November 11, 2005

Vol. LXXXV No. 9 Omaha, NE

Simons Gracious in Accepting Humanitarian Award at Book Fair Event by Ozzie Nogg The Simon family, described by Federation President, Zoë Riekes, as examples of this year’s Campaign slogan--Live Generously--received the 2005 Humanitarian of the Year Award at a ceremony in the JCC Theater on Nov. 2. The award recognizes individuals or groups who promote human welfare, advance social reform, and commit their time and energy beyond expectations.

Accepting the Humantarian Award are: Steve and Kathy Simon, left, Stacy Simon, Alan Simon, Bruce Simon, Eve and Fred Simon; (not pictured: Anne Simon, Todd Simon) Continued on page 8.

Celebrating 84 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

9 Cheshvan, 5766 November 11, 2005

Philanthropist Frances Batt Dies by JOAN K. MARCUS Funeral services were held Nov. 4 at Beth El Synagogue for Frances Blumkin Batt, who died Nov. 1 at the age of 87. A well known member of the Omaha Jewish community, she was active in many Jewish organizations. She was most recently honored by the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society when she donated memorabilia from her mother, the late Rose Blumkin, founder of Nebraska Furniture Mart. She was the widow of Norman Batt, Omaha philanthropist and company treasurer of the Mart. Frances and Norman met in 1927 when they were both 10 years old. They were in a play, The Toy Shop at the ‘J’ on 20th and Dodge. According to Frances, we “were smitten with each other--even at that very young age.” They were married in 1945 after Norman returned from serving in World War II. Frances Batt Frances was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, in 1918. Her father, Isadore Blumkin, came to America in 1914. Since the family only had money for one ticket, her mother, Rose Gorelick Blumkin had remained in Russia. When Rose arrived in 1917, the family moved to Fort Dodge. In 1919, Rose Blumkin moved her family to Omaha because she wanted to live where people spoke English. Frances always remembered going to a victory parade in downtown Omaha when World War I ended. When Frances began school, she promised her moth-

er that, as she and her sisters and brother learned English, they would teach her. Frances always loved school and had a desire to learn. She was especially fond of journalism and got a job working for the Omaha Bee News. After graduating from Central High School in 1936, she attended Omaha University but, since she worked every day after school, she quit after one year. She worked as a secretary for Aleph Zadik Aleph. She moved to Washington, D.C. with the office but returned to Omaha to work for the Corp of Engineers during World War II. During her youth, all of the Blumkin children worked at Blumkin’s Used Clothing Store at 1222 Douglas in the old Millard Hotel. Frances said, “If there was a live customer, we would stay until midnight.” Rose Blumkin sold the Nebraska Furniture Mart, the business that she had created and run with her family, in 1983. ‘Mrs. B.’ said she sold the business to Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., a diversified Omahabased company headed by investor Warren Buffet, so that her kids wouldn’t fight when she died. Frances sold her stock at that time, but Norman remained active with the company. Frances was nominated for her first term on the Federation board in 1980. Previous to that, she was a board member of Beth E1 and its sisterhood. She was past president of junior Hadassah, a member of Hadassah and a past board member of NCJW. A supporter of the Jewish Press, Frances Batt often called to ask, “What do you need?” and would then send a check to finance such projects as “Teen Age” or to purchase items from new computers to sending staff to conferences. “I love the Press,” she told Editor Carol Katzman in 2004, “and I love this community.” Continued on page 15

What Textbooks Have to Say about Israel, America and Islam JTA Staff Report NEW YORK (JTA)--The state of California is on the brink of a major election that involves neither Arnold Schwarzenegger nor Clint Eastwood. The candidates are textbooks and other teaching materials that will influence what schoolchildren across the state--and across the United States--will learn for more than a decade. With a debate under way over evolution and intelligent design in science textbooks, a less-publicized battle is being waged over the content of social studies and history materials--some of which are pro-Islamic, anti-American, anti-Israel and even anti-Semitic. California is in the final stages of the “adoption process” for history and social studies materials in kindergarten through eighth grade. The process, which takes place every seven years, determines which books make the mark, enabling local school districts to use state funds to purchase them. With the political, educational and financial stakes so high, publishers, special interest groups and educators take the process as seriously as any political campaign. Among the contenders is History Alive! The Medieval World and Beyond, a seventh-grade textbook, with other course materials, published by the Teachers’ Curriculum Institute.

Inside Opinion Page see page 12

The course was piloted in Scottsdale, AZ, earlier this year. But after a series of protests from parents--who objected to what they saw as distortions of Christianity and Judaism, with an overarching positive spin on Islam--the publisher decided to stop the trial. “There was a lot of objection to the amount of coverage of Islam,” said Liz Russell, the development director of the Teachers’ Curriculum Institute, based in Rancho Cordova, CA. The book was developed to meet California standards, which require “a lot more on religion in general” than most other states, she said. California has mandated the study of since 1987. Judaism, religion Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism are studied in sixth grade, and Islam is covered in seventh grade. Meanwhile, the institute has pulled “The Modern Middle East,” a package of supplemental materials deemed so objec-

tionable that a report by the San Francisco Jewish Community Relations Council said it creates a hostile environment for Jewish students. The material is still for sale, however, and copies already in circulation likely will sit on classroom shelves for years to come, according to educational experts. Both “The Modern Middle East” and History Alive! have hit the market since the early 1990s, a period that began what one reviewer has termed “ t h e Islamization of the textbooks.” Analysts say today’s history and social studies textbooks, and supplementary materials, sow positive propaganda about Islam, the Palestinians and the Arab world, while denigrating--in subtle and not so subtle ways--America, Israel, Judaism and democracy. Distributed in public elementary, middle and high schools, the materials are paid for by U.S. taxpayers. At least one Jewish parent, Dr. Murray

This Week: Special Section Commemorating Kristallnacht: Pages 6-9 Local Doctor Attends Emergency Medical Session in Israel: Page 3

Mission Reports on Memorial Service at Babi Yar: Page 9

Zucker, found “The Modern Middle East” so troubling that he withdrew his son from the public high school in Santa Rosa, CA, and sent him to Jewish day school. His son, David, was 14 when he was subjected to the materials and a teacher who endorsed every word of them, Zucker said. Among other things, “The Modern Middle East” includes an exercise that has teachers divide the class into “Jeds” and Jews and “Pads” representing Palestinians. The Pads are grouped inside a central area, meant to represent Palestine, while the Jeds are dispersed around the room. Students then debate whether the Jeds should immigrate to the “Land of Pad.” Teachers are directed to show favoritism toward the Jeds, guiding the class to see the Jews as both victims and aggressors who succeed in taking over land that belongs to others. The four Jewish students in a ninthgrade class of 30 pupils felt “powerless and marginalized and unrepresented,” said Zucker, whose son is now a freshman at Brandeis University. Parents’ complaints in northern California led to a published analysis of the material by a team headed by Jackie Berman, an educational consultant at the San Francisco JCRC. Continued on page 10

Coming Nov. 18: Travel & Entertainment

Crossword Puzzle “Recalling Arthur Miller”: Page 11

Bill Gates Touts Israel’s High Tech Promise: Page 16

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 11, 2005

To Bomb or Not to Bomb? Jewish High School Students Examine Israel’s Moral Issues in ADL Manhigim Program

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by JORDANA GLAZER The IDF Army has decided that, in order to curtail terrorism, it will launch a major military offensive into Gaza, where many suspected terrorist are reported to be. Israel can approach this offensive in two ways. It can bomb the town in an air strike, similar to American strikes against targets in Afghanistan, or it can send in ground troops to conduct a house-by-house, room-byroom search. The air strike would ensure that almost no Israeli soldier would be killed, but could result in the

This past September session covered confronting AntiSemitism and was facilitated by visiting educator Beth Yohe, Director of ADL Curriculum and Education. “We know from research that there is a strong correlation between positive Jewish identity and our willingness to confront and respond to anti-Semitic incidents,” explained ADL Regional Director, Bob Wolfson. “The Manhigim Institute is designed to strengthen Jewish high school students’ knowledge and provide them with tools to feel more secure and less isolated when faced

Liatte Dotan, left, Eliza Cowan, Anne Rips, Rachel Ochana and Guy Matalon discuss the Israeli army. deaths of large numbers of Palestinian civilians. Using ground troops would endanger the lives of Israeli soldiers, but would give them the ability to discern between military and civilian targets. Which course of action should the Israeli Army take? • What should take precedence - military strategy or moral values? • Is there a moral imperative for Israel to value Palestinian lives as sacred as they do their own or does the life of an Israeli soldier have more value? • Should Israel consider world opinion before acting in these situations? • Should Israel allow international peacekeepers to keep peace? What would you do? On Oct. 11, Omaha area Jewish high school students, who were accepted into the ADL’s second Manhigim youth leadership training program, were challenged by a series of moral dilemmas requiring them to develop critical thinking skills and an understanding of and empathy for some of the ethical decisions facing the Israeli government. Guy Matalon, director of the Center for Jewish Education, facilitated this provocative program. The eight-month Manhigim program provides a safe environment for Jewish students to explore, challenge and discuss topics that impact the Jewish Community.

David Trubnikov, left, Ben Nachman, Guy Matalon and Avi Katzman continue the debate. with difficult situations. The Manhigim program comes from the Hebrew word for leaders.” Wolfson continued, “The ADL is a leading organization in anti-bias training and human relations skills. For the Manhigim Institute we have taken a successful, proven program curriculum and made it relevant to our high school-age children to cultivate the next generation of Jewish leaders. Our goal is to guide these students in developing the confidence and skills they need in school and social situations now, when they go to college and beyond.” The 14 students accepted into the program were required to answer probing questions about their views on issues such as religion/state separation and explain their personal experiences with anti-Semitism. In addition Manhigim participants must demonstrate leadership skills and a commitment to community and volunteerism. Members of the 2005-06 Manhigim class are: Eliza Cowan, Liatte Dotan, Lauren Josephson, Avi Katzman, Aaron Murow, Ben Nachman, Lexie Newman, Aaron Parsow, Seth Rich, Anne Rips, Monica Stoney, David Trubnikov and Alex Wolf. In addition last year’s Manhigim students, Sean Bernstein, Michael Crabb, Jackie Neesman, Chelsea Taxman and Lindsay Belmont are returning to the program as Manhigim Mentors. For more information, call me at 334.6571.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, NOV. 11 Friedel Scholastic Book Fair, 8 a.m. “Ima and Me” Class, 10:30 a.m. at Chabad House Veteran’s Service, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, NOV. 12 Veterans’ Shabbat, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El

C L I P &

SUNDAY, NOV. 13 Pancake Man, 9 a.m. at Temple Israel Living Hebrew Class and Bible Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Outreach Committee, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Community Art Show, 10 a.m. at Beth El Prayer Class and Jewish Potpouri, 11 a.m. at Beth El NJHS Celebration of Jewish Veterans, 3 p.m. “Let’s Talk About It: Jewish Literature,” 4 p.m. at UNO

S A MONDAY, NOV. 14 V Women of Worth Meeting, 7 p.m. at Julie Phillips’ home E Derekh Torah Course, 7:30 p.m.

