November 19, 2004

Celebrating 83 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

by JILL BELMONT Needs God; To Life, and the Beth El Publicity Coordinator 1996 best seller How Good As part of its 75th anniversary celebration, Do We Have to Be? In addiBeth El Synagogue welcomes back tion, he served as one of the renowned author and speaker Rabbi Harold editors responsible for the Kushner on Sunday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m. Best new Conservative commenknown for his international bestseller, When tary on the Torah, Etz Bad Things Happen to Good People, Rabbi Hayim, which has been Kushner will speak about “Three Ideas the enthusiastically received by Jewish People Can Teach the World;” his hundreds of congregations presentation is free and open to the entire since its publication in the community. fall of 2001; he is also is a Returning to honor the synagogue during past editor of the magazine this milestone anniversary, Rabbi Kushner Conservative Judaism. said his topic will focus on “how synaHis book, Living a Life gogues shed light on the community around that Matters, was a bestthem rather than just being illuminated by seller in 2001, as was his Rabbi Harold Kushner the outside world. My topics--the impormost recent book, The Lord tance of community, the holiness of everyday deeds, is My Shepherd. When Bad Things Happen to Good and the real meaning of prayer--are not intended to People has been translated into 14 languages and was ‘prove’ Judaism’s superiority to other faiths, but to sug- recently selected by members of the Book of the Month gest that we have lessons to teach the world.” Club as one of the 10 most influential books of recent Rabbi Laureate of Temple Israel in Natick, MA, Rabbi years. Kushner was born in Brooklyn, NY, and graduated Rabbi Kushner’s honors include being named from Columbia University. He was ordained at the “Clergyman of the Year” in 1999 by the national organJewish Theological Seminary in 1960 and received a ization Religion in American Life, and recognition by doctoral degree in Bible by the Seminary in 1972. He the Christophers, a Roman Catholic organization, as has six honorary doctorates, has studied at the Hebrew one of 50 people who have made the world a better University in Jerusalem and taught at Clark University, place during the past 50 years. In addition, he has twice Worcester, MA, and the Rabbinical School of the Jewish been nominated for the Templeton Prize, the equivaTheological Seminary. lent of the Nobel Prize for Religion. His books include When All You’ve Ever Wanted “In his books and lectures, Rabbi Kushner shows Wasn’t Enough, which was awarded the Christopher how Jewish beliefs and values illuminate the path of Medal for its contribution to the exaltation of the our lives,” said Beth El Rabbi Mordechai Levin. human spirit; When Children Ask About God; Who Continued on page 2

Celebrating Jewish Book Month, Sarna to Speak on ‘Old Faith in New World’ purchase, and he will participate in book signing. The breadth and depth of the topic promise a memorable evening that perfectly fits the occasion of the 350th anniversary of Jews in the U.S., said Steve Riekes, of the Education and Identity Coalition, which serves as the JELS Advisory Board. Describing Prof. Sarna as “a recognized scholar of prominence and by DIANE AXLER BAUM ability and a very good communicator,” for JELS Riekes urged everyone in the commuOne of the foremost Jewish historinity “to take advantage of this fantastic ans, whose new book is cheered as opportunity.” “the definitive book on American Dr. Sarna is the Joseph H. and Belle Judaism” and “a brilliant and provocaBraun Professor of American Jewish tive narrative,” will explore “The 350History and former chair of Near Year History of an Old Faith in the Eastern and Judaic Studies at Brandeis New World,” on Thursday, Dec. 9, University. He has been chosen by the 7:30 p.m., at the JCC. Association for the Social Scientific Prof. Jonathan D. Sarna, author of the Study of Jewry to receive the Marshall acclaimed American Judaism: A Sklare Award for “a distinguished career History, will speak here in observance of research in the social sciences.” of Jewish Book Month. His visit also He is author, co-author, or editor of highlights Omaha’s year-long celebra18 books, including Religion and State tion marking three-and-a-half centuries in the American Jewish Experience, The of Jewish life in America. Dr. Jonathan Sarna Jews of Boston (with Ellen Smith), and Presenting Sarna to the Omaha community are Jewish Educational and Library Services The Americanization of Jewish Culture. Having studied (JELS) and the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. In his and written about every century of American Jewish honor, the Kripke Library will be open a half hour history, he has covered topics ranging from immigrabefore the lecture and during a dessert reception fol- tion and Zionism to ethnicity and public policy. lowing. Copies of Sarna’s books will be available for Continued on page 2

Inside Opinion Page see page 12

6 Kislev, 5765 November 19, 2004

M ET A Z

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Rabbi Harold Kushner to Join Beth El’s 75th Anniversary During Community-Wide Event

PIZ

Vol. LXXXIV No. 11 Omaha, NE

$2.5 million pledged to The 2005 Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Campaign! 427 increased gifts!

RAISE YOUR PLEDGE, SEND A PIZZA! Show your support and boost the morale of Israel Defense Forces troops! In honor of YOUR increased gift to the 2005 Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Campaign, a private donor will sponsor the delivery of hot, kosher pizza to active-duty IDF soldiers with an acknowledgement from the Omaha Jewish community. Pizzas provided by a generous donor. Pledge increases will NOT be used to pay for the pizzas. The Federation is working through Pizza IDF (www.pizzaidf), a non-profit website that lets supporters send pizza to active duty soldiers on the front lines.

Frohm Trustee Dean Frankel Dead at 72 by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press Omaha native and prominent accountant Dean Frankel died Nov. 10 at the age of 72. Services were held Nov. 14 at Beth El Synagogue. Among his community positions, Frankel was a long-time trustee of the Carl Frohm Foundation, a fund which has given hundreds of thousands of dollars to projects in the Jewish community. Among the Frohm Foundation’s largest gifts was a donation to Beth Israel Synagogue (Frohm’s synagogue) for a new buildDean Frankel ing, but Frankel was also instrumental in seeing that smaller gifts--vital to the operations of other agencies were given as well-including a $3625 gift to this newspaper, the Kripke Library and the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society for a microfilm reader and printer. According to Harold Mann, a fellow trustee of the Frohm Foundation, “Dean was one of the first people to befriend me when I moved from here from North Carolina after college. He was Carl Frohm’s accountant and continued Carl’s philosophy of philanthrophy when the Frohm Foundation was formed. “Dean and I worked closely as trustees together for 25 years, sharing the same philanthropic vision,” Mann added. “He was a proponent of seeing that funds from the Frohm Foundation would help make things happen--across the religious and institutional spectrum.” Frankel was a founder and partner of Frankel, Zacharia, Arnold, Nissen, Stamp & Rensch, LLC, a firm of certified public accountants and was highly regarded by his colleagues. A past-President of Beth El, he served as chairman of the finance committee for the congregation’s building campaign. He also was the treasurer of the Jewish Federation, 1978-80. He was preceded in death by his brother, Stuart, and father, Harry. He is survived by his mother, Rose Frankel; wife, Continued on page 15

This Week: Women Raise the Bar for JFO Campaign: Page 6 Coming: Next Week: Hanukkah Gift Guide, Nov. 26 Beth El Celebrates 75 Years at Gala: Page 3

JELS Plans Trip to the Jewish South: Page 4

Retreat Energizes Temple Israel Leaders: Page 8

New Recipies for Thanksgiving: Pages 10-11

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 19, 2004

BBYO Co-Sponsors 92 ST Y Broadcast: “Oodles of Noodles and Oz!�

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by RACHEL BLUM JCC Program Director The B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO) is a cosponsor of the upcoming “Live from NY’s 92 ST Y� broadcast featuring Amos Oz, Tuesday, Nov. 30, 7 p.m. in the JCC Theater. As he gives the 92 ST Y’s Annual State of Israel Lecture, Oz will share the extraordinary tale of his life in Israel and how his life reflects the larger story of modern Israel. Oz was born in 1939 in Jerusalem. At the age of 15 he went to live on a kibbutz. He studied philosophy and literature at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and was a visiting fellow at Oxford University, authorin-residence at the Hebrew University and writer-in-residence at Colorado College. Oz has been a leading figure in the cultural and political life of the Jewish state. An author of prose for both children and adults, as well as an essayist, he has been widely translated and is internationally acclaimed. His memoir, A Tale of Love and Darkness, was recent-

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Celebrating Jewish Book Month Continued from page 1 In addition, he serves as an advisor to libraries, archives, and museums and as editor of numerous book series. His articles have appeared in significant academic journals, in both Hebrew and English, and in popular magazines. He lives in West Newton, MA, with his wife, Ruth Langer, a professor of theology at Boston College, and their two children. American Judaism: A History was published in April by Yale University Press. Advance praise has come from other writers, general reviewers, and educational institutions, both Jewish and secular. Publishers Weekly for example, called Sarna's new book “an outstanding survey� and a “sweeping overview of the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of American Jews from 1654 to the present.� And Yale University’s Jon Butler referred to it as “not only the best we've ever had-smart, sophisticated, learned, even witty-but an eloquent testimony to Judaism’s importance to American religion, as well as American Judaism’s critically important role for Judaism throughout the world.� Information is available from the JELS office, 334.6445 or mgrossman@jewishomaha.org.

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¢! Use the form on page 15 or email us at jpress@jewishomaha.org. CLIP & SAVE

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

C L I P & S A V E

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 JELS Class, noon at Temple Israel Visions Luncheon Meeting, 12:30 p.m. at Venice Inn Public School Teacher Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20 Beth El USY Shabbat, 9:30 a.m. JELS Film Festival, 7 p.m. BBYO AZA #1 Sweetheart Dance, 7 p.m. at location tba Klezmer Concert, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel

C L I P & S A V E

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21 Temple Israel Religious School Steering Committee Meeting, 8:30 a.m. Camp Sabra Recruitment, 12:30 p.m. Omaha Artists, Inc., 2 p.m. JELS Film Festival, 7 p.m. TLC presents Aryeh Pamensky, 7 p.m. at the home of Judi Moore and Chris Thurber MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22 Jewish Press Committee Meeting, 7:30 p.m. C L I P & S A V E

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23 BBYO Night, 6 p.m. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24 Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25 JCC CLOSED - THANKSGIVING Beth El USY Kinnus in St. Louis, Nov. 25-29 All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)

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ly published. He has won awards both for his books and his efforts towards peace. Amos Oz currently lives in the southern town of Arad and teaches literature at Ben Gurion University of the Negev in Beer-Sheva, where he holds the Agnon Chair of Hebrew Literature. Prior to the broadcast, BBYO teens will participate in a dinner and discussion about Israel. The dinner will be catered by Nothing But Noodles, costs $5 for Jewish teens, and includes the cost of the broadcast. Broadcast tickets for the public are $5 and may be purchased in advance by calling JCC Member Services at 334.6426. For more information about this and other Live from NY’s 92 ST Y broadcasts, please contact me at 334.6404.

A Bird in Hand...

