summer. They participated in the Partnership with The Omaha volunteers were joined by others from Israel Kefiadah program, Indianapolis, Chicago, working as camp counYoungstown and selors in the Matte Asher Omaha. The program region in northern Israel. was then further Each summer, Partnerenhanced when volunship with Israel seeks volteers from Hungary, who unteers between the ages had worked in a Jewish of 19-26 “who are cresummer camp near ative, energetic, outgoBudapest, arrived expaning, and responsible and ding the connection parhave had experience with ticipants made with othchildren.” Partnership ers. provides participants The Omaha Kefiadah with volunteer placeparticipants also met the ments, housing, transIsraeli teens who traveled “It’s a wrap! The 2010 Kefiadah participants pose for a group portation to the placeto Omaha for the photo with the Israeli counselors on the final day of camp.” ments, most meals, local Maccabi Games. They touring, a $400 stipend and most importantly, an amaz- talked about our community and answered questions ing platform for making personal connections. the teens had about Omaha. Volunteers are responsible for round-trip airfare, health The following are reports the three participants proinsurance, transportation costs for private trips, and vided on their return. some additional meals. Taylor Workman Those interested in participating complete an applica“I had always been interested in traveling to Israel but tion and go through an interview process before being my family never chose it as a vacation destination. I accepted for the program. Julee Katzman, Associate thought about a Birthright trip but thought it sounded Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha participat- too fast-paced for me. When I was given the opportunied in the interviews. “Kefiadah is a great chance for ty to participate in the Kefiada program I was admittedyoung adults to participate in a unique Israel program. ly a little nervous about spending half of my summer out Rather than being tourists, they are working, spending Continued on page 7
Inside Op-Ed Page: see page 8
This Week: Boutique and Judaica shops hold Hanukkah sales See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press’
What Judd Apatow finds funny Page 2
28 Cheshvan 5770
November 5, 2010
Federations, JCPA to fight delegitimization of Israel by JACOB BERKMAN NEW YORK (JTA) -- The Jewish Federations of North America and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs are launching a multimillion-dollar joint initiative to combat anti-Israel boycott, divestment and sanctions campaigns. The JFNA and the rest of the Jewish federation system have agreed to invest $6 million over the next three years in the new initiative, which is being called the Israel Action Network. The federations will be working in conjunction with JCPA, an umbrella organization bringing together local Jewish community relations councils across North America. The network is expected to serve as a rapidJerry Silverman response team charged with countering the growing campaign to isolate Israel as a rogue state akin to apartheid-era South Africa – a campaign that the Israeli government and Jewish groups see as an existential threat to the Jewish state. In fighting back against anti-Israel forces, the network will seek to capitalize on the reach of North America’s 157 federations, 125 local Jewish community relations councils and nearly 400 communities under the federation system. “There is a very, very high sense of urgency in [fighting] the delegitimizing of the State of Israel,” the JFNA’s president and CEO, Jerry Silverman, said. “There is no question that it is among the most critical challenges facing the state today.” In fact, Silverman added, Israeli leaders identify this as the second most dangerous threat to Israel, after Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons. Under a plan approved in late September during a special conference call of the JFNA’s board of trustees, the JCPA’s senior vice president, Martin Raffel, will oversee the new network. He will be working in concert with the head of the JFNA’s Washington office, William Daroff. Over the next several months, Raffel will be putting together his team, including six people in New York, one in Israel and one in Washington. The network will monitor the delegitimization movement worldwide and create a strategic plan to counter it wherever it crops up. It will work with local federations and community relations councils to enlist the help of key leaders at churches, labor unions and cultural institutions to fight anti-Israel boycott, divestment and sanctions campaigns. Organizers of the network are looking at the response to an attempted boycott of the Toronto International Film Festival last year as a model for how the system could potentially work. When the festival organizers decided to focus on filmmakers from Tel Aviv, more than 1,000 prominent actors and filmmakers signed a statement saying that the organizers had become part of Israel’s propaganda machine, and they threatened to boycott the event. In response, the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto and the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles worked together to come up with a counter statement supporting the festival. The counter statement won the signatures of even more prominent Hollywood figures, including Jerry Seinfeld, Natalie Portman, Sacha Baron Cohen, Lisa Kudrow, Jason Alexander and Lenny Kravitz. “The partnership started last year around the Toronto Continued on page 2
Coming This Month: Hanukkah Gifts and More Dennis Prager to present his viewpoints at Temple Israel, JCC Page 4
‘A Thousand Clowns’ theater review Page 6
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 5, 2010
What Judd Apatow finds funny
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by NAOMI PFEFFERMAN “If you’re not provided with any answers in another LOS ANGELES (Jewish Journal) -- Judd Apatow, context, you look to people who have some thoughts Hollywood’s leading comedy mogul, was running late. about what it all means. ... But comedians are very dark “I actually have to leave, because I’m going to therapy people, so you don’t get a lot of light answers.� to discuss what happened in this interview,� he said in In his introduction to I Found This Funny, Apatow a conversation on his cell phone from somewhere in Los describes how his adolescent reading consisted first of Angeles. books on the Marx The 42-year-old Apatow Brothers, whose anarchic is by turns wickedly hilariupending of wealthy snobs ous, self-aware and a rapidleveled an unfair social playfire wordsmith in conversaing field. Besides his comedy tion; it’s what one might hero Steve Martin, he said, expect from the writer and he “also enjoyed Lou director of The 40-Year-Old Costello; he was a big weird Virgin and Funny People. nerdy guy who got into When the struggling young trouble while his friend was Jewish comic played by Seth giving him a hard time and Judd Apatow, left, Seth Rogen, and Jonah Hill Rogen in Funny People whacking him in the face Credit: filmschoolrejects.com recounts how his parents’ every once in a while. ... I bitter divorce forced him to “find the funny,� it could felt that way with my own friends; I was always the smallhave been Apatow speaking. Hence the therapy sessions. er one, hanging out with athletes, picked last for the And the content of his new anthology, I Found This teams, getting bossed around a bit, trying to stand up for Funny (McSweeney’s: $25), subtitled My Favorite Pieces myself, usually with terrible results.� of Humor and Some That May Not Be Funny at All. Add to that his parents’ divorce when he was in his The book -- which includes short stories by Raymond early teens, when he went to live with his father while his Carver and Jonathan Franzen alongside work by Apatow, older brother was sent off to grandparents in California Jon Stewart and other comedians -- benefits 826 National, and his younger sister mostly stayed with his mother, the nonprofit tutoring, writing and publishing organiza- who worked at a Southampton comedy club. It was tion for students 6-18 headed by Dave Eggers. He and through his mother’s club connections that Apatow was Eggers will co-host an 826 fundraiser at the Writers Guild able to meet Shandling and a young Jerry Seinfeld, Theater, with music and comedy by Apatow’s mentor, whom he interviewed for his high school radio station. Garry Shandling, as well as Randy Newman and others. “I’m still shocked that I’ve done well,� Apatow said of The anthology proffers comedy sketches and cartoons as his adult success. He describes some of his commitment well as poems and stories, but -- by Apatow’s own admis- to charity work -- which currently includes producing sion -- one-third of the book “might be depressing.� public service announcements for the emergency relief “Comedy is usually about obstacles and things going group American Jewish World Service -- as “survivor’s wrong while we attempt to figure life out or try to do guilt�: “There’s a part of me that is never comfortable good in the face of a dark world,� Apatow explained. with the fact that I’ve done well,� he said. “Comedy is “Two incredibly happy, well-adjusted people living a driven by your pain, and it’s sort of weird that your pain calm life is a fantastic thing, but it’s not something that leads to your job, which leads to being comfortable -provides any entertainment for the rest of us. It’s nice to and yet you’re never comfortable.� know other people are struggling. It makes you think, Apatow’s own contribution to I Found This Funny is ‘I’m not the only one who feels this way -- some people titled, How I Got Kicked Out of High School a diary of the feel even worse,’� he said. rise and fall of his television show, the critically lauded Apatow grew up in Syosset, N.Y., with parents who but all-too-quickly canceled Freaks and Geeks. The story were supportive of his stand-up ambitions but who opens as Shandling visits Apatow at Cedars-Sinai Medical eschewed religion. “My parents were atheists, and there Center after Apatow has had back surgery for severe pain was no talk of religion or spirituality whatsoever,� he caused, in part, by the stress of the demise of Freaks. said. “The only thing my mom and dad ever said was, “Today I found myself wondering if I should create a ‘Nobody ever said life was fair.’ That’s about as spiritual really smart, hilarious show that just happens to be as we got in my house. When I asked to be bar mitzva- about hot models,� he wrote in one of the diary entries. hed -- probably just because I heard my friends were A decade later, Apatow has produced many of the making a lot of money [through bar mitzvah gifts] -- highest-grossing film comedies in Hollywood, but, he they refused to let me go to Hebrew school, but there said, he’s still evolving his take on things spiritual. He’s was no reasoning behind it. They never sat me down and read a lot of Buddhist thought; he’s raising his two explained their philosophies, which certainly did more daughters with the understanding that religion is not damage than they were aware of at the time. necessarily predestined by one’s family history (his wife, “It left [me] spiritually lost because there was no con- the actress Leslie Mann, is not Jewish); and he is “not versation, pro or con, in terms of religion and spirituali- closed off� to reading more about Judaism. ty. So other than going to a lot of bar mitzvahs and the When pressed now about what his Jewishness means to occasional Passover dinner, there wasn’t any religion in him, he said, “I don’t know if it’s specific to being Jewish, the house. And that’s a very dark point of view. My par- but there’s a certain neurosis mingled with a certain ents weren’t agnostic; they never said, ‘I hope there’s amount of warmth and instinct to do well by other peosomething more happening.’ They said, ‘That’s it.’“ ple. Maybe everyone in the world feels that, but there’s a It was a scary vision of the world: “Terrible,� he said. combination of humor and positive intentions that feels “And I’ve spent a lot of my life trying to recover from it.� connected to that. And a fair amount of pain,� he added, Apatow’s obsession with comedians was part of that 10 minutes late to his therapy session. “And more guilt journey: “Comedy is a search for answers,� he explained. than you think is possible to hold in one human shell.�
Federations, JCPA to fight delegitimization of Israel Continued from page 1 international film festival,� said Ted Sokolsky, president of the Toronto federation. “We jointly produced an ad saying that we don’t need another blacklist.� Sokolsky went on to say, “I spoke to Jay [Sanderson, the CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles] and said, ‘Here, there are a lot of prominent Hollywood types on the delegitimization protest. Can you reach out to the Hollywood community and find some pro-Israel leadership?’ He reached out to some key leadership in Hollywood. And it was like waking up a sleeping giant. Then we realized we can’t all fight this alone.� Toronto and Los Angeles are two of the largest federations in the JFNA system, but the smaller federations feel that the network will benefit them as well. The Jewish federations have agreed to give the JFNA $1.6 million to fund the project fully in its first year. In the two subsequent years, the federations will split the cost 50-50 with JFNA. Silverman said that he expects the Israel Action Network to be fully staffed and up and running by Jan. 1.
