November 11, 2011

Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

Historical Society publishes This grocery store history Week November 11, 2011 14 Cheshvan 5772 Vol. 92 | No. 9

USY celebrates 60th anniversary at Beth El Page 8

All you need is L.O.V.E. Page 9

by RITA SHELLEY Freshly arrived from Europe a century ago, thousands of men and women found work in South Omaha’s packinghouse and stockyards. South 24th Street grocer Witte Fried, also a first generation American and a widow with children from ages 2 to 7, knew something of her neighbors’ struggles to survive and prosper. She also knew they needed to eat. According to her descendants, Fried took care to mark prices on the merchandise in her store in several languages. She wanted her customers, regardless of their German, Irish, Italian, Russian, Polish, Greek, Czech or other origins, to have an easier transition into their new world. Fried’s story is one of many featured in Memories of the Jewish Midwest: Mom and Pop Grocery Stores. Scheduled to be published in November by the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society (NJHS), the book includes recollections of Jewish grocers and members of the families who operated stores throughout

Central Market in 1938 at 16th and Harney Omaha, Lincoln, Council Bluffs and surrounding areas from the early 1900s to the present. The book was a dream of Dr. Ben Nachman, an NJHS volunteer whose father owned a small store on North 27th Street. Dr. Nachman died in

Rose Blumkin Home hosts family dinner British anti-Semitism Page 16

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

Next Week Business Guide See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press

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by OZZIE NOGG The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home’s annual Family Night Dinner is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 17. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails on Main Street. Dinner follows at 6 p.m. “This year we’ve set things up to look like a French Bistro,” said Maggie Conti, RBJH Director of Activities and Outreach Programs. “We’ll have guest dining everywhere on Main Street, with tables in the Schrager Café, the Husker Lounge as well as in the Blumkin Home Auditorium. The residents always look forward to these festive meals when they can dress up a bit and enjoy being together with family and friends. It’s a very special time for everyone at the Home, and we invite the community to join us for this harvest celebration.” Strolling violinist Deborah Greenblatt brings her special brand of soothing background music -classical, Jewish favorites and

2010; publication of the book is dedicated to his memory. “A history of Jewish owned stores is also a history of the grocery business,” Renee Ratner-Corcoran, NJHS executive director, said. “Beginning with peddlers who trav-

eled from farm to farm to trade their wares for farm produce to sell in the cities, through one-room Mom and Pop stores with adjoining living quarters, to the first large self-service grocery stores, to today’s discount stores that sell housewares and groceries under the same roof, the Jewish community played a vital role in the grocery industry.” Children of early Jewish grocers who were interviewed for the book or submitted recollections recall the hustle and bustle of buying produce from open air stalls downtown (today’s Old Market) as early as 4 a.m. to stay ahead of the competition. Before there were automobiles, grocers’ children were responsible for the care of the horses that pulled delivery buggies. Mixing the flour and water paste to use for painting prices of the week’s specials on the front window was also the responsibility of children. So were dividing 100-pound sacks of potatoes into five- and 10-pound packages, grinding and bagging Continued on page 3

The Israel experience In the summer of 2011, a group of local teens and young adults visited Israel as part of the Israel Experience Grant Program. These are their stories.

Hebrew school was finally real. Everything I learned was so unimaginable, but reality really hit me in the town of Tikochin. We started by visiting the town’s syna-

Denise Ipock and her mother Ida American standards -- to the evening, and Natalie Osborne will take complimentary family portraits in the RBJH Chapel prior to dinner. The Family Night Dinner menu includes Kreplach Soup, Chicken Marsala with Mushroom Sauce, along with Wild Rice Pilaf, Green Beans Almondine and Pumpkin Pie. The cost is $17.00 per plate. Children under 12 can enjoy delicious Chicken Fingers for $8.00 a plate. “Residents’ meals are provided at no charge,” Conti said. For more information or to make reservations, please call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521.

Team Omaha at the Wall AARON ZIPURSKY USY’s Israel Pilgrimage/ Poland Seminar This summer I spent 5 weeks with 42 other Conservative Jewish teenagers from around the country on USY’s Israel Pilgrimage/Poland Seminar. My experiences during these five weeks were incredible. Here are a few of my life-changing experiences. The week in Poland was very meaningful because everything I had learned for so many years in

gogue, now a museum. From there we walked to the town square where our guide told us the story of the Jews in Tikochin. At the start of World War II, the town was about 2/3rds Jewish. When a Nazi SS unit arrived in the town, all of the Jews were gathered, and those who did not report to the town square were forced by volunteers from the Christians of the town. From there, the Jews were marched to the nearby Lupochova Continued on page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | November 11, 2011

The Israel experience

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Continued from page 1 ing we saw a large number of IDF officers touring and when forest and shot. We then visited the mass graves in the our group arrived at the Warsaw Ghetto Monument we were Lupochova forest and had a memorial service, where I real- in for a huge surprise. The IDF officers were having a memoized this was where the history of the Jewish people in rial service, and not only were we invited to join them for the Tikochin ended. I realized that it wasn’t just people who ceremony, we got to stand in line and at attention right next died in the Holocaust; it was to them! This was a once-in-a their generations of tradilifetime opportunity and I tions, stories, history and culthought it was one of the ture. I understood that as coolest experiences, even if I important as it is to rememhad no clue what they said. ber the Holocaust, we can The second highlight of my never let the victims of it be trip was being in Eilat for my forgotten. birthday. Snorkeling in the After spending a sad and Red Sea, exploring an undermeaningful week in Poland, a water observatory, and dancland almost devoid of Jewish ing the night away on a disco life, it was almost a relief to boat are things people would arrive in Israel. Israel is dream about doing on their bustling with vibrant Jewish birthdays, and I got to do culture, and the first feeling I them all. Most teenage girls had was that this was where I are pretty obsessed with belonged. Our first week in Sweet 16 parties, but I think I Naomi and Aaron Zipursky Israel was spent in the beautitake the cake for the best ful and unique city of sweet 16 a girl could ask for. Jerusalem. It’s not every day However, my favorite part of you see almost every man the trip took place on our wearing a kippah or that desert experience in the nearly every restaurant is Negev. Our desert leader took kosher. My favorite day in us all on a walk that night, Jerusalem was the first and told us he was going to Shabbat we spent there. On spread us all out to have some Friday night, my group alone time. Although my first walked to a park right outside reaction was to freak out of the Old City and prayed about being alone, it turned Kabbalat Shabbat overlookout to be the best thing I ing the Jewish Quarter. It was could have done. there that I heard the Shabbat Now I ask you to close your siren for the first time and eyes one more time. You are saw the late afternoon sun lying in the soft sand of the illuminating the golden walls Negev, looking up at the sky. Matthew Blodgett at the Kotel. of the Old City. The only All you see are stars shining sounds that could be heard were our ruach-filled prayers and sparkling in ways you only thought happened in floating through the air, as if reaching within the walls of the movies. Finally, you see a falling star and your night has old city. Being able to sing and pray with some of my closest been made. Open your eyes. This summer I made 43 best friends made me feel so proud and privileged to be Jewish. friends, experienced the Holocaust up close, and traveled Our next stop on our journey was the south, and it soon the Jewish homeland, but the best part for me was finding became my favorite place. The wide open expanses and deep my favorite place in the world. I hope to share my expericraters and canyons of the desert were incredibly beautiful ences with anyone who asks because USY Summer experiand peaceful. Later that week, we climbed Masada. After ence changed my life, and I want it to do that for others, too. only a ten minute climb on the Roman Ramp, we arrived at the top just as the sun was rising. My entire group gathered MATTHEW BLODGETT together to lay tefillin, pray Shacharit, and watch the sun rise Birthright over the Dead Sea and Jordan. Being able to see the entire When I signed up for Birthright I had no idea I would Judean Desert and everything else surrounding it was mag- have quite the life-changing experience that I did. For me, nificent. Just thinking of this beautiful moment makes me this was the first time I ever went abroad. Young Judea, the want to go back this very second. I hope to return to Israel group I went with, created a Facebook page for the group so as soon as I possibly can and that other Jewish teenagers in I was able to contact a few people before we left. When I met Omaha will be able to travel to Israel in the future and have up with some of the people in the airport, we all seemed to the same incredible experiences I had this summer. click. All of us were in the same boat. Most everyone on the trip was from New York, California, or Florida. Everyone NAOMI ZIPURSKY was shocked and surprised that Omaha actually had Jews. USY’s Israel Pilgrimage/Poland Seminar Our first destination was Tzfat, which is the center for Close your eyes and picture this: You are standing on top Kabbalah. Our group met a local artist who moved to Israel of a hill in Jerusalem, looking over the Old City. It is shortly after reconnecting with Judaism upon discovering Shabbas; you hear the siren all around you and can feel the Kabbalah. Tzfat was filled with beautiful works of art and city preparing for Shabbat. Now open your eyes. This is what the entire town had a mystical feel to it. We visited the Golan my group leader said to us on our first Shabbat in Israel. We Heights and viewed the borders with Syria and Lebanon; we found ourselves atop a hill overlooking the Old City of visited a local winery and olive press and then headed to Tel Jerusalem. The siren began to sound, and as the sun began Aviv. We visited Independence Hall, which was one of my to set over the walls, it finally felt like Shabbat. Our group favorite spots of the entire trip. We actually got to see the leader told us this was his favorite place in the world, and room where David Ben Gurion declared to the world Israel’s that we should try and picture ours on every Friday before independence! We saw first hand the Israeli Declaration of Shabbat. On USY Poland Seminar/Israel Pilgrimage, we are Independence. not only given the chance to travel all over the world, but The next morning we traveled to the Negev where I expealso given the chance to find our favorite place in the world. rienced my first camel ride, hiked up Masada and then on to For 5 weeks of the summer, I was with 43 other Jewish Jerusalem. Jerusalem was a city that never ceased to amaze teens from around the country, travelling all over the coun- me. When we first entered the city we went to a lookout. I try of Poland and Israel. We started our trip in Warsaw, don’t think I have ever seen a city that beautiful! Our first moved to Lublin, then Krakow. In Israel, we went from full day in the city we visited Yad Vashem, the World Jerusalem to Eilat and the Negev, travelled all the way to the Holocaust Museum. Before entering we watched a very north, and then spent our last week in Jerusalem. This trip touching film of an interview with a Shoah survivor. was such a life-changing experience, and although I loved The final destination on our trip was the Kotel. This was every minute of it, there were a few highlights. One came in the most moving experience of the trip. When I first went to Warsaw when we were touring around the city. While tour- the Kotel I was just in shock that I was finally here. I had made it! We went that night to the Kotel, siddurim in hand. It was the most moving experience of my life to put my hand EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE on the Kotel on Shabbat and say a prayer. The day after we The Jewish Press office is closed Thursday, Nov. 24, for went to the Kotel was my birthday. I got to spend my birthThanksgiving; the deadline for the Dec. 2 issue is day in the Holy Land with the most amazing people. This Monday, Nov. 21, 9 a.m. trip greatly deepened my connection to my fellow Jews and Questions? Call 402.334.6448. to Israel. I cannot wait to go back to Israel!