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Kushner to Join Beth El’s 75th Continued from page 1 “I always say, ‘First, I worship G-d, and then I wor“One of his unique contributions is that he also ship Rabbi Kushner!’ This man has an extraordinary talmakes them known to the general public." ent of using everyday sentences to explain huge conRabbi Kushner’s close ties to Omaha formed years cepts that you can apply to the rest of your life. ago when he married the former Suzette Estrada “For me, that's a slam-dunk!� she smiled. “There isn’t (daughter of Dave and Sylvia Estrada), who grew up at a person in the world that can't learn something of Beth El and became Bat Mitzvah there in 1948. value from this truly great man." His presentation is greatly anticipated by Beth El’s Following Rabbi Kushner’s presentation, a dessert 75th Anniversary co-chairreception carrying the men Jim Fried and Joanie theme “Everything Old Is Jacobson. New Again� will feature “Rabbi Kushner is one of desserts from old family the great spiritual teachers recipes, as well as new-fanof our time. His message gled creations, according to touches people of every orithe evening's chairmen gin and faith around the Vicki Sanford and Julie world. Beth El is so honPotash. The reception’s ored and blessed to have theme came to her, Sanford him personally joining with said, as she reminisced one the congregation and the day about growing up at entire community to celeBeth El. brate the synagogue’s 75th “I thought about being in Anniversary. We’re confithe kitchen with Lucy and Julie Potash and Vicki Sanford dent his participation will my grandma, Libby Sachs, be an experience to remember for all who attend.� way back when, and how as an adult, I felt history Jacobson agreed, adding that “I was hooked in 1978, repeating itself as I baked for my kids’ B’nai Mitzvah in after reading When Children Ask About G-d, and every the Beth El kitchen with my aunt, Susie Silverman and book since then has had a great influence on the my own children.� As a tribute to those who contribute choices I've made and the values I hold dear. desserts for the reception, she noted that each baker’s name will be displayed next to his/her sweet creation. EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE As a courtesy, Sanford and Potash have requested that people call the synagogue office at 492.8550, if Due to the closing of the Jewish Press they’re planning to attend the Dec. 12 event. office on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. Rabbi Kushner’s appearance is being underwritten by 25, the deadline for the Dec. 3 issue is the Dr. Benton and Harriet Kutler Scholar-in-Residence Tuesday, Nov. 23. Endowment Fund. Questions? Call 334.6448.

November 19, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Elegance and Fun, Wrapped Up in One

Glitz, glamour and fun galore were in abundance last Saturday night, as 328 well-wishers from throughout the community filled Beth El Synagogue, in celebration of its Diamond Anniversary Gala. The ambience was warm and elegant, as party-goers were treated to a memorable evening filled with fine dining and music; the packed house was rockin’ for hours to Pam and the Pearls, who

performed song hits from the past seven decades and kept the black-and-white checkerboard dance floor jam-packed all night. Photos from top left: Party-goers included Sylvia Jess, Charlotte Zipursky and Ozzie Nogg. After months of hard work and planning, Diamond Gala chairmen Cheryl Cooper and Ann Goldstein were rewarded with a packed house of enthusiastic party-

goers. 75th Anniversary Chairmen Jim Fried and Joanie Jacobson led attendees in a toast to the synagogue. Jacobson and Cantor Gastón cut a rug during the festive evening. Cantor Gastón wowed the crowd with his rendition of “La Bamba.” The always-effervescent Nancy Rips joined Jim and Pam Kalal onstage to belt out “At the Hop.” The dance floor was jam-packed as revelers

joined together to dance the hora during “Hava Nagila.” Susi Frydman-Levin and Beth El Rabbi Mordechai Levin reveled in the synagogue’s milestone anniversary. Out-of-town attendees included former Omahans Larry and Dinah Raful now of New York, and Sandi and Ed Fried of Kansas City. The 75th anniversary celebration continues with Rabbi Harold Kushner on Dec. 12.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 19, 2004

Israeli Award Winning Broken Wings Comes to Film Festival by GARY KATZ Library Administrator Broken Wings (Israel 2004), the last film in the Third Annual Omaha Jewish Film festival, will be shown on Sunday, Nov. 21, 7 p.m. in the JCC Theater. The winner of nine prizes at the Israeli Academy Awards and a hit in its home country, the award-winning Broken Wings is the extraordinarily moving story of the life and loves of the Ullman family, an ordinary Israeli family coping with everyday life. Nine months after her husband died, Dafna Ullman has just gone back to work as a night shift hospital midwife. 16-year old Yair, has dropped out of school, abandoned a potential basketball career and now hides inside a mouse costume, distributing flyers on the subway. Eleven-year-old Ido, deals with his building aggression by trying to break the world free jump record (and practices into an empty swimming pool), while six year-old Bahr begins a lonely first day of school. So, it’s left to 17-year-old Maya, a gifted budding singer/song writer, to act as a surrogate mother to her youngest siblings. Everyone tries to navigate their daily lives as best as they can--jobs,

romantic involvements, a car that won't start, but when Maya forgets to pick up little Bahr from school, it’s an incident which causes a major upheaval in their lives. Told with sincerity, drama, and selfdeprecating humor, Nir Bergman’s feature debut has a remarkable freshness and a keen sense of observation of the contemporary family. Shot entirely on location in Haifa and Tel Aviv, Broken Wings reveals an Israel very different from the televised news images and violent world politics, and also portrays a truly universal experience. The Third Annual Jewish Omaha Film Festival is sponsored by: Jewish Educational & Library Services, The Kripke Jewish Federation Library, and The Avy L. and Roberta L. Miller Foundation by Lindsey MillerLerman, and The Journal of Religion and Film. To purchase tickets, call the Kripke Jewish Federation library at 334.6462 or email gkatz@jewishomaha.org. Tickets are $5 each. Free babysitting service will be provided by for ages two and up. Please make reservations by calling 334.6462; limited space is available.

The Majority Has Decided: It's Time to Leave Gaza

“Do Southern Jews Really Say ‘Shalom Ya’all?” well worth a half day of sight seeing and eating. Greenspoon is a native of Richmond, Virginia, and taught for two decades at Clemson University in South Carolina, before by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Administrator, Jewish Educational moving to Omaha in 1995. He was among the founders of the South & Library Services Do Southern Jews really say, “Shalom Carolina Jewish Historical Society and ya’all”? Are grits kosher? Can Bubba (not has written a brief history of the Jews of that state. Bubbie) be followed by “I am very excited Shapiro or Schwartz? about this opportuThese are just some of nity,” he said, “This the questions that will be will be a marvelous asked--and answered--on chance to introduce a tour to Savannah, GA, my friends from the and Beaufort and Midwest to my-and Charleston, SC, on April their-southern her6-10, 2005. Sponsored by itage. They will be Jewish Educational and surprised, delighted, Library Services (JELS), and pleased to know the tour will be led by how important a role Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, Southern Jews holder of the Klutznick played in the earlyChair at Creighton and current-history University and a native of our country. southerner. This exciting “The Low Country trip, a “350 Years in of Georgia and American Jewry” event, South Carolina is will look at contempoespecially beautiful rary Judaism in the South and the southern roots of Mickve Israel remains today an active in early April and the American Jewish spiritual community, affiliated with the provides a magnifiReform movememt in Judaism. The cent backdrop for experience. Savannah, GA, and Torah Scroll brought to Savannah in exploring a rich and part of Charleston, SC, are 1733, and other cherished possessions colorful among the oldest cities in of the congregation, including letters America and the America, and both were from George Washington, Thomas American spirit.” home to large Jewish Jefferson, James Madison and several Brochures and packpopulations throughout other presidents, are on display in age pricing will be the colonial period into Mickve Israel’s Archives/Museum. The available from JELS in the early 19th century. Gothic synagogue, which stands on December. For more Today, both of these Monterey Square, was dedicated in information, please contact the office at cities once again boast 1878. thriving Jewish communities. Beaufort 334.6445 or mgrossman@jewishomais a lovely town between these cities and ha.org.

CDC Preschoolers Capture the Essence of Autumn

On October 26th, the Israeli Knesset-by a vote of 67 to 45-gave its approval to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan to remove settlers and troops from the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank. Although more legislative and cabinet steps must be taken before this plan is implemented, this Knesset vote was an historic step toward lifting a huge burden that Israel placed upon its own shoulders over 35 years ago. The majority of Israelis-and now their representatives-recognize that settlements are a tremendous security, economic, and diplomatic liability for the country. Approval of this disengagement plan sets an important precedent for the evacuation of other settlements in the years ahead. Americans for Peace Now is proud that our Israeli sister organization, Shalom Achshav, played a key role in organizing a massive demonstration of support for disengagement in Jerusalem just prior to the Knesset vote. Shalom Achshav will continue to work through the Majority Coalition-which includes the Labor Party, the Yahad Party, the Kibbutz movement, and youth movements-to make sure that disengagement becomes a reality. Now that the will of the Israeli majority has been expressed in the Knesset, APN calls upon the settlers and their supporters to accept this democratically derived decision. We call upon Prime Minister Sharon to be steadfast in carrying out the removal of settlements from all of Gaza and parts of the West Bank, ideally in coordination with Palestinian leaders, as well as to fulfill Israel's commitments regarding outposts and settlement construction. We call upon Palestinian leaders to capitalize on the opportunity that disengagement offers them by demonstrating good governance in Gaza and fighting terrorism there to ensure a secure Israeli evacuation. And we call upon the U.S. and the international community to help guarantee that this plan becomes part of a larger peace process that will entail the removal of more settlements and the resumption of peace negotiations.

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by JORDANA L. KURTZMAN would construct with their leaves. The leaves on the trees may have lost “The children had very definite ideas their brilliant hues as we move into of which animal they wanted to create November, but preschool teacher Julie and which leaves they wanted to use. Shelburne found a way to capture that And the parent’s participation in the leaf beauty before it faded by creating whim- hunting gave the children a wide range sical art projects with her four-year-old of colors and shapes to use,” said students. Shelburne. Looking for a book about autumn to The preschoolers created many differshare with the children in her class, ent animals, including fish, turtles, and Shelburne came across Look What I Did elephants, which Shelburne and Giller With a Leaf by Morteza E. Sohi, which mounted on matted backgrounds of natteaches how to create animal pictures ural colors, making the children’s artfrom assorted leaves. The book illus- work instead look like works of art. trates how to make imaginative works of art by varying the use of the color, shape, and size of the leaves. Choosing the leaves for the pictures also combined science with art as the children’s parents took them on nature walks to obtain a variety of fresh autumn leaves. Both children and parents alike found this homework assignment to be one of the most exciting aspects of this project as it gave families special time to CDC preschoolers Ryan Hayes, left, Jeffrey Garvey, and Chloe Ray show off their leaf art work. spend outdoors together. When it came time to assemble their To find out more about the Pennie Z. animal creations, Shelburne and her Davis Child Development Center and its assistant, Barb Giller, worked with the preschool and child care programs, conchildren individually, allowing the chil- tact Corey Kirshenbaum at 334.6413. dren to decide which animals they

November 19, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

Join the Federation Family The following people have made a gift to the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s 2005 Annual Campaign. Pacesetter, Lion of Judah and donors who increase their gift are listed in bold print. Donors who have maintained their gift are listed in regular print. Pacesetters

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(Men making annual gift of $6,000 or more)

(Women making an annual gift of (Men under the age of 45 making $5,000 or more) an annual gift of $3,600-$5,999)

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Joel Alperson Harvey Aronson ❏ Baker Family ❍ Robert Belgrade Harold Bernstein Steven Bloch ❏ Irv Blumkin Ronald Blumkin ❏ Marc Brodkey Sherman Brodkey Jack Cohen Harold Cooperman ❏ Henry Davis ■ Gary Epstein ❏ Harold Epstein ❏ Paul Epstein ❏ Joseph Erman ❍ Michael Erman ❍ Tom Fellman ❍ David Friedland ❍ Friedman Family Sandy Friedman Willard Friedman Lawrence Gilinsky Morton Glass ❏ Richard Glazer ❏ Donald Goldstein ❏ Leonard Goldstein ❏ Jeff Gordman Don Greenberg Herbert Goldsten Trust ❍ Paul Grossman Gary Javitch Arnold Joffe ❏ Howard Kaslow ■ Maurice Katzman Kevee Kirshenbaum Howard Kooper ❍ *Howard Krantz Forrest Krutter ❏ Martin Lehr ❏ Leonard Lewis Lynn Roberts Int Edward Malashock Bernie Meyers David Meyers Jerome J. Milder ❏ N. Pitlor & Sons ❏ Murray Newman ❍ Noddle Development ❍ Harlan Noddle Joe Kirshenbaum Allan Noddle Jay Noddle ❏ Steven Nogg Omaha Steaks ● Ann and Alan Simon Eve and Fred Simon Kathryn and Steve Simon Stacy and Bruce Simon Todd Simon Michael Platt Larry Roffman Andrew Robinson ❏ Blaine Roffman Les Schneiderman Phillip Schrager ❍ Millard Seldin ❍ Bruce Shackman Norman Sheldon *Dan Sherman Steven Silver ❏ Stuart Simon Gerald Simons ❏ Milton Simons Slosburg Family Charitable Trust ❍ Jerry Slusky Phil & Ruth Sokolof Honor Roll Fund at the JFO Foundation ❍ Isidore Tretiak John Waldbaum ❏ Eugene Zweiback ❏ Anonymous