C L I P & S A V E

TUESDAY, NOV. 15 ADL Holocaust Curriculum Teacher Training, 8 a.m. “The Guy & Bob Show,” noon ADL Manhigim Institute, 4 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. JFS Yachad Advisory Board, 7 p.m. Adult Education, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel Board of Trustees, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel

C L I P

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 16 Temple Israel URJ Biennial, Nov. 16-20 PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El NCJW Planned Parenthood Policy Discussion, 11:30 a.m. AIPAC Council Meeting, 11:30 a.m. NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m. Lecture with Rabbi Gross, Part III, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, NOV. 17 Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel

& Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. S A V E

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Rabbi Levin Class, noon at Beth El Temple Religious School Steering Committee, noon Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Kripke Library Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. RBJH Family Night Dinner, 5 p.m. YJO and Young Leadership Awards, 6 p.m. at Ironwood Adult Education, 7 p.m. Temple Israel All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)

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Stone-Filled Urns Donated to Cemeteries by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Ron and Beth Brodkey have donated an urn filled with small stones to the Temple Israel Cemetery, in memory of their parents. Along with Bob and Florence Brodkey, who are Ron’s brother and his wife of Washington, D.C., the Brodkeys have also donated an urn to Golden Hill Cemetery in Omaha in memory of Ron and Bob’s parents. Visitors to a Jewish cemetery customarily place small stones on the graves of loved ones. The custom may hearken back to biblical days when the monument was a heap of stones. “It also lets the next visitor Ron and Beth Brodkey know they weren’t the only ones to visit the grave,” said Rabbi Aryeh Azriel of Temple Israel. “People come with heavy hearts,” he noted. “After they say Kaddish or whatever they want to say, the stone left on the grave

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symbolizes leaving the heaviness in their hearts at the cemetery.” “We saw a similar urn at an Oklahoma City cemetery where Beth’s parents are buried,” Ron Brodkey commented. “It’s a wonderful idea,” said Tom Friedman, Temple Israel Cemetery Committee Chairman, “and I hope it brings more people to visit their loved ones who are buried at our cemetery.” He added that the Brodkeys’ gift “is a great honor. People entering the cemetery can just take a stone, as they enter the cemetery, to place on a grave. It’s nice because people often forget to bring a stone with them.” Bonnie Bloch, President of Beth Israel, stated, “This donation by the Brodkey family is such a loving tribute. Not only does our synagogue appreciate their generosity, but everyone who visits Golden Hill Cemetery will appreciate having the stones for placement on grave sites. This small gesture can be so meaningful at a time of sorrow, and we are so pleased to now have such a beautiful way to provide the stones.” The Brodkeys intend to keep the urns filled with stones.

November 11, 2005

Omaha Restaurants “Take A Bite Out of Bigotry” by SHARON BRODKEY In the first of what is hoped will become an annual tradition, the Anti-Defamation League has contracted nearly 20 local restaurants to take part in the inaugural Take A Bite Out of Bigotry event on Tuesday, Nov. 15. Modeled after similar fund-raising efforts used by nonprofits, this event is an easy way to engage and educate large numbers of people. Participating local restaurants have agreed to donate a generous percentage of their Nov. 15 receipts back to the ADL. Patrons who dine at those restaurants on that day will be greeted and thanked by community volunteers and ADL board members who serve as hosts. “It’s a ‘friend-raiser’ as well as a fundraiser,” said ADL Regional Director Bob Wolfson. “It’s easy, non-threatening and requires no effort on the part of participants other than dining out.” All of the funds raised will stay in Omaha and be applied to expanding anti-bias education and activities under the No Place for Hate program. “Take A Bite Out of Bigotry is a great way to raise awareness of the ADL and what we do. And it’s easy. It doesn’t require heroic efforts or invention to make a statement,” said Wolfson Wolfson points out that the success of the event will not be measured strictly in donations. Community volunteers and board members who help promote the event among their friends, families and co-workers are key to making the event a success. “This effort depends heavily on word-of-mouth and electronic invitations from our supporters to generate interest and participation. We cannot undervalue the importance of our local media partners, but we are more likely to act on recommendations from our friends and associates who are already involved in some way. This is about communitybuilding and building a community of new ADL supporters.” he concluded. Wolfson also acknowledged the role of event co-chairs Rick Fox of Julio’s and Pat Gobel from the Dundee Dell who joined honorary chairman Herman Cain in getting local restaurants involved. “Rick and Pat are respected by their peers in the business and Herman is an icon in the food service industry. They lent their names, reputations and support to get this project off the ground in its first year and we are very grateful!” said Wolfson. To learn more, log on to www.adlplains.org or call the office at 402.333.1303. PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS Dundee Dell, 5007 Underwood (lunch & dinner); Faro’s, 3623 No. 129 (lunch & dinner); House of Lee, 5446 No. 90 (lunch); Julio’s West, 13043 Arbor (dinner); Korea King, 4719 So. 96 (lunch & dinner); The Market Basket in Countryside Village (Dinner); New York Chicken & Gyros, 1611 Farnam (dinner); The Pizza Shoppe, 6056 Maple (dinner); The Deli at Spirit World, 7517 Pacific (lunch); NoFrills Cafes & Delis (breakfast and lunch) at 24th & Vinton, 50th & G, 1502 Harlan Dr. (Hwy 370), and Bellevue Cafe, 238 So. 8 (Blair Plaza), Blair.

dination, which was actually a very simple, yet very by MAGGIE GERBER effective concept utilizing color-coordination to deploy Programming Coordinator, The Center for Jewish Education Dr. Alan Kricsfeld, an internal medicine physician with patients as they were diagnosed and sent for further Diagnostic and Internal Medicine Associates, recently treatment. Mark Merrill, President of Presbyterian returned from a week long trip to Israel, participating in Hospital in Dallas, found himself utilizing his new knowledge immediately as he relayed the 5th Annual Emergency the triage methods via phone to Response Group held at the health professionals in the U.S. in Western Galilee Hospital in preparation for Hurricane Rita. Nahariya. Dr. Kricsfeld was one Western Galilee Hospital serves of five participants from the 14 roughly 400,000 people in commuCentral Area consortium comnities north of Haifa, with a very munities, representing Omaha, diverse population. Jews, Arabs, Canton, Dayton, Dallas, and Des Druse, Russians and Christians are Moines and one of 20 profestreated the same with an equal diversionals in the session. sity found throughout the hospital For years, Western Galilee staff. “The socio-economic situation Hospital has been conducting in this area makes it challenging for practice drills with the Israel the staff at Western Galilee Hospital Defense Forces to hone techto serve those in need,” said niques for receiving and treating Kricsfeld. One of the goals of patients in a mass casualty event. Partnership with Israel is to facilitate The ERG course is a week-long funding for these stressed areas and program designed to familiarize funds from the Annual Campaign physicians and hospital adminisare specifically directed to this area. trators from abroad with the hospital’s emergency prepared- Dr. Kricsfeld(center) participates in a mass Dr. Sam Cemaj, the chair of the Maimonides Society, went on the ness procedures. Each partici- casualty drill during the seminar in Israel. ERG program in 2004. “I am so pant is paired with an Israeli colpleased that Dr. Kricsfeld participatleague in his/her specialty who ed in this year’s ERG program and I acts as their professional host for want to encourage more health care the week. professionals in our area to particiThis program was introduced pate in the future. The next ERG to Dr. Kricsfeld through his with the program is scheduled for Nov. 2-10, involvement 2006.” Maimonides Society, sponsored In addition to their training at the by the Jewish Federation of hospital, the ERG participants were Omaha. A presentation made in able to tour and experience the June by Maimonides Steering Partnership Region. Since the goal Committee members Dr. Sam of the Partnership with Israel is to Cemaj and Dr. Dan Schuller, develop people-to-people connecpiqued Kriscfeld’s interest. “I tions, home hospitality dinners were had not traveled to Israel for 18 arranged for the doctors to get a years and the opportunity to taste of Israeli life. return in a professional capacity The Maimonides Society is an was intriguing,” Kricsfeld admitaffinity group for Jewish health care ted. “The experience was defiprofessionals in the Omaha metronitely worthwhile and I will be Physicians, including Kricsfeld, right, don politan area, named for perhaps the sharing what I learned about dischemical protection suits. most famous physician of all time as aster plans and readiness with the staff at Jennie Emundson Hospital. I am also looking well as a renowned Jewish scholar and leader. For additional information, please call me, at 334.6462 or e-mail forward to taking part in the ERG again.” Kricsfeld was especially impressed with the triage coor- mgerber@jewishomaha.org.

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Local Physician Attends Emergency Response Group in Israel

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Thursday, November 17, 2005 6-8 p.m. • Ironwood Country Club • 12627 Pacific Street Appetizers, Desserts & Cocktails Kosher items available Babysitting available on a first come first served basis. YJO (Young Jewish Omaha) is a social group for members of the Omaha Jewish community ages 23-45. Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

This event is made possible by a generous donation from the Frances and Norman Batt Family Fund.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 11, 2005

PHOTO: LEN PRINCE

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November 11, 2005

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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“Choose Life� Panel Planned at Temple Israel by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator A college friend of Ron Brodkey had a double lung transplant 15 years ago and later a kidney transplant. “He bounced back to a normal life,� said Brodkey. Another friend, Dr. Larry Roffman of Omaha, had a kidney transplant, and so did a cousin of his--Beth Brodkey, Ron’s wife. The transplants were “a wake up call for me,� he said. Four year’s ago, Brodkey brought the issue of organ donation up before Temple Israel’s Social Justice Committee which embraced the idea. So when Brodkey finished his term on Temple’s Board of Trustees in 2003, he took on the project. He became a volunteer with the Nebraska Organ Recovery System (NORS). He was mentored and learned how to put an organ donation program in place at Temple. In September of this year, Brodkey presented his proposal for beginning an organ donation project to Temple’s Board of Trustees which “warmly accepted� it, he said. He also talked to Temple Rabbis Aryeh Azriel and Craig Marantz, Mordechai Levin of Beth El Synagogue, and Jonathan Gross of Beth Israel Synagogue. “They were all thrilled to have me discuss it with them,� Brodkey recalled. On Sunday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m., in the Milder Center at Temple, a panel, “Choose to Donate Life,� will feature panelists Ann Goldstein, a donor recipient; Cheryl Cooper, a

donor; Chris Dunham, community liaison director of Nebraska Organ Retrieval System; Dr. Alan Langnas, chief of transplantation and director of the liver and intestinal transplantation program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC); and Dr. Toby Schonfeld, assistant professor, Section on Humanities and Law, Department of Preventive and Societal Medicine at UNMC. Hosted by Temple Men’s Club, the discussion is open to the community at no charge. Everyday, 26 people in America die waiting for an organ donation that isn’t available. Everyday, 300 new patients in need of an organ donation are added to the list. “There is an acute shortage,� Brodkey explained. Those waiting--89,000 of them in the United States--“would fill up Memorial Stadium� in Lincoln. At this point, Brodkey is looking for donors and people who have received a transplant. “We have living testimonials in our congregation,� he said. Anyone from an infant to an 80-year-old is eligible to donate one or any number of 60 parts of the body that can be used for organ donation. “It’s a decision that should be discussed with your family, lawyer, doctor, and your clergy,� added Brodkey. “It should be part of your living will. “I want volunteers who have a personal interest and/or believe in this program,� he said. They can contact me at 334.1700 or online at ron91336@aol.com, or the Social Justice Committee to volunteer or if they just want to know more. “This is a long-term educational awareness program,� Brodkey said. “And it’s something I’m very passionate about. It’s the ultimate mitzvah, believes Brodkey. “God says, ‘Choose life,’� a tenet that transcends through all movements of Judaism, he emphasized.

