Vol. LXXXV No. 11 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 84 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
Israel Says: Come Visit!
After Decades of Exclusion, Magen David Adom Expects Change
A hard hitting campaign by the Ministry of Tourism to encourage tourism to Israel from the United Kingdom begins this month with advertising in the national press and television. Among other media possibilities, some London taxis have been specially prepared with slogans to find out more about holidays in the country. The emphasis will be on Eilat, the Dead Sea, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The Ministry of Tourism hopes that the public will respond to the significant
demand for winter sun holidays away from the long northern European winters. In the first eight months of this year there was a 7% increase in the number of tourists coming to Israel from the UK over the same period in 2004. In Ireland over the same eight-month period there was an increase of 81%. Overall, the first eight months of this year have shown an increase world-wide of 25% in tourism to Israel over the Copyright: ISRANET same period in 2004.
Founder of Builder’s Supply Dies
Bestselling Author Judith Viorst to Speak at Jewish Book Fair Luncheon
by JOAN K. MARCUS Maurice Udes, the owner of what was Omaha’s largest construction company suppliers, died Nov. 15 at the age of 83. Services were held Nov. 17 at Temple Israel with burial in Temple Israel Cemetery. Udes was originally from Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He was an avid football fan, tennis player and sometimes enjoyed scuba diving. However, he was best known for his prowess on the ballroom dancing floor. He and his wife, Joan, were winners of many contests. They even built a dance Maurice Udes floor in their homes. His circle of Omaha dance friends often remarked, “It’s like a dance club in the basement!” He was a leader, even in college, when he won a speech contest while attending Purdue University. He graduated with a degree in electrical engineering and went on to serve three years in the Army Field Artillery during World War II. After the war, he took a job with Lyon Metal Products in Omaha. However, the demand for housing in Omaha was great and materials were hard to get. He said, “Finding building materials was more of an acquisition contest than a sales contest.” In 1951, Udes started Builder’s Supply in an old coal yard site at 24th and Fort Streets. The company first sold lumber and later branched out into millwork. He Continued on page 15
Inside Opinion Page see page 12
by GARY KATZ Library Administrator The acclaimed bestselling author of Forever Fifty and Suddenly Sixty, Judith Viorst will be speaking at the Jewish Book Month luncheon on Thursday, Dec. 8, 11:45 a.m. in the JCC Auditorium. The cost is $15 and reservations are required. Viorst now tackles the ins and outs of becoming a septuagenarian with her usual good humor in her latest bestseller, I’m Too Young to Be Seventy: And Other Delusions. Readers will nod with recognition when she asks, “Am I required to think of myself as a basically shallow woman because I feel better when my hair looks good?” and when she graciously--but not too graciously--selects her husband’s next mate in a poem subtitled “If I Should Die Before I Wake, Here’s the Wife You Next Should Take.” Viorst is also the author of Necessary Losses which appeared on The New York Times best-seller list for two years as well as the award-winning children’s classic Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Following the luncheon, she will sign copies of her recent book in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. For more information contact the Kripke Jewish Federation Library at 334.6462 or gkatz@jewishomaha.org
This Week: Monthly Calendar: Pages 8-9 YJO Celebrates Awards, Role in Community: Page 3
Part IV of JTA’s Tainted Teachings: Page 7
23 Cheshvan, 5766 November 25, 2005
by CHANAN TIGAY NEW YORK (JTA) -- Riding the coattails of Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, Magen David Adom appears to be on the verge of securing full-member status in the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies after close to 60 years of exclusion. On a recent visit to Israel, Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey announced that she would shortly convene a conference at which signatories to the Geneva Conventions would consider an amendment calling for a neutral emblem. That would smooth the way for Israel to shed its observer status in favor of full partnership in the international association. “It’s been long overdue,” said Arye Mekel, Israel’s consul general in New York. “It’s the new and improved atmosphere” following the Gaza withdrawal. Arab opposition has shut Israel out of the organization for years. The fledgling Jewish state’s candidacy was rejected during the Geneva Convention in 1949, which insisted that new aid groups adopt the Red Cross emblem. Among the major stumbling blocks has been Arab and Muslim states’ refusal to accept the Magen David, or Star of David, as an official symbol, despite the inclusion of the Islamic Red Crescent. The changes to be discussed early next month in Geneva include creation of a new, neutral emblem to be used by member states that do not wish to use the cross or crescent. The new symbol would be a red crystal, a square resting on one of its corners.