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Margie Alperson Phyllis Aronson Judy Baker Sandra Belgrade Carol Bloch Marcia Cohen Susie Cohn ✡ Sandy Epstein Ruth Erman Darlynn Fellman Frances Fried Nancy Friedland Roz Friedman ▲ Tham Friedman Margaret Gerber Jan Goldstein Shirley Goldstein Linda K. Gordman Nancy Greenberg Deborah Greene Rose Gross ◆ Andi Kavich Maxine Kirshenbaum Sharon Kooper ◆ Bobbi Leibowitz Susie Levine * Frances Milder Lyra Ann Monasee Jeanie Neff Sharee Newman ♥ Nancy Noddle Patty Nogg Carol Parsow Marcia Pitlor * Zoë Riekes Kimberly Robinson Julie Rochman * Beth Schrager Terri Schrager Bev Seldin ◆ Sarah Seldin Anne Shackman Phyllis Sherman * Martha Slosburg * Gail Veitzer Joodi Veitzer Anonymous *

Jr. Pacesetter Jeff Kirshenbaum Bennett Ginsberg * Allan Murow Eric Phillips Mark Robinson

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Susie Blumkin * Pearl Richman Giventer * Phyllis Glazer Gloria Kaslow Suzanne Singer

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Esther Canar Anne Cohen Babe Cohn Cheryl Cooper Eunie Denenberg Elaine Feldman Deanna Gilinsky Ann Goldstein Linda Gordman Caryl Greenberg Joanie Jacobson Fran Juro Joanie Kaiman Renee Kasner Carol Katzman Madeline Katzman Sharon Kirshenbaum * Sandy Kutler Bert Lewis Thelma Lustgarten Jody Malashock * Linda Mann Sue Meyers Ducky Milder Pam Monsky Barb Platt Arlene Richman Iris Ricks * Barbara Rips Jane Rips Hannah Schwalb Esther Simon Eve Simon Audrey Sophir Muriel Steinberg Louri Sullivan Selma Tretiak

Ben Gurion Society (Men or women under the age of 45 making an annual gift of $1,000 or more)

Bruce Baron Martin Cohen * Toba Cohen Ted Friedland David Gilinsky Jim Glazer Bruce Goldberg Danielle Gordman * Kip Gordman * Sandy Lehr Susan Lehr * Joseph Meyers * Lori Miller Jonathan Rockman Stacey Rockman Rick Schrager Dan Schuller * Michael Siegel * Steven Zalkin * Amee Zetzman Anonymous

Rabin Society New Category (Men under the age of 45 making an annual gift of $500-$999)

Jim Belgrade * Robert Goldberg Rabbi Mendel Katzman Harry Klein Guy Matalon Scott Meyerson Joel Schlessinger

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Women’s Campaign Women’s Campaign Women’s Campaign

Harold Abrahamson Alvin Abramson Tony Adelson Jeffrey Aizenberg James Anderson Brett Atlas * Hubert Ban Donald Baum Thomas Bernstein Marvin Bittner Albert Bloch Howard Borden Bob Boumstein Bruce Brodkey Peter Brodkey Ronald Brodkey David Bucksner Alan Cohen Carl Cohen Gilbert Cohen Michael Cohen Sheldon Cohen Gerald Cohn Marc Cohn Stephen Cohn David Cooper Jeff Cooper Justin Cooper Ron Cooper Meyer Coren Jerry Dann Arthur Davidson Randy Endelman Richard Engel Robert Engel Arnold “Tuffy” Epstein Gary Epstein Howard Epstein Richard Epstein Sam Epstein Abraham Faier Ronald Feldman Richard Fellman Cantor Leo Fettman Glen Fineman Joel Finkel Doug Finnicum Thomas Frank Alan Fredericks Melvin Freeman Robert Freeman Samuel Fried Lloyd Friedman Morris Friedman Scott Friedman Larry Gendler Donald Gerber Ron Giller Lawrence Ginsburg Sherman Golbitz David Goldberg Frank Goldberg Richard Goldberg David Goldstein Herman Goldstein Howard Goldstein Brad Goldstrom Larry Goldstrom Mark Goldstrom Rabbi Allan Gonsher Robert Goodman Thomas Goodman Gary Gotsdiner Steven Gottlieb Jon Gordon * Eddie Gorelick Saul Graetz Richard Grant Lonnie Graul Andrew Greenberg Barton Greenberg Bud Greenspan Gerald Gross Alex Grossman Barry Grossman Joe Guss Bruce Gutnik Mace Hack Michael Halsted Marc Hamburg Larry Herman Donald Hoberman Jerry Hoberman David Hoffman Todd J. Hutton Philip Itkin Adam Jacobs Richard Jacobson Fred Kader Marcel Kahn Jerome Kaiman Gary Kaplan Myron Kaplan Robert Kaplan Sandy Kasin Richard Katelman Jerry Katskee Michael Katzman Lawrence Kelberg Adam Kirshenbaum

Corey Kirshenbaum Joseph Kirshenbaum Donald Klein Milton Kleinberg John Kolm Harold Kosowsky David Kotok Jack Kozlen Marc Kraft Stanley Krieger Gary Kuklin * David Kutler Howard Kutler Stuart Kutler Paul Landow Wayne Lainof Alan Langnas Michael Leibowitz Robert Lepp Roland Lewis Rabbi Mordechai Levin Michael Levine Josh Levitsky * Ruben Lippett John McGauvran Larry Malashock Neal Malashock Robert Malashock Harold Mann Justin Manvitz Todd Manvitz Dan Marburg Eyal Margalit Myron Marko Maurice Meiches Gerald Meyer Bruce Meyers Jon Meyers Larry Meyerson Leo Meyerson Troy Meyerson Mike Milder Sidney Mirvish Henry Monsky Stuart Muskin Simon Noel * Alan Nogg Brian Nogg * Dennis Paley Marvin Parilman Steve Parsow Jeffrey Passer Harvey Pickel Merle Potash Ira Priluck Dave Radler Steve Redler James Rice Tom Rice Phil Rich Harry Richman Martin Ricks Stuart Rochman Bill Rosen Brian Rosen Kenneth Rosen Gerald Rosenblatt Thor Rosenquist Steven Rothenberg Howard Ruback Michael Sadofsky Mark Saferstein Errol Saltzman Kevin Saltzman Mark Sanford Abe Schloff Michael Schop Edward Schneider Scott Schneiderman Harry Schulman Natan Schwalb Michael Schwartz Sidney Schwartz Jeffrey Schweid George Shafer Howard Shandell Leonard Shefren Marc Sherman Mark Sherman Dave Shkolnick Rodney Shkolnick Howard Shrier Marty Shukert Alan Shulewitz Paul Shyken Howard Silber Michael Silverman Steven Simon Larry Siref Stephen Skulsky Harold Slosburg Norman Smeerin Ramon Somberg Jim Spooner John Stern Alan Stoler Bud Studna Mark Sweet Melvin Tatelman Scott Tatelman

Jeff Taxman Fred Tichauer Steven Tipp Stewart Tully Jerald Venger Keith Wagner Jerome Wasserman James Wax Aaron Weiner Gary Weiss * David Willensky Ernest Wintroub Leon Wintroub Philip Wolf Warren Wolpa Harry Wolfson Harold Zabin Jeff Zacharia Laurence Zacharia Richard Zacharia Ted Zetzman Mikhail Zevakin

Helen Abrahamson Doris Abramson Sheri Abramson Arlene Adelson Charlotte Adler Susan Aizenberg Doris Alloy Millie Altman Bea Appel Joyce Ashley Stacey Atlas * Jill Baron Diane Axler Baum Robyn Belgrade Mary Bernstein Juni Bloch Chris Blumkin Claudia Boehm Cindy Bogdanoff Lena Bogomolni * Midge Bowers Becki Brenner * Beth Brodkey Carol Brodkey Sharon Brodkey Stacie Brodkey Florence Brody Michelle Bucher Molline Cassman Arlene Cohen Beth Cohen Elizabeth Cohen Joyce Cohen Marla Cohen Doris Cohn Linda Cohn Naomi Cohn Soralee Cohn Janey Dann Betsy Davidson Rose Davis Harriet Einziger Edith Epstein Ellie Epstein Etta Epstein Helen Epstein Lisa Epstein Laurie Epstein * Rosaline Epstein Betty Falk Judith Feigin Bev Fellman Mary Fellman Annette Fettman Carrie Fingold Paulette Flatowicz Shirley Fogel-Greenberg Jill Folsom Sonia Forbes Dee Fox Robyn Freeman Norma Fried Pam Friedlander Amy Friedman Gloria Friedman Lois Friedman Barbara Frohman Susana Frydman-Levin Jean Gendler Anne Gerber Bernice Gerber Cheri Ginsburg Cindy Goldberg Barbara Goldstein Judi Goldstein Ethel Goldston Dora Goldstrom Andrea Gordman Bridget Gordman JoAnne Gordon * Rosalie Greenspan Pearl Gross Joy Grossman Mary Sue Grossman Diane Graul Margie Gutnik Wendy Hahn Debbie Hale Mendy Halsted Andrea Hamburg Sara Harding Janice Harris Cookie Hoberman Jennifer Hoberman Pauline Hoberman Phyllis Hoffman Adele Hornstein Nancy Jacobson Sylvia Jess Sheryn Joffe Roxanne Kahn Charlotte Kaplan Dorothy Kaplan Bea Karp Frankie Kasin Lucille Katelman Myllee Katelman Eve Katskee Rose Katzman Shani Katzman

Nanci Kavich Betty Kelberg Jenn Kirshenbaum Kate Kirshenbaum Myrna Kirshenbaum Janet Klein Ruth Klein Marsha Kleinberg T. Klotz Sandy Kohll Robyn Kooper Dorothy Kotok Betty Kozlen Peggy Krasne Cheryl Kricsfeld Denise Kully * Debi Kutler * Harriet Kutler Carole Lainof Barbara Lashinsky Grace Lebowich Cheryl Lerner Lina Levit * Bonnie Levinger Barb Levitan Rachel Levitsky * Rocky Lewis Vera Lewis Louise Lippett Marcia Lipsman Diane Malashock Deb Marburg Judy Marburg Ruit Margalit * Elinor Matalon Beverly Mauer Kathy McGauvran Rosalie Meiches Tina Meyers Deenie Meyerson Jamie Meyerson Jenny Meyerson Miriam Meyerson Bernice Milder Harriet Miller Sue Millward Lynda Mirvish Evie Mitchell Janie Murow Jeanette Nadoff Patricia Newman Babe Nogg Jaime Nogg * Marion Nogg Ozzie Nogg Marcy Noodell Rita Novak Reva Oruch Fefe Passer Magda Peck Betty Perelman Vicki Perlmeter Julie Philips Shelly Pichik Kim Placzek Ellen Platt Yaffa Podbilewicz-Schuller Sheila Polikov Ruth Potash Sharon Quittner Jeanne Raznick Dodi Redler Lola Reinglas Juliana Reno Florence Rice Nancy Rips Phyllis Roffman Silvia Roffman Marjorie Rosen Rebecca Rosen Rita Rosen Rose Rosen Sheila Rosen Dottie Rosenblum Julie Rosenquist Susan Rothholz Erica Rubin * Natalie Rubin Mary Saferstein Linda Saltzman Lynne Saltzman Betty Sanford Vicki Sanford Rivkah Sass * Julia Schapiro Nancy Schlessinger Heidi Schneiderman Lillian Schrager Sophie Katz Schulman Diane Shandell Audrey Shapiro Jeanne Shechet Suzy Sheldon Claudia Sherman Patty Sherman Lisa Shkolnick Phoebe Shkolnick Sissy Silber Michele Silberstein * Esther Silver