Beth Israel Introduces “Travelin’ Toddlers� by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue Vala’s Pumpkin Patch was the locale for the inaugural outing of Beth Israel’s “Travelin’ Toddlers.� On Oct. 30, a group of children and their families caravanned to Vala’s for an afternoon among pumpkins, farm animals, and a campfire. Thanks to a food donation by Bag ‘N Save, the group also enjoyed a Left: Brooke Shrago and her daughter, Taliah, kick off “Travelin’ Toddlers� at Vala’s Pumpkin campfire cookout. Enter- Patch. Right: Toddlers, parents, grandparents, and Rabbi Gross enjoy a campfire cookout. tainment was provided by Rabbi Jonathan Gross, on idea to form a new activity group for toddlers and their guitar. Brooke Shrago, who organized the event, families. Bonnie was thrilled with Brooke’s proposal.� Travelin’ Toddlers is an addition to Beth Israel’s presummed things up by saying, “It was really fun! school program, Junior Congregation. During Junior Everyone told me how they had such a good time.� Congregation, youngsters meet with educator Debbie Travelin’ Toddlers is a new group for toddlers and Kricsfeld to recite blessings, sing songs, and listen to stotheir parents, that occasionally will gather to go on ries. Parents attend services when their children are excursions. The group is designed for children under the meeting in Junior Congregation. Travelin’ Toddlers age of five and their families. Grandparents, as well as provides the opportunity for the children and their famolder siblings, are also welcome. People do not need to ilies to get together in a casual setting, doing an agebe Beth Israel members to be part of Travelin’ Toddlers. appropriate activity. According to Beth Israel’s Executive Director, Beth With the enthusiastic response to the first trip, plans Cohen, it was Shrago’s initiative that led to the formaunderway to arrange future excursions. Please call are tion of Travelin’ Toddlers and the trip to Vala’s. “As a the office, 556.6288, to be added to the Travelin’ member of our congregation, Brooke saw a need. With Toddlers mailing list. the growing number of young families joining Beth Israel, she approached President Bonnie Bloch with her

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 11, 2005

USC Takes Over Holocaust Archive, Vowing to Expand Spielberg’s Project

Holocaust Museums in North America

by TOM TUGEND preserve and expand the Shoah Foundation’s mission “in LOS ANGELES (JTA)--Filmmaker Steven Spielberg perpetuity,� which Spielberg said was his primary motive has turned over his Shoah Foundation to the University for the transfer. of Southern California. “There is a prejudice against figureheads in Hollywood. With a mixture of elation and nostalgia, Spielberg The Shoah Foundation, sad to say, will be taken much turned over the foundation, with its 52,000 videotaped more seriously by the world now than when it has been testimonies of Holocaust survivors and witnesses, at a with a filmmaker at its head,� Spielberg said. news conference last month. Out of the $150 million raised and spent by the Shoah “I feel like a proud and wistful parent whose child has Foundation since 1994, Spielberg personally has congraduated high school and is tributed $65 million. now enrolling at USC,� said “I’ve done my share,� he Spielberg, who created the said. Survivors of the Shoah Visual The ambitions of the Shoah History Foundation as a hisFoundation’s founder and torical continuation of his successor institution go well Oscar-winning movie, beyond the current accomSchindler’s List. plishments. Since 1994, Spielberg’s “In 10 years, I see the foun“child� has grown into the dation as the hub of a wheel largest digital library in the with many spokes,� Spielberg world, representing testisaid. The “spokes� will repremonies from 56 countries in sent the visual histories of 32 languages, totaling man’s inhumanity to man, 117,000 viewing hours. from the genocides in The archive was sought by A website will allow visitors to tour a virtual zemlyanka, a Rwanda and Darfur and ethnumerous universities and type of underground bunker in which Jewish resistance fight- nic cleansing in Bosnia to the institutions. USC won out ers lived during the Holocaust. “We all know what Anne sufferings of Native on the strength of its pio- Frank’s attic looks like,� said Mitch Braff, Executive Director Americans and black slaves in neering digital technology of the San Francisco-based Jewish Partisan Educational the United States. research, international out- Foundation, but the living conditions of partisans were much The foundation’s transfer reach and scholarly resources, different. In the zemlyanka depicted on the site, “there were to USC will become official said Douglas Greenberg, five Jewish youth plotting to actively fight the Germans and Jan. 1, 2006, when its name president and CEO of the biding their time until they could face their enemy in more changes to the USC Shoah favorable conditions.� Visitors will be able to examine the Foundation Institute for Shoah Foundation. Spielberg holds an hon- three-dimensional bunker--including a chess board with Visual History and orary doctorate from USC pieces made of potatoes--guided by narration from Larry Education. It will be part of and serves on its board of King, at www.jewishpartisans.org. the College of Letters, Arts Credit: Jewish Partisan Educational Foundation and Sciences. trustees, though he noted that “The best thing USC did was not to accept me� Greenberg will continue as executive director of the when the young Spielberg applied to its film school. institute, reporting to the college’s dean and the USC During a brief ceremony, USC President Steven Sample provost. He also was appointed an adjunct professor of said that “When I visited the memorial at Auschwitz, I history. could see that it was, appropriately, about those who died. Plans call for extensive interdisciplinary collaboration But the Shoah Foundation is about the living and the with other USC departments, the USC Casden Institute indomitable human spirit.� for the Study of the Jewish Role in American life, the The archive’s content has been adapted for feature films UCLA Center for Jewish Studies, Yad Vashem in and documentaries, has reached nearly 2 million students Jerusalem and a range of other universities and instituin 30,000 schools, makes up parts of 70 collections in 18 tions. countries, is used in teacher workshops and can be Spielberg said he would remain committed to his goal accessed on the Internet in the form of interactive of teaching tolerance around the world. exhibits. “I will continue to be your ambassador,� he promised Sample and USC Provost C.L. Max Nikias pledged to the USC leadership.

Compiled by JORDANA ROTHSTEIN NEW YORK (JTA)--The following is a list of Holocaust museums in North America. CANADA Freeman Family Foundation Holocaust Education Centre, C116-123 Doncaster St., Winnipeg, Manitoba 2B2, Canada; (204) 477-7456; R3N www.jhcwc.mb.ca. Holocaust Education and Memorial Centre of Toronto 4600 Bathurst St., Toronto, Ontario M2R 3V2, Canada; 416.635.2883; www.JewishToronto.net. The Montreal Holocaust Memorial Centre, 5151 Cote Ste. Catherine, Montreal, Quebec H3W 1M6, Canada; 514.344.2651; www.mhmc.ca. Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre, #50-950 West 41st Ave., Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 2N7, Canada; 604.264.0499; www.vhec.org.

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UNITED STATES California Simon Wiesenthal Center Museum of Tolerance, 9760 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035-4792; 310. 553.9036; http://motlc.wiesenthal.com. Florida Florida Holocaust Museum, 55 Fifth St. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701; 727.820.8435; www.flholocaustmuseum.org. The Holocaust Memorial, 1933-1945 Meridian Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139; 305.538.1663; www.holocaustmmb.org. Mania Nudel Holocaust Learning Center, David Posnack Jewish Center, 5850 South Pine Island Rd., Davie, FL 33328; 954.434.0499, ext. 314. Georgia The Lillian and A.J. Weinberg Center for Holocaust Education, The Selig Center, 1440 Spring St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309-2837; 404.870.1872; www.thebreman.org. Illinois Holocaust Memorial Foundation of Illinois, 4255 West Main St., Skokie, IL 60076; 847.677.4640; www.hmfi.org. Michigan Holocaust Memorial Center, 28123 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48334; 284.553.2400; http://holocaustcenter.org. Missouri Holocaust Museum and Learning Center, 12 Millstone Campus Dr., St. Louis, MO 63146; 314.432.0020; www.hmlc.org. Continued on page 7