November 11, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 3

Grocery store history Continued from page 1 coffee, and feeding the chickens. (A kerosene barrel and a chicken coop were located side-by-side in at least one family’s store.)

Klein Food Market 1934 at 1725 Davenport. John Klein, daughter Faye Klein Perlmeter and her daughter Corinne Kamerorw. Increasing prosperity meant housewives had more money to spend. Innovations in transportation and refrigeration also brought changes to the grocery industry, and Jewish grocers were among the first to embrace those changes. More recently, Jewish Nebraskans “invented” some of the country’s first discount chains and wholesale distribution networks, as well as the data processing innovations that made them profitable. The book’s publication was underwritten by the Herbert Goldsten Trust, the Special Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, the Milton S. & Corinne N. Livingston Foundation, Inc., the Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation, Doris and Bill Alloy, Sheila and John Anderson, Edith Toby Fellman, Doris Raduziner Marks, In honor of Larry Roffman’s 80th Birthday, and Stanley and Norma Silverman. For additional information, contact Renee RatnerCorcoran by e-mail at rcocoran@jewishomaha.org or by phone at 402.334.6442.

Readers unite! -- The return of Jewish Book Month, now in its 38th year by AMBER PARTIN Fall is fully upon us with windy days and frosty nights. This kind of weather calls for quilts, a cup of hot tea (or cocoa) and a good read. The Kripke Jewish Federation Library may not be able to keep you stocked up on toasty drinks, but it has shelves of excellent books for you to sit down with and enjoy. Not to mention some specific tomes to tickle your literary taste buds. The Center for Jewish Education is thrilled to present the 38th Annual Jewish Book Month, sponsored in part by the Special DonorAdvised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. But don’t limit this occasion to mere pageturning. There are plenty of events to attend that will engage your imagination and provide you with the social outlets you need for creative and intellectual kibitzing. On Nov. 17 at 1 p.m., join the Dorothy Kaplan Book Group, led by Diane Malashock. They will discuss A Stranger on the Planet. Written by Jewish Book Month author, Adam Schwartz, this debut novel is touted for its humor and poignancy as it details the chaotic familial life of Seth Shapiro, a hopeless romantic and aspiring writer on the quest for fulfillment and happiness. Don’t miss the followup event as the author, Adam Schwartz, pays Kripke Jewish Federation Library a special visit on Nov. 29! The event begins at 7 p.m. with a dessert reception following Schwartz’s presentation.

December also boasts literary and arts-themed activities. Stephen Fried, award-winning author of Appetite for America: Fred Harvey and the Business of Civilizing the Wild West -- One Meal at a Time, will be featured at an author event on Dec. 6. Fried’s book is an adventurous and highly informative take on entrepreneur Fred Harvey whose spirit of cultural advancement and business-savvy attitude brought civility to the Wild West. It’s a rags-to-riches tale that also sheds an interesting light on the stomping grounds of Bat Masterson and Billy the Kid. The evening begins with wine and light refreshments at 6:30 p.m. followed by Fried’s talk at 7:15 p.m. The cost for this event is $8. Of course, no Book Month festivity would be complete without a little artistic insight from the library’s former wellloved librarian, Gary Katz. That’s why the Center for Jewish Education is sponsoring a fun-filled discussion with Gary as he reveals the magical world of author and illustrator, Maurice Sendak. You are probably familiar with Sendak’s most famous work, Where the Wild Things Are, but Gary has some extra tidbits of intrigue to share. Mark your calendars for Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. to watch the film followed by a discussion of the book and film. During Jewish Book Month -- and year round -you are invited to browse the Kripke Library’s used book sale. New books are individually marked. Used hardcovers are $5.00, paperbacks are $3.00, and CDs and DVDs are $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00. Or feel free to make your best offer—the staff members are fairly reasonable book merchants! Be on the lookout for further announcements and details regarding these Jewish Book Month Events! For more information, please call 402.334.6462.

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4 | The Jewish Press | November 11, 2011

How does Judaism work?

A Guy’s view GUY MATALON, Jewish Federation of Omaha Scholar in Residence In a previous article I wrote about the essence of Judaism. This time I want to focus on the way Judaism works. Judaism is a way of life that encompasses thought, actions, words and feelings. The Jewish way of life works through the concept of Masoret. The Hebrew word is derived from either of two verbs (or roots): “massar� (meaning to hand something to someone) or “assar� (to bind or tie). In English, the most common way of translating the term Masoret is tradition, which is itself derived from the Latin tradit (to give over, impart). In 1994, Rabbi Haym Soloveitchik authored an essay in Tradition (a funny coincidence) in which he wrote the following, “And a way of life is not learned but rather absorbed. Its transmission is mimetic, imbibed from parents and friends, and patterned on conduct regularly observed in home and street, synagogue and school.� This was easier to accomplish at a time when Jews lived in Jewish neighborhoods, attended synagogue and Jewish schools regularly and Jewish identity was not just a personal choice one could select or drop at will. Today, Jews live throughout the city, the great majority is a product of public schools, and many send their children to

public as opposed to Jewish schools. Many Jews find synagogue less relevant than it was for previous generations. Even if we avoid the discussion of whether Judaism is a religious culture or a secular culture, there is no doubt that Judaism only works when it is imparted or transmitted from one generation to another. Many families have particular customs or ways of doing Jewish things in a special way. Many of us have fond memories of a Passover seder, or of a Jewish kitchen with its “traditional� smells and tastes. If we do not pass the traditions from one generation to the next, they are lost forever. The way to maintain a strong Jewish identity is through the use of tradition -- accepting what is passed down from our ancestors and making sure we pass it on to the next generation. We cannot just pass it to the next generation without accepting the tradition and living it. Each generation has a responsibility to maintain, expand and pass down the Masoret. This is similar to a person in the bucket brigade. We are to pass buckets full of water down the line until it reaches the fire. We repeat the process until the fire is put out. If each of us chooses for whatever reason to drop the bucket in the line, the fire and the damage that it will do cannot be stopped. Is it hard work? Yes -- absolutely! But it is also a life-saving endeavor because living a Jewish life will make you happier -- when done right. More on that in the next installment of my column. Guy Matalon is the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Scholar in residence, and as such aims to educate and inform the community about matters pertaining to Judaism and Israeli politics. A Guy’s view can also be found online at www.jewishomah.org.

Temple Israel Consecration Service welcomes new Religious School students by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Temple Israel’s Religious School kindergarten class and other new students sang, received a blessing from Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Eric Linder, Cantor Wendy Shermet, and their parents as they participated in Consecration on Simchat Torah. Rejoicing in the Torah with the rest of the congregation, the consecrants are: front row: Noah Atlas, Lily Brooks, Anna Gittelman, Sophie Epstein, Leah Dysicho, Ava Stoller, Benjamin Kaufman, Harrison Goldstrom; second row: Jack Dodd, Ryan McGauvran, Samantha Stern, Gwen Bender, Melany Fullenkamp; third row: Abbey Milder, Michael Fingold, Jordan Nogg, Charlie Yale, Daisy Friedman; back row: Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Cantor Wendy Shermet, Lori Bennett, Rabbi Eric Linder.

A remarkable anniversary by EDGAR ASHER President Peres recently hosted a ceremony at the Presidential Residence, marking twenty years after the successful conclusion of ‘Operation Shlomo’ (Solomon). In May 1991, over a thirty-six hour period, 34 Israeli aircraft, including C-130s and Boeing 747s, airlifted some 14,325 Ethiopian Jews to Israel. One El Al 747 carried over 1,000 passengers. Two babies were born during the flight. “The homecoming of the Beta Israel community was one of the most moving and miraculous events in the history of the Jews,� said Shimon Peres. The President greatly regretted that 4,000 Ethiopian Jews, since the early 1970s, who had tried to reach Israel had died en route.

Professor Danny Grisaro, left, First Lieutenant Yerus, President Shimon Peres and Minister of Immigrant Absorption M.K. Sofa Landver at the 20th anniversary of Credit: Edgar Asher/ISRANET ‘Operation Shlomo’. “In total, 130,000 Ethiopian Jews, of which 44,000 were children, endured the worst hardships of immigrant absorption,� said President Peres. “First and foremost it was essential to ensure that members of the Ethiopian community would not be victims of discriminatory practices,� the President said. “Discrimination was ugly and shameful and contrary to the spirit of Israel and the traditions of Judaism. It was the right of the Ethiopian community to fully integrate into all sectors of society, he said, and its leaders deserve the respect generally accorded to dignitaries.� Among the guests at this evening ceremony was First Lieutenant Yerus, who was born on one of the flights, and obstetrician Professor Danny Grisaro who delivered her on the way to Israel.

SNOWBIRDS Please let the Jewish Press know in advance when you are leaving and when you are returning. Sometimes several papers are sent to your“oldâ€?address before we are notified by the Post Office. Every time they return a paper to us, you miss the Jewish Press and we are charged 70¢! Please call us at 402.334.6448 or email us at jpress@jewishomaha.org.