A new Red Crystal symbol would help Magen David Adom become a full member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Above are a possible version of the Red Crystal, left, and the symbols of MDA, center, and the Red Cross. The MDA--for whom full membership could mean increased funding in addition to resolution of its diplomatic isolation--will be free to display the Magen David either inside or next to the red crystal when its members work abroad. The MDA has come close to securing membership in the International Red Cross before. Following several decades at arms length, the group inched closer to the international organization in the late 1990s. The rapprochement has gained steam with staunch support for MDA from the American Red Cross -which since 2000 has withheld dues to the international body to protest Israel’s exclusion -- and from the U.S. Congress, which has passed a series of measures demanding that MDA be granted full membership. The upcoming conference is “a positive step toward reaching universality for the Red Cross movement,” Marty Evans, president and CEO of the American Red Cross, said in a statement. “We are hopeful that a diplomatic conference will adopt” the amendment, “thereby paving the way for MDA to become a full voting member of the movement.” While Israel’s image recent boost probably helped MDA’s cause, the agency’s status has been improving for several years, said Yonatan Yagodovsky, director of the International Department of MDA in Israel. He cited several other countries as having been particularly active on Israel’s behalf, including the United States, Norway, the United Kingdom, Jordan, France, the Netherlands, Canada, Turkey and Bulgaria. Continued on page 2
Coming Next Month: Annual Hanukkah Issue on Dec. 16 Omaha Writer Interviews Former Huskers’ Coach: Page 11
Early Elections for Israel: Page 16
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 25, 2005
Founder of Rabbis for Human Rights Gives Stimulating Public Lecture at South Street Temple in Lincoln Gary Kuklin
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by TIFFANY DALTON LÓPEZ for Congregation B’nai Jeshurun Lincoln’s South Street Temple hosted a lecture on Nov. 9 with the founder of Rabbis for Human Rights-Rabbi David Forman, author and long-time human and civil rights activist. He has held many other leadership positions including Director of the Israel Office of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, Reform Judaism’s “embassy” in Israel, where he worked to encourage religious pluralism. His long, distinguished career Rabbi David Forman in human rights began in 1964, when Rabbi Forman joined the Freedom Riders in challenging the South’s Jim Crow laws. Rabbi Forman’s lecture for members of Congregation B’nai Jeshurun and members of the Lincoln community focused on “Morality and Security in the State of Israel.” His talk about this most contentious issue, fraught with difficult paradoxes, was simultaneously poignant, funny and thought provoking as it posed many challenging questions. And while he admits that the answers to these questions are not always easily found, Rabbi Forman feels it is nevertheless imperative that we ask them. As Israelis live in a daily struggle to balance the issues of security and morality, Rabbi Forman asserts that the most pertinent question to be asked is not the oft considered one of “Who is a Jew?” but rather, “What is a Jew?” and further, “How should he behave?” In other words, it is incumbent upon us to look within ourselves and within our tradition to find our moral compass when attempting to achieve this difficult balance. We must find a balance in the quest to define morality as well, said Rabbi Forman. He reminded the audience of the July 23rd 2002 air strike in Gaza which killed Hamas leader Salah Shehade and 14 bystanders. According to Rabbi Forman, intelligence information indicated that an imminent cyanide bombing was being planned by Shehade, and was thwarted by the airstrike. If the strike had not taken place, and hundreds of Israeli citizens had been killed, would the same moral culpabil-
ity for the death of innocents then rest with the Israeli government? Rabbi Forman said that this presents an interesting metaphor – if we were to “go comparison shopping in an ethical mall,” chances are we would find other states in the region, and even in the wider international community, who commit with impunity human rights offenses that would have Israel being raked over the international coals were she to do the same. Israel, in Rabbi Forman’s view, is often held to a double standard. Yet, he states, we cannot allow ourselves to be the lowest common denominator--we as Jews must hold ourselves to a single standard, a higher standard. As we consider the grave and admittedly real threats to our security, he reminded the audience at the South Street Temple to consider our role as a people “having inherited a prophetic vision of social justice.” That means we must remember the admonition of our texts to be mindful of our past oppression, and to protect those who are weaker or alien to us. While it is vital to assure our security, Rabbi Forman stated, “we must ask ourselves to what extent we shall affront human dignity and repress human rights in the name of security,” and that, “It is precisely when one’s security is threatened that the greatest test of moral integrity comes.” Where does such a slippery slope begin? Even as the high courts of Israel tackle issues such as the Security Fence and the use of human shields, they have issued rulings that acknowledge the necessity of considering individual rights and freedom while protecting security. Jews are guided by the biblical command in Deuteronomy: “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” Rabbi Forman points out that the word “justice” is repeated to remind us that in our tradition just ends are only as just as the means by which they are pursued. The bottom line, according to Rabbi Forman is that we simply cannot assure our security at the expense of the human rights and dignity of others. In Rabbi Forman’s words, “Even under the most difficult circumstances, we must protect the soul of Israel, even as the body of Israel is being trampled.” The lecture closed with a reminder of the Talmudic teaching, “Upon three things does the world rest; upon justice, upon truth and upon peace. And the three are one. For when justice is done, truth prevails and peace is established.” (Ta’anit 4:2)
Magen David Adom Expects Change Continued from page 1 Sources say that Pakistan, which had been a leader in “The wedding invitations were sent, and I hope that opposing MDA’s inclusion but recently has taken severthere will be a positive resolution in about two weeks in al steps toward Israel and the American Jewish commuGeneva,” Yagodovsky said. nity, now is more likely to support the move. Jewish A working committee was created in 1999 to look into leaders and American officials have raised the issue with clearing the impasse. An amendment to the “third pro- Pakistan over the last few months. tocol” that would have allowed Israel to fully join the Most recently, four U.S. senator--Hillary Clinton (Dgroup’s ranks was written, and observers expected it be NY), Elizabeth Dole (R-NC), Chuck Hagel (R-NE) and Joseph Lieberman (D-CT)--sent a letter to Calmy-Rey adopted in October 2000. When the Palestinian intifada broke out in September in support of her decision to convene the December 2000, however, the political situation it created once conference. Passage of the new measure will affect not only Israel; again stymied MDA’s efforts. The recent Israeli withdrawal from Gaza has met with Kazakhstan and Eritrea both have significant Muslim widespread support around the world, and Israel, Jewish and Christian populations and have been reluctant to leaders, and some European Union and other nations take on either the red cross or the red crescent symbol. Observers note that there’s no guarantee MDA will be see the current moment as ripe for a deal. accepted. The move still This is “a politically propiFormer Lincolnite, Daniel R. Allen, Executive Vice must be passed by Geneva tious time for Switzerland to signatory convene a diplomatic con- President of American Friends of Magen David Adom, said, Conventions ference and put forward the “We are appreciative of the great efforts by the Bush and nations that include Iran, said Clinton administrations and the American Red Cross that will whose president recently protocol,” third Andrew Srulevitch, director result in a December diplomatic conference in Geneva for the called for Israel to be of the Conference of sole purpose being to agree that Israel’s Magen David Adom destroyed. of Major Society can join the International Red Cross as a full member. But the observers note that Presidents American Jewish Magen David Adom has served the causes of humanity ably Switzerland -- the depositoOrganizations’ department without regard to religion, race, or politics for 75 years in ry state of the Geneva of international affairs. “On Israel and around the world. We hope that MDA’s proposed, Conventions -- has been its face, there’s no legitimate long overdue admission into the International Red Cross is a consulting with many of these nations over the last reason for the MDA to be hopeful sign for peace for all peoples.” American Friends of Magen David Adom--ARMDI--is few months, and say it’s excluded in principle. It has to be done in a way that is the only authorized tax-exempt fundraising organization in the unlikely the Swiss would call United States supporting the life saving efforts of MDA in the summit if they weren’t politically feasible.” Since the Gaza pullout, Israel. In the past five years, AFMDA/ARMDI raised over $90 convinced the measure some Muslim countries that million to purchase medical supplies and ambulances for would pass. previously opposed recog- MDA in Israel. American Friends of Magen David Adom- “We are pretty much at the nizing the Star of David ARMDI provided 110 ambulances to MDA Israel in 2004, of entrance to the new era,’’ have signaled a willingness which 49 were specially-equipped MICU’s (Mobile Intensive Yagodovsky said. Care Units). to revisit the issue.