Jacob Berkman is JTA’s chief philanthropy correspondent. Read his blog (TheFundermentalist.com) and sign up for his weekly newsletter at http://www.jta. org/user/register.
Klutznick-Harris Symposium
Leonard Greenspoon, in a Creighton baseball uniform, is pictured here along with the presenters at this year’s Klutznick-Harris Symposium keynote event. The theme of the Symposium was “Jews in the Gym.�
November 5, 2010
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
Beth El Sisterhood’s annual boutique extravaganza by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Got the itch to get some holiday shopping done early? Want to find a special gift for that special someone – or yourself? Look no farther than Beth El’s social hall, which will be transformed into a shopaholic’s paradise on Sunday, Nov. 14, during Sisterhood’s annual Boutique extravaganza. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., attendees will be treated to merchandise by an exciting variety of talented vendors (see list below). Along with shop-’til-you-drop opportunities, an all-day raffle will be held, with prizes awarded every 10 minutes. Raffle tickets, at 50 cents apiece, may be purchased the day of the event;
Shoppers enjoyed a day of browsing and buying during last year’s Sisterhood Boutique. This year’s event will be held on Sunday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
they also may be obtained by sending a check -- made payable to Beth El -- to “Boutique Raffle,” Beth El Synagogue, 14506 California St., Omaha NE 68154. In addition, during the day the synagogue’s Men’s Club will serve a pizza and salad lunch, and a delicious, day-long bake sale will satisfy every sweet tooth. “The Boutique will be exciting this year because we have a variety of new vendors, along with many returning favorites from previous years,” said the event’s chairman, Susan Fellman Witkowski. “We have something for everyone: come browse the beautiful art, jewelry, handmade clothing and other artisan treasures; smell the handmade scented candles; and nibble the sweets
baked by the Sisterhood women. For those who have gifts on their mind, come and shop for Hanukkah, B’nai Mitzvah, weddings, birthdays and anniversaries.” Boutique vendors and their wares include: Silpada Designs Jewelry; Ozzie Nogg, books and textiles; Miche, handbags; Naslavsky Color and Pace Jewelry, Judaica; Kat’s Candles, candles, painted jars; Judith Studt, imported watches; BBG Artistry, jewelry, fused glass home décor; and much more. Witkowski noted that merchants have until Nov. 9 to reserve a table at the event; for more information, they may contact Heather Kelln at heatherkelln@ yahoo.com.
Women of Reform Judaism sponsoring tribute for Brandon Thomas by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Women of Reform Judaism is sponsoring an evening in tribute to Brandon Thomas, the 21-year-old member of Temple Israel who died after a motorcycle-car collision in July near 36th and Leavenworth. A 2007 Millard North High School graduate, Brandon also graduated from Temple Israel’s high school. He’d been a student at Temple Israel since he was about four years old. In 2008, after a year in Israel with the Young Judea Year Course, Brandon enrolled in the Institute for the Culinary Arts at Metro Community College. Cooking was his passion, and he dreamed of becoming a great chef, said his mother, Andie Gordman. “A Night at the Student Bistro,” on Thursday, Nov. 11, will be a benefit for the Brandon Thomas Culinary Arts Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by Brandon’s family at Metro Community
College. Located at the Pegler Center at 32nd and Sorenson, the Bistro will be open at 5:30 p.m. for a hors d’oeuvres and wine reception followed by a cooking demonstration at 6:30 p.m. and a tour of the Culinary Arts Institute at 7 p.m. One of the host couples of the event is Beth and Ron Brodkey. Ron has been a fervent advocate for people to sign up to be organ donors as Brandon was. At least four people were given a new chance at life due to Brandon’s life giving decision. Ron Brodkey will take a few minutes at the tribute to explain that if he needed an organ transplant, “I would take it. So why shouldn’t I give one?” A cookbook project, Recipes in Remembrance, sponsored by the family of Stephen Simon, will open the evening’s events. Originally the idea of Kathy Simon to honor her husband, Stephen, who died in 2006, the cookbook project is “a year-long,” pointed
“Tell Me a Story” with Roger Myers, viola
out Kate Kaminsky, co-chair along with Joi Brown, of “A Night at the Student Bistro.” “It’s pretty exciting,” said Kaminsky. Kathy Simon, who was married to Stephen until he died in 2006, explained that “he’s the missing ingredient in my life. The recipes in the cookbook will honor people who are missing in our lives,” loved ones who have passed away. “I think it’s a unique and special way to honor someone and to share their stories.” She hopes the cookbook will be an ongoing endeavor to which people can continue to add. Simon who was vice-president and general manager of Omaha Steaks when he died, was a good grill cook, according to his wife who now lives in Arizona. “Food always brings people together,” added Kathy Simon. a member of Temple Israel. Gordman added that her family is touched that the kick-off event for the cookbook project is a tribute to Brandon.
With his passion for cooking and attending classes at the Institute for Culinary Arts, “it’s fitting that this event is being held in a building where he was able to practice his talent. He would have earned his degree in November, and some of the students who will be preparing the food for the tribute were his classmates.” Men and women are welcome to attend. The charge is $30 per person. Call Temple Israel at 556.6536 to make a reservation. In addition to the Brodkeys, others hosting the evening tribute are Stacie and Marc Brodkey, Joi and Colin Brown, Michelle and Ron Bucher, Andie Gordman and Dan Fitzgerald, Elly and Bob Gordman, Danielle and Jeff Gordman, Kate Kaminsky and Joe Murphy, Susie and Mike Norton, Stacey and Jonathon Rockman, Sherrie and David Saag, Kathy Simon, and Mary Wampler and Phil Bierman.
LET’S GO SHOPPING
Internationally acclaimed violist and professor at the University of Texas at Austin, Roger Myers joins us for this performance! Concert Program Dvořák – Symphony No. 7 Nielsen – Saga Drom McLean – Suite forViola & Orchestra (Nebraska Premiere) McChesney – Ring of Fire Concerto for Handbells & Orchestra
Sunday, November 21st, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. Jewish Community Center 333 South 132nd Street This concert is open to the public. Admission is FREE, with donations accepted. Approximate length of program is 75-90 minutes. For more information, please call 681-4791 or email info@orchestraomaha.org.