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Planning and Community Engagement Committee update by OZZIE NOGG Members of the Federation’s Planning and Community Engagement Committee say their collaborative give-andtake is an exhilarating experience. Tasked with revising the current Jewish Federation of Omaha bylaws -- the means by which JFO guides the organization and its agencies -- is the committee’s first order of business. “As the junior member of the group, I can state unequivocally that this is the most important and most exciting thing I’ve ever worked on in the Omaha Jewish community,” said Brett Atlas. “I’m not certain an investigation like this, down to the base fabric of our Federation, has ever been done before. The process has the best interests of our entire community at heart. It will strengthen JFO and make sure it operates efficiently, today and in the future, for the benefit of every member of the community.” Bob Belgrade chairs the Planning and Community Engagement Committee, whose members include Atlas, David Bailis, Toba Cohen-Dunning, Jody Malashock, Jay Noddle, Norm Sheldon and Mike Siegel. Mike Silverman, Jewish Federation of Omaha CEO and Julee Katzman, Administrator of the JFO, are staff liaison.” This committee is so energized,” said Malashock, Federation President. “They and the professional staff have done lots of heavy lifting, reviewed our corporate structure, re-shaped old models and brought more consistency to the way Federation agencies operate. As we continue to build on the One Campus culture, we’ll keep the lines of communication open so as to encourage even more lay involvement in Federation, especially among young people. This is an exciting time to be on board.” Bailis also emphasized the importance of lay involvement in Federation. “The JFO serves the needs of the Omaha Jewish community through its various agencies, and it’s imperative that those agencies remain lay-driven by people who feel strongly enough about a particular agency to volunteer their time and energy. Hands-on involvement ensures that the community will oversee and drive the work of the Federation, and with this sense of ownership comes a greater likelihood that the JFO will remain relevant to the members of this community.” The Planning and Community Engagement Committee is made up of volunteers from varied corporate and non-profit backgrounds, including current and former Federation leaders, committee chairs and JFO agency presidents. “This diversity is important,” said Cohen-Dunning, “because the varying types of expertise encourages detailed and sometimes heated conversations that provide strategic outcomes. JFO had experienced incredible growth, and our bylaws and modes of operation needed to reflect that factor. It was a challenge for Jody and the Board to reign in duplication of services, reorganize staff and make the Federation a more efficient business model. We’ve accomplished some important fiscal and organizational tasks that will effectively move the Jewish Federation of Omaha into the next two decades. It’s a great pleasure to be part of this committee.” Moving Federation towards the future is at the core of the Committee’s work. “I’m confident the decisions we make will secure the future of Jewish Omaha,” Siegel said. “The reason I’m involved right now is not for me, but for my children. I want to make sure the Federation is a viable and productive entity for them.” Looking at Federation from a historical perspective, Norm Sheldon said, “The changes in the by-laws let us keep what was good from the past while giving the younger generation more chances to serve the community in a manner that reflects their lifestyles.” According to Noddle, “The best way to operate Federation in the future is to create more opportunities for participation on the Federation Board and on agency committees. The new by-

Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS The controversial and popular Dave Nabity will offer his observations about city finances and city contracts. He says he’ll take any and all questions on Wednesday, Nov. 16, noon at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $10; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH To know Yiddish is to become an artist with words and a master at describing the foibles, the quirks, and the strengths of human character. Yiddish is the best way to understand the soul of the Jewish people. We meet every Thursday, from 1-3 p.m., at the Rose Blumkin Home Board Room. Come join us and enjoy meeting your soul mates. For information call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638.

laws allow for fresh ideas from a cross-section of the community, which also helps avoid burn-out.” Strategic planning is next on the Committee’s agenda. “During this part of the process we’ll define our goals to determine where Federation wants to go and how we’ll get there,” Belgrade said. “We’ll take a close looks at how to best allocate our resources, both in capital and in people, so that the entire Omaha Jewish community will be well-served by a strong, united infrastructure.” In Bailis’s view, “The success of the JFO requires that it constantly adjust what it does and how it goes about its business in order to not merely respond but, if possible, to anticipate the needs of the community. This committee owns the process of planning to ensure the precious dollars entrusted to the Jewish Federation of Omaha have their desired impact.” Malashock draws inspiration from the Committee’s dedication. “Work needed to be done and we’re doing it. As we continue to communicate the importance and relevance of

what we’re doing, we continue to get positive feedback from the community. I really appreciate how Jewish Omaha keeps hanging in there with us during this process.” Being part of the Planning and Community Engagement Committee has given Cohen-Dunning a deeper appreciation for JFO. “I knew a great deal about the Federation coming into this, but I now have a much better understanding of the organization’s unbelievable intricacies. The Jewish Federation of Omaha is one of our most critical resources. When you examine the educational, cultural and athletic programming offered by the institution, you more fully understand that this one umbrella enhances every demographic in our community. It is a resource we cannot afford to lose. Now that we’ve created new bylaws and templates for the agencies, it’s time to get input from the stakeholders. We’re excited to hear from the community. Federation is a lay-driven organization and everyone’s voice is critical for the future. There’s no room for apathy here.”

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6 | The Jewish Press | November 11, 2011

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My father, Wilhelm, born in Vienna in 1903, fondly recalled his birthplace, its parks, schlagobers (whipped cream) in the coffee houses, and the opera. He frequently hummed “Wien, du Stadt meiner Träume” [Vienna, the city of my dreams]. Scrubbing the floor on your hands and knees is work and not by itself demeaning or humiliating. It is another matter if an angry mob forces you to scrub the cobblestones with a toothbrush and then beats you. This is what happened to my father in Vienna after the March 11, 1938, Anschluss, the Nazi annexation of Austria. This book recounts this episode told to me by my father. A google books search of cobblestones, Jews, Nazi, Vienna and scrub, revealed several references to these events in history books, Holocaust memoirs, juvenile literature, and statues. Evan Burr Bukey, a University of Arkansas emeritus professor of history, in Jews and Intermarriage in Nazi Austria tells of “mixed marriage” husbands, wives and children asserting their German blood heritage to bureaucrats and judges to avoid the fate of wearing the yellow Jude star, or worse, being transported to forced labor and extermination camps. His earlier work includes Hitler’s Hometown: Linz, Austria, 1908-1945 (1986) and Hitler’s Austria: Popular Sentiment in the Nazi Era, 1938-1945 (2000). The stories are poignant. The classification of Aryan, derived from lineages going back to great-great-great-grandparents. Stratagems to upgrade racial status from Jew to mischlinge of the First or Second Degree, German or kindred blood, included divorce, matrimonial repeals and annulment. World War I veterans and individuals who had served the Nazis, who unbeknownst to themselves had some Jewish blood, might obtain leniency. Genealogist ferreted out “judische” on birth certificates and entered the information on the Ahnenpass, the ancestral passport. My father’s older sister married a gentile and had a child in Berlin. The father became a Nazi and their daughter, a child of intermarriage, a mischlinge, moved back to Vienna and managed to escape with her mother in July 1941 to America via France and Spain. She earned a doctorate in German at Columbia University and taught there for many years. Few were so fortunate. Vienna contained 90 percent of Austria’s Jews, and ten percent of Vienna’s popula-

tion, 176,978 in 1934, were Jewish. Unlike in Germany where Jews had lived for hundreds of years, Jewish arrival in the predominantly Catholic capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire was more recent and more

resented. The Anschluss prompted an exodus of Viennese Jews, including my father. By August 22, 1938, he was in Palestine. Eight months after the Anschluss, the horrors of Kristallnacht, November 9-10, 1938, accelerated Jews leaving Austria and Germany. My mother, a teenager living with her physician father in Hannover, Germany, left for England shortly after Kristallnacht. Opa stayed, went to Theresienstadt, also known as Terezin, and survived. Distress and anxiety color my mother’s memories. My paternal grandfather, Adelburt, died in Vienna in the 1920s. His wife Agnes, born in 1871, was transported to Theresienstadt concentration camp in Summer 1942, along with 50,000 other Viennese Jews deported between October 15, 1941 and October 9, 1942 who went to Theresienstadt, or certain death in Poland or the Ukraine. According to the Totenbuch Theresienstadt Deportierte aus Österreich [List of Jews deported from Austria who died in Theresienstadt] (1971), Agnes Pollak, my grandmother, died on August 21, 1942, two weeks after she arrived. Bukey’s court and administrative documents address the inconsistencies, contradictions and bureaucracy of Nazi ideology. He traces the disposition of “race defilement” cases from apprehension to ‘shot, murdered or killed,’ and sometimes release. While most of Austria’s Jews were killed, about ninety percent of the “mixed marriages” survived the war. The well-known artist, and a favorite of our household, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, tells the story of how as a smartly dressed member of the Hitler Youth he fended off SS officers as his widowed mother, wearing a yellow Star of David, went to market. His grandiose art brightens the urban scene and emphasizes ecological concerns. The irrationality of race hatred led to eugenics, racial purity, apartheid, anti-miscegenation, laws against intermarriage, ethnic cleansing, all elements of the Holocaust. Bukey observes those Jews who remained in Vienna “appeared to have struggled from day to day much like African Americans were doing at the same time in cities of the American South.” Adolph Eichmann envisioned a Jewless Europe. Bukey reminds us of the countless stories of Jewish loss and survival.

Tribute to Steve Jobs by ANDY GREENBERG Karen Sokolof Javitch, well known songwriter, singer and playwright, recently released a musical tribute to Steve Jobs. “Steve Jobs has done such an amazing job in touching the lives of nearly every human being on this planet, that I thought it would be fitting to dedicate a song to his memory,” explained Javitch. “I am so grateful that nationally known musician Chuck Penington (Mannheim Steamroller) was able to work with me on this project so quickly. All too often we forget to immortalize those who have contributed to the advancement of our world, and there is no

better way to remember people than through a musical tribute.” The song titled It’s a Steve Jobs World Out There will be the main song on the album, which will be out in a few weeks. It will be dedicated to Steve and the proceeds from the album will go towards Pancreatic Cancer Research. Karen Sokolof Javitch has raised over $200,000 for national and local charities though her original music and musicals. For more information please contact Andy Greenberg at Speakingofandygreen berg@cox.net, 402.250.3895 or visit http://jmrproductions.com

November 11, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 7

The Friendly Room: Nahayira opens door to compassionate care by AMBER PARTIN In the summer of 2011, the Western Galilee Hospital in Nahariya, Israel opened the door to “The Friendly Room.” This facility provides secure, comforting, and confidential services to the victims of sexual assault. The only one of its kind in the area, it is managed by Western Galilee Hospital staff and operated by volunteers from Matte Asher. The Friendly Room would have never been fully realized without the help of the 14 American Jewish Federations in the Partnership 2Gether Central Area Consortium, of which the Jewish Federation of Omaha is a part. The immense generosity of Henry Davis, an Omaha native and philanthropist, was also a major factor in the development and execution of The Friendly Room and the ability of its volunteers to reach women facing these at-risk situations. Davis is a long-time supporter and board member of Omaha’s Project Harmony and has a passion in finding ways to help the victims of abuse. “WGH serves half a million residents in Western Galilee and is definitely appropriate for us to have this kind of treatment center,” states Ruti Ifrah, the Administrator of Western Galilee Hospital. According to statistics, 35,000 victims turn to the Health Ministry on a yearly basis. In 2011, a woman in Israel is raped every twelve hours. During its official opening ceremony, The Friendly Room unveiled a silver plaque which listed the 14 communities that provided support for this project. Zoë Riekes, Partnership Central Consortium chairman, was privileged to attend this event, and was deeply impacted by the spirit of the people involved and the hope that is now offered to thousands of women in the area. “This was a great opportunity to do something that hadn’t been done before,” says Riekes. “I was so happy to be in the Partnership that made this project possible. The determination and hard work of the volunteers in Israel was very inspiring.” Located in a serene, nearly pastoral section of the Western Galilee Hospital, The Friendly Room may feel removed from the cacophony of the city, but it is equipped with all of the necessary and advanced instrumentation needed to serve victims of sexual abuse. The women and children who arrive in the facility receive intricate medical care, including examinations needed to collect evidence used to prosecute assailants. The victims also talk to counselors and meet with the police with everything completed in one private location. In a televised report on The Friendly Room, Hana Solmon, a social worker with Western Galilee Hospital talked about the difficult time experienced by victims. “At

such a time it is already so hard for a victim to come forward and speak about the crime, be examined and file charges with the police.” She continued saying “A warm and friendly environment is needed. The quiet and peaceful surroundings of the place, combined with the friendliness of the people, are all contributing factors that can prevent a victim from additional trauma.” The Friendly Room is specifically designed to meet both the physical and emotional needs of victims. Calming colors, comfortable furniture, carefully selected wall hangings and subdued lighting make it a place of comfort. The medical personnel and volunteers providing the care at the Friendly Room receive extensive training to assure each victim is given the highest level of care possible. Before the room was opened, a victim was taken to the Emergency Room where everyone could see and hear what was happening.

were instrumental in the development of The Friendly Room. “Stacey and an amazing group of volunteers and leaders found out there is no holistic solution for sexual abuse victims in Galilee,” says Avi Hatchuel, CEO of Matte Asher Community Centers. “So they brought various agencies together like the hospital, ministry of health, and police. With generous support from Jewish communities in America, and the leadership of Stacey Rockman from Omaha, they made it happen! I wish we didn’t need it [The Friendly Room], but now we can offer a friendly and holistic treatment to the victims!” The completion of The Friendly Room is the next step to resolving sexual crimes committed against Israeli women. But it also offers the hope of healing and the strength of justice, and the Central Area Consortium is proud to be involved in this process.