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November 11, 2005 Continued from page 6 New Jersey American Friends of the Ghetto Fighters Museum, 181 The Plaza, Teaneck, NJ 07666; 201.833.5040; www.friendsofgfh.org Holocaust Education Center of the Delaware Valley, Goodwin Holocaust Museum, Weinberg Jewish Community Campus, 1301 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ 08003; 856.751.9500 x249. New Mexico New Mexico Holocaust and Intolerance Museum and Study Center, 415 Central Ave. NW, Albuquerque, NM 505.323.3946; 87102; www.nmholocaustmuseum.org. New York Anne Frank Center USA, 38 Crosby St., Suite 5R, New York, NY 10013; 212.431.7993; www.annefrank.com. Holocaust Museum and Studies Center, The Bronx High School of Science, 75 W. 205th St., Bronx, NY 10468; 718.367.5252; www.bxscience.edu/orgs/ holocaust. Holocaust Museum and Study Center, 17 S. Madison Ave., Spring Valley, NY 10977; 845.356.2700; www.holocauststudies.org. Museum of Jewish Heritage: A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, 36 Battery Place, New York, N 10280; 646.437.4200; www.mjhnyc.org. Oklahoma Sherwin Miller Museum, 2021 E. 71st St., Tulsa, OK 74236; 918.492.1818; www.jewishmuseum.net. Rhode Island Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial Museum, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906; 401.453.7860. Tennessee The Vanderbilt University Holocaust Art Collection, Vanderbilt University, 402 Sarratt Student Center, Nashville, TN 37240; 615.322.2471. Texas Dallas Holocaust Museum, 211 N. Record St., Dallas, TX 75202-3361; 214.750.4672; www.dallasholocaustmuseum.org. El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center, 310 N. Mesa, Suite 906, El Paso, TX 79901; 915.584.9622; http://home.elp.rr.com/ephmsc/Info.html. Holocaust Museum Houston, 5401 Caroline St., Houston, TX 77004; 713.942.7953; www.hmh.org. Virginia Virginia Holocaust Museum, 2000 E. Carey St., Richmond, VA 23223; 804.257.4314; www.va-holocaust.com. Washington, D.C. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl., SW, Washington, DC 200242156; 202.488.0400; www.ushmm.org.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Holocaust Museums Shift Focus: Less Testimony and More Tolerance by JORDANA ROTHSTEIN “Twenty years ago, Judaism was defined” as a “sacred NEW YORK (JTA)--The Holocaust is still being survival,” Berenbaum says; Judaism’s function was to remembered--just not the way it used to be. ensure the continued survival of Jews. “The Holocaust Sixty years after its end, an increasing number of cities therefore played a major role in Judaism, endowing have built architectural testimony to the Holocaust. moral defiance to the sense of Jewish survival.” Twenty-six cities in the United States and Canada now The Holocaust memorials of this period, from the have Holocaust museums, and others have built monu- 1980s to the mid-90s, therefore, had a specific message, ments or established research foundations or education- according to Berenbaum: “The whole world is against al centers. us, powerlessness invites victimization and thus the Holocaust museums and memorials have shifted the Jewish people must rely upon themselves and only nature of remembrance, moving away from the empha- themselves and assume adequate power to preserve sis on testimony and defiance toward the teaching of themselves in the contemporary world.” tolerance and understanding, according to several Today, he says, this message “isn’t quite credible. Holocaust experts. Many people have non-Jewish friends,” and it is hard to “Holocaust memorials accept that we can exist as a always reflect their time. people if we must be unconEvery generation has to find nected to other nations. its own reason for memorialIn the 1980s and 1990s, izing,” says James Young, a the number of museums professor at the University proliferated--motivated, of Massachusetts and the scholars say, by a few differauthor of The Texture of ent ideas. All museums want to say the Memory: Holocaust MemorHolocaust “is a terrible ials and Meaning. thing,” says Deborah Older museums marking Lipstadt, professor of modern the Holocaust, such as the Jewish and Holocaust studies original Yad Vashem at Emory University and Holocaust Memorial, built author of the recently pubin 1957, focused on telling the survivors’ stories and The winning design of the Museum of the History of Polish lished book History On Trial: conveying a “sense of hope Jews by Lahdelma and Mahlamaeki Architects in Helsinki. My Day in Court With David and gratitude,” Young says. Credit: Courtesy of the Museum of the History of Polish Jews Irving. If we know about it, Newer memorials, such as the U.S. Holocaust “we have a better chance of preventing this from happenMuseum in Washington, which opened in 1993, often ing again. We are ensuring the future,” she says. make a self-conscious attempt to universalize messages As more museum were built, a growing discomfort over in an attempt to make them accessible to more people, their proliferation began to be felt in some parts of the he adds. community. Berenbaum says that “the Jewish community According to Michael Berenbaum, a Holocaust schol- was quite unhappy that resources it felt entitled to were ar and a consultant on the development of the going to be given to Holocaust education-- they wanted Washington museum, visitors to the new museums, built money for Jewish education and donations to Israel.” roughly during the last decade, learn universal moral For this and other reasons, the rush to build imperatives, such as “the importance of military ethics Holocaust museums has been “dwindling. Once one and of recognizing the humanity of the enemy even museum has been built, you don’t need another one in while undertaking action against them.” that city,” he says. Broadening the message of the Holocaust in memoriYoung has noticed that new memorials, including the als to include the persecution of gays and lesbians dur- one in Washington, move beyond historical education, ing World War II or including other genocides raises speaking to “the ultimate effects of bigotry and racism. some controversy. There has been a self-conscious effort to open themBerenbaum worries that moving the focus away from selves up to more groups.” the specific Jewish nature of the tragedy borders on North American memorials now experiment with “soft-core denial, by trying to call other” mass murders attempts to educate people about the Holocaust and Continued on page 8 “Holocaust-like.”

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November 11, 2005

Simon Family Accepts Humanitarian Award at Book Fair Event Continued from page 1 Jim Farber, current Campaign Pacesetter Chairman, made the presentation. “There are two very important aspects of this award,” he explained. “Nominations are open to the entire community, both Jewish and nonJewish, and it’s not presented every year. A family like the Simons doesn’t come along every year.” Citing the Simons’ support of a wide range of community causes, Farber said, “Generosity is often measured in financial terms, but there is another form of generosity, even more important. It’s generosity of the spirit. The Simon’s leadership has influenced others to give and take responsibility for helping make Omaha a complete community. Their reach is felt in every aspect of our lives--culturally, religiously, and in helping the disadvantaged. The family has contributed its energy, time, expertise, sense of caring and their resources to make our home--Omaha--the best home it can be.” Fred Simon, a fourth generation owner of Omaha Steaks, accepted the award on behalf of the family. “We have been fortunate to have built a business that provided us the resources--through the company and as individuals--to support the Jewish Federation, its agencies and Jewish organizations,” he said. “Our father, Lester, encouraged his sons to serve the community. We have enjoyed contributing and volunteering. We are most proud of our next generation, Bruce and Todd, who are already active in directing the company’s philanthropy. So the tradition will continue.” Following the award presentation, guest speaker Eric Konigsberg kicked off the Kripke Library’s observance of Jewish Book Month with a reading from his recently published work, Blood Relation, which chronicles the exploits of Konigsberg’s great-uncle, Heshy, a legendary

Lena Bogomolni, Chairman of the Kripke Library, introduces author Eric Konigsberg to the Jewish Book Fair in Omaha.

Jim Farber presents the Federation Humanitarian Award to Fred Simon, who accepted on behalf of the Simon family.

From left: Marilyn and Harvey Konigsberg, Eric’s parents; his sister-in-law and brother, Sarah and Beau Konigsberg with aunt and uncle Ruth and Merle Potash; Federation President Zoe Riekes and Executive DirectorJan Goldstein. Mafia hit man. The book has been called a picture of the mesmerizing expedition.” Konigsberg, an Omaha classic gangster, an excellent study not only of crime but native, lives in New York City with his wife, Ruth, and of family and Jewish identity. According to the New York son, Alec. Times Book Review, the story is “absorbing and marThe evening ended with a reception funded by the velously told [in] graceful, perfectly pitched prose...a Ruth Frisch and Oscar S. Belzer Endowment Fund.

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What Chutzpah...Babi Yar by EUNIE DENENBERG How dare Mother Nature flaunt her loveliness here, the site of one of the ugliest memories in Jewish history. On a gorgeous autumn day, the sky, sun and trees brilliant with color, our mission group stood amid the weeping ghosts of Babi Yar, a notorious ravine outside Kiev. In this place in 1941, after two days of systematic shooting, SS troops, by their own official reports, massacred 33,771 Jews, and in the months following, slaughtered thousands more. According to the Soviet research commission on Nazi crimes, at least 100,000 Jews and non-Jews were hunted down and murdered at Babi Yar. As soon as we Omahans landed in Kiev, even before checking into our hotel, we drove to Babi Yar to hold a Yizkor service with a JAFI-sponsored Hillel group. JAFI, the Jewish Agency for Israel, promotes a variety of programs for children and young adults - trips to Israel, camps, a day school and other activities that encourage

It was fascinating to observe Lyena, our escort, and the other young Ukrainian Jews whose grandparents were fairly observant and possibly religious, but whose parents, growing up under Stalin, had little or no religion or Jewish life. Now, with the help of campaign dollars which Omaha and other communities contribute to JAFI, these young adults regularly participate in Jewish activities, many visiting Israel or making aliyah. Lyena and her companions certainly represent our people’s “hope.” For years after the war, people knew little of the tragedy of Babi Yar. In the 1950s and early 1960s, writers began demanding acknowledgement of the monstrous slaughter but received no response from the Soviets. Then, in 1961, the world stopped to listen. Yevgeny Yevtushenko, a well-known poet, published Babi Yar, which opens: “No monument stands over Babi Yar. A steep cliff only, like the rudest headstone.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Bring in this ad and receive a From left: Buzz Malashock looks pen- Babi Yar, while a Hillel student plays sion participants gather for yizkor servsive during the memorial service at flute. Hillel members and Omaha mis- ice at the Babi Yar memorial I am afraid.” Jewish education and social life. We were met by the Hillel students and split into small A year later composer Dmitri Shostakovich set the groups, so one student could accompany every two or poem to music as part of his 13th Symphony. The poem three Omahans. Lyena, a beauty, escorted me and and the music had a tremendous impact globally, Normie. As we walked, she described what happened 64 although not until l974 was a monument finally comyears before. The Nazis had captured Kiev on Sept. 19, pleted. Incredibly, the inscription does not mention that (our exact date of arrival) and 10 days later ordered Jews were victims at Babi Yar. every Jew in the city to assemble at 8 a.m. The terrified A week after we left Kiev our mission group gathered people were then marched up Melnick Street, the very at Yad Vashem in the Valley of the Communities, an area slope we were climbing as she told the story, toward a that commemorates the shtetls, towns and cities where woodsy area enclosing a ravine, not unlike many places Jewish populations were obliterated. There, in the in Elmwood Park where the tree-lined trails I played on Ukraine section, we remembered Babi Yar and recited as a child drop down to a creek bed. There, on the edge Yevtushenko’s poem, an excerpt of which appears below: of the ravine, the miserable Jews were stripped and “Wild grasses rustle over Babi Yar, The trees look sternly, as if passing judgement. gunned down. In an Einsatzgruppen report, the SS officer in charge complained that the massacre was difficult Here, silently, all screams, and, hat in hand, for his squads, so he rotated them every few hours. I feel my hair changing shade to grey. Quietly, under the trees, we said Kaddish--Omahans, And I myself, like one long soundless scream Hillel students and a few Israelis. Then, Ann Goldstein Above the thousands of thousands interred, and Jody Malashock placed wreaths of flowers on the I’m every old man executed here, memorial monument and we all sang Hatikvah, which As I am every child murdered here. means “the hope.” No fiber of my body will forget this.”

Holocaust Museums Continued from page 7 tried take a slightly different genocide without minimiztack. ing the Jewish nature of the “There are corners that tragedy. don’t quite meet--the buildAs Young explains, “In an ing is not supposed to reasera of installation art, it sure you,” Young says. “It is makes sense for” Holocaust constructed from brick and “memorials to be more iron, a material reference to abstract, and allow” for peothe Holocaust.” ple to take away different Lipstadt is pleased by the messages from the same diversity of the visitors to the exhibit. Washington museum, which The architecture of museshe helped plan. “I sit in the ums and memorials has lobby and watch America changed to accompany conpass by me,” she says. temporary attitudes. “Every part of the country Berenbaum says that the A monument in the Czech town of Usti nad Labem, com- comes--the vast majority of original Yad Vashem provid- memorating the more than 1,000 Jews from the town killed visitors are non-Jewish.” ed the first “model of an in the Holocaust. She hopes this means that integrated institution; a more people are getting an Credit: Courtesy of Usti nad Labem town hall museum that tells the story important message. “While of the Holocaust, a research institution and archive, and it’s important to know what happened, building an an educational institution that teaches teachers and stu- identity as victims is not who Jews are. A whole world of dents the history of the Holocaust, its meaning and Jewish identity is lost: We should teach people to be application to the new generation.” Jews in spite of the Holocaust, not because of it. We When it came to the Washington museum, planners have to teach them the good stuff, too.’’