Kenneth Meints, Music Director www.orchestraomaha.org
Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Appreciation Fund
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Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 5, 2010
Dennis Prager to present his conservative viewpoints at Temple Israel, JCC by CLAUDIA SHERMAN believes they attack and misrepresent the Temple Israel Communications Coordinator uniqueness of Judeo-Christian values and An American syndicated radio talk their positive historical effect upon show host, Dennis Prager, who is also a America and the world. syndicated columnist, author, and public In 2006, then President George W. Bush speaker, will be a scholar-inappointed Prager to the residence at Temple Israel United States Holocaust the third weekend in Memorial Council which, November. Noted for politiamong other projects, govcal and social views emanaterns the United States ing from Judeo-Christian, Holocaust Memorial MuJewish, and American values, seum. Due to Prager’s Prager is a Media Fellow at involvement in the Quran the Hoover Institution of Oath Controversy, the Stanford University. He was Council on Americanalso a Fellow at the Islamic Relations called for Columbia University School Prager to be removed from of International Affairs and the Council overseeing the taught Jewish and Russian Conservative talk-show U.S. Holocaust Memorial. history at Brooklyn College host Dennis Prager will be Except for former New York which he had attended at Temple Israel and the City Mayor Ed Koch, no majoring in Middle Eastern Jewish Community Center. other member of the Studies and History. He graduated in Council was vocal in advocating for 1970 and continued his studies at the Prager’s removal. Although he was not Russian Institute at Columbia University. dismissed, the Executive Committee of Prager has written for the Sunday Los the Council issued a resolution that has Angeles Times “Current” section and been described as “distancing” the writes a weekly column published in the Council from Prager’s remarks. Prager Washington Examiner and online at stated in an interview to the Associated Townhall.com, National Review Online, Press that he was honored “to continue Jewish World Review, and others. He also serving” on the board and that he underwrites a bi-weekly column for the Jewish stands the pressures that caused it to issue Journal of Greater Los Angeles. a statement. Having declared that the United States Author of four books including Nine is engaged in a “second non-violent civil Questions People Ask About Judaism with war” over the fundamental moral values Joseph Telushkin, Prager has lectured in on which American society was built, 46 states, on six continents, and traveled Prager argues that many influential in 98 countries. He speaks French, American institutions (including universi- Russian, and Hebrew and has lectured in ties, trial lawyers, labor unions, the Russian in Russia and in Hebrew in Israel. ACLU, civil rights groups, and most An avid classical music lover, he periodilarge newspapers and television networks) cally conducts orchestras in Southern are dominated by “secular leftists.” He California.
While Prager is best known as a conservative political commentator, his depth of knowledge and commitment to Judaism is simply amazing,” said Paul Rabinovitz, chair of Temple Israel’s Adult Education Committee. “I was initially skeptical about the idea of Prager being invited to Temple Israel,” Rabinovitz added. “His political viewpoint and our membership’s are not particularly well aligned. But true learning comes when your point of view is challenged, and you open your mind to a wide world of possibilities. Prager is this type of teacher, and I am sure he will expose us all to new and thought-provoking ideas.” Joel Alperson, who met Prager in 1983 at a retreat near Kansas City, remembers arguing with him quite a bit that weekend. “But I never forgot him. I stayed in touch and over time, we became very good friends. During those years, because of him, I realized that the religion I thought was only for my grandparents could guide me in marriage, business, family, and so much more. “No one I’ve known,” observed Alperson, “brings more contemporary meaning and purpose to Judaism than Dennis Prager. He explains how a 3,000year-old religion has very practical applications in our daily lives. And he does it in a way which is not judgmental. He simply wants Jews to better understand and ultimately be more influenced by the brilliant system we’ve inherited. Finally, he likes to have fun with his audience. At the risk of overstating the case, Dennis’s thoughts have been literally life changing for the many Jews who have been exposed to his lectures, radio show, and writings. In fact, I attribute a great deal of my own Jewish passion to what I’ve learned from Dennis.”
A wine and cheese Oneg at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19, at Temple Israel will be followed by Shabbat worship services at 6 p.m. during which Prager will deliver the d’var on Happiness is a Mitzvah Not a Feeling, pointing out that the Torah commands us to look beyond ourselves and consider the welfare of others. On Saturday morning at 9 a.m., Prager will join the Torah study group, Sparks Beneath the Surface, to explain Why the Torah is My Guide. Worship services will follow at 10:30 a.m. That evening at 7 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, the entire Jewish community is invited to hear Prager speak on the topic, Do Secular Jews Have a Future? After his presentation, clergy from Temple Israel, Beth El and Beth Israel Synagogues will join Prager for a panel discussion, followed by a dessert reception. To wrap up the weekend, Prager will discuss Judaism’s Five Greatest Lessons at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 21, at Temple Israel. All members of the Jewish community are welcome to attend any or all of Prager’s presentations which are funded by Temple Israel’s Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning.
IN THE NEWS America’s Realty Team/Mav Realty LLC is pleased to announce that Les Kay has joined the firm as Realtor Sales Agent. Kay will be selling and buying residential and commercial real estate. He has been involved with the business community since 1985, and offers a wealth of knowledge and experience.
B ROW N E L L - TA L B OT G R A D S : P R E PA R E D F O R T H E F U T U R E .
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OPEN HOUSE Sunday • November 7th 1-3:30 PM
We do know that we can help them be successful if we prepare them to think critically, act responsibly, and adapt confidently to a changing world.
RSVP at brownell.edu • Meet students, parents, and teachers. • Tour the campus and learn more about the curriculum. • Attend helpful information sessions on Malone Scholarships and our Please College Counseling Program.
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Duffel Bag Memories THE HISTORIAN’S F OOTPRINT by OLIVER B. POLLAK The garage contains the detritus of life, a three-car garage even more so. The limp green canvas Navy duffel bag takes very little space. Issued in 1961, filled with a serviceman’s trousseau, it went from boot camp in San Diego (The former Naval Training Center closed, and reemerged as a “new urban village called Liberty Station;” only Great Lakes boot camp in Illinois remains), to two week Navy Reserve stints, the Pacific and Vietnam. Subsequently recycled for civilian use it served valiantly at children’s summer camp in Wisconsin and one BRAN (Bike Ride Across Nebraska) trip. It is not adorned with exotic labels from Honolulu, Manila, Yokohama, or Saigon, only the enduring black stencil, “POLLAK, O.B.” I received my government issue green duffel bag, dungarees, blue denim shirts, web belt with brass buckle, skivvies, wool “blues” (a jumper top with white piping, and bell bottom trousers), neckerchief, dress blue hat, white cotton sailor hat (allegedly useful as a bailing tool), and black shoes. The bag lay lumpily over the shoulder, the hard-edged shoe heel gouged the back. Coming back to the states twice in the mid 1960s I loaded my bag with gifts, booty and chachkas, including a marine KA-BAR traded for I don’t remember what, maybe a camera. It works as a passable lawn edger. Fifty years later all that remains are a bag of memories. I wrote about bootcamp, “Early Up, Standing Watch, Calisthenics, push-up…,” in 1989 under Morris Maline’s editorship, and “The Pea-Coat,” in 2003 under Carol Katzman’s editorship. These are the relics of youth, another time and place. The green canvas has not faded, there are no signs of moths. The duffel bag resonates half a century later. As much as technology has changed, the duffel bag has remained for almost a century as the standard service member’s luggage or baggage. The much smaller “ditty bag” holds personal items, like sewing kits, toiletries and shaving gear.