Stacey Rockman also visited The Friendly Room and was present for the placing of the mezuzah by Rabbi Gross of Beth Israel Synagogue. “I was so touched by the determination of the women in Western Galilee, who, for years, had driven many hours to help victims receive the quality care and respect they deserve. The Friendly Room is a wonderful place for women to keep their dignity.” Rockman, a former Omaha Partnership chairman has been deeply involved with Partnership for many years. She was instrumental in The Friendly Room from the beginning, starting in 2006 with the visit to Omaha of Avi Hatchuel and Hila Kostika, representatives from Matte Asher. When they shared their vision of establishing a crisis center at the hospital, Rockman arranged for their Omaha visit to include visits to Project Harmony, the YWCA and Methodist Hospital. Contacts made during those meetings

Partnership 2Gether is an extraordinary global platform connecting 550 communities worldwide in 47 partnerships in Israel. A program of the Jewish Agency and the Jewish Federations of North America, Partnership is dedicated to connecting people and making a difference for Jews in Israel and America. The Jewish Federation of Omaha’s participation in the Central Area Consortium promotes personal relationships between the Western Galilee area, specifically Akko and Matte Asher. Programs include cultural, educational, social, medical and economic programs. For more information on Partnership2Gether and how you can become involved, please contact Diane Malashock, Israel Program Coordinator, The Center for Jewish Education, at 402.334.6424 or dmalashock@jewishomaha.org.

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8 | The Jewish Press | November 11, 2011

USY celebrates 60th anniversary at Beth El As USY turns 60, former members fondly recall their youth group days by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator For the past six decades, United Synagogue Youth has provided Beth El’s teenagers with meaningful social, spiritual and educational connections to Judaism. The youth branch of the United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism, USY has brought Jewish teens together through weekly gettogethers, programs and activities, regional conventions, and international pilgrimages. Over the years, the organization – originally established for teens in the midwestern United States -- has grown to include chapters throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Throughout this year, many chapters from coast to coast have held events to celebrate USY’s 60th anniversary, and Omaha’s BILU Chapter will jump on that bandwagon, as it marks this milestone during a community-wide USY Birthday Bash on Saturday, Nov. 19, at the synagogue. As part of the celebration, several former and current members shared some favorite memories of their time as USYers. Omaha native Bea (Wintroub) Premack, now of Aberdeen, S.D., remembers the youth group’s earliest days during the late 1940s, when she was a sophomore at Central High School. At that time, USY had not yet gone national, and served teens in cities including Omaha, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Denver, Kansas City and Des Moines. During the summers of 1949-’51, Premack and fellow youth group members traveled to USY’s summer camp at Herzl Camp in Devil’s Lake, Minnesota; she was also in attendance at the first USY convention, held at Beth El Synagogue in Omaha, over Thanksgiving in 1948.

Omaha’s USYers made their mark at Beth El, Premack said, singing in the choir with Cantor Aaron Edgar, during Shabbat services.

“It was because of my USY friends that I went to the University of Missouri, and USY really prepared me for moving up into

Naomi Zipursky, left, 2011-’12 president of the BILU USY chapter, was installed earlier this year, along with executive board members Alyssa Cohen, executive vice president/Israel programming; Brad Kutler, Membership/Kadima vice president; Aaron Zipursky, Religion/Education vice president; Eva Phillips, Social Action/Tikkun Olam vice president; Tal Margalit, Purim Carnival vice president; and Samantha Wiener, Historian vice president. Not pictured: Julia Edelstein, Communications vice president.

ued to be part of their lives. The young people have the same kinds of connections that my generation had, and the next generations can have those same kinds of connections.” Andi Gutnik credits her USY experiences as influences which led her to her position as Chicago Director for the Jewish Student Union, a program that runs clubs in public high schools that promotes Judaism, Israel, and a connection to the Jewish community. As a teen in the mid-1990s, Gutnik held a number of leadership positions within the youth group, including a position on the regional board; co-chair for Emtza Region’s 1996 Leadership Training Institute, along with fellow Omahan Shoshana (Wees) Friedman; and regional executive vice president. “USY was an important part of my teen years because it connected me to teens from around the Midwest. Specifically, it was a great chance to see my camp friends from Herzl who lived in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Minneapolis,” she said, adding that, “It really connected me to my Jewishness through the trips to Israel.” Those travel opportunities included going on a USY Israel Pilgrimage, and participating in USY’s Chalutzim Seminar in Israel. However, she noted, “the biggest impact on my life was the gap year program I did with USY between high school and college called ‘Nativ.’ Living in Israel for the year changed my life forever, and has made me the person I am today. Had it not been for those experiences, I would probably not work as a Jewish professional today!” The 1970s saw teens including David Duitch and Debbie Denenberg spending time at Beth El immersed in USY activities. Continued on page 10

W ishing

“There were beautiful voices in the choir - there must’ve been 25 people in it, kids and adults -- and we wore choir robes and sat on the bimah every Friday night,” she recalled, joking that, “We didn’t get to any football games.” In addition to making lifelong friends, her involvement in USY provided a blueprint for Premack’s life in a variety of ways.

Women’s League and the importance of being active in maintaining the synagogue,” she said, adding that, “It was so important in our lives that when my children became teenagers we formed K’ton Ton Chapter of USY in Aberdeen, and it became important to them as well. “Our kids then met kids from all over the whole region and those people have contin-

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November 11, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 9

All you need is L.O.V.E. by OZZIE NOGG On Sunday, Oct. 31, L.O.V.E. (League Offering Volunteers to the Elderly) celebrated its 40th Anniversary with L.O.V.E., Legacy and Laughter featuring Mary Maxwell, Omaha’s First Lady of Humor. A dessert reception followed in the JCC Gallery. “The fact that people are living longer is both a blessing and a responsibility,” said Judy Brookstein, L.O.V.E. President. “Judaism teaches that the elderly be held in the highest regard. That they are worthy of special treatment. It is the responsibility of the Jewish family to support its parents and other elderly relatives. As a caring Jewish community, we can meet that responsibility together. All you need is L.O.V.E.”

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Clockwise from top: Janey Dann, left, and Sandy Epstein, right, with Blumkin Home resident Marge Lincoln; Lois Wine, RBJH Director of Volunteer Services, left, and Judy Brookstein, L.O.V.E. President; Joanie Bernstein, left, Barbara Widman and Bea Karp; RBJH resident Charlotte Koom, left, with Steve Nogg and Sandy Nogg; and Rayali Gross, left, with her daddy, Rabbi Jonathan Gross.

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RestingSpot volunteers map Temple Israel Cemetery by CLAUDIA SHERMAN feel like a distraction, but when used to bring peace of mind Temple Israel Communications Coordinator to the bereaved, it seems something special is being created.” Among the volunteers on Oct. 30 at Temple Israel When a location is added to the RestingSpot website, Cemetery at 42nd and Redick Avenue, was eight-year-old users can bring life to the individual in that person’s online Micah Gilbert. Along with his profile by sharing memories, dad, Dan Gilbert, they helped posting photos and videos, map the grave sites with leaving messages and consmart phones as part of a necting family or friends to project started by Temple the loved one, according to Israel congregant Brett Atlas the RestingSpot website. and Scott Kroeger called Atlas was pleased with the RestingSpot. A location sharturnout at the cemetery on ing application available in Oct. 30. “In just a couple of the App Store and Android hours, we completed a large Market, RestingSpot allows percent of the cemetery,” he users to mark and share said. “There were a lot of memorial sites of loved ones. things that were rewarding Omaha’s Jewish Comfor me personally, and some munity, which adopted things that this community RestingSpot as the tool to should be really proud of. In map every Jewish grave in my eight years here, I’m conOmaha, is now nearly finsistently blown away how this ished in accomplishing this community gets together to task, according to Atlas. accomplish tasks that larger Thanks to the generosity of cities don’t even attempt. volunteers who participated There’s no question that the in a series of mapping events, 15 or so people there (on Oct. future generations will now 30) performed a mitzvah for simply download the the community, and I know RestingSpot mobile app and they felt a connection to what find their ancestors, without they were doing.” ever having to contact a single Founded in Omaha, Brett Atlas, second from right, explains how to use a smart cemetery office or find a RestingSpot is expanding phone to store information about a grave site at the Temple printed map. internationally with work in Israel Cemetery. Among the volunteers were Jayne Hutton, “It quickly became apparthe United Kingdom and left, Tom Friedman, and Todd Hutton, right. ent,” remarked Todd Hutton, Portugal as the service conwho helped with the mapping project along with his wife tinues to prioritize and connect with cemeteries across the Jayne, “that we weren’t simply collecting information but were United States to reach the goal of marking the exact location building on the long tradition of honoring the memories of of every RestingSpot by Memorial Day 2013. those who came before us. At times, our newest technologies

To order a gift subscription to the Press... Send a check for $40 for the rest of the year and all of 2012, made out to the Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. For more information on how to keep your out-of-town relatives and friends connected, call 402.334.6448.