Mimi Silverman Jill Simon * Josephine Simon Marion Slosburg Charlotte Slutzky Koom Helen Soiref Susan Somberg Stacie Spies-Matz Dorothy Spizman Rocky Stern Susan Swartz Lynn Sweet Sally Venger Mary Lou Walker Phyllis Wasserman Joye Wees Allyson Wilczewski Andi Willensky Sibby Wolfson Annette Wright * Phyllis Zabin Barb Zacharia Terri Zachari Sally Zipursky Bev Zuber Debbi Zweiback Rosie Zweiback

Prime Ministers Circle (Individual, families, corporations: $100,000 & above) ❍ King Solomon’s Circle (Individual: $25,000-$99,999 & Corporations: $50,000-$99,999) ■ Chai Circle (Individual: $18,000-$24,999 & Corporations: $25,000-49,999) Joshua’s Circle (Individuals: $10,000-$17,000 & Corporations $18,000-$24,999) ▲ Platinum Lion ($100,000 & above) ✡ Emerald Lion ($25,000 & 99,999) ♥ Sapphire Lion ($18,000-$24,999) ◆ Ruby Lion ($10,000-$17,999) * New in category

Your gift to the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Annual Campaign impacts the entire Jewish world. Locally, your ONE gift to the Campaign funds a wide variety of community services provided by the Federation and our Family of Agencies: The ADL/CRC, the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Educational and Library Services and Jewish Senior Services. In Israel and overseas, your gift helps feed the hungry, rescue the oppressed and fight anti-Semitism. Your annual gift to the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Annual Campaign empowers you to make a visible and measurable difference in Jewish life.

The 2005 Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Campaign 2005 General Campaign Co-Chairs: Maxine & Joe Kirshenbaum

333 South 132nd Street

Omaha, NE 68154

402/334-8200

info@jewishomaha.org

www.jewishomaha.org

Please note that this list of Federation donors is complete as of November 16, 2004. Every effort is made to ensure that the list is accurate and we sincerely apologize if any name was incorrectly printed or inadvertently omitted. To update information in this donor listing, please contact Brenda Frank at 334-6429.

Page 6

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 19, 2004

Women Warm to Entertainer, Raise Gifts for Campaign

Kirshenbaum, left, Women’s campaign Cochair Ruth Erman, Marty Henne, Women’s Campaign Co-chair Bobbi Leibowitz and Leslie Henne; Edith Epstein, left, Norma Fried, Bette Kozlen and Toba CohenDunning. Dr. Harvey Konigsberg reintroduced himself to Marty Henne and gave him a photo of his sister, Barrie, at age five, hold-

“Songs You Know by People You Don’t” was the theme of Marty Henne’s entertaining performance Tuesday night for the Women’s Campaign. The crowd laughed at his jokes and were mesmerized by his stories of the unkown writers (many of whom were Jewish) of famous songs. Photos from top left: Lion of Judah award winner Maxine

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ing hands with Marty in their hometown of Bayonne, NJ. Enjoying the evening were: Mauriel Steinberg, left, and Sandra Belgrade. Henne encouraged the crowd of 125 to sing a long. It’s a family affair: Roz Friedman with daughter, Susie Cohn. Anne Shackman, left, Sue Millward and their mother, Thama Lee Friedman. And Henne

with Carol Parsow and her mother, Maxine Simons. Women’s Campaign Director Kathy McGauvran with Kay Ferer, 93, left, and Sally Venger, 97, who are proud to have been workers in the Campaign for more than 70 years, serving as role models for young women like Danielle Gordman, left, and Deb Marburg.

Hadassah Members Involved in Community Service Projects by LESLI SHRAGO Treasurer Esther Wax at 393.4442 for for Hadassah more information. Dues payment, gift you like to knit? Have you always membership and donation checks wanted to learn? Hadassah’s ongoing should be sent to Esther Wax, 118 So. 88 knitting project is swinging into high St., Omaha, NE 68114. gear as winter approaches. Hand-knitted hats, scarves and other items were donated last winter to organizations, including the Jewish Family Service’s Martha Lerner, co-chairman left with Carol Parsow, right, Project Dreidel and SienaFrancis House, a local homeless shelter. One need not be a Hadassah member to participate in this yearround mitzvah project. Both experienced and beginning knitters are welcome; Hadassah has free yarn available. For more information including knitting lessons if desired, contact Knitting Project Coordinator Doris Shukert heard from Bryan LGH Director of Education and Telehealth Services Jaine Evnen Graham, about Hadassah Medical at 391.7530. Hadassah memberships Center in Jerusalem at last month’s dessert reception. make great Hanukkah gifts! Graham, a critical care nurse, shared pictures of the emerAnnual membership is $36; gency room, trauma bay and other hospital facilities, remarklife membership is $250, but ing that Israeli flags were prominently displayed and that will be increasing to $360 in ultrasound and CT scan machines were located in the trauJune, so now is a great time ma bay, a necessity due to the nature of the injuries often to purchase one. You can seen at Hadassah. Recognized as a world leader in the field make five payments of $50 of trauma care, Hadassah's guide to trauma services has each or pay the $250 all at been shared with hospitals around the world. Immediately after a terror attack is reported, doctors, nurses and other once. Buy the special man or staff not already at the hospital arrive to help treat the influx children in your life a of emergency room patients. Graham was fascinated to see Hadassah Associates or Jews and Muslims working alongside each other, offering Child Life Membership. patients of both religions equal treatment without discrimiContact Membership Chair nation, a gesture of understanding and peace that Hadassah Sandy Kohll at 391.5603 or routinely practices in administering health care.

Hadassah Members Hear About HMO

November 19, 2004

Washington Bookstores, Baghdad, Kabul and Teheran

THE HISTORIAN’S F OOTPRINT by OLIVER B. POLLAK I cannot visit a city without visiting its libraries and bookstores. Washington, D.C. has the greatest book center in the world, The Library of Congress. Across the street is the redoubtable Folger Shakespeare Library exhibiting forgeries and fakes from their collection. Washington is a walking city. The Mall fills with people on the weekend. If you get tired of walking in the neighborhoods you can bail out and hail a cab. On one excursion a FOR SALE sign announced the availability of a three story home for $960,000. More significant, in the early 1920s Langston Hughes lived there with his mother. Allan Stypek, part of the trio that puts on The Book Guys on NPR-KIOS Friday at 10 am, also owns Second Story Books with locations off of Dupont Circle in Washington, Rockville and New Bethesda. Does their name have two meanings, two story building or used books--recycled. I gravitate to books on writing, history and Judaica. There were an impressive three shelves on writing and methodology. Omaha born Christopher Lasch wrote the important book The Culture of Narcissism. He was a Professor of History at the University of Rochester and died in 1994. There on the shelf was Plain Writing, based on a style manual he prepared for his Department and students in 1985. An unusual book and tribute to be published posthumously. My second purchase was The Reader Over Your Shoulder by Robert Graves and Alan Hodges. This book recommended itself as Graves wrote Goodbye to All That (1929) and Hodges, The Long Weekend (1940), two influential books I

read in graduate school. Finally in the three-shelf Judaica section, I found Fasting. Merely the title prompted the purchase. When I got back to Omaha, Karen looked at it and found it offensive. My law partner, David G. Hicks, found Found in Bagdad and other Divagations of a Lawyer by Charles E. Shepard published in 1928. As alluring as the title, and reasonableness as the price, it is disappointing and puerile with hardly anything about Baghdad. During the April-May 2003 war in Iraq the libraries, universities and museums were looted. Argentinean Alberto Manguel, A History of Reading, wrote passionately in the New York Times about the public loss of early clay writing artifacts. Paris has its Left Bank. Baghdad’s literary and bookstore neighborhood came alive with the decline of Saddam Hussein’s censorship. Banned poets, critics of the Ottoman empire, were freely displayed. The area was bombed on Oct. 30, 2003. National Public Radio interviewed a bookseller who stated optimistically that Iraq had a 9000-year old civilization. Their culture would survive. Two fascinating recent books on the role of women and reading in headline areas are The Bookseller of Kabul (2002) by Asne Seierstad and Reading Lolita in Teheran (2003) by Azar Nafisi. The Washington beltway also contributes an unending stream of serious and kiss and tell biographies. Other bookstores where you can pick these tales up at remaindered prices include Riverby, Capitol City, and Kramer Books and Café, the latter reminiscent of San Francisco’s hallowed City Lights bookstore. Historian, attorney and author Oliver Pollak can be reached at: OBPOmni@aol.com.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

Kvelling about a Little Naches

BERT’S EYE VIEW by BERT LEWIS

I don’t know the date as you read this, but I’d love to know if you read the front page of the Jewish Press on Nov. 5. Did you at least look at the pictures? If you missed the photo of Omaha’s newest rabbi and the story, well, all I can say is you cheated yourself out of a really heart-warming experience. Let me tell you about it. Perhaps most importantly, you need to be familiar with the yiddish words kvell and naches. And I need to tell you those were the perfect words to use when discussing this front page news item. Of course as Jews we can feel proud of a beautiful new synagogue recently built here, in our small but vibrant Jewish community. That goes without saying, but wait a minute, a shul needs a rabbi. Since the former leader of Beth Israel resigned, it became necessary to find a replacement, naturally. It didn’t take long for (I’m assuming) all to agree that young Rabbi Jonathan Gross was their man. They knew him well from earlier visits to the bimah at the 52nd street synagogue, and in addition, his reputation preceded him. Let’s move on to the reason for the aforementioned photograph: The formal installation of Rabbi Gross as the new spiritual leader of Beth Israel, as well as the formal dedication of the new building. If you read the story, or if you were there, or if you are a member of the congregation you already know all about the new building. I won’t re-tell the story, because the reason for bringing it all up was the photograph: the warm

and moving picture of Rabbi Gross, with an arm around each of his grandmothers is what stopped me in my tracks. Imagine the joy of those two women, fortunate enough to be present for such an auspicious occasion! We Jews do use the word naches a lot when we talk about family members and particularly special events within the family. If you’re even a little sentimental, you have to choke up a little when you hear about grandparents being present at the chupah when an ainical gets married. Or maybe you've been to a bris when the zadye is there to perhaps hold the newest member of the family. You better believe when that happens, that zadye knows naches such as he never expected to experience. I’m one of those very sentimental people, so when I saw a photo of this very young rabbi and his two (also very young) grandmothers, I melted. Such pride and pleasure these two women must have felt could never be measured on any scale. Their smiling faces reflected the joy in their hearts. You might say they were kvelling, but for sure you could say that while one picture may be worth a thousand words, in this case one word surely was appropriate: naches. I wasn’t there so I’ll take this opportunity to say “mazel tov” to these two lovely ladies. And to all the family members who came from far away places to share the wonderful day with the rabbi and each other. What better reason to get together than a simcha? Beautiful. Bert Lewis can be reached at: Bertlewis39@aol.com.

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Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 19, 2004

Temple Israel Retreat Participants Search for their “Peace” of the Puzzle After lunch, some participants studied with the clergy while others who took a walk among the trees were awed by the various stages of autumn colors. Rabbi Zweiback then led a session on making personal and communal covenants. The afternoon ended with havdalah. Another congregant, Becki Brenner, described the experience as “wonderful. The music and Josh fit the location. It was a beautiful location in these gorgeous woods with beautiful colors. The music and the sense of community just lent itself to the location. “You go away with a sense of energy and a sense of belonging,” Brenner added, “and a sense of spiritual uplift and feeling of peace. You don’t go away empty, you go away filled--which is the goal of a retreat.” Temple's adult spirituality retreat is supported by the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning. Temple Israel retreat participants enjoyed some relaxing moments and talked about what brings them peace prior to Shabbat dinner at Arbor Lodge in Nebraska City. Pictures, from top row left: Susie Silverman, left, and Wendy Vann schmooz at dinner; Omaha native Rabbi Josh Zweiback who now lives and works in California, led the retreat, left, Judy Zweiback; and Dorothy Spizman; Marcy Frost, seated left, Lee Needelman, Dr. Howard Needelman, and Carol Farber, Marlen Frost, standing, and Gary Kaplan; Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, left, and Rabbi Zweiback at Shabbat dinner; Ducky Milder, left, and Andi Willensky.