November 25, 2005
YJO Celebrates Awards, Role in Community
More than 100 young Jewish Omahans attended the 2005 YJO Leadership Awards on Nov. 17 at Ironwood Country Club. “This was a terrific way to kick off our program year,” said Sharon Kirshenbaum, Young Leadership Director. “Stay tuned for more activities.” During the evening, Phil Schrager presented Julie Phillips the Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Young Leadership Award, and Michael Miller received the Bruce Fellman Memorial Young Leadership Award from Tom Fellman. The cocktail supper event, sponsored by the Frances and Norman Batt Family Fund, featured an appearance by the mind-bending, spoon-bending Israel-born illusionist Ehud Segev--nicknamed “The Mentalizer.”
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Celebrating the awards and JYO’s role in developing leadership in the Jewish community are, from top left: Ellie Batt, Stacey Rockman, Ehud Segev and Beth El’s Cantor Gaston Bogomolni, Julie Phillips accepting the award from Phil Schrager, Julie and her husband, Dr. Eric Phillips, Lori Miller and her husband--award winner Michael Miller, David Kohll, Mike and Jill Erman, and Darlynn and Tom Fellman. For more information about JYO programs, contact Kirshenbaum at the Jewish Federation office, 334.6485 or e-mail her at: skirshenbaum@jewishomaha.org. Information can also be found at the Fedration’s website: www.jewishomaha.org.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
HUC Rabbi to Talk to Temple Teachers on “Teaching Children of Interfaith Families” by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Rabbi Sam Joseph, professor of Jewish Education and Leadership Development at Hebrew Union CollegeJewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio, returns to Temple Israel, Dec. 2-4, as educator-in-residence. He was here last year and again in August of this year. At that time, he began a discussion on “Teaching Children of Interfaith Families.” Recognizing that Jewish religious school teachers on a national level face different issues in the classroom than in the past, Rabbi Joseph noted that “the Reform Movement wants to be welcoming. So teachers have to be sensitive, aware, and open.” On Friday, Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m., Rabbi Joseph will attend a dinner in honor of Temple’s religious school teachers after the Shabbat worship service. On Saturday, Dec. 3, 1 p.m., Rabbi Joseph will speak at a strategic planning session with Women of Reform Judaism. At 3 p.m., he will meet with Temple’s Board of Trustees and staff for strategic planning with them. On his last day here, Rabbi Joseph will address Religious School teachers again on “Teaching Children of Interfaith Families” at a Sunday, Dec. 4, 9 a.m. teachers meeting followed by a get-together with Temple’s madrichim, teenage classroom aides, at 10 a.m. At 10:30 a.m., he’ll share bagels and conversation with Temple’s 4B’s group on the topic, “How to Talk to Your Kids about Gossip, Bad Language, and Jokes.” “They keep me busy,” Rabbi Joseph quipped. He added that Temple Israel “is a great congregation and I’m looking forward to returning.” “Each time Rabbi Joseph comes to Temple Israel, he gets to know our congregation better,” according to Katherine Finnegan, Religious School Steering Committee chair. This familiarity enables him “to deliver insight and direction that is invaluable to our professional and lay leaders as they strive to deliver the highest quality Judaic programming to meet our congregants’ needs.”
Rabbi Joseph’s residency is sponsored by the Margaret and Arnold Robinson Family Jewish Education Fund.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 25, 2005
For Fourth to Sixth Graders, Beth El Chaverim Group Plans Ice Skating Outing
Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group To Explore Importance of Ethical Wills
by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator The Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah (BESTT) Chaverim Youth Group is planning some icy cold fun during its upcoming ice skating party on Sunday, Dec. 4, 1-3 p.m., at the Tim Moylan-Tranquility Ice Plex, 12550 West Maple. The get-together will take place during the open, public skating session, and parents have been asked to drop off and pick up their children at the rink. According to BESTT Education Director Judy Rubin, skaters of all skill levels are welcome; she also noted that there is a railing around the entire rink, lending support for beginners. All Jewish fourth through sixth graders from throughout the metro area are welcome to attend. Cost for the activity is $8 for members and $10 for nonmembers (fee covers admission, skate rental and a dairy or vegetarian snack from the concession stand). Reservations are needed by Nov. 28, and may be made by contacting Rubin at eddir@ bethel-omaha.org, or Youth Director Jamie Skog, youthdir@bethel-omaha.org.
by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator We’ve all been told about the importance of writing legal wills, those which help to distribute our tangible estates after our deaths. But how many of us have ethical wills, those documents which carry advice to loved ones about living fulfilling, charitable and enriched lives? Beth El’s Women’s Rosh Hodesh group will discuss the importance of capturing emotional and spiritual legacies on paper, at its upcoming meeting on Monday, Dec. 5, at the synagogue. Social hour begins at 7 p.m., followed by the 7:30 p.m. meeting. “Ethical wills can and should be written by all ages, from young to old,” said Evie Mitchell, who is co-hosting the get-together along with Jan Wayne. “We invite every woman from Beth El to help us explore this interesting and compelling topic, and hope to inspire each attendee to create an invaluable gift--her wisdom and guidance--that may be passed from generation to generation.” To RSVP, contact Mitchell at 333.7668, or via e-mail, at evmit@cox.net.