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Sixteen years ago, when I was 11 years old I was exposed, for my first time in my life, to real hate! I was sitting in front of the TV and watched the big peace rally that took place in the Kings of Israel Square in the center of Tel Aviv on November 4, 1995. The slogan of this rally was “Yes to Peace, No to Violence”. After singing the peace song and the Tikkva in the end of the rally, the animosity for Yitzhak Rabin’s actions about the peace process with the Palestinians became real. In February 1992 the Labor Party held its first primaries: Rabin was selected Chairman of the Labor Party and, after the election victory in June 1992, began his second tenure as Prime Minister and Minister of Defense. Rabin’s second term as Prime Minister was marked by two historic events - the Oslo Agreements with the Palestinians and the Treaty of Peace with Jordan. Working closely with Shimon Peres, the Foreign Minister and his longtime rival, he masterminded negotiations on the Declaration of Principles signed with the PLO at the White House in September 1993. This won Rabin, Peres and Arafat the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize and opened negotiations with the Palestinians on autonomy in Gaza and some areas of Judea and Samaria and on the establishment of a Palestinian

Authority. Then, in October 1994, a Treaty of Peace was signed with the Kingdom of Jordan. This encouraged the development of ties with additional Arab countries in North Africa and the Persian Gulf. But on that night of November 4, 1995, Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated by a Jewish right-wing extremist that decided to end this unwanted peace process with the Arabs. He was holding the same opinion that a part of the Israeli society was holding, but they didn’t want this to happen. This murderer, Igal Amir, killed Yitzhak Rabin. The murderer rejected the democratic principles that Israel is based upon and Amir decided to make his own statement by murdering the Prime Minister of Israel because he had a different opinion about this subject. At the age of 73 at his death, Rabin was laid to rest before a shocked and grieving nation, in a state funeral on Mt. Herzl in Jerusalem, attended by leaders from all around the world including leaders from Arab countries. That was one of the things that I will remember all my life, one of the things that reshaped my view about things. Hearing the message from the Cabinet Secretary, Eitan Cabel, about Rabin’s death put tears in my eyes. When I look at videos from that day, and from the day of the funeral for educational programs, I still get chills. Sixteen years later and I still can’t believe that it happened. Sixteen years later and I can say that almost nothing has changed. This hate about different opinions than ours is getting the same reactions. Perhaps not through murder but those slogans and expressions that are against other people and that are planting hate in people about all kinds of things could easily make some extremist person take violent actions against the law. We need to be critical about our world but there is a way to do this without spreading hate in the world. We don’t have to agree with other opinions but we need to learn how to listen to them without crossing laws and red lines. Let’s all remember this murder and learn from it how to change things. In a memory of Yitzhak Rabin - let’s make this world a better place in which to live.

USY celebrates 60th anniversary at Beth El Continued from page 8 connect with my Jewish life because it has brought me into Duitch, a USYer from ‘71-’74, served as chapter president, the synagogue,” she shared. attended the annual Kinnus convention for four years, and Saying she’s looking forward to the USY 60th Birthday spent one summer co-chairing USY camp at Camp Esther K. Bash on the 19th, Zipursky noted that the evening will be a Newman. Most important, he chance to celebrate “not only noted, he met his future wife, the great times we have had in Susan Wintroub, through the USY so far, but also the great youth group. times we are going to have in Now a Dallas resident, the future. This will be a great Duitch recalls one of his night to kick back with all of favorite USY memories as your USY friends and just be “watching the ‘Game of the USYers, which is why everyCentury’ [Nebraska vs. one should come!” Oklahoma] in a crowded St. The 7 p.m. event – geared to Louis hotel room during adults, teens and children of Kinnus 1971, with Omaha all ages -- will feature a disc and Lincoln USYers.” jockey and dancing, a photo Denenberg was involved booth, dessert and appetizers, with the group during the Bea (Wintroub) Premack, back row, second from right, plus a special photo exhibit, mid-’70s, following in the poses with fellow cabin mates from Cabin #7 during USY The Faces of USY: Yesterday footsteps of her older brothers. Council Camp in Aitkin, Minnesota, during the summer of and Today. In addition, a bigShe recalled a Kinnus conven- 1951. screen television will be set tion in Omaha that took place up to broadcast the Nebraskaat the newly-opened Hilton Michigan football game. Hotel on 16th and Dodge St. Cost to attend the Birthday (now the Doubletree Hotel). Bash is $18 for adults; $9 for Although at the time she was USYers and Kadimaniks; $5 in eighth grade -- not old for children ages six - 11; and enough to belong to USY-- she free for children five and still was in on the action, younger. In addition, special recalling that, “I got to go to giving categories have been several workshops and stay up established for donations; all late with the teens,” she proceeds will be used to suprecalled. “I remember the plement local programming, hotel staff thought this was the send teens to conventions and most polite, well-behaved on Israel trips. Those categroup of kids they had ever gories are: $613 and up USY Summer Camp, 1973, at Camp Esther K. Newman. seen or even imagined.” (donors will receive a In 2011, USY is still thriving at Beth El, with Naomi reserved High Holidays parking spot, plus free admittance Zipursky at the helm as this year’s president. Now in her to the USY Birthday Bash); $360 and up (donors will enjoy third year as a USY member, Zipursky said her enthusiasm a Shabbat dinner at Rabbi Steven Abraham’s home); $180 for and dedication to the group stems from her desire for and up; $54; and $36. other teens “to get the same magical feeling I do when I am Reservations may be made online by visiting www.bethelat USY programs. Being with all Jewish teens is so special omaha.org, or by sending a check -- made payable to Beth because we all share the same connections with Judaism. El -- to the synagogue, 14506 California St., Omaha, NE, USY is a place where I can be myself and share all my 68154. Admission may also be paid at the door. For more thoughts and feelings with my closest friends.” information, contact Beth El Youth Director Shiri Tene in The group has also given her the opportunity to become the synagogue office, 402.492.8550,or at youthdir@bethelan active member of the Jewish community and “helped me omaha.org.

November 11, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 11

Apartheid-era divisions linger in Jewish community by MOIRA SCHNEIDER involvement. In reality, anti-apartheid CAPE TOWN, South Africa (JTA) – activists were marginalized or worse. When anti-apartheid activist Lorna Levy In 1983, anti-apartheid activist Howard first became involved in politics as a student Sackstein was a Jewish student leader at the in the late 1950s, she remembers being the University of the Witwatersrand. He said he target of hostility from the Jewish communi- found himself under threat not only from ty in her native South Africa. the authorities – he was shot at by riot In the 1960s, she and her husband, Leon, made their mark as trade unionists at a time when black trade unions were not recognized and the government viewed attempts at unionizing with extreme suspicion. “As soon as they took any action or had any activity, they would be arrested and harassed,” Lorna, a former union organizer, remem- The late philanthropist Mendel Kaplan showing former South Africa President Nelson Mandela around the South African Jewish Museum, bers. Credit: Shawn In 1963, Leon which was opened by Mandela in 2000. Benjamin/Ark Images was detained by the notorious South African security police. The police, tear-gassed and chased by police couple eventually left for London, where dogs -- but also from the Jewish community. they lived in exile for 35 years. When the leadership of the Board of “My parents had quite a rough time, they Deputies placed ads in a national newspaper were ostracized by the Jewish community,” supporting a proposed tricameral parliaLorna recalls. “My various relatives, when ment that made token provision for a role they visited London, never looked me up. I for those of mixed race and Indians -- but know that it really hurt my father, who had excluded blacks -- Sackstein recalls publicly been very good to his sisters and their chil- opposing the position and being threatened dren.” with withdrawal of funding from his univerAt one point, Lorna served as the go- sity group. between between Nelson Mandela and his In 1985, when a large Johannesburg synathen-wife, Winnie, when Mandela was in gogue invited Cabinet minister and thenhiding from the police in the 1960s. chair of the state security council Pik Botha Lorna, who returned to South Africa in to be the guest speaker at its 50th birthday 1997, three years after the end of apartheid, celebrations, Sackstein and others met with recalled her apartheid-era experiences in an the synagogue committee and rabbi and interview after this weekend’s conference in asked that the invitation be withdrawn. Cape Town on apartheid and South African “The chairman said to me, ‘Why don’t we Jewry. just get you detained so you’ll miss your Called “Cape Conference 2011: final exams and spend the next six months TransformNation, Confronting our History, in jail?’” Sackstein recalled. “When the rabbi Embracing our Responsibility,” the confer- said, ‘You can’t speak to a fellow Jew like ence examined the effects of apartheid on that,’ he said, ‘Well, we have an alternative: the Jewish community and how the commu- Why don’t we just get your head smashed nity has adapted to post-apartheid South in?’” Africa. The forum was organized by the Sackstein accuses the community’s leaderSouth African Jewish Board of Deputies, the ship of suffering a “catastrophic moral failcommunity’s umbrella body. ure” during apartheid. The confab not only brought up some University of Cape Town sociologist painful episodes from the country’s past, but Deborah Posel said that whites, including also showed how old resentments between Jews, need to acknowledge the ways they the Jewish community and early anti- benefited from apartheid and compensate apartheid activists still linger today. for them. Under apartheid, the Board of Deputies “There is still a tendency among white maintained a stance of political non- South Africans, including Jews, to deny our

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complicity with apartheid,” Posel said. “As Jews, we need to confront this and think about how to respond in ethically appropriate ways, and to compensate for our history of material advantage.” After apartheid ended, the bridge building between the organized community and former activists began. Today, said Wendy Kahn, the Board of Deputies’ national director, the board is seeking guidance from the activists on many issues. But she acknowledges that there is still “a long, hard road ahead.” Many of the Jewish students who led in the struggle against apartheid left South Africa some time ago because they felt there was no future here. “One of the lesser sins of apartheid was that it took our children away from us,” said veteran community leader Mervyn Smith, president of the African Jewish Congress. “Think of what our Jewish community would have been like with them here.” Large-scale Jewish emigration during the apartheid years left South Africa’s Jewish community with some serious problems today. It is a relatively old community, and the financial burden of caring for the elderly often falls on the local community. Families are split up around the world, with

many members having immigrated to places like Australia and Israel. Owen Futeran, a former chairman of the Board of Deputies, said the legacy of apartheid-era South Africa’s cozy relations with Israel still reverberates today, harming Israel’s reputation in the post-apartheid era among South Africa’s people and government. The outgoing vice chairman of the Cape Board, Rael Kaimowitz, says the current government led by Jacob Zuma of the African National Congress is no friend of Israel. “Although the official policy is a two-state one,” he said, “we see on a regular basis a bias towards the Palestinians, largely due to the historic relationship of the African National Congress and the Palestine Liberation Organization.” Claudia Braude, a researcher and editor of “Contemporary Jewish Writing in South Africa: An Anthology,” said at the conference that “The people who really could counter the Israel-apartheid analogy are precisely the anti-apartheid Jews who fought the struggle but who have this massive family quarrel going down with the Board and are not going to be seen to be associating with this.”