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Nearly 40 Temple Israel congregants gathered on the first weekend in November in Nebraska City at Arbor Day Farm - Lied Conference Center for the annual Adult Spirituality Retreat with Rabbi Josh Zweiback. He grew up at Temple Israel and is now the senior educator at Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills, California. This year’s theme was “Be a Part of the Puzzle, Find Your Peace.” Ducky Milder, Dorothy Spizman, and Dan Marburg chaired the event. Charlie Sullivan, who attended the retreat, thought “it was great. Who doesn’t love Josh (Zweiback)? I think sometimes when you study or discuss Jewish issues at Temple, it’s easy to be distracted by what you have to do next that day. When you’re away already, it gives you more of a chance to involve all of yourself in the discussion or study.” After enjoying a Shabbat dinner together on Friday night, the retreat participants attended worship services led by Rabbi Zweiback who made ample use of his guitar. After services, the group headed outdoors for a bonfire, songfest and s’mores. On Saturday morning after a breakfast buffet, they met for a study session at which Rabbi Zweiback led a discussion on what is covenant and how do we understand it as American Jews. Rabbi Craig Marantz then led the morning Shabbat worship service.

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November 19, 2004

ORGANIZATIONS LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638 for more information. VISIONS Visions Hanukkah Party is on Dec. 9, 4-7 p.m., at the JCC. Cost is $6 per person. Join us for a gourmet meal and Eastern European music by Anna Mosenkis and Lev Shechtman. Send reservations with payment to Betty Sanford, 9205 Western Ave., #127, Omaha, NE 68114, by Dec. 1. Make check payable to Visions. TORAH LEARNING CENTER (TLC) All classes are taught by Rabbi Tuvia Hoffman. Please call 981.0569 for details. Monday, 7:30 p.m.: “Kosher Kitchen”--learn the laws of keeping kosher. No prior knowledge necessary. Beginner and Advanced students will gain from this class at the home of Rabbi and Ariella Hoffman. Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.: “Growth Through Torah”--personal growth through studying Jewish philosophy from the Torah at a private residence. Thursday, 1 p.m.: “Meaning of Life & Other Business”--based on the Kabbalistic text Way of G-d by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto in the JCC Library. At 7:30 p.m. at the JCC, “Crash Course in Hebrew reading”--learn to read Hebrew in just a few weeks. Pamensky Live! is this Sunday, Nov. 21, 7 p.m., hosted by Judi Moore and Chris Thurber, 12832 Lafayette Ave. Humorous relationship insights presented by Canada’s Aryeh Pamensky, renowned relationship expert who has appeared on “Politically Incorrect.” B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Returning college students and recent college graduates who are the young adult children of our members will be our guest speakers on Wednesday, Nov. 24, noon, at the Park Inn Regency. They will discuss their new lives, jobs, and careers. Cost is $10 for lunch and $2 for beverage service only. Breadbreakers is open to the community.

BIRTHS Elyse and David Zacharia, Las Vegas, NV, announce the Aug. 23 birth of their daughter, Allie Lauren. Allie has a brother, Jacob Michael. Grandparents are Barb and Larry Zacharia, and Sharon Pressler of Las Vegas. Mark and Terri Lynn Bernstein, Skokie, IL, announce the arrival of their daughter, Ella Joy, born on Aug. 26. She has a big brother, Jacob Miles. Grandparents are Joanie and Terry Bernstein, Jim and Karen Scherer of Antioch, IL, and Ev and Bob Janke, Knoxville, TN. Eric and Ruth Konigsberg of New York City announce the Oct. 26 birth of their son, Alec Absaroka. Grandparents are Dr. Harvey Konigsberg and Marilyn Konigsberg, Eleanor and Hugh Sackett of Groton, MA, and Rodman Townsend Davis of Norwalk, CT. Great-grandmother is Freida Konigsberg of Bayonne, NJ.

Solution to Thanksgiving Crossword Puzzle on Page 11

Second Annual “Chanu-kids” this Sunday in the Kripke Library by GARY KATZ Get a jump start on Hanukkah at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library’s Second Annual “Chanu-kid’s” party, this Sunday, Nov. 21, 2-4 p.m. in the Library at the Jewish Community Center. Pre-schoolers through third graders will be entertained by a magician, face-painting, and volunteers reading books. Parents and grandparents (aunts, uncles and friends, too!) will have the opportunity to see the incredible selection of children’s books that will be for sale. While the party is for younger children, books for older children and adults will also be available. B o o k s make great Hanukkah presents for all children. Enrich their own personal Jewish library col- Kids from the CDC read in the Kripke lection while Library: front row: Cooper and Jackson they have a Clark; back row: Eitan Rosenquist, Noah fun after- Leavelle, and Aleia Budwig. noon in the Kripke Federation Library. For information, call me at 334.6462.

IN THE NEWS As seniors and their families struggle with medical expenses, many are unaware of the Medicare Hospice Benefit, so Odyssey HealthCare is commemorateing National Hospice Month this month by helping to educate Americans of the benefit available to them. Some families believe hospice is a place,” said Debra Lemmerman, Odyssey’s general manager, “but most hospice care is provided in a patient’s home, nursing home or long-term care facility. About 65% of patients use hospice care for non-cancer illnesses and Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance plans will pay for all costs associated with hospice care.” Odyssey has been providing hospice care in Nebraska since 2002 and in Iowa beginning this year.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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When Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse hosts an evening of dining tomorrow, Nov. 20, 6:30 p.m., Girls Inc. will be the receipient of 100% of the proceeds. Tickets are $50 apiece for this fundraiser and may be obtained by calling 457.4676. Fleming’s will open to the general public on Nov. 22.

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The National Endowment for the Arts will host “Operation Homecoming” writing workshops at Offutt Air Force Base, Nov. 22-23. Larry Smith, author of Beyond Glory, and actor/playwright Stephen Lang will lead the workshops, designed for the military and their families. Personnel who want to learn more about wartime literature can obtain an Operation Homecoming audio CD through NEA Publications at www.arts.gov. NEA has also issued a call for submissions from military personnel, reservists, National Guard members and others who have served since Sept. 11, 2001. For guidelines and deadlines, visit www.operationhomecoming.org. Susan Lehr, Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Nebraska, received the Executive Office for United States Attorneys 2004 Director’s Award in Washington D.C. on Wednesday. The award recognizes Assistant United States Attorneys who have distinguished themselves through the outstanding performance of their duties at a level of competence markedly superior to all other employees performing comparable duties. Lehr was nominated for her ongoing and tenacious prosecutorial efforts of dozens of drug dealers on the federal level, including a marijuana trafficker that led to the largest criminal asset forfeiture in the District of Nebraska, dismantling a methamphetamine conspiracy whose participants were also involved in thefts and burglaries to finance their trafficking, and several violent street gang members involved in crack cocaine distribution. Wyndham Street Ltd. has moved; visit them in their new location in Rockbrook Plaza at 10817 Elm St. A holiday sale is now in progress.

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Dining

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 19, 2004

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by LINDA MOREL NEW YORK, Nov. 2 (JTA) -- “My sister-in-law stuffs Thanksgiving turkeys with a matzah ball mixture,” says Faye Levy, food columnist and author of 14 cookbooks. “Instead of making patties and poaching them, she cooks this tasty mixture inside the turkey.” This never struck Levy as odd, because her mother used to make noodle pudding on Thanksgiving. “Her Thanksgiving dinners were almost like Shabbat meals,” she says. One of Levy’s all-time favorite dishes is Thanksgiving potato kugel with asparagus. “I first tried it at the home of a friend from Colorado,” she says, explaining that it was his grandmother’s recipe. “In his family, that dish was the essence of Thanksgiving.” Just as Jewish cooking experienced a revolution in America when brisket discovered ketchup, and noodle kugel met Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, Jews have reinvented their recipes, giving Thanksgiving fare a Jewish accent. Levy, author of “1,000 Jewish Recipes,” has sprinkled Thanksgiving dishes throughout this enormous international compendium. Why did she feel the necessity to include American harvest fare in a Jewish cookbook? “Because most Jews I know, whether they’re Orthodox or not, celebrate Thanksgiving,” says Levy. “If you think about it, Thanksgiving food is basically kosher. It’s turkey, plus a lot of vegetables and bread.” Honoring the feast shared by Native Americans and English settlers in the Massachusetts colony so long ago, Jews are naturally drawn to a holiday that revolves around a meal. While Levy grew up in home that was both Ashkenazi and kosher, like other Americans her family always ate turkey and cranberries on Thanksgiving. “We just skipped the creamed onions,” she says, referring to the Jewish dietary restriction that prohibits serving dairy with meat. A child of the 50s, Levy has memories of her mother’s candied sweet potatoes, dripping with brown sugar syrup and topped with melted marshmallows. Popular back then, this dish is still on the Thanksgiving menu in many American homes. “I hated the marshmallows,” says Levy, laughing. “They’re too cloyingly sweet, even as dessert.” Recalling Thanksgivings past, Levy describes an aunt who used to mash sweet potatoes, form them into patties and fry them. Just before serving, she’d melt a marshmallow on top of each patty. Proud of this recipe, her aunt also bestowed it with a name: “Thanksgiving Latkes.” Today, Levy--a graduate of the famed La Varenne Cooking School in Paris--prefers mixing sweet potatoes with savory spices. “You can really taste the flavor of sweet potatoes through ginger and hot peppers, as opposed to mixing them with sugary foods.” With her culinary training, Levy avoids roasting really large turkeys, say over 18 pounds. She’s discovered that while you’re waiting for the inside to cook through, the outside often burns or dries out. You’re also more likely to have problems with bacteria. For large crowds, she recommends roasting two smaller turkeys weighing about 12 pounds each. Levy says her spiced roasted turkey recipe was inspired by her husband’s Sephardi background. “This aromatic turkey is seasoned with his Yemenite family’s favorite spice mixture -- cumin, turmeric and black pepper,” she says. This seasoning yields sensational aroma and flavor. For extra kick, Levy serves this turkey with hot cumin

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sauce, which is tomato based and accented with spices. She feels exposure to her husband’s Sephardi palate has given her an appreciation of piquant flavor. As a chef, Levy is drawn to the fruits of the season’s final harvest. She seeks Thanksgiving fare wherever she goes. In compiling her book “Feast from the Middle East: 250 Sun-Drenched Dishes from the Lands of the Bible,” she included recipes such as Iranian sweet and savory rice stuffing with cranberry toasted almonds. When it comes to Thanksgiving food, there’s no end to the possibilities one can cull from the canons of Jewish cuisine. Surprisingly, many Jewish foods are easily adapted to compliment the holiday’s traditional fare. If you have leftover challah in the freezer, try making challah stuffing, a light but savory surprise. Levy follows her mother’s custom of creating contrast by introducing peppers, mushrooms and zucchini to slices of sweet challah. Thanksgiving tzimmes augments the taste of turkey, no matter how it’s prepared. Instead of the usual prunes, dried cranberries lend a colorful note to this saucy combination of carrots and pineapple. With a crunchy crumb topping, pecan streusel pears are an easy-to-make dessert that is both sensational and pareve. These days, Levy and her husband usually celebrate Thanksgiving with friends. Even when she’s invited as a guest, she roasts a turkey to have at home. Turkeys are economical to buy in late November, and it’s fun to have one to nibble on and use as an ingredient in other recipes, such as a robust vegetable soup. “We’re kind of casual about holidays,” says Levy. “Whenever we get together with family and friends -even on Thanksgiving -- we do a lot of pot luck. This way, one person isn’t stuck cooking for a lot of people.” Sometimes this group coordinates who will prepare which dishes; sometimes they don’t. Of course one person is always designated as the turkey roaster. “After that, you can’t serve too many side dishes, salads, and desserts,” says Levy. While abundance is a Thanksgiving theme, Jews were already entertaining lavishly centuries before the Pilgrims discovered Plymouth Rock. (Recipes from “1,000 Jewish Recipes,’’ by Faye Levy.) THANKSGIVING TZIMMES 4 cups canned pineapple chunks 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 pounds carrots, sliced 1/2 inch thick 3-4 tablespoons honey 1/2 cup dried cranberries 11/2 teaspoons ground ginger Pinch of ground cloves Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Drain pineapple and reserve 1/4 cup juice. Mix reserved juice with the cornstarch in a cup. Combine carrots with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat about 12 minutes, or until just tender. Remove carrots with slotted spoon. Add honey to carrot cooking liquid and bring to a simmer, stirring. Mix juice-cornstarch mixture to blend. Add to simmering liquid, stirring. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring, until sauce comes to a simmer and thickens. Stir in carrots, cranberries, pineapple, ginger and cloves. Heat until bubbling. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot. Yield: 4 servings Continued on page 11