The Oxford English Dictionary states the duffle is a coarse woolen cloth with a knap. According to Wikipedia the name comes from Duffel, the Belgium town in the province of Antwerp that produced thick durable cloth. Ebay lists about 13,000 duffel bags, now a generic term for oblong fabric luggage, sometimes even with wheels; 333 of which are military. Prices ranged from $3.99 to $140, including an Israel Defense Force bag. Patterson, New York sports Duffle Bag, Inc. Omaha’s military surplus stores include Strictly GI Military Surplus on Saddle Creek and Canfield’s Sporting Goods on Center. On July 9, 2010 while waiting in Marseille’s St. Charles train station for the 180-mile per hour train to whisk us under the English Channel to London, I saw about twenty French soldiers armed with submachine guns standing at ease in ranks. Next to them were twenty or so green duffel bags stacked like cordwood guarded by a soldier at attention. Duffel bags used to appear at bus and train stations. Today they are ubiquitous in airport terminals and luggage carousels, some in camouflage with sophisticated backpack straps. I wrote some friends for their Navy recollections. Reg Truman, my mid-1960s shipmate, has two sea bags, the first from his initial enlistment, the second when he reenlisted in the reserves. My UNO colleague Bruce Garver obtained his first duffel bag as a midshipman in the US Navy in 1957 and used it regularly as a naval officer on sea duty throughout the Pacific until June 1964. He continued to use it as a graduate student and professor at Yale, including trips to Czechoslovakia where it carried dirty laundry. The duffel bag outlasted three or four hard shell plastic suitcases, and retired in the early 1990s, when Bruce and Karen purchased suitcases on wheels. My law partner, David Hicks, with whom I pun incessantly, responding from Vienna, asked, does it have “Any relation to D’uffel Tower?” What is the fate, the ultimate disposition, of these uncommon carriers? They are destined for craigslist, ebay, donations to Goodwill, theater props, the end of the driveway with a “Free” sign, or in the garage awaiting grandchildren and bag races at a summer afternoon picnic.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
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Get creative for Beth El’s gala fundraiser by JILL BELMONT not only allows them to showcase their talents, but Beth El Publicity Coordinator enables them to participate and contribute to a program Beth El’s upcoming Cantor’s Scholarship Concert is that directly benefits them. Having the knowledge that shaping up to be quite the artistic masterpiece – many they helped to raise funds for a program that encourages masterpieces, actually. The Jan. 29 them to attend Jewish camps, proevent will start at 7 p.m., and is a grams and trips, I would imagine gala art auction, featuring work by would be very rewarding.” both amateur and professional Cost to participate is $36; this artists from around the country. includes lunch both days and all Titled “Creativity and Philanmaterials. Deadline to register is thropy: An Art Extravaganza,” the Nov. 30. To reserve your spot, event’s proceeds will benefit Beth please contact Program Director El’s Youth Scholarship Program, Margie Gutnik in the synagogue which provides opportunities for office at 492.8550, or at proyouths to attend Jewish summer gramming@bethel-omaha.org. camps, visit Israel or attend Jewish The cantor noted that, “This youth conventions. The evening event will be exciting for everyLocal artists Carole Greenberg, left, Daniel will also feature cabaret-style musione, the artists and contributors Christensen and Shiri Tene look over the signcal entertainment. are afforded the opportunity to up list of teens attending art workshops In addition to professional see how much the community valplanned for next month. artists, all 7th-12th graders from ues their abilities and creations. throughout the Omaha Jewish community are invited to For those attending, the night will be full of wonderful create and submit their artwork for a silent auction dur- surprises, lots of humor, and just a good time to be had ing the evening. (An art selection committee will set the by all, along with the added benefit of helping so many minimum bid for all pieces displayed. Artists will retain of our youths to engage more actively in the Jewish 50 percent of the selling price, with the remaining 50 community here, at camp and throughout the country, percent going to the Youth Scholarship Fund.) and in Israel.” Teens are invited to attend a series of two workshops at Beth El, where they may create a piece of art in one of the following media: copper-tooling, paper-cutting, or acrylic, oil and enamel on canvas. (Teens do not have by LOIS WINE to attend the workshops to submit their art for the The League Offering Volunteers for the Elderly event.) The following workshops will be led by local (LOVE) is planning a Holiday Shopping Sale for chilartists: On Sunday, Dec. 5, and Dec. 12, 12:30 – 3 dren and adults. The sale will be held on Sunday, p.m., Daniel Christensen will lead a session on paperNov. 7, and Sunday, Nov. 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. at cutting; Julie Phillips and Shiri Tene, will offer instructhe LOVE Gift Shop in the Rose Blumkin Jewish tion for acrylic, oil and enamel on canvas; and Larry Home and use the special coupon at right. Budwig, will guide attendees in the art of fused glass. A wonderful assortment of gifts for parents, grandAlso, on Dec. 12 only, 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Carole parents, sisters, brothers and friends will be available. Greenberg will lead a workshop on copper-tooling. There will be free gift wrapping. Teenagers will be “Many young artists, while extremely talented, have available to assist youngsters select the appropriate very few opportunities to share their talent with their gifts. community,” said Beth El Cantor Beth Schlossberg, For more information, call Lois Wine at 334.6519. who is spearheading the upcoming event. “This event
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 5, 2010
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Choosing to keep his makeshift family intact, he reluctantly rolls with convention and visits the well-dressed, high-rise office of Arnold Burns, Murray’s kind older brother and agent played by awardwinning actor Randy Vest, who adds a dimension of humanity and humility. Billed as a comedy, A Thousand Clowns delves far deeper into issues like identity, shame, sacrifice and truth. Directed by
Coney Island-born writer Herb Gardner won a Tony award for his 1962 Broadway show A Thousand Clowns, which also earned him an Oscar for the screen adaptation in 1965. Though this iconic play includes six talented cast-members, it is impossible to ignore the seventh character, New York City, in all its neurotic, hopeful, tough-love glory, giving the story an undeniable density and depth. Act I: Twelve-year-old Nick (Ben Adams), a precocious, bow-tied boy lies on his wooden Murphy bed watching Chuckles the Chipmunk, a wacky children’s television show once written by Murray Burns (Nick Zadina), his nowunemployed uncle and roommate with a carpe diem m.o. and slight rebellion issue (“I never open letters from large organizations”). Murray enters their unapologetically cluttered living room from the Actors Ben Adams and Nick Zadina display good energy Credit: Omaha Community Playhouse kitchen wearing his new uniform---a robe and cup of coffee---after Amy Lane, the ensemble’s timing is spotwhich the two launch into characteristic on, creating a smooth pace and energy. oddball banter, until a knock at the door Adams is earnest and focused with lightcracks open their seemingly safe set-up. ning-speed speech, making his lines Buttoned-up couple and Bureau of sometimes tough to catch. And Zadina’s Child Welfare psychologist Sandra a faux laughter master with impressive Markowitz and social worker Albert stamina; his voice is often so voluminous Amundson, beautifully played by OCP and throaty, you may be tempted to toss newbies Patricia Lilyhorn and David him a lozenge. That said, the two have Weisser (husband of stage manager Liz such a real rapport, you can easily imagKendall Weisser), enter the duo’s messy ine them hamming it up back-stage or living room and lives, questioning over cupcakes at Jones Brothers. Murray’s guardian abilities and deliver an Rob Baker, who plays Leo Herman, the ultimatum: Get a job or give up Nick--his slippery, sweet, gotta-love-him host of sister’s “OW,” 1960s code for out-of- Chuckles the Chipmunk, delivers classic wedlock. one-liners with such a flawless Brooklyn Murray and Nick endear Sandra who accent and sweaty-brow passion, he’ll soon gets fired and falls for Murray, who, make you miss your uncle from Coney it turns out, is far wiser than his boyish Island---even if you don’t have one. antics suggest. A Thousand Clowns runs through Nov. Like the eagles he collects en masse, 21 in the Howard Drew Theater of the Murray eventually reveals an inner Omaha Community Playhouse. strength, unmasking a litany of precious Performances are Thursday-Saturday values and dormant dreams for Nick (and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. For tickthus, himself). ets, call the box office at 402.553.0800.
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B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Speaker yet to be announced for Wednesday, Nov. 10, noon at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $13; beverage service is $3. For more information or to be placed on the e-mail list call 334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish words have made their way into every phase of modern life, show biz, law, classrooms, etc. Come join us at our new meeting room (across from the beauty salon) at the Blumkin Home, every Thursday, 1-3 pm. For information, call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.
MAINSTREETERS Join us for Lunch and a Movie on Monday, Nov. 15 beginning at 12:30 p.m. for lunch at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home auditorium. The movie Date Night will start at 1 p.m. Popcorn will be served. This film features Steve Carell and Tina Fey. A couple finds their routine date night becomes much more than just dinner and a movie. The cost for lunch is $10 per plate. Send in the reservation form to Maggie Conti, 323 South 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 68154. For information call Tootie Simon at 397.3616. For transportation call Maggie Conti at 334.6521.
HANUKKAH ART CONTEST If you are 12 or younger, create an original work of art with a Hanukkah theme on 8.5X11” white paper using crayons, markers, paint, or anything else you can think of. Submit it to the Jewish Press by Nov. 10, and you can win a membership to the Omaha Children’s Museum! And... when you drop your art off at our office, you will receive a small prize just for participating. Good luck!