Getting in the Mood for Camp by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator From all accounts, Summer in Winter Day at Temple Israel earlier this month was a big success as second through sixth grade religious school students donned
way to get kids to want to go to Jewish summer camp. My favorite part was the s’mores part.” Alex, who is 11, has signed up for his first summer at Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI) in Wisconsin. Mallory Rogers, a fourth grader, liked “the dancing
their summer camp attire and participated in camp activities such as relay races, Israeli dancing, watching a video about Israel, and making s’mores. Alex Fox, a sixth grader, said, “I thought it was a good
the best.” The whole morning “was pretty fun,” she said. “We learned a lot about Israel,” said the 11-yearold who will go to camp at OSRUI for the first time, too, next summer.
Temple Teens to Hear Speaker on Saving Lives from Suicide by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15 to 19-year-olds, taking the lives of 4,000 young Americans every year. To address this tragedy, Temple Israel’s Middle/High School will host Dave Carlson, director of Yellow Ribbon in Omaha. He’ll speak to seventh through 12th graders and their parents Wednesday, Nov. 30, 6:30 p.m., at Temple. Yellow Ribbon is a community-based program that involves everyone from parents to clergy to mental health Dave Carlson professionals and the teens themselves. Everyone is encouraged to get involved, because everyone is affected. The goal of Yellow Ribbon is to save lives through the simple message: “It’s OK to Ask for Help.” By teaching basic life skills, helping parents talk with their teens about teen suicide, and letting people know it’s OK to talk about the issue of suicide, lives are saved, according to Carlson who has been an Omaha police officer since 1982. Carlson has been a police field training officer, accident investigator, selective enforcement motorcycle officer, and has worked in uniform patrol where his duties included answering 911 calls. Officer Carlson is a drug recognition expert instructor as well as a field sobriety testing instructor. He also conducts alcohol and drug awareness classes at schools throughout the metropolitan area. “Ten to 14 year-olds are the fastest growing group of teen suicides,” said Carlson. He will share his own family’s personal story of losing his youngest son, Thomas, at the age of 13, to suicide in December 2003. His presentation at Temple will be “a heart-to-heart talk,” he explained. “The subject of teen suicide and depression should be talked about,” emphasized Carlson. Every year, several teens die of suicide in Omaha. Carlson believes that talking about it helps saves lives. “Teens need to hear this message over and over again.” There are Yellow Ribbon Programs in all 50 states and in 47 countries. The program at Temple is funded by the Lazier Singer Memorial Fund through the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.
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November 25, 2005
“One Woman’s Impact on the English Language” THE HISTORIAN’S F OOTPRINT by OLIVER B. POLLAK A pet peeve can turn into an instant migraine. Like the scraping of fingernails on a black board (admittedly an almost outmoded format), it sends a shuddering schrei throughout the body. My wife, Karen, not at my urging, has become the self-appointed grammar police for the improper use of the word “impact,” and its illegitimate progeny, “impacted,” “impactful,” and “impacting.” It is a small portion of the English language, two or three syllables, but its misuse results in the decay and derogation of the English language, and decline needs to be arrested. This essay is written in the spirit of Strunk and White’s revered The Elements of Style (illustrated edition appeared this year, and soon to be an opera), Fowler’s Modern English Usage, Lynne Truss’s, Eats, Shoots & Leaves, The Zero Tolerance Approach to Pronunciation, and Ken Smith’s Junk English, among others. None of these tomes are blind or deaf to the remarkable flexibility and plasticity of the English language, but they seek to preserve our language from distortion. We have been writing for over 55 years, and still buy these little primers to keep us in tune. We are reminded not to lose good habits. Plus, these books are a hoot. I recall the difficulty was once distinguishing between the proper use of effect and affect, which was admittedly more difficult than distinguishing between there and their, and then and than. Now the problem is between effect and impact. The culprits include National Public Radio staff and the people they interview, commercial radio and television, lawyers, newspapers, solicitations, advertisement, professors and students. I know the proper use of impacted. I had a wisdom tooth pulled in San Diego while in the Navy in 1965 just before getting married. I acquired a lifelong taste for lentil soup. The other three wisdom teeth were removed, again, courtesy of the Navy, in Yokosuka by a female Japanese dentist. “Impact” did not rise to the notice of Fowler or Strunk and White; it was not
yet a problem. It did not become a problem until about 1990 when my local bar association newsletter contained an article that was grammatical assault and battery: “Legislation Impacting the Omaha Bar.” Searching Lexis-Nexis for the appearance impacted, impactful, and impacting in major newspapers discloses that the words were used 98 times in 1980, 664 times in 1990, and well over 1909 times in 2000. The execrable “impactful” rose from one mention in 1980 to 92 uses in 2000. I googled the word and had fun. Here is part of the harvest from Chicklit Forums: The Chicklit Society for the of Words (www. Protection chicklit.com/cgi-bin/ ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=14;t= 000033;p=0): “Lord. Someone at work used the word “impactful” in an explanation about the new layout. This was in writing, even, where I had to look at it over and over again. Agh! Who comes up with these things? What is wrong with effective?” Guardians of the word are in good company. In February 1994 NPR newscaster Mara Liasson noted that her pet peeve was “using impact as a verb.” If a print or radio reporter misuses “impact” my wife is on the phone to the editor or emails the NPR Ombudsman. On April 7, 2005, the afternoon Omaha World Herald business section led with the headline “Deal Impacts Mutual of Omaha.” Karen was quickly on the phone. The lines and satellite beams sizzled politely. The following morning, April 8, there was a newspaper in our driveway. We do not subscribe to the morning paper and it was not the Monday of a three-day weekend when there is no afternoon paper. The WorldHerald delivered a courtesy copy. We opened the paper and there was a rewritten headline, “Deal Affects Mutual Workers.” I applaud Karen as a woman of valor, as my proofreader, but am not sanguine that she will prevail in her mission to eliminate the misuse of impact, but even little victories are sweet. Historian, author and attorney Oliver B. Pollak can be reached at: OBPI@aol.com
Beth Israel Book Club to Discuss As a Driven Leaf by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue The first meeting of a new book club at Beth Israel will be held Wednesday, Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Jonathan Gross will lead a discussion of Milton Steinberg's novel, As a Driven Leaf. A self-described bibliophile, Gross has always loved to read and collect books. “Wherever I’ve lived, I’ve been a part of a book club,” said Gross. “I have a large library at home and enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for the books I’ve read. I’m very happy and proud to participate in the book club at the Kripke Library and thought it would be worthwhile to offer an additional book club in the evening at Beth Israel.” Gross selected this book for a number of reasons. “Although it’s fiction, ‘As a Driven Leaf’ is based on historical characters found in the Talmud,” he explained. “I read the book for the first
time when I was about 13- years-old. It brought the story to life and piqued my interest. This novel will inspire readers to want to learn more and further explore the Talmud.” Steinberg’s book was published in 1939 to critical acclaim, and reissued in 1996 with a foreword written by Chaim Potok. It is a popular choice among book clubs and adult education programs. According to Gross, As a Driven Leaf is also a readily accessible book. “You can find it at local bookstores or order it online. I think everyone will be able to obtain a copy without too much trouble. Anyone in the community who is interested in joining our book club is welcome; I’m really looking forward to meeting with others to discuss it.” For more information, please contact the office at 556.6288 or BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Beth El Synagogue...