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12 | The Jewish Press | November 11, 2011

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

The good guys

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press With the recent developments regarding UNESCO’s granting of membership to the Palestinians, it’s probably time for a little United Nations refresher course. And no, I am not being a know-it-all; I have to look up most of this stuff too, especially when things get this confusing. Here’s what happened: UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) approved the Palestinians’ membership bid during its general conference in Paris by a vote of 107 to 14, with the United States, Israel, Canada and Germany voting against the motion. France voted for, and 52 nations – Great Britain among them - abstained. Membership in one organization automatically qualifies that member for all the other UN organizations. And so, UNESCO effectively paved the way for Palestinians’ full membership in the UN. Not everyone was happy about that: “President Sarkozy broke his word and betrayed the ties of friendship that link France and Israel,” said the UPJF, a Jewish group of business professionals and CEOs, in a statement issued shortly after Monday’s vote. While the United States immediately (as legally required and previously promised) pulled $60 million worth of funding, Israeli prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu responded by ordering housing construction in eastern Jerusalem to be expedited. We’re talking about approximately 2,000 housing units in areas that would remain in Israel’s hands in any future peace deal. “The inner Cabinet also decided to withhold $82 million in tax money that Israel collected for the Palestinian Authority in October that is used to pay Palestinian policemen and government employees. The ministers also decided not to allow UNESCO missions to enter Israel, according to

reports,” according to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Why is this such a big deal? UNESCO’s purpose is to “contribute to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through education, science, and culture in order to further universal justice, the rule of law, and human rights along with fundamental freedoms proclaimed in the UN charter,” according to the official UNESCO website.This is done through programs for Holocaust education, and violence prevention, particularly in poor urban areas. They fight hunger and poverty, Aids, slavery, and gender inequality around the world. In other words, these are the good guys. UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova said: “U.S. funding helps UNESCO to develop and sustain free and competitive media in Iraq, Tunisia and Egypt. In Afghanistan, U.S. support is helping UNESCO to teach thousands of police officers to read and write. UNESCO literacy programs in other areas of conflict give people the critical thinking skills and confidence they need to fight violent extremism.” That sounds wonderful. However, whether UNESCO has the right to exist, and whether they deserve funding is not really the question. The real issue is: what was the motivation to grant the Palestinians full membership? If it comes from a place where Israel is the bad guy who oppresses the Palestinian people, who have no choice but to vote for Hamas and throw rockets wherever they fall, then we are no closer to a peace deal. In fact, we may be further than ever. Especially considering that much of the international

discourse in recent years has been going in that direction, focusing on boycotts and divestments. If, on the other hand, this opens the door to more discussion about how to de-marginalize the Palestinian leadership, there may just be a silver lining. UNESCO, after all, does have a decent track record. Being a member, the Palestinians will have to be held accountable. Those countries that voted for membership will not want to end up with egg on their faces. The Palestinian Authority will have to ultimately distance itself further from Hamas, and those elements among its people who don’t truly wish for peace. It will have to distance itself from calls for Israel’s destruction, and the denial of Israel’s right to exist. In other words, if you want to be taken seriously as a member state, you have to act like a member state. Whether anything good will come from this, time will tell.

Israel: A true ally in the Middle East

Focus on issues ROBERT D. BLACKWILL and WALTER B. SLOCOMBE LOS ANGELES (JTA) -- American leaders have traditionally explained the foundations of the U.S.-Israel relationship by citing shared democratic values and the moral responsibility America bears to protect the small nation-state of the Jewish people. Although accurate and essential, this characterization is incomplete because it fails to capture a third, crucial aspect: the many ways in which Israel advances U.S. national interests. Today, Israeli contributions to U.S. national interests cover a broad spectrum. Through joint training, exercises and exchanges on military doctrine, the United States has benefited in the areas of counter-terrorism, intelligence and experience in urban warfare. Increasingly, U.S. homeland security and military agencies are turning to Israeli technology to solve some of their most vexing technical and strategic problems. This support includes advice and expertise on behavioral screening techniques for airport security and acquisition of an Israeli-produced tactical radar system to enhance force protection. Israel has been a world leader in the development of unmanned aerial systems, both for intelligence collection and combat, and it has shared with the U.S. military the technology, the doctrine and its experience regarding these systems. Israel is also a global pacesetter in armored vehicle protection, defense against short-range rockets, and the techniques and procedures of robotics, all of which it has shared with the United States. In missile defense, the United States has a broad and multifaceted partnership with Israel. Israel’s national missile defenses -- which include the U.S. deployment in Israel of an

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advanced X-band radar system and the more than 100 American military personnel who man it -- will be an integral part of a larger missile defense spanning Europe, the eastern Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf to help protect U.S. forces and allies. Israeli-developed defense equipment, some of which benefited from generous U.S. aid, now used by the U.S. military include short-range unmanned aircraft systems that have seen service in Iraq and Afghanistan; targeting pods on hundreds of Air Force, Navy and Marine strike aircraft; a revolutionary helmet-mounted sight that is standard in nearly all frontline Air Force and Navy fighter aircraft; lifesaving armor installed in thousands of MRAP armored vehicles used in Iraq and Afghanistan; and a gun system for close-in defense of naval vessels against terrorist dinghies and smallboat swarms. Moreover, U.S. and Israeli companies are working together to produce Israel’s Iron Dome -- the world’s first combatproven counter-rocket system. Counter-terrorism and intelligence cooperation is deep and extensive, with the United States and Israel working to advance their common interest in defeating the terrorism of Hamas, Hezbollah and al-Qaeda and its affiliate groups, and preventing nuclear proliferation in the region. There are joint Special Forces training and exercises, and collaboration on shared targets. This intimate relationship reinforces overall U.S. intelligence efforts by providing Washington with access to Israel’s unique set of capabilities for information collection and assessments on key countries and issues in the region. Such was the case, for example, when Israel passed to the United States conclusive photographic evidence in 2007 that Syria, with North Korean assistance, had made enormous strides toward “going hot” with a plutonium-producing reactor.

On important issues, the two nations do sometimes differ, a phenomenon not unique to the U.S.-Israel relationship. Over the decades, there have been periodic policy flare-ups, some even bitter, on topics ranging from Israel’s preventive action against Iraq’s nuclear reactor to Israeli sales of weaponry and military technology to China. Some of the most contentious disputes have been about actions affecting the Middle East peace process. But more often have been instances of U.S.-Israel collaboration -- most important, the Arab-Israeli peace treaties that are the anchor of American national interests in the Middle East. We do not deny that there are costs to the United States, in the Arab world and elsewhere, for its support of Israel, as there are costs to U.S. support of other beleaguered -- and sometime imperfect — friends, including West Berlin in the Cold War, Kuwait in 1990-91 and Taiwan today. But the long-standing U.S. commitment to Israel has not prevented development of close ties with Arab nations, which understand -- however much they disagree with U.S. support for Israel -- that they benefit from a good relationship with the United States on other issues. Nor has it made the Arab oil-exporting states any less conscious of their own economic and strategic interest in a reasonably stable flow of oil to world markets, or their eagerness to buy first-class military equipment from the United States or to enjoy the benefits of U.S. protection against Iranian or other aggression. Would Saudi Arabia’s policies toward the United States, for example, be markedly different if Washington entered into a sustained crisis with Israel over the Palestine issue? Would Riyadh lower the price of oil? Would it stop hedging its regional bets concerning U.S. attempts to coerce Iran into freezing its nuclear weapons programs? Would it regard current U.S. policy toward Afghanistan more positively? Would Continued on page 13

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news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de Kamp-Wright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $37.50 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.

November 11, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 13

Take the Food Stamp Challenge

Focus on issues DR. CONRAD GILES and RABBI STEVE GUTOW WASHINGTON (JTA) -- We have decided to take a journey. We will take the Food Stamp Challenge and live for one week on an average SNAP (food stamp) benefit of $31.50 per week. We are organizing and encouraging others to join us. Yet we hear one question again and again: Why? We have heard the statistics. Poverty rates are climbing and millions of people are out of work, out of food or without homes. To be more specific, 45.2 million Americans in July alone filed for SNAP benefits; more than half were children. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has reported that more than 48 million Americans struggle to find adequate food and experience the bitter reality of hunger. Looking at the devastating numbers alone can be dehumanizing. We are taking the Challenge to experience and remind ourselves of what hunger feels like in our nation of plenty. Studies and reports describe the pervasiveness of hunger in America, but they don’t convey the humanity of those caught in its wake. Hungry children suffer from impaired development and poor performance in school. Tens of thousands of adults, possibly millions, endure illnesses caused by the vestiges of hunger and malnutrition. Some who struggle

with hunger resemble the iconic young man crouched in the corner of a subway portal with a simple sign: “No food, no job, no home.” Others suffer from hunger out of sight of the outside world. They are our neighbors and members of our own Jewish communities who have fallen on hard times. They have been caught and protected by the most vital of our national safety net -- one that provides food. The average SNAP benefit for these families, children and seniors is just $31.50 per week per person -- roughly $1.50 per meal. Hunger is an urgent challenge for millions of Americans, and before Congress considers cutting SNAP benefits, we are asking citizens across this nation to go further than knowing the statistics. We are asking them to understand the realities of hunger. We urge you to join us on our journey. Visit http://www.foodstampchallenge.com to learn more about the Food Stamp Challenge and register to join us. The Food Stamp Challenge has attracted support from religious, political and community leaders from across the country. But this is not just a Jewish effort. We are being joined by a number of leaders from the wider faith community. They are bearing witness to the growing number of Americans facing hunger in our towns and on our streets. Members of Congress and other statewide and local civic leaders also will be taking the Challenge. This is a nationwide effort to raise awareness and break through the sterile statistics.