November 5, 2010
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
An excellent summer adventure: Partnership with Israel Kefiadah Continued from page 1 of the country. I was doubtful that both of my summer jobs would be able to give me the time off and I was inclined to turn down the offer. After talking to a few friends who participated in Kefiada over the past few summers, I realized how foolish it would be to say no to a chance to live in Israel for an entire month. So I turned in my application and began planning for my first trip to Israel. Before my arrival I was a little unsure of what to expect. I knew that we would be working with campers in first through sixth grades and I pictured long days of running around in the desert chasing kids who could barely speak English. Don’t get me wrong; we did plenty of chasing after the campers, but they were a blast! And camp was only the first part of our daily schedule. The wide variety of activities planned for us in the afternoon and evenings were non-stop. What I loved most about Kefiada was the balance between having a routine at camp, going on a variety of tours around different parts of the country (seeing everything from a dairy farm to gardens to a soldier’s memorial site) and still having free time to explore on our own. The six of us Americans became extremely close and had so much fun adjusting to Israeli life. The program gave us space to live like adults and go out in Nahariya - or wherever we could get a cab to take us! during our free time. I think I speak for all of us when I say the most rewarding part of the trip was being able to get to know the people we were living around. The feature that sets Kefiada apart from other trips to Israel is the ability to allow participants to really sink into Israeli life and understand what the country is all about. For anyone considering entering the program next summer, I cannot gush enough about it. I encourage you to do whatever it takes to free up the one month you would be gone.” Taylor, an English major, is a senior at UNO. She is the daughter of Keri and Tom Workman. Salo Cemaj “I had already spent two weeks in Israel before the Kefiadah program started. It was a big change from being on your own traveling around Israel to being in a set place for a month. Going into the program I only knew that we were there to work at a camp in a kibbutz. The first few days before the actual camp started we were told we needed to plan activities for an entire month for these kids. We were also told that the kids would be tough to handle and that we should be prepared and be authoritative when we want to get them to listen. All in all the kids were not as bad as they were made out to be. They were full of energy and always had a big smile on their faces whenever we saw them. Sure, it was tough to organize them all but when you really needed their attention, they gave it to you, especially during the baby shark song! The Kefiadah program is great because it wasn’t just us being camp counselors. The program took us on guided trips that were different from ones you would have already been on if you did birthright or a youth group
Omaha volunteers at Partnership with Israel Kefiadah top: Taylor Workman with campers, bottom left, Salo Cemaj with his buddy and bottom right, Daniel Grossman and a camper. program. We went hiking to Rosh Hanikra, the Western Galilee Hospital, Haifa, Tzfat, the Strauss factory, Koranit, and the Ghetto Fighters Museum. Also, every Thursday we went to Akko to volunteer at a place where children could go hang out instead of getting involved in illegal activities. One of my favorite parts of the trip was going to Regba. We were each assigned a host family to go have dinner with. Regba had everything from the friendliest people on Earth to the most delicious food in Israel. My host family, the Einstein’s, were very nice and funny, especially little Ido, who was the youngest kid in the family and always had a mischievous smile on his face.
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We played basketball, soccer and swam and in the end we had a party at the pool with a lot of food. All in all, the Kefiadah program was a wonderful experience and I wish it would have been even longer because I wasn’t ready to leave Israel at the end. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to have an experience of a lifetime!” Salo’s parents are Shirley and Sam Cemaj and he is a sophomore at UNL. Daniel Grossman “Our Kefiadah group included six Americans from four Partnership cities. Heading our group was Eshchar Sommerfeld, our Israeli ‘dad,’ and he was amazing in taking care of us, helping us with anything we needed and becoming a really close friend. The Kefiadah program really did a fantastic job of integrating us into the Israeli culture. We were sent to Israel to work in the Western Galilee region, specifically the Matte Asher Regional Council Summer Camp in Bet Hayemeck. It was a blast! Our group planned and ran activities for the day camp. There were also Israeli counselors who helped run other activities and provided the important job of translating to the kids. Out of the 150 campers, everyday we had half of them, either from first to third grade or fourth through sixth grade. The whole thing sounds incredibly hectic, but with great kids and other counselors, it went extremely smooth. As we met with the kids over the four weeks we were working there, we made great friendships. The Israeli campers were so interested in everything about our lives and wanted us to stay forever. It was pretty adorable, I have to say. There was one little boy who was my shadow. From the time we arrived until we left, he was my constant buddy. While we worked during the day, there was always some sort of activity laid out for us every evening. We had tours around northern Israel, volunteering at Hafuch Hafuch, a youth center for teens, going to the beach, meeting families in Regba (Regba is an incredible moshav near Nahariya with amazing people), or even just going to the beach. There was never a dull moment. Spending time with IDF soldiers who were home on weekend visits -- who, of course were our age -- was absolutely great. The conversations we had were unbelievable. I had arrived in Israel a few days early and spent a couple days with relatives and then did some traveling with Salo and also spent time with Ygal Schuller who was in Israel. Then, when the program was finished, Alex from Youngstown and I spent three days hiking in the Negev with Eshchar as our guide. That was an absolutely incredible experience highlighted by being in the desert during a full moon. I look back on how quickly our Kefiadah group bonded and I am sure we’ll keep in close contact with one another. The time just flew by and it was absolutely great to be there. It was a life-changing experience and a summer that I will never forget.” A sophomore at UNL majoring in Management Information Systems, Daniel is the son of Alex and Mary Sue Grossman.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 5, 2010
Funny by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press Online magazine Askmen.com recently voted Jon Stewart the most influential man of 2010, according to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. More than half a million readers took part in the poll, which had its results announced Tuesday. Stewart, born Jonathan Stuart Leibowitz, is the host of the satirical news program “The Daily Show.” He beat out Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, who finished second and third. President Obama came in 21st. (JTA.com) A few things come to mind when I read “news” like this. Who are these half a million people who have nothing better to do than sit around and vote in Internet polls? What demographic are we talking about here? In and of itself, half a million isn’t necessarily an insignificant number. I would like to know what sort of jobs these people have, what their average incomes are; whether most of them are still in school, what gender they are, where they live, and which way their parents voted – if they voted at all. Without those details, it is hard to derive any sort of meaning from these polls. Having said all that, as a nation we continue to be flabbergasted that political comedians have such a large following: fake news is taking the place of real news and vice versa; in order to believe what someone tells us, we seem to need jokes now more than ever. Political comedy in and of itself is nothing new. From Charlie Chaplin’s Great Dictator to Jackie Mason (“In this business, you don’t do so hot, you run for office”), from Lewis Black to Mel Brooks (“Rhetoric does not get you
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anywhere, because Hitler and Mussolini are just as good at rhetoric. But if you can bring these people down with comedy, they stand no chance”), comedians, for decades, have been saying out loud what most people only think. Then there is the knowledge that humor is merely the coating, under which there is a deeper truth. Jokes are not just jokes, but a way to tell the world what is really going on, a way to bring important issues out in the open. Charlie Chaplin made fun of Hitler, but moviegoers knew what he was really saying. Jackie Mason ridiculed Reagan when he traded Hollywood for the Governor’s mansion, but his audience knew he was asking whether this man was qualified for office (little did they know, back in the 1960’s!) When it comes to politics, it can be hard to have a public discussion that doesn’t rapidly devolve into namecalling and backbiting. The arena of comedy, meanwhile, seems often a sort of safe zone, a place where p e o p l e don’t take themselves too seriously, and where every
topic is up for grabs. The ‘serious’ news media will never have the kind of freedom comedy writers have, and they can (and often do) act as a release valve when tensions run too high. When there are to many things bothering us, and they are difficult to talk about; when we are frustrated, and scared, and need some reassurance that there are others out there who think like us. Many comedians paved the way for Jon Stewart. What he does is not new, and it’s not innovative. Instead, he is part of a time-honored tradition. He, like those before him, is the court jester who tells the king his pants don’t fit, while winking at the audience and telling them: ‘you’re not alone’. Jon Stewart may seem young and hip, but there is nothing new under the sun.
BEHIND THE HEADLINES by JAY RUDERMAN BOSTON (JTA) -- Since the late 1980s, the Jewish conversation -- and Jewish funding -has orbited around the goal of Jewish continuity. Whether the cause is Jewish peoplehood, intermarriage, education or even Israel, ensuring our Jewish continuity inevitably grounds the discussion. But one issue critical to continuity has been missing from the conversation for far too long: supporting our disabled and special needs populations. With 14 percent of children in North America having special needs and an even larger percentage of people (young and old) living with a disability, hundreds of thousands of Jews in North America and around the world must forego Jewish experiences in order to participate in secular programs -- schools, camps, vocational services and more -- that meet basic developmental needs. Even in major Jewish markets, families with disabled children struggle to engage in Jewish life. This summer, international media reported on the Samuels family of New York, who were forced to choose between providing a Jewish education for their daughter Caily, who was born with Down syndrome, and a secular program that would accommodate her special circumstances. For a people who value fairness, inclusivity and justice, it’s unacceptable that so many of our own are turned away in this manner. We need to tackle Jewish continuity head-on by ensuring that Jews with special needs have a place to live, learn and work within our communities. As we mark the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, I am issuing a
Jewish Press Board Andy Ruback, Vice President; Eric Dunning, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Past President; Daphne Pollak Alperson, Marc Brodkey; Phyllis Brown; Jason Epstein; Mel Epstein; Scott Farkas; Michael Kaufman; Jamie Meyerson; Michael Sigmond; Jim Simon; Dorothy Spizman; Nancy Wolf. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service/Jewish Senior Services, and the Jewish Press . Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org.