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Give Thanksgiving a Jewish Flavor Continued from page 10 SPICED ROASTED TURKEY 5 teaspoons ground cumin 11/2 teaspoons ground turmeric 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper Salt to taste, optional One 10-12 pound fresh or thawed turkey About 2-4 tablespoons olive oil About 3/4 cup chicken or turkey stock or dry white wine Preheat oven to 425º. Remove top rack. Mix cumin, turmeric, pepper and salt in a small bowl. Rub turkey with olive oil. Rub it inside and out with spice mixture. Truss turkey, if desired, or close it with skewers. Put turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan. Pour 1/2 cup stock into pan. Roast turkey 30 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350º. Roast turkey 11/2 hours, basting with additional olive oil or with pan juices every 30 minutes. If pan becomes dry, add 1/4 cup stock. Cover turkey loosely with foil and continue roasting 20 to 30 minutes, or until meat thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 180º, or until juices run clear when thickest part of thigh is pricked. Transfer turkey carefully to a large board. Discard trussing strings or skewers. Baste turkey once with pan juices and cover it. Reserve juices to add to Hot Cumin-Tomato Sauce (below). Let turkey sit for approx. 20 minutes Carve turkey and arrange on a platter. Serve hot, with hot cumin-tomato sauce. Yield: 6-8 servings HOT CUMIN-TOMATO SAUCE 3-4 tablespoons olive oil l large onion, minced 4 large cloves garlic, chopped 2 or 3 jalapeno peppers, ribs and seeds removed and minced (See note at bottom) Three 28-oz. cans tomatoes, drained and chopped 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1/2-1 cup pan juices from turkey (optional) 21/2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon turmeric 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, plus more to taste 1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes (optional) Salt to taste Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add onion and saute over medium heat about 7 minutes, or until beginning to brown. Add garlic and jalapeno peppers and saute 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, tomato paste and turkey pan juices. Bring to a boil, stirring. Add cumin, turmeric, black pepper, pepper flakes, and salt. Cook uncovered over

medium-low heat 20 minutes, or until thickened to taste. Season with salt and pepper. NOTE: Wear rubber gloves when handling hot peppers. If not using gloves, wash hands well after touching hot peppers. CHALLAH STUFFING 12 slices stale challah 6 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 medium onions, chopped 2 red or green bell peppers, chopped 8 ounces mushrooms, chopped 4 medium carrots, coarsely grated 4 medium zucchini, coarsely grated Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 2 large eggs, beaten Soak challah in water. Squeeze out water. Mash challah in a bowl. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet. Add onion, pepper and mushrooms and saute. Stir occasionally for about 7 minutes, or until onion begins to turn golden. Add vegetable mixture to bowl of challah and mix well. Add carrots, zucchini, salt and pepper. Adjust seasonings. Add egg and mix well. Cool completely before spooning into turkey. NOTE: For safety reasons, if cooking stuffing in turkey it’s important to make sure stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165º by testing the center of the stuffing with thermometer. To bake stuffing separately, preheat oven to 350º. Grease a 9-inch square baking dish. Spoon stuffing into dish. Drizzle with remaining oil. Bake about 30 minutes, or until firm. Yield: 8-10 cups, about 8 servings PECAN STRUESEL PEARS 2 pounds pears 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1/2 cup light brown sugar, divided 1 tablespoon strained fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons margarine, chilled and cut into bits 1/4 cup chopped pecans 1/2 cup rolled or quick-cooking oatmeal (not instant)--uncooked Preheat oven to 350º. Peel and slice pears. Put them in a bowl. Mix cornstarch and 1/4 cup of the brown sugar in a small bowl. Add to pears. Add lemon juice and toss to combine. Grease a shallow, square 9-inch baking dish. Spoon mixture inside. Mix remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar with flour in a small bowl. With 2 knives, cut margarine into mixture until coarse crumbs form. Add pecans and oats. Stir lightly with a fork. Sprinkle mixture evenly over fruit. Bake about 30 minutes, or until topping is golden and pears are tender. Serve warm or cool in bowls. Yield: 6 servings

Temple Israel to Participate in Thanksgiving Interfaith Service by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Temple Israel will participate in the annual Thanksgiving Interfaith Service on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 7 p.m., with congregants of Dundee Presbyterian Church, St. Margaret Mary’s Church, First Christian Church, Underwood Hills Presbyterian Church, and First United Methodist Church which will host the service this year. Pastor Chad Anglemeyer of First United Methodist Church said, “We will have a little different format this year in honor of Omaha’s 150th birthday. We’re

all pieces of the same quilt, and we’ll describe how the congregations have evolved over the years.” Temple’s choir, Kol Rina, and Cantor Wendy Shermet will sing with choirs from some of the churches. A monetary collection will be taken for Together Inc. of Metropolitan Omaha for emergency relief services such as food, clothing, and financial assistance. After the service, the participating congregations will host a dessert reception. Temple Israel members who are interested in baking for the reception can call Sandy Passer at 330.4289.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

Wildlife & Giving Thanks by BERNARD MANN Legacy Crosswords, © 2004

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 19, 2004

Opinion Thank You, G-d Jews pray three times a day: Shacharit, Mincha and Ma’ariv, and the Shimonah Esrei, prayers of thanksgiving, are a major part of those services. On Yom Yippur, there are even two additional services: Neilah and the Concluding Services, when we really do need to give some extra thanks to G-d for making through another year. So why do we need a separate day of Thanksgiving? As our bubbes and zaydes would have said, “It can’t hurt!” Look around you; look at the daily miracles which take place--from the rising and setting of the sun to the birth of a child. How many small things occur without our help--and often without our noticing? So, this Thanksgiving, let’s thank G-d for: • living in the year 2004, when modern medicine can do so much for us; • for your health--if it’s good--great! And if we’re in declining health--well, at least we’re still waking up each morning! • for your family--a spouse, parents, children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters--if you haven’t said “I love you” lately--or if you need to say, “I forgive you,” pick up a phone and say it. If they’re gone tomorrow, you’ll never have another chance to unload the sibling rivalry or the parental burdens; let it go and be happy your relatives are still alive. • for friends--the people who love you, support you and bring laughter into your lives, without the headaches of being related. We add additional thanks... • For your parnasa--your livelihood and your ability to support yourself and your family--big or little, rich or poor, “he who is happy with his portion is a rich man” say the Proverbs, so let’s all be grateful; • for peace in the Omaha Jewish community--a small, but tightly-knit place where rabbis and congregants of all denominations not only speak to one another, but are respectful; • and for the generosity of this community, which has enabled synagogues and agencies to build beautiful, functional buildings that will serve the next generation and beyond, and whose support of Jewish programs and projects is unprecedented in the Jewish

(Founded in 1920)

world. And we ask G-d... • For the safety of our American soldiers fighting in Iraq, serving in Bosnia and North Korea and all the other hotspots which endanger their lives; • and for the safety and well-bring of members of the Israeli Defense Forces, who, from ages 18-55, put their lives on the line for the Jewish people, whether they live in Israel or America or France; • and, speaking of France, for the safety and security of the Jews of that nation, as well as anywhere else on the globe where a Jew’s life is threatened. We request of G-d... • The hope that the next generation of leaders will be Jewishly-educated and have the wisdom, energy and time to make the right decisions for their children--and grandchildren; • the hope of many more Jewish babies being born (in Omaha!) and elsewhere to increase our numbers, grow this community and others, and keep G-d’s promise to Abraham (“I will make you as numerous as the stars in the sky”) a reality; • and the hope those babies are healthy, educated Jewishly, and grow up to follow in the footsteps of the great leaders of this generation and be active involved members of the Jewish community. And finally, we praise G-d • For understanding that we are only human and we make mistakes--we are short with our spouses, yell at our children, and we sometimes let important items “fall through the cracks” at work; • for knowing that we’re

doing the best we can as human beings, but we’re not angels--so we’ll never be perfect; • and for letting us get out of bed for one more day in order to do mitzvahs, make others happy, and make a difference in this world. To all our readers and advertisers, may you be blessed with a year of abundance in all things, may you and your families enjoy peace and good health, and may we all enjoy a Thanksgiving where we give and receive thanks for all the good things we have!

than a religious impulse, and even if one does not believe in an omnipotent God, the physical act of uttering “Baruch Hashem” allows one to step back for a brief moment and appreciate what you have. There is also the issue of superstition. It is very possible to be secular but not want to risk opening oneself up to any kind of evil eye by saying “I’m in fantastic health” in response to the question “How are you feeling?” Then there is the playful use of Baruch Hashem. A secular person may get a certain delicious charge out of mouthing words that have religious import to so many people but which only mean “okay” to them. Finally there is the somewhat antagonistic use of Baruch Hashem. I once heard someone say:

involve me. I am much more tolerant of the secular (non-antagonistic) use of Baruch Hashem. This use of the phrase is cultural rather than theological and as such it reminds me that I live in a country whose majority culture is Jewish, which makes me feel especially welcome here. I myself never use Baruch Hashem. For one thing, I am not faithful enough to bless God for the good as well as the bad. In fact I am not faithful enough to directly attribute any of the daily events in my life to the hand of God. I still wrestle with my definition of God, but I know that God for me is certainly not a micro manager. The option of using Baruch Hashem culturally is not open to me either. Because of my traditional upbringing, I cannot distance myself from the phrase’s religious meaning, and so, while I may not feel like affirming this meaning publicly, I also do not feel at liberty to say “Baruch Hashem” in complete disregard to this meaning. It’s also the case that because I wear a kippa my Baruch Hashem would typically be received only theologically, and so any cultural intention that I had would be undercut. So if you want to know how I’m doing, it’s “fine” or “good” or “okay.” What about you? Teddy Weinberger lives in Givat Ze’ev with his wife, former Omahan Sarah Ross, and their five children. He can be reached at: weinross@netvision.net.il.

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org.