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November 11, 2005

What Textbooks Have to Say cessor of the Arab World Studies Notebook, a widely used cal,” Sewall wrote. “Islamic pressure groups have been Continued from page 1 The report, issued two years ago, concluded that “his- working energetically for 15 years to scrub the past in teaching manual that has been banned in at least two torical distortion and factual misrepresentations woven instructional materials. Textbooks either gloss over school districts because of what critics say is pro-Islamic jihad, sharia (Islamic law), propaganda and anti-Israel distortions. throughout the Case Study of the Arab-Israeli Conflict Muslim slavery, the status of render it unacceptable for classroom use.” Many states have a textbook-adoption process, but “As a result of the bias, a potential exists for the crewomen and Islamic terror- those in California and Texas are the most important ation of a hostile environment in the classroom against ism--or omit the subject since those states have huge populations. In fact, some Jewish students,” the report says. altogether.” school districts in California buy more books than entire Sewall, who has testified in states. The report says the teaching materials are studded with “misinformation, manipulation, omissions of key Congress on the issue, has “Texas and California are the states in which publishfacts, oversimplification of complex issues, historical said that the shrinking indus- ers introduce new textbooks,” Sewall said. “By looking inaccuracy and lack of context.” try has come to be dominat- at what’s available in California today, we will know Tax money actually pays for these materials twice-ed by four main publishing what’s going to be available in the nation tomorrow.” once at the state or local level, where the materials are companies--Pearson, History Alive! and World History were among the nine purchased, and again at the federal level, where some Houghton Mifflin, Harcourt programs that California’s curriculum commission recuniversities with federally funded Title VI national Gilbert Sewell has charged and McGraw-Hill--with an ommended to the state board of education after its pubresource centers focusing on the Middle East help pro- that mainstream textbooks, estimated 80 percent of the lic hearings last month. The board was slated to make its duce, promote and endorse such materials. final selection Nov. 3. influenced by Islamic textbook market. For example, at Ohio State University’s Middle East groups, gloss over topics In his recent letter, Sewall Berman of the San Francisco JCRC said she believes Studies Center, a Title VI national resource center, “The like jihad, sharia and the said that, starting in the early the Council on Islamic Education has been so influential Modern Middle East” is recommended as one of many status of women in Islamic 1990s, the publishers because it has been pro-active in getting its views across, resources for educators. “allowed Islamic organiza- especially when it matters most--as a book is being comsocieties. As a result of parental intervention and the JCRC Credit: Andy Neusner/JTA tions--notably the Council piled. report, officials of the Teachers’ “It’s perfectly legitimate” for the council to want Curriculum Institute met with American students to have a positive view of Islam, she community members and agreed said. “If you look at the textbooks, you see they have to rewrite the section in “The been very effective.” Modern Middle East” that dealt The Jewish community, in contrast, “hasn’t been at with Jews and Palestinians vying the table. The publishers have not been getting a unifor one land. fied, well-articulated point of view” from the Jews, she That never happened, but the said. institute now says the material is Berman and her team recently created the Institute no longer on the market. for Curriculum Services to serve as a resource center for “It’s quite dated. It was time Jewish subject matter in school curricula. Their review for it to die,” said the institute's An exercise in the controversial publication, ‘The Modern Middle East,’ divides classes into of some sixth-grade books that California is considering Russell. for adoption turned up inaccuracies and troubling ‘Jeds’ and ‘Pads,’ meant to represent Jews and Palestinians. However, a sales representaCredit: The Modern Middle East textbook depictions of Jews and Judaism. tive for the institute said that In their reviews, the institute cites as an example “the even though the publication recently was pulled from on Islamic Education--to strong-arm them and in effect depiction of Passover as a celebration of the deaths of the group’s Web site, it is still available for sale. And act as censors.” the Egyptian firstborn instead of a celebration of the experts say teaching material can stay on school shelves The council’s executive director, Shabbir Mansuri, rejects Jews’ escape from Egyptian slavery.” for years even after it is no longer being published. Their reviews say that “many of the texts contain narthese charges, insisting that his group is a “nonadvocacy Alarm about the penetration of problematic teaching research organization.” rations of the Crucifixion that blame or clearly implicate materials in America's schools is growing. At the same time, he said in an interview with JTA at the Jews, presentations of the parable of the Good Sandra Alfonsi, head of Hadassah’s Curriculum Watch, the hearings in Sacramento last month, “The Samaritan that identify uncaring passers-by as Jews, and has focused on the issue for years. Constitution allows us all a place at the table, without Paul as a persecutor of Christians when he was the “We believe that we can no longer ignore the pattern leaving our heritage at the door. I can lobby, I can Jewish Saul--all of these have been used throughout hisof Islamist revisionism that leads us from the K-12 text- demand, and I can contribute.” tory as a means of implanting anti-Semitism in young books to university courses and demonstrations on the The council’s contributions to the process are clear: It minds.” college campuses and to the issue of the infusion of Arab is listed as a content consultant to three of the 12 pubIn a surprise move, the curriculum commission, durpetrol dollars that have funded and continue to fund lishers submitting programs--the term used for text- ing its Sept. 29-30 hearings, rejected an Oxford American education,” she said. books plus other teaching materials--for adoption. It University Press sixth-grade history program that Jewish In 2003, Gilbert Sewall of the American Textbook also submitted a lengthy report to the curriculum com- and Hindu groups had blasted as biased, erroneous and Council published Islam and the Textbooks, an analysis of mission commenting in detail on all the religions culturally derogatory. some widely circulated social studies and history text- described in the teaching materials. The commission also passed a motion requiring pubbooks. Mansuri testified at the public hearings, as did repre- lishers to make changes requested by the Institute for In their quest to expand coverage of Islam and non- sentatives of other religions, including Jews, and he Curriculum Services before their programs can be Western civilizations--laudable, given 21st-century appeared well-acquainted with many of the publishers’ adopted by the state board. While buoyed by that decision, Berman said that being geopolitics--textbook publishers have distorted history, representatives present. wrote Sewall, the former education editor of Newsweek. The Council on Islamic Education was one of many involved in the review process is not enough. “We need to be involved while books are being conAt the end of September, he reiterated his concerns in groups that consulted on the History Alive! course, even a letter to the California Curriculum Commission in though it is not listed as such, said Russell of the ceived,” she said, just like the Council on Islamic Education. advance of its public hearings on teaching materials by Teachers’ Curriculum. 12 publishers for grades K-8. Beyond the council, another scholar who consulted on (JTA Editor Lisa Hostein and correspondent Sue “It is not accidental that world history texts submitted History Alive! is Ayad Al-Qazzaz, a sociology professor Fishkoff in Sacramento were among the contributors to to California read alike when they present Islam or that at California State University at Sacramento, who was this report. Part III will be published in next week’s coverage of Islam in these books is lyrical and uncriti- co-editor of the Arab World Notebook. That’s the prede- Press.)

November 11, 2005

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

Recalling Arthur Miller: a Tribute

ENGAGEMENT GOLDSTEIN/BAUM Donald and Ann Goldstein announce Her fiance, a native of Baltimore, MD the engagement of their is the son of Charles daughter, Deborah, to Baum and Jane Baum and Matthew Baum. grandson of Josephine The bride-to-be is the and the late Max Baum and the late Miriam and granddaughter of I.D. Shapiro. Leonard and Shirley He is a graduate of Goldstein and the late Brown University with a Howard and Jane BA and MA in history. Kennedy. She graduated from Colgate University He teaches at the magna cum laude with a BA in sociology Wheeler School in Providence, RI. The couple plan a July 2, 2006, wedand education. She is a News Writer at ding in Omaha. CBS-4 in Boston, MA.

by BERNARD MANN Legacy Crosswords, © 2005 Sponsored by CATEGORY ONE

ORGANIZATIONS WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going to the Ameristar Casino, please meet at 8:45 a.m. at the main entrance of the JCC. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638. VISIONS Reminder: Luncheon Meeting is Nov. 18, 12:30 p.m.. at the Venice Inn. The cost is $9.50 per person. Our guest is Mike Kelly, columnist for the Omaha World Herald. Make check payable to Visions. Visions next Mitzvah Project is to collect donations to purchase special adaptive computer equipment for the residents of the Blumkin Home. Bring to the luncheon or send to Maggie Conti, 323 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Make check payable to Visions. BREADBREAKERS Join us for a joint AIPAC/B’nai B’rith meeting at the Ironwood, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. To ensure that we have adequate seating and food, RSVP to Gary Javitch (gjavitch@cox.net or 496.2021) or Lois

by Nov. 14 at (lepstein@ jewishomaha.org or 334.6443). The luncheon costs $20. All men and women in the community are invited to attend. THE CENTER FOR JEWISH EDUCATION Ruvie Rogel, Director of the International School for Community Emergency Management, will speak about world-wide terrorist concerns and about his experiences during the disengagement process during an expanded “Guy & Bob Show”, Tuesday, Nov. 15, noon, in the Kripke Library. His focus with the disengagement was to develop psycho-social policies and provide training programs for professionals before, during and following the evacuation. While in Omaha, Rogel will also be meeting with local officials to discuss security issues and terrorism. Bob Wolfson, Executive Director of the ADL, and Donald Thorson of the Mayor’s Office, are coordinating those events. For information on the lecture or on other Partnership with Israel events, please call office at 334.6445 or visit the website at www.jewishomaha.org.

Shop for Hanukkah During Dinner at Beth Israel by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue Enjoy a Mexican dinner on Sunday, Nov. 13, 5:30 p.m., at Beth Israel while taking care of some early Hanukkah shopping. “Bring all of your family and friends to enjoy good food and company,” said Bette Kozlen, who is helping to plan the event. “We’ll have all of Sisterhood’s Gift Shop Hanukkah items on display and available to purchase. We have many children’s toys, books and games, as well at those popular Russian-style kippot. Our shop also includes many Hanukkah gifts.” Sisterhood has expanded its Gift Shop

inventory to include a variety of styles, contemporary to traditional, to suit a wide range of tastes. Whether looking for a conventional menorah or one-of-a-kind menorah, shoppers should be pleased with the large selection to choose from. Cost is $12 for adults, $4 for children ages 4-12, and free for children ages three and under. Call the office, 556.6288 to make dinner reservations. Kozlen, Gloria Jones, Susan Polack and other Sisterhood members will keep the Gift Shop open from 5:30-7 p.m. during the dinner. In addition, everyone is asked to bring a nonperishable food item to help stock the Jewish Family Service food pantry.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 11, 2005