Embrace special needs in continuity conversation challenge to the Jewish community to embrace special needs as a core part of the continuity conversation, and to take active roles in supporting the needs of the disabled. We cannot afford to ignore the issue of special needs because it is expensive or complex. It is critical to the future of our community and deserves to be prioritized. If Jews with disabilities are turned away from Jewish schools, community centers and synagogues, that means the organized Jewish community is turning away an integral part of our community -- our children, siblings, parents, friends, neighbors and colleagues. But by moving the bar in this one area, and supporting programs that enable Jews with disabilities to participate in all facets of Jewish life, we can create opportunities for hundreds of thousands of people living with special needs to lead meaningful and vibrant Jewish lives. I can’t think of a more meaningful way to support continuity. We’ve seen individual examples of programs that are making a real difference across the United States and internationally: • San Francisco’s Bureau of Jewish Education has helped preschools, synagogues, JCCs and day schools come together with central agencies to ensure that Jewish learning is available to every student. • With support from the UJA Federation of New York, the “Reelabilities” film festival has been able to raise awareness and promote appreciation for those with a range of disabilities. • In Michigan, the Friendship Circle provides assistance and support to the families of children with special needs. • Gateways: Access to Jewish Education enables more than 500 special-needs children in Boston to attend local Jewish day schools, where teachers and administrators are now trained to work with the children. • Yachad provides Jewish programming and
Bobbi Leibowitz President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper
experiences in educational, recreational and social settings throughout the United States and Canada. • And in Israel, Israel Unlimited, a partnership of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, the Israeli government and the Ruderman Family Foundation is engaged in integrating people with disabilities in the community. These are all examples of pacesetting organizations making great strides on this issue. However, there are no mechanisms -- particularly in the funding community -- for sharing information and pursuing collaborative endeavors that perpetuate these regional programs. When and where it exists, support for disabled populations happens in silos, across regions, age groups, and a great variance of physical and cognitive disorders. In order to effectively support the needs of our disabled populations, we must break down these barriers, so that shared learning and collaboration can benefit all. This week, an international group of Jewish funders and nonprofit leaders are convening in New York City to examine the opportunity gap that exists for disabled Jews, and to inspire collaboration in which private funders, federations and professionals can actively work together to build a more inclusive community. The Ruderman Jewish Special Needs Funding Conference is an important step on the path toward building a more inclusive future, but it will require a greater communal response to make that goal a reality. We must commit to making “special needs” a priority topic within the larger continuity conversation, and take action to bring all people with disabilities back into the folds of Jewish life. Jay Ruderman is the president of The Ruderman Family Foundation, which focuses on improving the lives of people with special needs in the Greater Boston area and Israel.
Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jewish omaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but it should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de Kamp-Wright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $35 per calendar year U.S.; $72 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
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Do you really know your JFS? GUEST E DITORIAL by KAREN GUSTAFSON JFS Director If asked by one of your friends, would you be able to tell them the average age of the person Jewish Family Services (JFS) reaches through the Assistance Program? What about the most common reason someone seeks assistance? Could you state, with accuracy, the biggest obstacle to people remaining financially independent? Or, what about the difference between the Tzedakah Projects and the Assistance Program? I think it is important for the entire community to know the answers to these questions. The average age of assistance clients in the past several years is 59-60 years. Many people think the majority of the clients we serve are families and children and in several of our programs, such as counseling and Project Dreidel, this is true. However, our greatest current requestor of assistance is that group of people who are between middle age and retirement. They are the folks who are losing their jobs at record rates and are experiencing both difficulties at securing employment (there is no age discrimination, yeah right!) and less employment at their level of experience. They are the folks who are beginning to experience increasing medical issues and are either uninsured or underinsured and not yet at the age to receive benefits through Medicare. Our single most common request, and usually the
most costly, is for mortgage or rental payments. People are simply trying to save their home any way they can. Many have raised their children in their family home and expected to live in it as long as they could. In some cases, by the time a family seeks assistance through JFS it is too late to save the home, and foreclosure is eminent. In other cases, bankruptcy has become a viable option. But in some fortunate cases, we have been able to save the home, and in the process, someone’s pride. If this was not possible, we assisted in expenses to downsize either to an apartment or to a smaller apartment. Which brings up another issue; finding a living situation when someone has a poor credit history and/or is in need of a ground level apartment due to medical issues. Appropriate housing options are a great concern. JFS has assisted in moving expenses, security deposits and first month’s rent when eligible. Due to the very delicate nature of someone’s feelings of inadequacy or hopelessness our Assistance Coordinator works very closely with people step-by-step so they can feel less alone and less embarrassed. It’s similar to the whole new epidemic of “bed bugs,” just because you have them does not mean that you are dirty. Just because you have a need or your life situation has changed, does not mean that you are any less important. We also encourage families in transition to seek the counseling services of JFS to help with the feelings of depression, confusion and loss. Some of our clients are highly educated but underemployed, while others are high school graduates who are unemployed due to the downsizing of their longterm job. Because of outdated skills, feelings of intimidation by technology, anxiety about their forced
change, age and other factors, they feel unemployable. Many of our Assistance recipients are unaffiliated Jews with no formal connection to our local synagogues. They consider themselves Jewish but do not feel comfortable in a formal religious setting. They have grown comfortable and feel supported by the staff at Jewish Family Service. As staff, we take this one and only connection they may have with the Jewish community very seriously. The last question that I pose to you is one that has been very confusing…the difference between our Tzedakah Projects and our Assistance Program. The Tzedakah Projects are our holiday food bags delivered to those in the Jewish community who do not have other family members to celebrate the holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah and Passover. Project Dreidel is our Hanukkah gift program for families needing some extra support to help offer their children some gifts to celebrate the festival. The JFS Assistance Program encompasses many things, including direct support of our Assistance Coordinator, connection to additional community resources that can help longer term, and sometimes, when appropriate, financial assistance to get someone through an immediate crisis with a plan for future and renewed independence. I welcome your phone calls, either to inquire about our services or to refer someone who you know may be reluctant to make the initial phone call themselves. Our Assistance Program is exclusively available to Jewish community members and funded solely by Jewish community members. JFS is the gatekeeper to this generosity and to the true spirit of gemilut chasadim…deeds of loving kindness. Feel free to call me at 330.2024.
Palestinian gambit for statehood puts Israel against wall
FOCUS ON ISSUES by LESLIE SUSSER JERUSALEM (JTA) – With talks at a stalemate and no agreement from the Israelis to reinstate a settlement freeze, the Palestinians are playing a new card: an end game to statehood through an appeal to the international community. The mere threat that the Palestinians would push for international recognition of a state from the United Nations has been enough to push the Israeli government to reconsider returning to the negotiating table. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently said he is working with the Obama administration on a formula to restart the stalled peace process. At his weekly Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said “Our aim is not only to renew the process, but to renew it in such a way that it won’t collapse in a few weeks or in two months, but that we will go into a full year of serious negotiations on the core issues in an effort to reach a framework agreement on the way to a peace deal. “Any attempt by the Palestinians to circumvent this process by going to international organizations,” he said, “is not realistic, and will not in any way advance a genuine peace process.” Israeli, Palestinian and U.S. leaders all say publicly that a negotiated peace deal is much preferred to unilateral steps that could spark a sharp response from the other side. But the Palestinians warn that if the direct peace talks remain on hold, they will consider approaching international bodies for recognition of a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with eastern Jerusalem as its capital. It isn’t clear whether this is merely a tactic to frighten Israel back to the peace table -- talks that were renewed in early September broke down four weeks later over
Israel’s refusal to extend a building freeze in the West Bank -- or part of a new strategy aimed at achieving a better deal for the Palestinians through the international community. Either way, given Israel’s precarious position on the international stage and the lack of international support for its West Bank settlement construction policy, the Palestinian threat carries weight and is being taken very seriously in Jerusalem. The new Palestinian thinking has been evolving over the past few years and is based on two key principles: winning enhanced international support for Palestinian goals and, in parallel, building the institutions of a functioning Palestinian state from the bottom up. The idea is that if the American-mediated peace process with Israel proves fruitless, the Palestinians can invoke Plan B: Gaining the world’s approval for an already functioning Palestinian state, on conditions favorable to the Palestinians, at a time of their choosing. With Palestinian confidence in the Israeli government on the wane and Israel’s international standing in decline, Plan B has emerged as a genuine threat to Israel. Last week, the Palestinians made their first significant move for recognition as a state by approaching the International Criminal Court at The Hague to urge recognition of the Palestinian Authority as the equivalent of a full-fledged state government. That designation would enable the Palestinian Authority to press war crimes charges against Israel for its conduct in the 200809 Gaza War. Recognition of the Palestinian Authority by the international court would hand the Palestinians a major PR victory in their quest for internationally recognized statehood. The Palestinians would be able to cite the court’s recognition as legal backing for their case for a state. Last week the court’s prosecutor, Luis MorenoOcampo of Argentina, heard arguments from legal
experts, backed up by nongovernmental organizations, from both sides. The Israeli side argued that the Palestinian Authority is not a state and therefore cannot claim standing before the court, and that in any event, the court is not empowered to prosecute a state like Israel, which has effective and credible legal mechanisms for dealing with suspected war crimes. A decision is not expected for several weeks. If the Palestinians do press ahead in earnest with Plan B, the United Nations will be the main battleground. Given the certain backing for a Palestinian state by the non-aligned and Muslim states, the Palestinians easily would be able to secure a majority in the General Assembly. The Palestinians want more than mere recognition: They want a binding allocation of territory based on the 1967 borders. For that they will likely seek a resolution from the U.N. Security Council, whose votes are binding. Such an effort likely would be blocked by the United States, which has veto power in that body. Therefore, for such a gambit to work, it would need to have the backing of the Obama administration. That’s unlikely. For Israel, all of this constitutes a major headache. The Netanyahu government fears that many countries, including the Europeans, would go along with the Palestinians and recognize a Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 border between Israel and Jordan. Behind the scenes, Israeli diplomats have been warning their colleagues in Washington and Europe that if the Palestinians act on the U.N. strategy, the current peace process, and the Oslo process on which it is based, would be over. For now, however, Israel is focusing its efforts on putting peace talks back on track. “Peace will only be achieved through direct negotiations,” Netanyahu said Sunday, “and I hope we will return to this avenue in full force very soon.”