Thank You To Everyone Who Contributed to the Success of Our 75th Anniversary Year!
75th Anniversary Program Chairs General Chairmen Jim Fried and Joanie Jacobson A Weekend with Ron Wolfson Pam and Bruce Friedlander Sibby and Bob Wolfson Diamond Anniversary Gala Cheryl Cooper Ann Goldstein An Evening with Rabbi Harold Kushner Julie Potash Vicki Sanford The Newcomers Shabbat Patty Nogg Pour-Em Shpiel Margie Gutnik Roxanne Kahn Anniversary Cantor’s Concert Diane and Larry Malashock
“Living an Ageless Story” Chairman, Ellene Edelstein “Jacob’s Ladder” Barbara Rennard “Joseph’s Coat of Many Colors” Karin Levine “Miriam and The Women” Susi Frydman-Levin and Ozzie Nogg “Jerusalem of Gold” Julie Phillips “Best of Beth El” Joanie Jacobson Beth Friedman Reception Bobbie Epstein Melissa Schop Generations of Beth El Families Shabbat M’Lee Hasslinger Promotions Andy Greenberg
Volunteers
Jill Belmont, Cantor Gastón Bogomolni, Lena Bogomolni, Devra Bram, Judy Brookstein, Daniel Canfield, Daniel Christensen, Eunie Denenberg, Steve Denenberg, Beth Seldin Dotan, Jean Duitch, Amy Durmaskin, Jeff Dworkin, Ellene Edelstein, Julia Edelstein, Sam Edelstein, Sarah Edelstein, Harold and Etta Epstein, Helen Epstein, Tuffy Epstein, Jim Fried, Bruce Friedlander, Pam Friedlander, Alan Friedman, Beth Friedman, Lois Friedman, Michael Friedman, Sandy Friedman, Jeff Gates, Carol Gendler, Michael Gerson, Emily Giller, Darlene Golbitz, Jeremy Gooden, Sandy Gordon, Frances Gottlieb, Andy Greenberg, Carole Greenberg, Caryl Greenberg, Nancy Greenberg, Margie Gutnik, M’Lee Hasslinger, David Herzog, Dacia Jabenis, Sylvia Jess, Becky Kahn, Bob Kahn, Marcel Kahn, Gloria Kaslow, Jerry Katskee, Sindie Katskee, Esther Katz, Andi Kavich, Chelsea Kavich, Colleen Kennealy, Alana Kinarsky, Alyssa Kirshenbaum, Kylie Kirshenbaum, Anna Kohll, Sam Kohll, Sharon Kooper, Lori Kooper-Schwarz, Rabbi Myer S. Kripke, Deborah Kronick, Janie Kulakofsky, Harriet Kutler, Cheryl Lerner, Rabbi Mordechai Levin, Susi Frydman-Levin, Tali Levin, Arielle Levine, Diane Malashock, Larry Malashock, Linda Mann, Noam Margalit, Ruti Margalit, Evie Mitchell, Stan Mitchell, Gary Nachman, Don Nogg, Ozzie Nogg, Patty Nogg, Donna Olesh, Ophir Palmon, Roni ReiterPalmon, Shir Palmon, Michael Parsow, Eva Phillips, Lilly Phillips, Marcia Pitlor, Steve Pitlor, Barb Platt, Michael Popkov, Merle Potash, Steve Riekes, Nancy Rips, Judy Rubin, The Kenneth Sacks Family, Kelli Sadofsky, Mark Sanford, Eliana Schuller, Yaffa Podbilewicz-Schuller, Sol Schwartz, Andee Scioli, Bruce and Anne Shackman, Ben Shapiro, Matt Shapiro, Melissa Shapiro, Sherry Shapiro, Nancy Skid, Alex Solomon, Lydia Stern, Mindy Tene, Talia Tene, Marilyn Tipp, Steve Tipp, Eadie Tsabari, Judy Tully, Anna Turetsky, Jerry Venger, Jerry Wasserman, Phyllis Wasserman, Esther Wax, Joye Wees, Holly Weill, Harry Weiner, Maya Wertheimer, Barb Widman, Stan Widman, Samantha Wiener, Sibby Wolfson, Elina Yurikov, Naomi Zipursky
Staff
Rabbi Mordechai Levin, Rabbi Emeritus Myer S. Kripke, Cantor Gaston Bogomolni, Larry DeBruin, Blanche Wise, Judy Tully, Harriet Einziger, Judy Rubin, Jeanne Shechet, Jill Belmont, Lisa Reeves, Lucy White, Dean Meyers
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November 25, 2005
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Community Invited to See “Herzl Up Close” at Temple by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator “Herzl: Up Close and Personal,” an exhibition celebrating the life of Theodor Herzl, the visionary of the Jewish state, on the 100th anniversary of his death, will be displayed at Temple Israel, beginning Tuesday, Nov. 29 through Sunday, Dec. 11. Twenty-four panels introduce the social milieu of Herzl’s formative years. Born in 1860 in Budapest to an affluent intellectual Jewish family, he was educated at the University of Vienna, admitted to the bar in 1884, and shortly afterward turned to writing. He became a journalist and a playwright. The exhibit traces the development of Herzl’s identity as a Jew who felt very much at home in the intellectual life of enlightened Europe at the end of the 19th century. All his life, Herzl had faced the anti-Semitism of fellow students and professors. At first he advocated assimilation. But as a newspaper correspondent covering the 1894 Dreyfus trial, he realized that it was not Dreyfus the army captain, but Dreyfus the Jew who was on trial. Herzl began writing down his ideas as he tried to put them into action. His Judenstaat (The Jewish State) was published in 1896. He called for a Zionist congress which later created the World Zionist Organization. Herzl was elected its first president. He died in 1904 and his remains were eventually laid