Welcome to the Middle East, Monsieur Chirac Gee, we hate to say, “Told ’ya so,” President Chirac, but...after all those years of blaming Israel for the “cycle of violence” and decrying the American (and British) support of the war in Iraq, we’re not surprised that the chickens (or in this case, camels) have come home to roost. You can’t have it both ways, Jacques. You see, for years, the French have been making secret deals with Arab dictators in the Middle East. Think back to 1981, when Israeli Air Force pilots bombed the nuclear reactors in Osirik, Iraq (with a silent thank you from the American government). The French, as only they can, cried, “Non!” as they wondered whether Saddam’s Iraqi government would default on their payments. After all, it was the French who supplied the parts. Now, leap ahead to the 1990s; the Berlin Wall is down. The Soviet Union is falling apart and can no longer protect its sidekicks in the Middle East, like Syria and Iraq. In steps the French. No wonder they hated the first Bush for Operation Desert Storm; he was ruining the Iraqi oil fields in which the French had such a big stake. Imagine how they’d feel a decade later when the Bush son did it again! Before this current war--and continuing throughout it--you’ve claimed, Jacques, that there was no reason for any foreign army to take out Saddam (who signed the checks for French jets, engines, nuclear plant facilities, etc.), or invade Iraq. Did you really think that by sitting this one out, you could appease the terrorists in your own backyard? And on top of dismissing the Americans,

your own governmental officials had little time to waste on the Jews, or on Israel, consistently siding with the Palestinians and their sympathizers. Always returning to that handy little catch phrase, “cycle of violence,” Jacques, you managed to make even victims of Palestinian terror look like terrorists, without condemning the suicide bombers, Hamas or Islamic Jihad. You were warned, Jacques. Columnist after columnist predicted that eventually the Muslim youth of France would erupt in violence, too. You can call it rioting all you want, but Israelis, New Yorkers and Londoners know it for what it is...terrorism. Radical clerics have been calling for jihad for decades--and, guess what? That includes France (and Spain), once under Islamic rule. And once ruled by sheiks and imams, it cannot belong to infidels, according to their reading of the Koran. This, we’re afraid, is just the beginning. And, because you forgot who your friends really are, Jacques (today is, after all, Veteran’s Day), you turned your back on the people who protected you 60-plus years ago. It was American (and British) men and women who spilled their blood on your soil to liberate France from the Axis powers--while your current friends in the Middle East aided the Nazis even then. (Where do you think the radical Islamists get their propa-

ganda from, Jacques? They don’t have to make it up, when they have the Nazi play book!) Though we’re not surprised at the outcome when you ignore terrorists, Jacques, we will help you...if you ask. Imposing curfews is a good first step (but why did you wait so long?) and now you should bring in the experts on terrorism from Israel and America. Terrorism is a worldwide problem--and now you know it’s France’s, too.

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

Ten Years after Rabin Killing, Sharon Has Emerged as his Heir

BEHIND THE HEADLINES by LESLIE SUSSER JERUSALEM (JTA)--As world leaders gathered in Israel to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination, Israelis are asking to what extent the killer’s bullet changed the course of Israeli-Palestinian history. Had Rabin lived, would the IsraeliPalestinian conflict have been resolved? Or would the peace process he started still have unraveled? The latter possibility raises additional questions: If Rabin realized that the Oslo process was a debacle, would he have continued to insist on a negotiated peace deal? Or, like Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, would Rabin have concluded that without a credible Palestinian peace partner, Israel should set its borders unilaterally? The legacy Rabin left is not simple. His life as soldier and peacemaker underlined the Sisyphean struggle to keep Israel strong and, when possible, to cut peace deals with its neighbors. His death highlighted the need for greater tolerance in Israel’s politically divided society. A decade after the assassination, it’s not clear how much of Rabin’s legacy has been implemented. Though left-wing politicians such as Yossi Beilin, who sponsored the “Geneva Accord” peace initiative, try to present themselves as the successors to Rabin’s legacy, a recent poll in the Yediot Achronot newspaper shows that 24 percent of Israelis see Sharon-the Likud Party leader who vehemently opposed Oslo during Rabin’s lifetime--as Rabin’s true heir. Only Shimon Peres, with 27%, outpolled Sharon in that survey--but 73% hold that Rabin’s and Peres’ own Labor Party is doing little to promote the slain leader’s legacy. The poll also shows that nearly 70% believe another political assassination is likely in Israel. Rabin wanted to be a water engineer, but his belief in the need for a strong army made him

a general. He was always defense-minded, a man with limited faith in the goodwill of Israel’s neighbors and a conviction that only a militarily strong Israel can survive in the Middle East. For Rabin, the main strategic goal was to secure Israel’s survival in a tough neighborhood. Peace was a means to that end, not an end in itself. In 1993, Rabin cautiously embraced the Oslo peace process with the Palestinians in the hope that it would lead to Israel’s acceptance in the region, but he insisted that it be reversible: If the process threatened Israel’s security instead of advancing it, he insisted, Israel would be able to revert to the pre-Oslo status quo. Some see that as a shocking bit of

Even if Rabin’s legacy continues to dominate the political scene through Sharon, however, the drive for tolerance and reconciliation in the wake of the assassination has been far less successful. naivete from a man who at other times displayed keen strategic thinking. Rabin called Oslo “an experiment in laboratory conditions,” which he believed could be stopped at the first signs of failure. It’s not clear whether Rabin would have stuck to that principle had he lived, since many Israeli politicians who initially were skeptical of the peace process felt constrained to see it through, even as evidence that the process was failing became overwhelming. Five years after Rabin’s death, the Oslo concept was put to the test at Camp David in July 2000. It failed: Then-Prime Minister Ehud Barak was unable to reach agreement with then-Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat on a final settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The result was nearly five years of Palestinian terrorism. Yet Barak, and many in Labor and parties further to the left, insist that if negotiators do get back to work one day they should pick up roughly from where Barak’s team left off.

(Founded in 1920) Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Pam Monsky Sales Associate Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Jason Rich Sales & Marketing Intern Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Jamie Meyerson; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joe Shyken; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; Dorothy Spizman; and Melany Weinstine. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a constitutional committee of the Jewish Federation.

Some speculate that Rabin might have succeeded where Barak failed, arguing that he would not have labored under the burden of the three-year interruption under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which Palestinians claim eroded their confidence in the Oslo process. No one will ever know whether, by force of his personality, Rabin could have overcome the huge differences between Israel and the Palestinians on basic issues such as refugees, Jerusalem and borders. Many believe that if Rabin had failed to bridge those gaps, he would have called an end to the Oslo experiment and gone down the unilateral route--the way Sharon has done, and for much the same reasons. Rabin’s strategic outlook was very close to Sharon’s: Like Sharon, he put a premium on close ties with the United States, prioritized the achievement of a state of non-belligerency with potential adversaries and recognized the longterm demographic problem caused by Israel’s presence in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. That in itself probably would have been enough to lead Rabin down the unilateral road. The fact that so many Israelis see Sharon as Rabin’s heir is one of the most significant facts in Israeli politics today: It’s symptomatic of the blurring between security-minded peacemaking in Labor and Likud and the creation of a new ideological center in Israeli politics, in which both Rabin and Sharon are iconic leadership figures. Sharon’s image as a security-minded peacemaker in the Rabin tradition wins him the support of large segments of Labor’s right wing, one of the main reasons for his enormous cross-party popularity in Israel. Even if Rabin’s legacy continues to dominate the political scene through Sharon, however, the drive for tolerance and reconciliation in the wake of the assassination has been far less successful. On the 10th anniversary of Rabin’s assassination, they reiterate a chilly warning: Israel’s brittle democracy withstood one assassination, but may not be able to withstand another.

Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $36 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.

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November 11, 2005

A Kristallnacht Lesson--About Saving Soviet Jewry

FOCUS ON ISSUES by BENJAMIN BRAFMAN, Esq. It was Kristallnacht, the night of “broken glass,” when hundreds of Jewish businesses and virtually every synagogue throughout Germany and Austria was set ablaze. On that terrible night in November of 1938, my late father, Sol, ran into a burning synagogue in Vienna and rescued a Torah. Together with his late brother, Morris Brafman, they carried that Torah halfway around the world, ultimately bringing it to the United States, where it was later restored and is currently in a yeshiva in Far Rockaway, New York, in an Ark dedicated to the memory of Sol and his wife of 55 years, my mother Rose. My parents and my father’s brother were among the fortunate few who were able to make it to the United States. Like many European Jewish refugees, the Brafman brothers proceeded to build a successful life for themselves in their new country, but never forgot the powerful and tragic events of that terrible night that so dramatically reshaped their lives. In Elie Wiesel’s famous book, The Jews of Silence, one of the earliest writings about the persecution of Jews in the Soviet Union, he refers to them as Jews of silence, because not only were they being held prisoner by the former Soviet Union but were also prevented from even speaking out about religious matters. Wiesel, in one of the most haunting statements in his book, observes that Jews in the free world who failed to protest against the persecution of Soviet Jewry, were also “Jews of Silence.” My father and his brother Morris were determined to try to put an end to at least the silence. Having actually lived through the “abandonment of the Jews,” words borrowed from the title of David S. Wyman’s informative, highly regarded book on the subject of European Jewry, they were quite concerned about the persecution of Jews in the Soviet Union and were determined to make certain that there would be no second “abandonment” of Jews, certainly not by American Jewry. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, as reports began reaching the West about the mistreatment of Jews by the Soviet Government and as Soviet publications filled with anti-Semitism and anti-Zionist comments made their way to this country, these two brave men decided to take action. As synagogues in the Soviet Union during those years, the American Jewish community had not yet mobilized in protest. Yes, we all remember those huge rallies for Soviet Jewry in New York City and Washington, D.C., sometimes

involving more than 100,000 protesters carrying pictures of “refuseniks.” We wore wristbands emblazoned with the names of Prisoners of Zion. Many of us even placed an “empty” chair at our Passover Seder table as a visual reminder of the Jews in the Soviet Union who were not legally permitted to even have a Seder. But that was all much later, in the 1970s and 1980s. The Soviet Jewry protest movement in the U.S. did not begin with those thousands of people marching through the streets. It began 20 years earlier, in places like the small Manhattan office where the Brafman brothers established the International League for the Repatriation of Russian Jews, recognizing the “legal” right of any citizen of the world to be permitted to “repatriate” to his or her homeland. They were not lawyers, but it was they who put forward, for the first time, the legal argument that since the new state of Israel was the “homeland” of all Jews, the Soviet Union would be in violation of International Law in refusing to allow Jews to emigrate to Israel. Day after day, year after year, in a very lonely battle, these two men and a small handful of heroic colleagues wrote editorials, circulated petitions, and enlisted concerned government officials who made the issue of Soviet Jewry a public one and persisted in their efforts, until the issue of Soviet Jewry became an international issue that could not be ignored. Before you could get people interested in a problem, you first had to make them aware of the problem. As far as the world was concerned, Jewish blood was generally cheap and that only by pressuring American public officials, who would in turn pressure public officials in the Soviet Union, could they ultimately persuade the Soviet Union that the battle to keep Jews prisoner was not worth it. As we all know, their work and the work of so many other heroes of the struggle for Soviet Jewry ultimately paid enormous dividends, as millions of Jews were freed. Many came to Israel, many eventually to the U.S., where today in both countries they are raising proud families steeped in religious culture, free to practice their religion and enjoy their heritage with dignity. What began as a terrible destructive blaze on Kristallnacht 67 years ago, became a blazing lifetime pursuit for two men who refused to be “Jews of Silence.” The author, a leading criminal defense attorney, is a member of the Board of The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies. This article is based on his remarks at the Wyman Institute’s third national conference, held recently at the Fordham University School of Law, in New York City.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 13