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 5, 2010
Candlelighting Friday, November 5, 5:57 p.m.
Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Pam Cohn, School Principal, on the topic, Equitable Opportunities for all Children. The community is invited.
Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 www.OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 323 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
The Neighborhood Prayer Group 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org
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BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6 p.m. BESTT SHABBAT SCHOOL: Saturday, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., for all students in grades Pre-K-7. Lunch will be served. Rabbi Levin will conduct a parallel parent study session at 10 a.m. for all interested adults. BESTT classes will not be held on Sunday. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. USY: On Saturday, 7 p.m., USYers will meet at the Qwest Center for a UNO Mavericks hockey game. Cost: $14 for ticket; bring extra money for snacks. To RSVP, contact Shiri Tene in the office, or at youthdir@bethel-omaha.org. SUNDAY: The Mystique of Judaism with Andy Greenberg, and Bible Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m.; Jewish Images on the Big Screen, 10:30 a.m. with Frydman-Levin. MONDAY: Let’s ‘Wine’ About It!, 6:30 p.m., join Cantor Beth Schlossberg weekly at Brix Wine Bar in Village Pointe. Adults in the Jewish community are invited; Glass Ribbon Project, 7 p.m., join in this free community art project to support the fight against breast cancer. Open to women ages 12 and older in the Jewish community. To RSVP, call the office. WEDNESDAY: Women’s Book Club, 3:30 p.m. will discuss My Father’s Paradise, by Ariel Sabar; Camp Ramah Meeting, 5:40 p.m. parents and students are invited to an introduction to Camp Ramah in Conover, WI; Parsha & Pizza, 6 p.m. monthly mini course, led by Cantor Schlossberg. Cost is $3 per session for members, $4 for non-members. To register, call the office. THURSDAY: Rabbi Levin’s Life Lessons from the Hebrew Bible, noon. Cost is $36 for Beth El members, $45 for non-members. To register, call the office, or email programming@bethelomaha.org. TOT SHABBAT & SAY SHALOM TO SHABBAT: On Friday, Nov. 12, 6 p.m. Service is followed by dinner. For reservations made by Wednesday, Nov. 10, dinner cost is $5 for members, $7.50 for non-members; after that, the cost is $10, and $15, respectively. No charge for children six and younger. To RSVP, contact Margie in the office, or at pro-
gramming@bethel-omaha.org. KADIMA: Zaap Laser Tag on Sunday, Nov. 14, 2–3 p.m. Drop-off and pick-up at Beth El. Cost: $5. RSVP to Shiri Tene in the office. BESTT CHAVERIM: On Sunday, Nov. 14, Chaverim members are invited to a cupcakedecorating party at Beth El, from 12:15-1:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided. No charge. RSVP to Shiri Tene in the office. All Beth El classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.
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 and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 5:57 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; “Advanced Parshah Study for Kids” (ages 10 and up) and Shabbat Mishnah Group, Avodah Zarah, chapter 4, one hour prior to Mincha every Shabbat; Mincha, 5:30 p.m. followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 6:57 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Weekly Teleconference Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m. Contact the office to get the dialin number and access code. TUESDAY: Scholars Club for fourth-sixth graders, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home; Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m.; Advanced Halchic Kollel, 9 p.m.; Follow the Kollel at www.omahakollel. blogspot.com. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Rabbis Around the World, 7:30 p.m.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m.; Women’s Shabbat Dinner, 6:30 p.m. at the Katzman home. RSVP to office@ochabad.com. SATURDAY: Shabbat Minyan, 10 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m.; Mini Mensch title will be awarded. Kiddush luncheon follows. Join Rabbi Katzman, noon1 p.m.; W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets and Prayer, 12:45 p.m. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. MONDAY: After school teen program, 2:40-4 p.m.; JLI class, Medicine & Morals, Your Jewish guide through life’s tough decisions, 7 p.m. Questions? Contact Shevi at 330.1800 or JLI@OChabad.com. THURSDAY: The Parsha Club for Level I beginners, ages 5-6; and Level II intermediates and experts, ages 7-9, 3:50 p.m. Please contact
UNVEILING A stone unveiling for the grave of Suzy Rubin will be on Sunday, Nov. 7, 11 a.m., at Golden Hill Cemetery, 5025 N. 42nd St., officiated by Rabbi Gross.
Shevi@ochabad.com with any questions or to recive a guest pass. All programs are open to the entire community.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: LJCS Family Shabbat Dinner, 6:02 p.m.; Joint Family Shabbat Service, 6:45 p.m. at Tifereth Israel, with oneg following. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel. SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Gan-Grade 2, 9:45 a.m.12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at Tifereth Israel. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Book Drive: During the month of Nov., South Street Temple and Tifereth Israel is collecting new or gently-used preschool-level books to donate to Head Start Child Development Center. Bring your items to either the Temple or the Synagogue. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, 3 p.m. Book Discussion Group on For the Love of God: The Bible as an Open Book, by Alicia Ostriker, led by Sarah Kelen.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER GROUP FRIDAY: Minyan, 5:57 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. led by Nancy Rips and Andy Greenberg. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Miles Remer. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend Services.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6
p.m. led by Cantor Shermet. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Morning Service, 10 a.m. Phoebe Placzek, daughter of Kimberly and Matthew Placzek, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. SUNDAY: Religious School Teacher Development, 8:45 a.m.; Grades PreK-6, 10 a.m.; Prayer Assembly, 10 a.m.; Revitalizing the Festivals: Hanukkah, 10:30 a.m.-noon with Rabbi Azriel. MONDAY: Glass Ribbon Project, 7 p.m. at Beth El. This program is free and open to women in the Jewish community age 12 and older. Contact the Temple Israel office, 556.6536 or mkube@ templeisraelomaha.com, to RSVP. TUESDAY: Adult B’nai Mitzvah, 6:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 46 p.m.; All School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-8, 6 p.m.; Hebrew 101, 6:30 p.m. with Mor Sheinbein; Cost is $18 for members; $25 for non-members; no charge for Family School parents; The Last Survivor, 6:30 p.m. A film by Michael Pertnoy and Michael Kleima. THURSDAY: Adult Study with the Clergy,” 10 a.m. WRJ: A Night at the Sage Student Bistro. on Thursday, Nov. 11, 5:30 p.m. (see full story on page 3.)
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. FRIDAY: Shabbat service, 6:45 p.m. led by LJCS students. SATURDAY: Learners minyan, 9:30 a.m.; Morning Service, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush luncheon and Talmud study; Torah Study, 1 p.m. SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Gan-Grade 2, 9:45 a.m.12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at Tifereth Israel. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, 3 p.m. Book Discussion Group on For the Love of God: The Bible as an Open Book, by Alicia Ostriker, led by Sarah Kelen.
Temple Israel Gift Shop announces Open House by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Whatever you need for Hanukkah from menorahs to gifts, you’ll have an opportunity to find what’s on your list at the Gift Shop at Temple Israel at an Open House at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 7 and at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 10. Newly designed menorahs, Hanukkah candles, decorations, gifts for children, and Judaica such as dozens of mezuzot and dreidels will be on display. Sandy Nogg, Gift Shop manager, can tell you which artists designed the menorahs and other Judaica.
Temple Israel Gift Shop Manager Sandy Nogg prepares for Gift Shop Open House on Sunday and next Wednesday. Everything purchased at the Gift Shop supports the work of Women of Reform JudaismOmaha.
November 5, 2010
Here is Joseph!