New Community-Wide Group Established to Bring Jewish College Students Together by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator With the goal of keeping both Jewish college students and recent graduates active in the Jewish community, a new group, the Omaha Jewish College Students’ Union (OJCSU), has been formed to bring young adults together. The brainchild of University of Nebraska-Omaha sophomore Robert Mosenkis, OJCSU will hold its first event on Friday, Dec. 2, 6 p.m., at Beth El, where attendees will come together for Shabbat services, followed by a festive Shabbat dinner in the social hall. All young Jewish adults from throughout the metro area are invited and encouraged to attend; there is no fee to join the group, nor is there a cost to attend the dinner. Saying “this is a great way to stay involved in the Jewish community and to keep in touch with and make new Jewish friends,” Mosenkis noted around 100 young adults have been tapped as potential group members. “Originally, we were planning on starting a Hillel at UNO, and knew there already was a Jewish Student
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Union at Creighton; then we decided that for this to make sense we might as well encompass all local metro universities,” said Mosenkis, who is working with fellow organizers Jeff Gates and Trevor Gerson. In addition to invitees from UNO, Creighton, Bellevue University, the College of Saint Mary’s, Metropolitan Community College and Iowa Western Community College, members of Hillel from UNL will be joining in OJCSU events, he said. “This first event is meant more for people to just meet, get to know each other, discuss ideas for future events and basically for people to see that there are a significant number of Jewish college students around,” Mosenkis said. Future get-togethers include more Shabbat dinners, a Hanukkah party, and other social and educational activities to be determined during a brain-storming session at next week’s kick-off event. To make reservations or for more information, please contact Mosenkis at 968.7013 or via e-mail at rmosenkis@hotmail.com; or Trevor Gerson at 301.5312 or via e-mail at eliezer1510@yahoo.com.
It’s Tough to “Pass the Apron”
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to rest on Mt. Herzl in Jerusalem in 1949. Fifty years after the first Zionist Congress and 44 years after Herzl’s death, the State of Israel was proclaimed. With Hanukkah next month, Jews are reminded that establishing Israel was a great victory against overwhelming odds, like the triumph of the little army known as the Maccabees in 165 B.C.E. Viewers of the exhibit are asked to reflect on their own evolution of self-identity and its implications for Jewish continuity. Those who see the exhibit are encouraged to examine the general society in which they live in regards to their own Jewish community and the broader non-Jewish world. ARZA, the Association of Reform Zionists of America, the Zionist arm and voice of the Reform Movement in the United States, which champions activities that enhance Israel as a pluralistic, just, and democratic Jewish state, is presenting the Herzl Exhibit. You can register to vote for the ARZA slate in the 35th World Jewish Congress elections on line at www.VoteReform Judaism.com or pick up a paper registration form at the office. Registration continues until Feb. 15, 2006. All adults (who are 18 by June 2006) are eligible to vote. The exhibit’s showing is also funded by the Margaret and Arnold Robinson Family Jewish Education Fund. Rosie Zweiback, Temple Israel program director, said, docents will guide visitors through the Herzl Exhibition which is open to the community and free of charge.
It’s the season when I know I have to defrost my freezer to make room. Of course the kitchen and dining room aren’t the main reminders of this “yomtov”, but being a Jewish woman those things come to mind as Thanksgiving arrives. And, amazingly, something or other frequently reminds me of my late parents at this time of year. I have many childhood memories of what it was like with grandparents present, but I find that mostly my nostalgia is centered on holidays with my own family around my parents’ table. I love to remember how we seated the kids, admonishing them to “sit quietly while Grandpa makes kiddish”. And I really can hear him and recall how sweet his voice was. Sometimes I think about that and am afraid I’ll forget how he sounded, but if I’m very still and close my eyes, his voice comes back to me. My dad really enjoyed all the holidays and I think having my brother’s family and mine at his table was one of his particular pleasures. Not long ago, another family gathering brought back sweet memories--it was the celebration of a 65th anniversary. The celebrants were surrounded by their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and the love between them was so obvious you could actually feel it. Of all the beautiful words spoken about the couple and their lives, the ones that touched me most came when the host asked the assembled family and friends to join him in saying a shehecheyanu. It was exactly what my dad would have done and often did when the occasion prompted him. It’s a bracha that brings him back to me, if only for a few precious moments.