Reflections on the Revolution in France of jihad: the crude variety deployed in the U.K., killing random passengers around London; the targeted variety in the Netherlands, by DANIEL PIPES where individual political and cultural leaders are singled out, threatened, and in The rioting by Muslim youth that some cases attacked; and now the more began Oct. 27 in France to calls of diffuse violence in France, less specifically “Allahu Akbar” may be a turning point in murderous but also politically less dismisEuropean history. What started in Clichy- sible. The British variant is clearly counsous-Bois, on the outskirts of Paris, by its terproductive, so the Dutch and French eleventh night had spread to 300 French strategies will probably recur. Sarkozy vs. Villepin: Two leading cities and towns, as well as to Belgium and Germany. The violence, which has already French politicians and probable candibeen called some evocative names--intifa- dates for president in 2007, Nicholas da, rebellion, and civil war--prompts sev- Sarkozy and Dominique de Villepin, have responded to the riots in starkly contrasteral reflections: End of an era: The time of cultural ing ways, with the former adopting a hard innocence and political naïveté, when the line (proclaiming “tolérance zéro” for French could blunder without seeing or urban crime) and the latter a soft one feeling the consequences, is closing. As in (promising an “action plan” to improve other European countries (notably urban conditions). Anti-state: The riots started eight days Denmark and Spain), a bundle of related issues, all touching on the Muslim pres- after Sarkozy declared a new policy of ence, has now moved to the top of the “war without mercy” on urban violence policy agenda in France, where it will like- and two days after he called violent youth “scum.” Many rioters see ly remain for decades. The French...can feel themselves in a power These issues include a decline of Christian faith guilty and appease the riot- struggle with the state and so focus their attacks on and the attendant demo- ers...or they can heave a its symbols. A typical graphic collapse; a cradle- sigh of relief when it ends report quotes Mohamed, to-grave welfare system ...or they can understand that lures immigrants this as the opening salvo in 20, the son of a Moroccan immigrant, asserting that even as it saps long-term a would-be revolution... a “Sarko has declared economic viability; an alienation from historic customs in favor war…, so it’s war he’s going to get.” of lifestyle experimentation and vapid Representatives of the rioters have multiculturalism; an inability to control demanded that the French police leave borders or assimilate immigrants; a pat- the “occupied territories”; in turn, tern of criminality that finds European Sarkozy partially blamed the riots on cities far more violent than American “fundamentalists.” The French can respond in three ways. ones; and a surge in Islam and radical They can feel guilty and appease the riotIslam. Not a first: The French insurrection are ers with prerogatives and the “massive by no means the first instance of a semi- investment plan” some are demanding. organized Muslim insurgency in Europe-- Or they can heave a sigh of relief when it it was preceded days earlier by one riot in ends and, as they did after earlier crises, Birmingham, England and was accompa- return to business as usual. Or they can nied by another one in Århus, Denmark. understand this as the opening salvo in a France itself has a history of Muslim vio- would-be revolution and take the difficult lence going back to 1979. What is differ- steps to undo the negligence and indulent in the current round is its duration, gence of past decades. I expect a blend of the first two reacmagnitude, planning, and ferocity. Media denial: The French press deli- tions and that, despite Sarkozy’s surge in cately refers to the “urban violence” and the polls, Villepin’s appeasing approach presents the rioters as victims of the sys- will prevail. France must await something tem. Mainstream media deny that it has to larger and more awful to awake it from its do with Islam and ignore the permeating somnolence. The long-term prognosis, Islamist ideology, with its vicious anti- however, is inescapable: “the sweet dream French attitudes and its raw ambition to of universal cultural compatibility has dominate the country and replace its civi- been replaced,” as Theodore Dalrymple puts it, “by the nightmare of permanent lization with Islam’s. Another method of jihad: Indigenous conflict.” Pipes (www.DanielPipes.org) is direcMuslims of northwestern Europe have in the past year deployed three distinct forms tor of the Middle East Forum.

BEHIND THE HEADLINES

Contact us at 330-4272, info@rbjh.com. or http://www.rbjh.com .

Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 11, 2005

Candlelighting Friday, Nov. 11, 4:50 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. Dr. Benjamin Nachman will speak about “Shoah Stories.” The community is invited.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Beth El Synagogue

1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609

FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. in the chapel. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. Join us as we honor our Jewish war veterans during Veteran’s Shabbat service; Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; K’tantan (K-2), 10:45 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Beth El; Evening Service, 4:55 p.m. SUNDAY: Bible Study Class with Leonard Greenspoon, 10 a.m.; “Living Hebrew,” with Susi Frydman-Levin, 10 a.m.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah class with Cantor Bogomolni, 10 a.m.; Jewish Pot Pourri Class, 11 a.m.; “From Your Heart to God’s Ears”, led by Andy Greenberg, 11 a.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m./5:30 p.m.; Weekdays, 6:55 a.m./5:30 p.m. PATTER: Wednesdays, 10:30 -11:45 a.m. led by Helen Epstein THURSDAY, noon: “Discovering the Talmud: Lessons for Everyday Living,” with Rabbi Levin. For more information, contact the synagogue office. SHABBATON: This weekend, our third through fifth graders will enjoy a Shabbaton, as they enter the world of “Chaim Potter and the Chagswartz School of Menschlichkeit,”10 a.m. tomorrow-10 a.m. on Sunday. JEWISH VETERANS’ PROJECT: From Monday, Nov. 14 -Dec. 12, the community is invited to the Jewish Historical Society’s Jewish Veterans’ Project will be on display at Beth El. ALTERNATIVE SHABBAT SERVICE: Our alternative Shabbat service will resume on Saturday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m. in the chapel. (See article this page.) HAZAK LUNCH ‘N’ LEARN: Saturday, Nov. 19 (see full article on page 15). SISTERHOOD: Will meet on Sunday, Nov. 20, 12:30 p.m.; a light lunch will be served.

Tifereth Israel

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

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

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

Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org

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

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

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

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

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

The Neighborhood Minyan

Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethlincoln.org

If you’re looking at this space, so are others! YOUR AD CAN GO HERE...

to reserve space, call Allan Handleman, 334-6451, or Pam Monsky, 334-6559.

Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:45 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; In honor of Veteran’s Day, join us for a Veteran’s Recognition ceremony during services. Jake Besser, Air Force Retired Senior Master Sergeant, will give the D’var Torah; Free Babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood; Mincha, 4:45 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:52 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Contact the office for Mincha/ Ma’ariv time; “Let’s Go Out to Eat!” Mexican Dinner, 5:30 p.m. Sisterhood gift shop will be open. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Contact the office for Mincha/Ma’ariv time. WEDNESDAY: Rabbi Gross’s Lecture Series, Part III, “For the Birds: Further Study on Different Species of Kosher Animals,” 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Advanced Parshah Study class, 9 p.m.

BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Minyan, 7 a.m.; Ima & Me, 10–11:30 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush to follow service. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m.; Mishne class, 9:30 a.m.; Chabad Cheder and Aleph Champions, 10 a.m.-noon. WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Halacha, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m.; Torah Tots, 4:15 p.m. For information about programs or to register for classes, or visit: call the office www.nebraska-judaism.com.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m., led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg following. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel SUNDAY: Gan Simcha, grades K, and 4-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon, at Tifereth Israel; grades 1-3 and

BAR MITZVAH Ethan Workman son of Keri and Tom Workman, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Nov. 12, at Temple Israel. Ethan is a seventhgrade honor roll student at Elkhorn Ridge Middle School, and was selected to participate in the Duke University Talent Identification Program.

His interests include hockey. For his mitzvah project, Ethan has volunteered as a mentor at Temple Israel. Ethan has two sisters, Taylor and Emma. Grandparents are Ardell and Nathan Firestone, and Veda Workman and the late George Workman.

Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at B’nai Jeshurun. ADULT EDUCATION Sundays, 7 p.m. Intro to Judaism, led by Rabbi Emanuel. Tuesday series on Jewish Social Justice on break until Nov. 29. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew class (grades 2-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9 a.m. led by Beyt Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service honoring Jewish Veterans and Active Personnel, 7:30 p.m.; Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Craig Marantz and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. Oneg sponsored by WRJ-O. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Ethan Workman, son of Keri and Tom Workman, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. PANCAKE MAN, Sunday, 9 a.m.: the Pancake Man Breakfast; children age three and younger are free! Adults and kids, $4. GUESS WHO’S COMING TO THE BAR MITZVAH? Sunday, 10 a.m.: Robyn Freeman, Jill Idelman, Matt Placzek, Melany Weinstine and Rabbi Azriel will show you how to make non-Jewish friends and family feel a part of your simcha.

JEWISH BOOK FAIR Sunday, 9 a.m.: Judaica and books will be available for purchase from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 13. Temple students are encouraged to enter the Elinor A. Whitman Jewish Book Appreciation Contest. Entries are due in the office Sunday, Jan. 8. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, 10:15 a.m.: Beginning Hebrew with Colleen Kennealy. TUESDAY, Nov. 15, 7 p.m.: Lifting the Veil: New Models of Thinking to Reveal Insights Hidden in Judaism. THURSDAY, Nov. 17: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Cantor Shermet, 10-11:30 a.m.; 7-9 p.m.: Jews and Christians: In the Pursuit of Understanding Each Other with Rabbi Marantz.

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 5 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Royi Shaffin. Minyan, MONDAY & THURSDAY, 7 a.m., followed by breakfast. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. with an Shabbat dinner following. SATURDAY: Parashat Hashavu’a class, 8:30 a.m.; Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Shabbat lunch and Talmud class. SUNDAY: Evening of Magic, 7 p.m. only for adults at Pitlor residence, 3824 Firethorn Ct; $5 per person. Reservations are required. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066.

Beth El’s Alternative Shabbat Service Enriched by Spirited Discussion by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Once a month at Beth El, Shabbat worshippers are treated to a little wisdom, a little sharing and a little humor, mixed with a lot of singing and prayers, all offered during the synagogue’s innovative alternative Shabbat service. Held in the chapel, the service is highlighted by an informal Torah discussion, and features an instrumental service. Following a short hiatus, this progressive, interactive Shabbat service returns Nov. 19, 10 a.m. Established two years ago by Rabbi Mordechai Levin, the alternative service was developed to offer an option to the traditional Shabbat servic with more English, increased participation and musical accompaniment. “In recent years, there has been a trend in some of America’s Conservative synagogues to offer parallel services with different characteristics, as one size does not fit all,” Rabbi Levin said. “While we have maintained the basic structure of the service, we’ve shortened some parts to enable us to have more time for the Torah discussion and to sing.” The musical component of the

service “greatly enriches the entire morning,” Rabbi Levin said, noting that instrumental music will be played with accompaniment provided by Anna Mosenkis, Tuffy Epstein. The weekly parasha comes alive during animated Torah discussions with congregants offering personal interpretations and perspectives. Sharing ideas is an important component, Rabbi Levin said, explaining that “these Torah discussions give us the opportunity to hear pieces of wisdom from different people--it’s good to be able to learn from each other.” During several services last year, the parasha was presented through a specially-written “reading theater,” where congregants role-played the characters. The most challenging aspect of holding two Shabbat services simultaneously is timing, said Rabbi Levin, who, along with the cantor, splits his time conducting portions of both services. Each has much to offer to synagogue-goers, Rabbi Levin said, adding that, “regardless of which service you prefer--more traditional or more innovative-- we invite everyone to celebrate the spiritual experience of Shabbat at Beth El.”