Baruch Hashem

JOURNAL ENTRY FROM ISRAEL by TEDDY WEINBERGER

According to Jewish tradition, one is supposed to bless God for whatever happens in one’s life. The theological idea behind this custom is that God is all-good and so whatever happens is ultimately for the good--even if from one’ s narrow individual perspective it might not seem that way. In practice this custom gets expressed in two Hebrew words: Baruch Hashem. Religious Jews throughout the world use this “Blessed is the Name” phrase as their standard response to the question “how are you?” Many ultra-Orthodox Jews, such as my Talmud study partner, go further and respond with a “Baruch Hashem” to just about any question: how are your children, how was the trip, how was the meal, did the clothing fit, did the painter do a good job? Last year my partner’s father told me privately that just once he would like to know whether it’s “Baruch Hashem, yes” or “Baruch Hashem, no.” The interesting thing is that many secular Jews in Israel also use “Baruch Hashem.” One way that a secular person may use the phrase is as a general expression of thanksgiving. The impulse to give thanks is a human rather

The impulse to give thanks is a human rather than a religious impulse “Baruch Hashem, I’m not a religious person.” I have a strangely ambivalent attitude toward the utterance of Baruch Hashem. On the one hand I am usually bothered if a religious acquaintance of mine answers me with a “Baruch Hashem.” I sort of feel like it’s religious coercion, like if they want to thank God let them do it on their own time and not

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Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $35 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. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 13

Unchanging Demographic Israel Notwithstanding, Jewish Voters Remain Fearful of the Faithful

BEHIND THE HEADLINES

by JONATHAN S. TOBIN For American Jewish liberals, this has been a week to keep the windows on upper floors locked tightly and plenty of tissues handy. For them, the outcome of last week’s elections was a nightmare. The man they hate and fear won because the people they most hate and fear turned out at the polls to vote for “moral values” that they think threaten the future of American democracy. The re-election of President George W. Bush was not only the triumph of a candidate that they despised, but most of the post-election chatter from the media confirmed their worst fears about the state of American society and politics. Are they right to be so scared? First, let's make it clear that despite the positive spin coming from some Jewish Republicans, the 2004 election demonstrated convincingly that the Jewish vote isn’t shifting--or even budging very much. The same exit polls that talked of the election being won on “moral values” revealed that only 24 percent of American Jewish voters chose Bush, solidifying their position as one of the most reliably Democratic sectors of the population. Only 5 percent of 3 percent That was up only 5 percent from Bush’s dismal 19 percent in the 2000 election. So were the Republicans wrong to spend all that time and effort on making their case that Jewish voters should abandon their ancestral political home and vote for Bush?

Actually, it looks like money well invested. According to the exit polls, 3 percent of the electorate was identified as Jewish. So what does 5 percent of 3 percent amount to when the counting is done? Plenty. Even a small shift in the vote in certain states was helpful to the president as he worked toward a majority of the Electoral College. And when you are building a 3.5 million vote Republican margin of victory, the extra 175,000 votes that a 5 percent change represented is nothing to sneeze at. If those 175,000 votes were based on Bush’s stand on the war on terror or on support for Israel that probably justified the GOP strategy. It is also probably true that Republicans did far better among Orthodox Jews, achieving perhaps as much as two-thirds of that relatively small slice of the public. But that said, it cannot be denied that if the Jewish vote is changing, it isn’t happening at a rate likely to approach a Republican majority for at least another generation, if it ever happens at all. But for all the overblown analysis about exit polls showing religious Christians being the reason why Bush won, it must be said that it is precisely this image of the “red state” voter that seems to be keeping the Jews firmly in the pockets of the Democrats. Republicans may be right that Bush’s generally sterling record on Israel was the reason why those 175,000 Jewish voters switched to the GOP this time. But Democrats who believe that the fear of the Christian right kept the Jewish

vote for Kerry at 74 percent are equally correct. Fear and loathing This can be measured not only in the statements issued by liberal Jewish groups expressing fear about the future of abortion rights and the environment, but in the sheer contempt expressed by many rank-and-file “blue state” Jewish Democrats about the 51 percent of Americans who voted for Bush. Like some frustrated European newspaper editors who asked in their postelection headlines how 59 million-plus Americans could “be so dumb,” many Jewish liberals I spoke to regarded the election as one that was won by faith over science. This reflected a belief in their own inherent superiority over what they believe are their dimwit ideological foes. Yet besides elitist arrogance, it also reflected the deep fears that many Jews have about living in a world where faith is paraded openly in the political arena. It is not just that they consider conservative manipulation of the “rabble” to reflect the latter's supposed lack of sophistication. Liberal Jews truly seem to believe that the philosophical differences in this country over issues such as abortion and gay marriage represent a spiritual chasm between freedom and tyranny. The point is, if you believe only a fool would vote for the Republicans, then how can you trust such a majority to safeguard minority rights. And it is not a stretch to conclude that a large number of Jewish voters genuinely believe that the Christian right intends to subvert democracy in the name of Christianity?

While most conservatives feel no threat to the separation of church and state in these debates, liberals see the wolf at the door. For this portion of the electorate, the notion that the Democrats failed because they were not able to express their faith convincingly is anathema because it is precisely the public expression of faith that scares them. Such a world, they believe, is inherently dangerous for Jews and any minority. That view may have been been justified by the world our grandparents grew up in, where the extent of Christian religiosity was a good indicator of antiSemitism. But though most Jews haven’t noticed it, that isn’t the case anymore. Indeed, it is the liberal Protestant sects, which Jews still see as natural allies on domestic issues, that more and more seem vulnerable to the virus of antiSemitism, especially where Israel is concerned. Nor does the fact that these same evangelicals whom we fear so much remain staunch friends of Israel--and act as far more of a check on any possible Bush administration tilts toward the Palestinians than the vaunted “Jewish lobby”--seem to impress most Jews. Polls notwithstanding, attitudes toward terrorism may have decided the election far more than attitudes about faith. But the fact remains that a clear majority of Americans are comfortable with placing faith in a political context and inherently distrust politicians who aren't. The average liberal Jewish voter feels just the opposite. So long as that remains the case, expecting a major shift in the Jewish vote is probably unrealistic. Jonathan S. Tobin is Executive Editor of the Jewish Exponent in Philadelphia. He can be reached via email at: jtobin@jewishexponent.com.

have told me of their profound disappointment, grief and despair. Kerry conceded. We as citizens and present and future leaders (that means you) have a profound and basic duty to register this anger and angst. Remember it well. But do not let it sour you to what must happen next, for we need your intellect, insight and energy to continue the push for change. And as Jews who have always been a minority--always--we also are prisoners of hope. We survive and adapt and get ready for the next fight. We bear a responsibility to channel this sense of loss--not just of the election, but of the hope that we could be, for once, in the majority of those calling for a new day. And as Americans, we will not let this win be distorted into something other than a barometer of a wounded and divided nation. It is not a mandate for the religious right to take over public institutions, to erode further the separation of church and state, to deny civil liberties, to allow back alley abortions to return, to drop more bombs.

So my wonderfully passionate son: breathe. For the real work begins today. And there are many who are ready to keep working for change. Roll up your sleeves, for the next campaign has already started and we need you. Our new friend Al Vorspan once said: “Judaism without that passion is an oxymoron, a contradiction in terms, a failed mission, an exhausted promise.” Passion is part of our tribe’s social DNA; it forever fuels us to fix the world. In the past month Sam and some friends have resurrected the Young Democrats Club at North High. David’s lingering rage is still smoldering, but the Bible Quiz study of Leviticus has taken on new meaning as the cornerstone of his Jewish values. For in eight more years and eight after that, they will be the emerging generation of leaders for change. So I tell them: How can we not keep pushing the boulder up the hill? There is still so much to do, right here, right now, together. Dr. Magda Peck can be reached at: magdapeck@hotmail.com.

...besides elitist arrogance, it also reflected the deep fears that many Jews have about living in a world where faith is paraded openly in the political arena.

What Do We Tell Our Children?

METAPHORICALLY SPEAKING by DR. MAGDA PECK Last month Al Vorspan, the Emeritus Senior Vice-president of the Union for Reform Judaism and Emeritus Director of its Commission for Social Action, was in town to reignite and reclaim our faded social justice souls. After Friday night services and a sermon to knock your socks off, about two dozen of us grabbed coffee and headed to Temple’s social hall to catch the second half of the presidential debate. Our sons had been glued to the first debate and caught most of the conventions. It was sweet to watch elder son Sam next to Al, their heads tilted together as he exchanged sidebars with one of the great social justice champions in the country. This year was their first real campaign of the heart. Sam can’t vote till 2006, and David’s December birthday puts him six weeks too late for 2008, but they were more engaged than most Americans. They listened to NPR. They read the New York Times. They laughed out loud at Jon Stewart’s “Daily Show.” David defended himself daily on the bus against taunts. His political t-shirts were rebuked by some peers who called him a baby killer ‘cause he was pro-Kerry. As soon as he got his license, Sam put a fresh bumper sticker on the car to match the yard signs They both saw themselves as a key part of the Youth Vote. But no matter how much they helped

Nancy Thompson’s campaign or how many doors they knocked on in Council Bluffs that last night in the cold rain, their candidates came up short. They were Blue kids in a Red State who couldn’t help turn their own town the slightest shade of purple. Sam woke at 4 am the day after the election. “I’m not sick,” he said softly, sadly. “I just feel terrible...in my stomach. I think it’s just anxiety.” We huddled on the couch talking, watching the returns until dawn. David’s e-mail to me from high school at mid-day was full of angst: “Am I the only one who is outraged by these results? Please tell me you are not going to let another election be stolen, please help me write a letter to people who will listen, telling them to fight this.” What do we tell our kids when it seemed like there was a chance for change, but now there isn’t for a while? What do we say when it feels so wrong it hurts; it’s out of our control and our votes don’t seem to matter? What do we tell them the day after the election and the day after that? And what do we do with our own sense of grief and despair about what some of us believe is darkness ahead for a nation driven by fear? In an e-mail back to Dave, this is what I said: My son whom I love with all my heart: You are not alone in your outrage. There are almost 50% of the country’s voters who agree with you and me that it is time for change. But because it is almost 50% and not more, it is not enough to mandate change. I have spoken with people all morning who

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Neighborhood Minyan Torah Learning Center 1313 No. 58 St. Omaha, NE 68132 553.5397

Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org

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November 19, 2004

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.

Office Hours: MondayThursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free Babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Harry Wolfson in honor of his birthday; Mincha, 4:45 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:46 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 6:45 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 6:45 p.m. 350 YEARS OF HALACHA IN AMERICA MONDAY, 7 p.m: Rabbi Gross will discuss “The Life and Teachings of Omaha’s Rabbi Zvi Hersh Grozinsky and other American Orthodox Leaders.” WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY: The Synagogue office will be closed for Thanksgiving. THURSDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 6:45 p.m. SISTERHOOD DONOR Make plans to attend Sisterhood’s Annual Donor Event, “Who’s Raising Your Child?” Tuesday, Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m. featuring divine desserts and discussion on the influence of advertising on children. Proceeds from the evening will go toward purchasing a playground for the synagogue. Contact the synagogue office for more information or to make reservations.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Members of USY will participate in the service. Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; K’tantan (K-2), 10:45 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Janie and Allan Murow in honor of their 25th wedding anniversary; Evening Service, 4:50 p.m. Sitter Service is available during Friday night and Saturday morning services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Weekdays, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY, 10 a.m.: Jewish Pot Pourri Class in the synagogue library, join teacher Susi Frydman-Levin for a class offering a little bit of everything Jewish: from music and literature to history and traditions. Bible Study Class, 11 a.m., led by Leonard Greenspoon; Hebrew Crash Course, 11:10 a.m. led by Susi Frydman-Levin. For more information or to make reservations for classes, contact Harriet Einziger. BESTT FAMILY HANUKKAH PROGRAM Sunday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to noon: BESTT students and their families will be treated to the school’s first-ever Family Hanukkah Program. During the morning, kids and their parents will take part in a variety of Hanukkah games and arts and crafts, and enjoy latkes and sufganiot in the Latke Cafe! CONGREGATIONAL HANUKKAH DINNER Friday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m.: a festive congregational Hanukkah dinner will feature a musical program by Cantor Gastón Bogomolni, plus games and prizes for all. The dinner will include Lucy White’s famous fried chicken and of course, latkes! Cost is $9.50 for adults; $5 for children 5-12; free for children under age five. For reservations, please send a check (payable to Beth El), as well as your seating preference, to Beth El, 14506 California St., Omaha NE 68154. AN EVENING WITH RABBI HAROLD KUSHNER As part of its 75th anniversary celebration, Beth El Synagogue welcomes back renowned author and speaker Rabbi Harold Kushner on Sunday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m. Best known for his international bestseller, When Bad Things Happen to Good People, Rabbi Kushner will speak about “Three Ideas the Jewish People Can Teach the World.” This special presentation is free and open to the entire community; however, as a courtesy, those planning to attend are asked to call the synagogue office.

BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Family Shabbat, 7 p.m. at the synagogue. SUNDAY: Religious School, 3-5 p.m. at the JCC.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Mamarim class, 9 a.m.; Services, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. Mishneh class, 9:30 a.m. MONDAY: Services, 7 a.m.; Halacha, “Walking the Walk” of Jewish Law, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: Services, 7 a.m.; “W.O.W: Strength and Majesty, 9 a.m. Women only; babysitting available upon request. WEDNESDAY: Services, 7 a.m.; Kabbalistic Journeys, 7 p.m. THURSDAY/FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m. FRIDAY, NOV. 26: Shabbat Dinner at Chabad House, 5:30 p.m. Events and programs are open to the community. For information or to register, call 330.1800.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in Lincoln two weekends a month. Please call her at 402.416.2321 or e-mail her at dstiel@everestkc.net to set up an appointment. FRIDAY: Camp Shabbat, 7:45

Candlelighting Friday, November 19, 4:43 p.m.

p.m a Shabbat for the young and the young at heart! Join us at Camp Shabbat, where our special guest, Zim Zimmerman, director of Shwayder Camp, will talk about how Jewish camp helps students explore Jewish traditions and values. Temple kids who have attended camp will talk about their own experiences, and scholarship information will be available from Jaine Graham. Oneg following provided by David and Julie Wunibald. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Stiel; Maxwell Street Klezmer Band, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel in Omaha; Youth Group Laser Tag at Laser Quest, 8 p.m. SUNDAY: Hebrew School, 9 a.m.-Noon; NOVA presents “Ancient Refuge in the Holy Land”, 7 pm. at Mary Riepma Ross Media Center, 313 No. 13 St.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Andrew Greenberg.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:30 p.m., Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Craig Marantz and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. Rabbi Azriel will give the sermon. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by the family and friends of Melanie, Samantha and Sarah Long in honor of their B'not Mitzvah, and by the friends of David Rice in honor of his conversion. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Melanie, Samantha, and Sarah Long, daughters of Ellen Long, will celebrate their B’not Mitzvah at Shabbat Morning Services. SITTER SERVICE: Available at each Friday evening service, Saturday mornings when there is a bar or bat mitzvah, as well as Sunday mornings when there is Religious School. Please make a reservation through the Temple office. Cost is $2 per family. Sorry, there are no facilities for infants. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, Nov. 21, 10:15 a.m.Noon: Hebrew for Beginners. Register for Hebrew for Beginner, taught by Colleen Kennealy. TUESDAY, Nov 23, 7-8:30 p.m.: Jewish Journey Group-Looking Through a Different Set of Lenses: Creation, Revelation and Redemption in Judaism and Christianity, led by John Dacey. MAKE IT A KLEZMER NIGHT TO REMEMBER Saturday, Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m.: The Maxwell Street Klezmer Band, founded in Chicago in

1983, will bring a kaleidoscope of colors, moods, and an old-fashioned spirit of fun when they perform their show of traditional Jewish music. The concert is sponsored by Temple’s Music Fund and a donation from Fred and Eve Simon. Adult tickets are $15 at the door. Student tickets are $5. COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING INTERFAITH SERVICE Wednesday, Nov. 24, 7 p.m.: Temple Israel will join neighborhood clergy and their congregations in an hour of choral singing and messages of Thanksgiving designed for both children and adults, at First United Methodist Church, 7020 Cass St. To donate baked goods for a dessert reception, please call Sandy Passer, 330.4289. EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO ASK A RABBI Tuesday, Nov. 30, 6:15-8 p.m.: Rabbi Mordechai Levin of Beth El Synagogue and Rabbi Jonathan Gross of Beth Israel Synagogue will participate with Rabbis Azriel and Marantz in a panel discussion, during the Basic Judaism and Family School classes. The four rabbis will answer questions from those attending, and will cover topics ranging from conversion to the separation of church and state.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN AT TLC FRIDAY: Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; followed by Kiddush Luncheon and Mincha, 12:34 p.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, MONDAY & THURSDAY, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Family Learner’s Service, 10:15 a.m. SUNDAY: NOVA presents “Ancient Refuge in the Holy Land”, 7 pm. at Mary Riepma Ross Media Center, 313 No 13 St. or watch the program on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 8 p.m. on Nebraska ETV Network. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066. PROJECT LINUS Miriam Wallick, Lea Weiss and Henie Kamil have contributed 20 blankets to Project Linus for children hospitalized in Nebraska. The women have added small knitted dolls made by Ruth Goldenberg and Charlotte Orloff. To join the group or for more information, call the synagogue office at 423.8569 or Henie Kamil at 423.7048.

JEWISH PRESS NOTICE College students can enjoy a free subscription to the Press; just email your name, address at college (don’t forget dorm or suite number), city, state and zip to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.

November 19, 2004

Make a Difference!

SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Vayetze Our Sidra has quite a few unusual incidents and word pictures. One of them at the very beginning is the Ziggurat, which was commonplace in the ancient world, (including Semites), an artificial mound which people would mount in order to be closer to God for prayer. This is what has come to be called Jacob’s ladder, for in his dream, he saw steps going up towards heaven with angels descending and ascending, and he realized this was a holy place. “A holy place, and I knew it not!” Here, incidentally, is the starting point for an eloquent sermon, that every place is holy if we make it so. This place Jacob called Beth El, a House of God. We are not impressed by Jacob’s oath at this point, where he says that if God will give him food to eat and raiment to put on, then, then, the Lord will be his God. Jacob proceeds eastward and he came to the place that he knew Laban, his uncle, lived and he went to the well, the usual place to meet people. He asked about Laban, and the shepherds answered that indeed they knew Laban, and look here, there is Rachel, Laban’s daughter, coming with the sheep. There is a delightful play on words here. Without the vowels, the word would be exactly the same, as it is for example in the Torah itself. In printed Bibles, of course, the same letters yield on the one hand, “he watered the sheep,” and on the other hand, “he kissed Rachel.” There is a long story here, of Jacob’s confrontation with Laban, and Bible-readers are expected to enjoy how Laban, the deceiver, is indeed deceived by Jacob, who is even more clever and resourceful. At any rate, Jacob marries here two wives: Leah and Rachel, and their handmaidens, Bilha and Zilpa, and he becomes the father of 12 sons and a daughter. When Jacob realizes that he is not really welcome here, he flees without telling Laban, but Laban pursues and overtakes him. Laban upbraids Jacob and ends his admonishment with, “Why did you steal my gods?” Now we learn that Rachel had hidden them in the camel’s cushion and sat upon them. When Laban now searches all of Jacob’s belongings, Rachel says she cannot let herself be searched because “after the manner of women is upon me.” All this having ended, Jacob and Laban now make a treaty over a pile of stones that neither of them will pass this pile of stones to do harm to the other. The stones are called Gilead, the “heap is a witness.” An interesting name is given here for the God by whom Jacob swears. It is called the “Pachad” of his father Isaac, that is to say, the revered one or the fear of his father, Isaac. Thus the encounter of Jacob and his father-in-law/uncle ends and Jacob continues on his way south and west to the land of Canaan. Now you have forgotten why this short explanation was called “Make a Difference.” It is because the first verse of our Sidra says that Jacob left Beersheva on his way to Haran. The Midrash says that many people have left Beersheva. Why mention only Jacob? And the answer is that when he left, the town was obviously diminished by his absence. Therefore I entitled this little piece, “Make a Difference.” You don’t have to leave, but either by special talents, intellect, or obvious decency and brotherhood, wherever you are, “Make a Difference.”

To Submit an Obituary Notice: Send full name, age, date of death, location of service and burial site to the Jewish Press via e-mail: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; fax, 402.334.5422; or mail, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68114. Survivors shall be listed, including names of surviving spouse, sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, sons, daughters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren and their places of residence; the numbers (but not names) of great-grandchildren, as well as the name of the spouse or children who preceded the deceased in death. The cause of death may be included, if authorized by the immediate family. In cases where confusion might arise due to people of the same name either being the deceased or a survivor, maiden names or middle initials shall be added, if known. Nieces and nephews shall be listed when there are no surviving children or grandchildren. Friends of the deceased (companions or life partners) shall be listed. Other pertinent biographical information (including honors or the serving as an officer in a Jewish organization) may be included at the Editor’s discretion. Memorial suggestions are acceptable to any bona fide, charitable organization; addresses will be included to out-of-state non-profit organizations, if provided.

Winners Announced in Press Hanukkah Coloring Contest by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press The first three children to submit their drawings for the annual Jewish Press Hanukkah Coloring Contest are: Megan Kahn, age 8, daughter of Tom and Becki Kahn; Aaron Priluck, age 11, son of Dr. Ira and Sheila Priluck; and Zev Randone, age 6, son of Eve and Jared Randone. They will all receive gift certificates to the Bookworm in Countryside Village. And the winner of the contest, whose drawing will be reproduced on the cover of next week’s Hanukkah Gift Guide--is nine-year-old Lindsey Yoneda, daughter of Deb and Steve Yoneda. Lindsey attends Picotte Elementary School, where she’s a fourth-grader. Congratulations to the winners--and to all those who entered this year’s contest--please try again next year!

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DEATHS DEAN FRANKEL Continued from page 1 Barbara; son and daughter-in-law Drs. Harris and Janice Frankel; daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Evan Kleeberg of Chicago, IL, five grandchildren: Sarah, Emily, Hannah and Samuel Frankel and Maximilian Kleeberg; and mother-in-law, Ruthie Nogg. Memorials to Beth El Synagogue or charity of choice. BEVERLY MORRIS Beverly Morris died Nov. 9 at the age of 81. Services were held Nov. 21 at Golden Hill Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Dr. Haskell Morris. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Allen and Cindy Morris; daughter and son-in-law, Diane and Dr. Philip Rich; daughters, Rosalind Morris of Chicago, IL., and Stephanie Morris of Northern California; grandchildren, Dan Alyssa and Jessica Morris, Adam and Jessica Rich of Kansas City, Brandon Rich and Jason Rich, Ayom Siengo of Chicago, and Zoe Morris of Northern California; and a sister, Louise Lefitz of Los Angeles, CA. Memorials to the University of Nebraska Memorial Foundation Haskell Morris Scholarship Fund, Beth El Synagogue or the American Diabetes Association. THOMAS MULNICK Thomas Mulnick died at the age of 55. Services were held Nov. 14 at Beth El Cemetery. He was preceded in death by parents, Sonia and Harry Mulnick. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Howard and Linda Mulnick; nieces and nephews, Lisa and Doug Cornet and Denise and Joe Saniuk; and three great nieces and nephews. Memorials to Beth El Synagogue. STANLEY DIAMOND Stanley Diamond died at the age of 73. Services were held Nov. 16 at Beth Israel Cemetery. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Myrna; daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Clif Mitchell of Des Moines, IA; grandchildren, Matthew and Lindsey; sister, Shirley Trachtenbarg of Arizona; and brother, Iz Diamond of Atlanta. Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. FAYE GENDLER Faye H. Gendler, died at the age of 87. Services were held Nov. 17 at the chapel of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, followed by interment at Beth Israel Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her husband, Irving; and sisters, Rosie Krockover and Shirley Rosenberg. She is survived by her son, Michael Gendler; daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Richard Canfield; grandchildren, Jill Canfield and Daniel Canfield; sisters, Minnie Shafton and Hannah Aizenberg. Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

PERSONAL I would like to thank my family and friends for their phone calls and cards during my recent convalescence. Sheff Katskee

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November 19, 2004