My mom. If I say I don’t think too many days go by when I don’t think of her, if only for a second, I wouldn’t be exaggerating. Maybe I see a beautifully set table, complete with shining silverware and sparkling wine glasses to compliment lovely china and my first thought how she would admire it. She truly kvelled over her holiday table, having taken meticulous care with every detail. The time spent over every morsel of food, from the gefilte fish to the mouthwatering pastry was a real labor of love. Long after she shouldn’t have been doing as much as she did, she continued because “I might not be able to do this next year.” The time came when we compromised: I did the secular holidays meals and she did those known as yomtov. I wish I could tell her how I’m beginning to understand how hard it was for her to give up her traditional role of hostess. How, no matter how much work it is, it’s still tough to “pass the apron” on to the next generation. Oh yes, the holidays always bring my folks back, if only in memory. This year will be the first without my brother, and that won’t be easy. In recent times, mostly we’ve only managed to be together at Passover, but it was a very special seder when he was at my table or I was at his. He could do a nice job of kiddish too, but he’d be the first to admit it “didn’t sound like Dad”. Yomtov. Memories. Tears. Children. My dad’s new white necktie. My mom’s beautiful face, wreathed in smiles as she surveyed her crowd and waited for the the accolades she knew darn well were coming! Yomtov isn’t the same, nor can it ever be. We have made our own traditions and while it’s wonderful to gather the clan and go through the familiar patterns, I can’t help but remember how it once was. Having said all that, I won’t forget to be grateful for how it is now; I know just the bracha to express that appreciation. Bert Lewis can be reached at BertLewis39@aol.com.
November 25, 2005
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
National Resource Centers at Center of Debate over Title VI legislation
by JTA STAFF REPORT NEW YORK (JTA)--U.S. lawmakers and academics are engaged in fierce debate over the renewal of Title VI of the Higher Education Act. Under Title VI, select universities get federal funding and prestigious designation as national resource centers for the study of places and languages the government deems vital for meeting global challenges. The legislation was first enacted in 1958, during the height of the Cold War, as part of the National Defense Education Act. Its purpose, according to its framers, was to ensure “trained manpower of sufficient quality and quantity to meet the national defense needs of the United States.” National defense, according to current Department of Education publications, “remains central to the programs 40 years after their inception.” Critics seeking to amend the legislation contend that universities often promote anti-American and anti-Israel biases and do not merit federal funds that were intended to serve American interests. Many academics worry that restrictions will violate academic freedoms. While Title VI may have had a noble purpose, it does not work in practice, according to Middle East scholar Martin Kramer. He analyzed Middle East studies centers and the work of the Title VI national resource centers in his 2001 book, Ivory Towers on Sand-The Failure of Middle Eastern Studies in America. Kramer was the first to charge that, using Title VI monies as a base, many Middle East studies departments pushed an anti-American, anti-Israeli, anti-Semitic and pro-Palestinian agenda on students and faculty. This “group think” required obeisance, Kramer said, to what he described as the anti-Western “post-colonialist” beliefs of people like Edward Said, the late Palestinian activist and Columbia University professor of comparative literature. At the same time, these academics denigrated the work of prominent mainstream Middle East scholars, such as Bernard Lewis, the Princeton University professor emeritus, as too pro-Western. Kramer wrote that these departments encouraged a world view in which instruction about Israel is twisted and degraded, while instruction about the United States elim-
inates positive and patriotic references. The negative emphasis often found in these departments is like “teaching about the United States through the lens of what happened at Abu Ghraib prison” in Baghdad, said Sarah Stern, director of the Washington office for governmental and public affairs of the American Scholar Martin Kramer is the Jewish Congress, which author of the book Ivory formally protested Title VI Towers on Sand--The Failure of educational practices to Middle Eastern Studies in the U.S. Department of America. Credit: Stan Barouh Education. “And it’s teaching about Israel through the lens of Deir Yassin,” she said, referring to an infamous battle during Israel’s War of Independence in which Jewish militias allegedly murdered Arab civilians. In written testimony submitted to Congress in 2003, the then-director of Georgetown’s national resource center on the Middle East, Barbara Stowasser, and a colleague, defended the work of Georgetown’s national resource centers. “We have had scholars working at our centers who have come to differing conclusions on an array of issues, as one would expect in an academic setting which is premised on the principle of academic freedom and the belief that rigorous research and serious intellectual discussion are important to informing both our students and others who benefit from contact with the work of our centers. “We would make the point, however, that in the process, our centers’ work has been balanced and reflective of diverse views,” they wrote. Legislation introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives this session by Rep. Patrick Tiberi (ROhio) would create an advisory board to observe the workings of Title VI and report to Congress. Academic associations oppose the legislation as an attack on free speech and academic freedom. The House Committee on Education and the Workforce recently passed the legislation as part of the Higher Education reauthorization bill, but it has yet to pass the full House. In the Senate, Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) attached a different version of the legislation to the Higher Education reauthorization bill. The Senate version does not include an advisory board provision, but it does require a survey of national and defense agencies to determine what they most need from the university community, with the
assumption being that it is Arabic speakers. The Senate version also requires an objective grievance procedure if university students feel they're being discriminated against. It also requires schools to show how many students who have studied in these resource centers actually go into national security and defense fields. The House and the Senate are now slated to try to resolve the different versions of the legislation.
California Requires Textbooks to Teach Religion with ‘Respect’ by SUE FISHKOFF SACRAMENTO, CA (JTA)--Sixth-graders in America’s most populous state will soon learn that Romans, not Jews, crucified Jesus. The lesson could have been different had some of the textbooks approved by California this week gone through in their proposed form. But when the California state board of education voted Nov. 9 to adopt new social studies textbook for elementary and middle school students, it required nearly 1,000 edits and corrections to be made to the materials. As a result, students will also learn that the biblical story of Exodus commemorates national liberation, not Jewish tribal unity; and that the Jewish God is a god of justice and mercy, not just reward and punishment. Far from the spotlight of the public debate over evolution and intelligent design in science textbooks, a lesspublicized battle was being waged for months over the religion content of social studies and history materials. In its meeting, the state board of education voted unanimously to adopt 10 publishers educational programs, including textbooks and related materials. Two publishers’ materials were rejected for not meeting state standards. Close to 200 of the nearly 1,000 edits and corrections had been put forward by the Institute for Curriculum Services, a project of the San Francisco Jewish Community Relations Council, which spent months reviewing all 12 of the proposed educational programs for bias against Judaism or inaccuracies in their depiction of Jewish history. Getting the coveted seal of approval from California means big money to educational publishers. California is the nation’s largest purchaser of school textbooks, and schools throughout the state may use public funds to purchase approved programs. Not only do other states often follow California’s lead in their own adoptions, but as one board of education member noted at the meeting, publishers “write for our state.” The sixth-grade program submitted by Oxford University Press had been rejected in September by the state curriculum commission largely because of complaints of bias and factual error by the Hindu and Jewish communities.