Pulverente MONUMENT CO.

November 11, 2005

DEATHS FRANCES BATT Continued from page 1 Batt was a member of the Douglas County Children and Youth Advisory Committee, the Elmwood Park, Memorial Park Task Force, and was President of Citizens’ Action Association, a homeowners group. In 1988, the women of the Chai/Grand Gifts Division of the Jewish Federation honored her. She, along with her mother, received the Lion of Judah pin for their large individual commitments to the campaign. In presenting the honor, Joodi Veitzer said, “We’re grateful to Frances for leading the way. The Jewish way is to do something for someone else that makes their life better!” Added Michael Silverman, Executive Director of Jewish Senior Services, “On a regular basis, Frances gives JSS financial support for our continuing outreach programs. And, she has been very excited about the Home’s future building project. We will really miss her.” A son, Lawrence Batt, also preceded Frances in death. She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Janice Batt; daughter, Ellie Batt of New York; daughterin-law, Margaret Kirkeby; sister, Sylvia Cohn; sister and brother-in-law, Cynthia and Charles Schneider, brother and sister-in-law, Louis and Frances Blumkin; grandchildren, Jonas Batt of Seattle, WA, Sara Batt, Aaron and Valerie Batt of Costa Rica; stepgrandsons, Bret Conant of Breckenridge, CO, and Blake Conant. Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

SYLVIA PARILMAN Sylvia Parilman died at the age of 91. Services were held Oct. 31 at Golden Hill Cemetery. She is survived by her sister, Vera Lewis; nieces and nephews, Bruce Lewis, Howard Lewis, Gary Parilman, Sandra and Bart Epstein; great nieces and nephews. Memorials to Blumkin Home or charity of choice.

The Land of Canaan Becomes Israel

Hazak Lunch ’n Learn to Feature ADL Director Wolfson

SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Lekh Lekha These opening chapters of Genesis are crammed with the first stories about Abraham, father of the Israelites. Without any early information about his relationship with his God, we are told that he is to take up his journey and go to a land which is not even named. He is told that the land will be a place that “I will show you.” Abraham is told further that he will become the father of a great and mighty nation. And he is told that all the families of the earth will “bless themselves by you.” This means something like your good fortune will be so great that other peoples will hope to have good fortune similar to yours. Abraham takes up his journey as he is told to do. He is 75-years-old at the time. He is told furthermore that this land will one day belong to his children, even though at the time the land was occupied by Canaanites. The sacred text does not detail who these pre-Israelite “Canaanites” were. They may well have been of many different peoples who lived in Canaan before it became the Land of Israel. Without giving its rationale, Abraham is told that he and his children after him should have the special sign of circumcision as a covenant between them and the Lord. We must leave to students of the ancient world the question of whether other peoples in the lands surrounding Canaan were circumcised or not. But to ancient Israel, it was a mark of distinction, distinguishing the children of Abraham from all others in the area. It is remarkable that this distinction was regarded as sacred by ancient Israel all the way through to modern Judaism as a covenant between God and the Jewish people.

60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Following Shabbat services on Saturday, Nov. 19, the entire community is invited to attend a special Lunch ‘n’ Learn event, “What’s Happening This Week: A Look at Current Events,” featuring I. Robert Wolfson, Plains States Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League. Always entertaining, engaging and informative, Wolfson will address issues of interest to the Jewish community, and will focus on “what’s going on in the world of extremism, hate, education and civil rights,” he said. The synagogue’s Hazak group (for those ages 55 and up), is sponsoring this get-together; cost is $10.50 per adult, and $5.50 for children under 12 (Three percent will be donated to Mazon). Reservations are due by Nov. 15, and may be made by sending a check to Natalie Rubin, 2004 So. 138 Ave. Cir., Omaha NE 68144. Be sure to include your name, phone number and the number of adults and/or children attending. For more information, please contact Gloria Goodman at 333.3351.

Solution to Crossword Puzzle on Page 11

Page 15

1439 So. 13th 341-2452

Frank L. Ciciulla, Jr.

Openings for select House Parents The Omaha Home for Boys offers a unique opportunity for married couples to care for boys, average age 12–16.

DONALD SILVER Donald J. Silver died at the age of 63. Services were held Nov. 4 at Beth El Cemetery. He is survived by his daughter, Piper; son, Jeremy; mother, Sarah; sister and brother-in-law, Fran and Barry Snyder. Memorials to the American Cancer Society. SHEFF KATSKEE Sheff Katskee died Nov. 1 at the age of 63. According to his wishes, his body was donated for scientific research at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth F. Katskee; brothers, Leroy, Loyal and Dr. Edwin Katskee. He is survived by his wife, Eve; sister, “Sis” Mason of Sun City, AZ; sons and daughters-in-law, Roy and Cookie Katskee, Dan and Peggy Katskee; daughter, Bette Stephenson; daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Mike Cook; 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Memorials to the Friedel Jewish Academy.

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EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press office will be closed Thursday, Nov. 24, for Thanksgiving; the deadline for the Nov. 25 issue is Wednesday, Nov. 16; the deadline for the Dec. 2 issue is Wednesday, Nov. 23. Questions? Call 334.6448.

OWNER-OPERATOR/Company Drivers: Tired of being on the road weeks at a time? Bennett Truck Transport, a manufactured home transport company needs owner operators to transport homes in the Midwest. We have late model toters available for leasepurchase. Home weekends and most nights. Requirements: 23 years old, 2 years commercial experience, a clean MVR and a class A CDL. We pay to train. For more information please call Darien at 1-888-774-3348.

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Page 16

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 11, 2005

On First Visit to Israel, Bill Gates Touts Country’s High-tech Promise vided by Microsoft will be allocated to by DINA KRAFT TEL AVIV (JTA)--Declaring Israel a start-ups; the companies also will receive “technology powerhouse,” Bill Gates help from Microsoft in strategizing new gave a rousing morale boost to the coun- ideas and launching them in the global try’s high-tech sector on his first trip to market. “We have a great relationship with the the Jewish state. The Microsoft chairman and world’s government, and look forward to more richest man put his money where his of that,” Gates said. “I wish I had come mouth is in a country he predicted will sooner. I’m glad I’m here now.’’ Gates also met with Prime Minister play a major role in the international market, offering the Israeli government $1.4 Ariel Sharon and a group of Israeli stumillion for local start-up companies and dents who excel in computer-related toppromising to help connect thousands of ics. He arrived in Israel by private jet Oct. economically disadvantaged Israeli chil- 25 and spent the night in the presidential suite of the David Intercontinental hotel. dren to the Internet. “It’s no exaggeration to say that the Media reports noted that this was the kind of innovation going on in Israel is same suite used, separately, by Madonna critical to the future of the technology and President Clinton. The hotel arranged to have a cake waitbusiness. So many great companies have been started here,” Gates said at a news ing for Gates, who arrived just before his 50th birthday. conference. Gates also met with executives from He heaped more praise in an interview several leading Israeli high-tech compawith the Ma’ariv newspaper. “There is a greater concentration of tal- nies, and spoke to employees of ented hi-tech manpower here in compar- Microsoft’s Haifa operations. The branch ison to other countries, almost to the was founded in 1989 and employs 200 people. extent of Silicon Valley,” Gates said. On his visit, Gates specifically touted Israel’s achievements in information security. He said he also was impressed that so much of the country’s population is computer literate. Gates said he had come to learn about the Israeli market, where Microsoft has some $120 million in annual sales, the Globes newspaper reported. The agreement Gates signed with the government promises cooperation between Microsoft and the chief scientist at Israel’s Science and Technology Ministry. The agreement Microsoft chairman Bill Gates meets with Israeli students in Credit: Microsoft/BP Images/JTA stipulates that money pro- Tel Aviv on Oct. 26.

Schrager Foundation Votes to Allocate Grants to Five Local Agencies by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Foundation Public Relations Coordinator As it has been doing since December 1984, the Phillip and Terri Schrager Supporting Foundation voted to provide charitable contributions to causes and people within the Omaha Jewish community. These can include college scholarships, assistance to needy Jewish children, funding for special needs children, educational programs, and capital campaigns of local Jewish institutions. This autumn, the Schrager Supporting Foundation has allocated grants to the Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service (JFS), the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center (CDC), the Institute for Holocaust Education, and to the Jewish Community Center (JCC). JFS received funding to provide aid and services to those in need of emergency financial assistance, help with parenting issues, youth programs, respite care, holiday kosher meals, food pantry services, crisis support, and counseling. JFS also was granted funds to provide a curriculum for the benefit of Jewish residents of group homes and to encourage their participation in religious activities and holiday celebrations. Sensitivity training for caregivers will also be supported by the grant. In addition, the Schrager Supporting Foundation will again provide funding to the Center for Jewish Education to help prepare children, who have special needs,

for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah. The children require additional assistance beyond group classes at their respective synagogues. Additionally, funds were provided to the Center for Jewish Education for need-based financial assistance to Jewish undergraduate college students from the Omaha metropolitan area. Scholarships for children who need financial assistance to attend pre-school, childcare, and/or summer camps at the CDC will also be provided. To support programs that fight bigotry, hatred, prejudice, and violence, and to continue educating the public about the lessons of the Holocaust, the Schrager Supporting Foundation awarded a grant to the Institute for Holocaust Education. At the request of the JCC, the Schrager Foundation will subsidize next summer’s Omaha community teen trip to Israel (ARTZA). The four-week trip can accommodate 40 teens. Schrager Supporting Foundation committee members include Rick, Tim, and Harley Schrager, Rosie Zweiback, John Vann, David Gilinsky, and Todd Simon. The Schrager Foundation is administered by the Jewish Federation Foundation. Those interested in establishing a supporting foundation are welcome to contact Marty Ricks, Executive Director of the Federation Foundation, at 402.334.6440.

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KIDS! Your color drawing could be on the front of our Hanukkah Gift Guide! Use color markers or crayons to create your drawing on an 8.5X11 piece of white paper. Fill out the form below, attatch it to the back and send to the Jewish Press, 333 South 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. The deadline is December 5, 2005.

This drawing by Megan Kahn won her a gift certificate last year since it was one of the first two we received.

2005 Hanukkah Gift Guide Cover Name ___________________________________________________________ Age ______ Parent’s Names _____________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________ Phone Number ___________________