DEATHS
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Sidrah Toldot Jacob greatly feared his brother Esau – and with good reason. Jacob had maneuvered to somehow wrest the rights of the first born from Esau; and further, the blessing of their father Isaac, that should have gone to his older brother. In our eyes it is not a pretty picture, for Jacob appears as the “city slicker” in getting everything he wants from their father Isaac. But in the ancient near east, this maneuvering and taking advantage were considered not only natural, but, because of their special skill, both amusing and legitimate. I need not tell the knowing reader that all of this is an ancient, artificial explanation of the separation of the House of Israel from other nations of the world. It is fascinating, however, to see how this give and take was judged in the ancient world to be not only amusing, but legitimate. It was a case not of ‘winner take all’, but of ‘winner take as much as he could get his hands on’. I suggest that anyone who is interested should read these chapters in any language he knows to see the approval of the text of the deceptions involved. Nevertheless, at the very end - for only a second or two - we see, as it were, from behind the stage, the appearance of Joseph, who I have elsewhere called “the Hero of Genesis.”
Beth El’s Learner’s Service
by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator In an effort to make Shabbat services more accessible and understandable for those who would like to participate, Beth El’s Cantor Beth Schlossberg offers a monthly Learner’s Service on Shabbat mornings. During the service, the cantor will dissect and teach how to comprehend the specific parts of the Shabbat morning service. Each section of the service -- P’sukei D’zimra, Shacharit, Torah service and Musaf -- will have its own morning dedicated to learning its meaning, liturgy, and construction. The first service, held last month, focused on the Torah service; the next offering will be Nov. 13, from 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m., with attendees learning about the Musaf service. Future sessions and their topics are: Dec. 11, Shacharit Service; Jan. 22, Opening prayers and P’sukei; Feb. 12, Themes throughout the service; March 19, Navigating Through Our Siddur: Where Do I Go Now?; April 9, What are All Those Boxes For? Cantor Schlossberg will also offer a how-to for service-leading. “This learner’s service is designed to offer some insight as to why and how our Shabbat service of today took shape,” the cantor explained. “Oftentimes we come to services and learn by rote, both text and melodies. And while the recitation of these prayers with our community around us is often rewarding by itself, there is a lot of meaning and experience to be gained by forming a deeper understanding of exactly what our tradition involves. “For me, personally,” she continued, “I find myself much more able to connect to several thousands of years of tradition when I can find a way to take what our ancestors practiced and make it approachable to our lives today. To do that, the rich history of our prayers, and where certain customs came from and how they developed over the years is something that adds both spirit and meaning to my prayer experience. Through this learner’s service I hope to help others find their own sense of spirit and meaning in their prayers, whether that be communal or personal.” The Learner’s Service is open to everyone in the Jewish community at no charge; the group will meet at 10:15 a.m. in Meeting Room ‘B,’ and at 11:15 a.m., will return to services in the synagogue sanctuary.
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Interactive barcode artwork by Scott Blake to be displayed at JCC Gallery by LYNN BATTEN The JCC Gallery welcomes artist Scott Blake during the month of November, and invites the public to come and interact with his remarkable artwork. Blake’s art, inspired by the Y2K computer crisis, started as the geometric forms of circles, squares and tile patterns. These shapes soon morphed into lines, which eventually became barcodes. Since then, Blake has primaElvis barcode by Scott Blake rily focused on making art with barcodes, using them to creating mosaics that have both form and function. Blake has made over 30 large-scale digital portraits of cultural icons. Each portrait contains interactive UPC numbers. The UPC numbers used in the portraits are ones that are somehow connected to the life of the cultural icon that is being illustrated. Blakes’s “Barcode Elvis” portrait, for example, is composed of barcodes off of Elvis music CDs. “Barcode Bruce Lee” and “Barcode Marilyn Monroe” are comprised of barcodes from DVDs of their movies, and “Barcode Oprah” consists of ISBN barcodes from Oprah’s Book Club. Viewers are able to scan these barcodes with a scanner (or even their smart phone!) and discover what each code is for. Move beyond form to function, and bring your family to this remarkable interactive exhibit that everyone is sure to enjoy. The Jewish Community Center Gallery is open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. –5 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information contact Lynn Batten, Gallery Supervisor, at 334.6564.
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Farmland Foods, Inc., a pork processing facility in Crete, NE is taking applications for an interesting, challenging opportunity for an experienced Nebraska licensed nurse. Minimum requirements: Nebraska RN license. Graduate of an Accredited Nursing program. A background in NE Work Comp Laws is a plus, plus trauma nursing, ER, CPR or critical care area experience. This position also requires: computer skills, capable of working without direct supervision utilizing the nursing process and making independent nursing decisions. Job requires good visual acuity, hearing, motor coordination and ability to work in warm and cool environments. A positive attitude and good work ethic are essential. Farmland offers a very competitive wage as well as excellent health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, vacation, holidays, & 401K. We offer an interesting job opportunity in a multi-cultural work environment. If you are interested in participating as an active member of our health and safety team, send resume to:
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Tel Aviv in Lonely Planet’s top 10 by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Tel Aviv is among the world’s top 10 cities for 2011 listed by the popular Lonely Planet travel guide website.It’s in third place, behind Tangier in second and New York in first. “Tel Aviv is the total flipside of Jerusalem, a modern Sin City on the sea rather than an ancient Holy City on a hill,” the Lonely Planet description of Tel Aviv states. “Yet, scratch underneath the surface and Tel Aviv reveals itself as a truly diverse 21st-century Mediterranean hub. By far the most international city in Israel, Tel Aviv is also home to a large gay community, a kind of San Francisco in the Middle East. Thanks to its university and museums, it is also the greenhouse for Israel’s growing art, film and music scenes.”
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NORMAN KARL PLOTKIN Norman Karl Plotkin passed away on Oct. 30 at the age of 73. Services were held Nov. 2 at BHH/Fisher Farms Cemetery. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances. He is survived by son, Ian J.; sisters and brothers-inlaw, Natalie and Eugene Giventer and Renee and Morris Handleman; sister, Marilyn Ginsberg; brother-in-law, Rick Eirenberg; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was a longtime Omaha grocer, owner of Stop ‘n Shop and House of Poultry. Memorial contributions may be made to your charity of choice.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 5, 2010
Volunteer of the Year awards
Clockwise, from top left: Karen Lepp and Julee Katzman; Doris and Harry Alloy; Bruce Friedlander; Jody Malashock congratulates Sheila Tomps; Toba CohenDunning poses with children William and Eleanor Dunning, niece Lillian Cohen, and Jody Malashock.
Herzl Camp is Coming to Omaha and Lincoln!
Building Jewish Identities Since 1946 Tuesday, November 16th Friedel Jewish Academy 3:40 p.m. in the media center; everyone is welcome.
Find great deals during Beth El’s special Judaica Shop Sale by JILL BELMONT 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov, 3 and Beth El Publicity Coordinator 10; and 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on From brightly-colored dreidels and Sunday, Nov, 7; regular gift shop graceful hanukkiyot to unique Judaica hours are Sundays from 10 a.m. to items for all occasions, Beth El’s Judaica noon (when BESTT classes are in sesShop is the one sion) and Wednesstop for every holidays, 3 p.m. to day need. And, as a 4:30 p.m. bonus for all lucky While browsing, patrons, the shop is be sure to take a holding a special look at the beautisale now through ful mezuzot, talliNov. 11; everyone tot, Shabbat canin the Jewish comdlesticks, books munity will want to and other distinctake advantage of tive offerings, and the unbeatable disfeel good in knowcounts. ing that proceeds According to the from each purshop’s chairman, chase go to support Caryn Rifkin, Beth El and the tereverything in the rific programming shop will be at least and services offered 10 percent off: all to the congregasolid-gold jewelry tion. will be 30 percent “Over the years, off, and a variety of proceeds from the items will be up to shop have under75 percent off. Beth El Judaica Shop chairman Caryn written a variety of Among the many Rifkin checks out the inventory of meno- synagogue proartists whose works rahs, in preparation of the shop’s annual grams, benefited are exhibited at the sale, which runs through Nov. 11. our religious shop include Gary Rosenthal, Tamara school, made possible our congregaBaskin, IsArt, Ayala and BarSale. Rifkin tion’s membership directory, and supalso announced that the shop is carrying ported the synagogue in countless other the new Michael Aram line, and, start- ways,” said Rifkin. “We’ve got the ing in mid-November, will offer goods and the Judaica experts -- volunMurano Judaica from Italy. teers and staff members alike -- to help Sale hours and days are 3:30 p.m. to you find the perfect gift. Stop in and 5 p.m. on Nov, 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, and 11; take advantage of this great sale!”
Hanukkah ART CONTEST
Tuesday, November 16th Private residence in Omaha, 7:00 p.m. Please call (952)-927-4002 for information/directions. Wednesday, November 17th Tifereth Israel Synagogue, Lincoln 5:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
WHAT TO DO If you are 12 or younger, create an original work of art with a Hanukkah theme on 8.5x11” white paper using crayons, markers, paint, or create a collage using computer art. Submit your original work by Nov. 10, 2010, and include your name, age, grade and school and parent(s)’ name(s), address and phone to:
The Jewish Press 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 (952)-927-4002 . www.herzlcamp.org