Population boom? Why 7 billion isn’t enough

Behind the headlines SIMCHA WEINSTEIN NEW YORK (JTA) -- I may be a rabbi who lives and works in the heart of New York City -- in fact, I was just voted one of Gotham’s “hippest” -- but believe it or not, I occasionally catch a glimpse of an endangered species. I’m talking, of course, about young married couples. They seem to hibernate all year, coming to the synagogue only on the High Holidays. That’s OK. I’m still thrilled to meet them. This year, I got an interesting reaction after I said something that pretty much guarantees I won’t see these couples again for another year: “So ... isn’t it time?” The wife blushed. The husband cringed. One of them blurted out their well-rehearsed response: “Rabbi, we’d love to have kids. Someday. But right now, we’re not ready.” That scenario plays itself out all over the world every day. An entire generation of Jewish grandmothers-in-waiting is praying impatiently for their own little bundle of joy (or two or three) to kvell over. But their daughters and sons aren’t cooperating. According to a 2002 study by the Jewish Agency, “the number of Jews in the world is declining at an average of 50,000 per year.” And it’s not just a Jewish problem. Throughout the Western world, men and women in their prime reproductive years are doing everything but reproducing. If you’ve been following the news of late, you may be questioning my wisdom or sanity. It was reported that on October 23, the Philippines welcomed the world’s 7 billionth person, Danica May Camacho. In fact, despite being officially awarded the title by the United Nations, other countries also are claiming that they have a newborn who is the 7th billion person on the planet. Still, the United Nations even had flown in the world’s 6 billionth person, Lorrize Mae Guevarra (now 12 years old) to be there to wish a mazel tov. As the result of this milestone, we’ve been hearing a lot

about the “population boom.” However, if you crunch the numbers, a slightly different picture emerges: that “population boom” is more like a “health boom.” Medical advances are improving longevity, which is what is really driving up the world’s population numbers. In reality, the problem isn’t overpopulation but sub-replacement fertility and aging populations that ultimately will lead to massive population declines. In places like Japan and Western Europe, low fertility has increased the incidence of voluntary childlessness, which in turn will have a far-reaching impact on economic and social policy. Nations such as Greece already are struggling to support their graying citizens -- a message that few in that country seem willing to hear. China’s extreme sub-replacement fertility rate is creating a hitherto unknown family structure: children with no siblings. That is, family trees with no branches. The United States is clinging to a healthy replenishment rate just above 2.1 children, but only due to high immigration rates, which are now petering off, given the economic downturn. As a rabbi, I can’t help but recall that the Bible’s first instruction to humankind, in Genesis 1:28, is “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the land and subdue it.” Note that the emphasis is not just on having a family but a large one. Some might ask, why was it necessary to command people to do something that not only guarantees the continued survival of the human race, but which comes so naturally? I’m beginning to think that the long-ago command “to be fruitful and multiply” actually was meant for us modern people thousands of years in the future -- a kind of message in a (baby) bottle that would wash ashore in our post-modern, post-parenting era. Whether or not we will heed that message remains to be seen. Rabbi Simcha Weinstein is a best-selling author who recently was voted New York’s Hippest Rabbi by PBS-Ch. 13. His forthcoming book on demography is titled The Case for Having Children: Why parenthood makes you (and your world) healthy, wealthy and wise.

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As Jews, we have just finished the High Holy Days with the powerfully poetic closing of the gates of Heaven and our fates sealed by God. But Yom Kippur is a beginning, not an end. Our work to better ourselves and our world is begun anew each year, and to prepare ourselves mentally and spiritually we fast. We are warned by Isaiah on Yom Kippur, however, that the fast is not “a day for men to starve their bodies” or “to lie in sackcloth and ashes.” Rather, the fast is about “sharing our bread with the hungry and satisfying the famished creature.” The Food Stamp Challenge, like the fast on Yom Kippur, is meant to teach us to feed hungry people and to imbue ourselves with a more complete understanding of the quality of life of those in need. Hunger in America is not just about numbers. It is living without security or energy. It is living on the edge. These truths about hunger are not gleaned from statistics. And they are truths we need to share with each other, and importantly, our leaders. We are living in a political world. We will need to put all the pressure we can on members of Congress and the administration to show the “derech eretz” to do the right thing. Dr. Conrad Giles and Rabbi Steve Gutow are the chair and president, respectively, of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs.

Letter TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, Jews established houses of worship in a dozen Iowa cities including Ames, Burlington, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Davenport, Des Moines, Dubuque, Fort Dodge, Iowa City, Ottumwa, Sioux City, and Waterloo. Many of these congregations and other Jewish organizations published fund raising cookbooks. I want to write a story about Iowa’s Jewish cookbooks and would like to hear from readers who can assist me in this project. Please email me at obpomni@aol.com or call 402.659.2455 Thank you, Oliver B. Pollak

Israel: A true ally Continued from page 12 it view American democracy promotion in the Middle East more favorably? Would it be more inclined to reform its internal governmental processes to be more in line with U.S. preferences? No. In sum, we believe that Israel’s substantial contributions to U.S. interests are an underappreciated aspect of this relationship and deserve equal billing to shared values and historical responsibility as rationales for American support of Israel. Robert D. Blackwill, deputy national security advisor for strategic planning in the George W. Bush administration, and Walter B. Slocombe, undersecretary of defense for policy in the Clinton administration, are authors of the new report Israel: A Strategic Asset for the United States (The Washington Institute for Near East Policy). This Op-Ed originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.

14 | The Jewish Press | November 11, 2011

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 | 402.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Hannah Schmidt, teacher on Maccabi around the world. The community is invited.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin, Rabbi Steven Abraham and Cantor Beth Schlossberg. FRIDAY: Let’s do lunch at noon, join Rabbi Levin at the Blumkin Home’s Star Deli for lunch and casual conversation. To RSVP, contact him at rabbilevin@bethel-omaha. org; walk-ins are also welcome; Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Get Your Morning Midrash, 9 a.m. with Rabbi Abraham; Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (2-7), 10 a.m.; Simchat Shabbat/Café Schmooze, a contemporary, lay-led alternative Shabbat experience, led by Eadie Tsabari, 10:30 a.m. followed by lunch at Café Schmooze; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:55 p.m.; Jason Gallagher, son of Elizabeth and Jack Gallagher, will become a Bar Mitzvah. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Bible Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m.; Sisterhood Boutique, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring a wide variety of vendors, food, an all-day raffle, and gift-wrapping. Open to the entire community. MONDAY: BESTT Monday Moadon program for students in grades 2-7 begins its second trimester from 4:15 p.m.–6 p.m. All children in the Jewish community are welcome to participate. Contact Judy Rubin at 402.498.0904 for course descriptions and enrollment information. WEDNESDAY: BESTT Wednesday classes for grades 2-7 will now begin at 4:15 p.m. and conclude at 6:15 p.m. USY 60th BIRTHDAY BASH: On Saturday, Nov. 19, 7 p.m., a community-wide party at Beth El will celebrate USY’s 60th anniversary. (see full story on page 8.) All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:50 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Understanding the Prayer book, with Rabbi Mizrahi, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting service begins at 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Navigating the Transliterated Siddur, 10:15 a.m. with Rabbi Mizrahi; Kiddush is sponsored by

Candlelighting Friday, November 11, 4:50 p.m.

Sisterhood; The Laws of Shabbat, 2:30 p.m.; Advanced Parshah Study for Kids (ages 10 and up), 3:30 p.m.; Rabbi Gross’s Twitter Topic Class, 3:30 p.m.; Mincha, 4:30 p.m., followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 5:51 p.m. SUNDAY: Gemara class, 8 a.m., learning tractate Kiddushin; Shacharit, 9 a.m. followed by breakfast; Sunday Night Dinner, 6 p.m., featuring a Chinese Buffet. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Weekly Teleconference Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m. with Rabbi Gross. Contact the office for information on how to call-in to the conference call; Monthly Women’s Class, 7:30 p.m. led by Ilana Weiss. TUESDAY: Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m.; A Guided Tour of the Guide of the Perplexed, a six-week course on the work of Maimonides with Dr. Guy Matalon, 8 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Scholars Club for fourth-sixth graders, 4 p.m. with Rabbi Mizrahi at the Blumkin Home; Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Gross.

WEDNESDAY: LJCS classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. LJCS Shabbat Family Service and Meal on Friday, Nov. 18 at South Street Temple. A dairy meal will begin at 6 p.m. followed by services at 6:30 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS, Nov. 13, 20 and Dec. 4, 4 p.m. Taste of Judaism. These classes are free, but reservations are required. Class the Temple office at 402.435.8004 or email stemple@neb.rr.com to add your name to the list. TUESDAYS, 6:30 p.m. beginning Nov. 15 Intro to Judaism led by Rabbi Lewis. The cost is $50 to cover course materials. Register by calling the Temple office at 402.435.8004 or email stemple@neb.rr.com. THURSDAYS, through on May 10 Beginning Hebrew, 6 p.m. and Intermediate Hebrew, 7 p.m. The cost is $50 to cover course materials. For more information call the Temple office at 402.435.8004 or email stemple@neb.rr.com. Note: Please contact Rabbi Lewis if the cost for a class creates a financial hardship.

CHABAD HOUSE

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE

An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street | Omaha, NE 68144-1646 | 402.330.1800 www.OChabad.com | email: chabad@aol.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Minyan, 10 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m.; Mini Mensch title will be awarded. Kiddush luncheon will follow. Join Rabbi Katzman, noon-1 p.m. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. MONDAY: JLI class, Fascinating Facts: Exploring the Myths and Mysteries of Judaism, 7 p.m. Cost is $79 and includes class book and materials. Register at www.my jli.com or call 402.330.1800. All programs are open to the entire community.

SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway | Offutt AFB, NE 68113 | 402.294.6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN South Street Temple | Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street | Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 | 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. FRIDAY: Friday Night Live! Musical Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. with oneg following hosted by Lori and Mark Schwartz. SATURDAY: No Shabbat Morning Service at South Street Temple; Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. celebrating the Bar Mitzvah of Parker Garivay at Tifereth Israel; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Vayera, led by Robert Friedman. SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; Board of Trustees Meeting, 1 p.m. TUESDAY: Ladies Lunch Group, noon at the Olive Garden, 6100 “O” Street.

Jason Alexander -- George from Seinfeld -- promotes peace on Israel trip by BEN HARRIS been involved with the group for about a decade and serves (JTA) -- To those who know him as the neurotic and lazy on its “entertainment council” along with other bold-faced George Costanza from TV’s Seinfeld, there was something names such as Natalie Portman, Paul McCartney and comic in seeing actor Jason Alexander being asked by an Danny DeVito. During his trip, Alexander promoted One Voice’s work elder statesman of Middle East diplomacy about making in engaging moderates on both peace between Israelis and sides. He also visited the rocketPalestinians. bombarded southern city of Sderot. But that was the scene last Alexander made clear that the week at the Israeli president’s solution to the Middle East conflict residence in Jerusalem, where wasn’t going to come from him -- or Shimon Peres asked the actor any outsider, for that matter. - born Jay Scott Greenspan -- if “One Voice uses celebrities wisely,” he had any advice. Alexander told an interviewer on “Advice?” Alexander asked, Israeli TV. “They don’t ask me what laughing. would you do to end the conflict.” “Sure,” Peres said, as if he regJason Alexander, meets with Israeli President ularly asked Hollywood stars They do ask if they can call him Shimon Peres at Peres’ residence in Jerusalem, how to resolve regional conGeorge, though, which isn’t entirely Oct. 25, 2011. Credit: Yossi Zamir/Flash90/JTA flicts. surprising. Alexander is one of “The best advice is to not give up,” Alexander said. “There’s those actors so closely identified with his character that it been so much disappointment. But there are wonderful peo- was easy to imagine a blundering Costanza engaging in a ple who are working very hard in both communities.” little freewheeling Mideast diplomacy. Even Peres asked if Alexander was in Israel with a delegation from One he could address Alexander as George. Voice, a grass-roots organization promoting a two-state “You can,” Alexander replied. Then, gesturing to the solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The actor has media, he added, “Not them.”

NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER GROUP 1317 North 57 Street | Omaha, NE 68132 | 402.551.6609 FRIDAY: Minyan, 4:50 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to RBJH, 2:30 p.m. led by 39 Forever Members. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Alan Shulewitz. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street | Omaha, NE 68132-2651 | 402.556.6536 www.templeisrael-ne.org FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to you at Remington Heights, 4 p.m.; Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Azriel and Cantor Shermet. Scholar Dr. Richard Freund: Atlantis and Tarshish. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m. Asher Rosenquist, son of Julie and Thor, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. SUNDAY: Grades PreK-6, 10 a.m.; Grade 2 at the Humane Society, 10 a.m.; Tour of Jewish Omaha, 10 a.m.; WRJ Hanukkah Gift Shop Open House, 10 a.m.-noon. TUESDAY: Executive Meeting, 6 p.m.; Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4-6 p.m.; WRJ Hanukkah Gift Shop Open House, 4 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-8, 6 p.m.; Judaism, a word at a time: Zachor, 6:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Adult Study with the Clergy with Cantor Shermet, 10-11:30 a.m. Newcomes are always welcome. To register, contact Program Director Wendy Goldberg, wgoldberg@templeisraelomaha.com or 402.556.6536. Thanksgiving Interfaith Service, Sunday, Nov. 20, 5 p.m. at St. Margaret Mary Church.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. FRIDAY: Evening Services, 7:45 p.m. woth an oneg in honor of Parker Garivay’s Bar Mitzvah to follow SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. when Parker Garivay will be called to the Torah for his Bar Mitzvah followed by Kiddush luncheon in honor of Parker sponsored by Lillian Blaustein. SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple. TUESDAY: Ladies Lunch Group, noon at the Olive Garden, 6100 “O” Street. WEDNESDAY: LJCS classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. LJCS Shabbat Family Service and Meal on Friday, Nov. 18 at South Street Temple. A dairy meal will begin at 6 p.m. followed by services at 6:30 p.m.

Pulverente MONUMENT CO.

November 11, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 15

A Glorious Imputence

Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Vayeira Among other things, our Sidrah describes the destruction of the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorah. In a sense, this is a sequel to the story of the great flood, which destroyed everything, including all of mankind except Noah and his family-which led eventually to Abraham. There is an important difference between a similar story in mesopotamian literature and ours. In the other, it is a whim of God to destroy these cities. But in the Torah it is a moral judgment. The cities were to be destroyed because of what the Bible considers immoral Indeed, the name of one of the cities has stayed with us: "Sodomy" is still used for what is considered unusual and unacceptable. And this is the reason for destruction of these wicked cities. It is not a whim of God, but rather a sober judgment that the kind of life in Sodom and Gomorah is to be tolerated neither by religion nor nature.

We want your costumes!

Do you have any costumes you no longer need? They can be dropped off at the Center for Jewish Education or the Kripke library between now and Thanksgiving. The CJE staff will send them to Israel in time for Purim. Contact Na’ama Keren at nkeren@jewishomaha.org for details.

B’nai Tzedek Kickoff

Seventh and Eighth grade teens gather around to participate at B’nai Tzedek’s kickoff event that took place on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at the JCC. The program focused on educating teens about the B’nai Tzedek program and learning about their self-identity as young philanthropists. For further information about B’nai Tzedek, please contact Shiri Tene at stene@jewishomaha.org

Amid war talk, Obama calls for keeping pressure on Iran by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- President Obama called for keeping up international pressure on Iran amid news reports that Israel may be preparing for war with the Islamic Republic. The president’s comments, made at a joint news conference in France with President Nicolas Sarkozy, were delivered several days before the scheduled release of a new report by the International Atomic Energy Agency on Iran’s nuclear program.

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One Call, One Low Price* for over 170 Newspapers! Credit: Wikimedia Commons “We had the opportunity also to talk about a range of security issues,” Obama said of his conversation with Sarkozy. “One in particular that I want to mention is the continuing threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program.” Obama added that “President Sarkozy and I agreed on the need to maintain the unprecedented international pressure on Iran to meet its obligations.” The comments came as the Israel Defense Forces held a drill in central Israel simulating missile attacks on Tel Aviv. Israeli defense officials said the drills were scheduled months ago. The Home Front Command drill was a simulation of a rocket attack on a civilian area. The drill included opening evacuation centers and handing out gas masks. The drill was held following several days of reports in the Israeli media that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak are pushing the Israeli Cabinet to approve an attack on Iran. Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman strenuously denied the reports in an interview on Israel Radio. Also , the Israeli military successfully test fired a ballistic missile from the Palmachim Airbase in central Israel, according to a statement from the Defense Ministry. It is widely believed that Israel has missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee advanced a bill that would intensify restrictions on Iran’s financial sector and on contacts with Iranian government officials. The bill approved, with support from Republicans and Democrats, would extend sanctions to a number of Iranian financial institutions, including the country’s Central Bank. The inclusion of the Central Bank, under an amendment authored by Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.), the committee’s chairwoman, and Howard Berman (D-Calif.), its ranking Democrat, would effectively cut off the U.S. economy from Iran or any entity dealing with it. The bill also would re-enact existing sanctions on dealings with Iran’s energy sector. Additional approved amendments, authored by Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.), would accelerate the period required for companies to disengage from existing contracts, and would require naming companies allowed to do business with Iran under a presidential waiver. Another Ros-Lehtinen amendment approved by the committee would require 15 days notice to Congress of any U.S. government contact with an Iranian government representative -- a provision that could complicate negotiations on nuclear issues or cooperation on drug trafficking and terrorism. The committee also backed a separate bill that would tighten sanctions and penalties on individuals and entities contributing to suspected nuclear weapons programs in Syria, Iran and North Korea. The bill advanced to the full House and must be reconciled with a Senate version, then signed by President Obama before it becomes law.

CORRECTIONS In our Nov. 4 edition, the location was not made entirely clear for the Searching for Humanity exhibit opening Nov. 17. It can be seen at the Strategic Air and Space Museum, 28210 West Park Highway, Ashland, NE. The Jewish Press regrets the error.

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16 | The Jewish Press | November 11, 2011

British anti-Semitism by ALEX WEISLER just at the anti-Semitic experiences but LONDON (JTA) – More than four out about the “wider experience of students of every 10 Jewish students at British uniand the positive ways in which they are versities reported witnessing or experiencrelating to their Jewish identity.” ing anti-Semitic incidents between The survey found that most Jewish stuOctober 2010 and this March. dents at British universities do not hide But only two in 10 said they were contheir religion, with 59 percent reporting cerned about campus anti-Semitism. being “always open” and 39 percent Those were two of the findings in a “sometimes open” about it. newly released survey of Jewish students Jonathan Boyd, executive director of the in Britain that showed respondents generInstitute for Jewish Policy Research, said ally comfortable with their religious identhe survey paints a portrait of an “engaged tity, and relatively unconcerned about and largely quite committed generation” anti-Semitism and anti-Israel activity on of young British Jews -- even if their campus. Jewish identity isn’t breaking the mold. The National Jewish Student Survey, “They don’t come across as a group that’s conducted by the London-based Institute particularly playful or creative with their for Jewish Policy Research and released in Jewish identity,” he said. “We found a genSeptember, is the first-ever study examineration of people that are replicating the ing Jewish campus life in Britain. It was Jewishness they were brought up with commissioned by the Pears Foundation rather than changing it.” and the Union of Jewish Students, the While American Jewish surveys of umbrella group that oversees Jewish sociJewish life appear to be going more local – eties at more than 100 British universities the decennial National Jewish Population -- essentially the British equivalent of Survey has been discontinued – Philip Hillel houses. said that national research of this sort is The survey, which drew more than 900 valuable to British Jewry. respondents from nearly 100 institutions Jewish students at the University of Manchester are performing as part of the campus’s Israel “For those who are making decisions and was conducted in February and Awareness Week. Manchester is one of the UK campuses with the highest number of Jewish stu- about where to put their resources on Credit: Manchester Jewish Society campus, this is providing some really useMarch, provides a comprehensive look at dents. the demographics of the so-called millenful information so they can base their future leadership of Anglo Jewry,” Karp experiencing an anti-Semitic incident nial generation, young people who came of said. between October 2010 and the time of the strategies on data from the survey,” she said. age in a Britain focused on Jewish continuPhilip said the unsurprising nature of The survey found that the concerns of survey. ity and youth involvement to an unprece- Jewish students generally matched those of “If the community did not make an effort some of the findings -- for example, that dented degree. non-Jewish students -- grades, jobs after to combat these things, the situation could students who are more engaged as teens are Charlotte Karp, the Union of Jewish graduation and “relationship issues” occu- be far worse,” Karp said. “The fact that it is more likely to stay engaged at university -Students’ communications director, said the pied the top three spots. not a major concern is actually a credit to does not detract from their survey’s signififindings are proof that British Jewry’s two In questions on Jewish concerns, 38 per- the longstanding efforts of UJS and other cance. decades of investment in youth groups and cent of respondents said they were “very” or communal bodies that deal with these “There was no sensational headline from Jewish student societies on campus “is pay- “fairly worried” about campus anti-Israel issues and shows they are managing the sit- the research,” she said. “It’s just a very rich ing excellent dividends.” portrait of who Jewish students on campus sentiment, and 21 percent reported con- uation very well.” “By placing trust and investment in stu- cerns about campus anti-Semitism. Amy Philip, deputy director of the Pears are, what they are doing and what is impordents, we are developing the present and Forty-two percent reported witnessing or Foundation, said it’s important not to look tant to them.

Herzl Camp is Coming to Omaha and Lincoln!

Building Jewish Identities Since 1946 Tuesday,November November 16th Tuesday, 15 Friedel Jewish Academy 3:40 p.m.p.m. Private residence in Omaha, 7 - 8:30 in the media center; everyone is welcome. Call 952-927-4002 for address and directions. Tuesday, November 16th Wednesday, November 16 Private residence in Omaha, Friedel Jewish Academy, 3:30 -7:00 4:30p.m. p.m. Please call (952)-927-4002 for information/directions. in the media center/library.

Wednesday, 16 Wednesday,November November 17th Tifereth IsraelIsrael Synagogue, Lincoln, 6 p.m. Tifereth Synagogue, Lincoln5:30 5:30- p.m. Everyone Everyoneisiswelcome. welcome.

HANUKKAH Gifts+More Publishing Date | 12.09.11 Space Reservation | 11.21.11 Camera Ready Deadline | 11.23.11 Contact your advertising representative to advertise in this very special edition.

Allan Handleman (952)-927-4002 . www.herzlcamp.org

402/334-6451 | ahandleman@jewishomaha.org