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November 25, 2005
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All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the below events.
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SUNDAY, NOV. 27 Living Hebrew Class and Bible Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Prayer Class and Jewish Potpouri, 11 a.m. at Beth El Sunday Story Time, 2 p.m. at Kripke Library “Let’s Talk About It: Jewish Literature” 4 p.m. at UNO MONDAY, NOV. 28 Derekh Torah Course, 7:30 p.m. TUESDAY, NOV. 29 “The Guy & Bob Show,” noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Adult Education, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel WEDNESDAY, NOV. 30 PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El “Rashi with Rachel”, 11 a.m. JYG Event for Grades 7/8, 5 p.m. at Temple Israel THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1 Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Walk-in Drop-in, 10a.m. Rabbi Levin’s Class, noon at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Live from the 92nd St. Y with Elie Wiesel, 7 p.m. OTYG Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel ADL Youth Leadership Mission, 7:30 p.m.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4 “Living Hebrew” with Susie Levin and Bible Study with Leonard Greenspoon, 10 a.m. at Beth El Scholar-in-Residence Sam Joseph for Adult Education 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Hebrew Club with Uri Levin, 11 a.m. at Beth Israel Prayer Class and Jewish Potpouri, 11 a.m. at Beth El BESTT Chaverim, 12:30 p.m. at Beth El Let’s Talk About It: Jewish Literature, 4 p.m. at UNO Live from the 92nd St. Y with Martha Stewart, 6:30 p.m. MONDAY, DECEMBER 5 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. Beth El Rosh Chodesh Group, 7 p.m. Derekh Torah Course, 7:30 p.m. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6 WRJ-O Cooking Program & Luncheon,11:30 a.m. at Temple Israel ADL Manhigim Institute, 4 p.m. Friedel Executive Committee Meeting, 5:30 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Adult Education, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel NCJW Member Event, 7 p.m. at That Pottery Place Friedel Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2 Ima and Me, 10:30 a.m. at Chabad House Teacher Dinner with the Scholar, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel Scholar-in-Residence Sam Joseph, 7:30 p.m. at Temple
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7 Spice and Spirit Cooking Club, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Beth Israel Business Ethics Lunch & Learn, noon, at the Office of Joe Kirshenbaum Edward Zorinsky B’nai B’rith Bible Quiz, 6 p.m.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 Scholar-in-Residence Sam Joseph, 9:30 a.m. at Temple Israel BELLS, 12:30 p.m. at Beth El Board of Trustees Retreat, 2 p.m. at Temple Israel BBYO New Member Inductions and Overnight, 7 p.m.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8 Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Rabbi Levin’s Class, noon at Beth El Jewish Book Fair Luncheon with Judith Viorst, noon Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9 Ima and Me, 10:30 a.m. at Chabad House Fifth and Sixth Grade Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El SATURDAY, DEC. 10 Men’s Club Poker Night, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel BBYO WRC Hype Up Overnight, 7 p.m. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 “Living Hebrew” with Susie Levin and Bible Study with Leonard Greenspoon, 10 a.m. at Beth El BESTT Annual Latke Party, 10 a.m. December Dilemma, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel WRJ-O Baking, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Prayer Class and Jewish Potpouri, 11 a.m. at Beth El Yachad Mitzvah Holiday Gift Baskets, noon Camp Sabra Meeting, 12:30 p.m. Kripke Library Chanu-kids, 3 p.m. New Member Reception, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel MONDAY, DECEMBER 12 NCJW Book Club, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13 Federation Executive Committee Meeting, 5:30 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Adult Education, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14 PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Rabbis and Presidents Meeting, 11:30 a.m. B’nai B’rith Banquet Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21 PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El NCJW Board Meeting, noon Yachad Hanukkah Party, 6 p.m. at the home of Becki Brenner THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22 Thursday Story Time, 10 a.m. at the Kripke Library Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23 Ima and Me, 10:30 a.m. at Chabad House Hanukhah Service and Dinner, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16 Ima and Me, 10:30 a.m. at Chabad House Friedel Latke Sale and Luncheon, 10:30 a.m. Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El Hanukkah Shabbat Dinner, 7 p.m. at Beth El
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24 JCC CLOSED at 7 p.m. JYG & OTYG Event, 5 p.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25 JCC H & PE OPEN, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Chinese Dinner & Movie, 6 p.m. at Beth Israel
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 25, 2005
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IN THE NEWS Manischewitz announced that the company will introduce a new line of Pareve (non-dairy) cake mixes. The announcement follows the recent news that Duncan Hines has discontinued its popular Pareve cake mix line. The new line of Manischewitz Pareve cake mixes were introduced at Kosherfest on Nov. 15-16 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. Initially the line will consist of Extra Moist Yellow and Chocolate Pareve cake mixes, with other flavors to be added over the next few years. “Manischewitz is constantly looking for ways to meet the needs of today’s consumer,� says Jeremy J. Fingerman, President and CEO of R.A.B. Food Group, LLC owners of the Manischewitz brand. “We decided to introduce a new line of Pareve cake mixes when we realized that the kosher consumer needed a simple and delicious solution for their everyday pareve needs. These products will also appeal to consumers that are lactose intolerant.� For more information about these and all the Manischewitz products, log onto www.manischewitz.com. MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger announced a total of $13,000 in grants to two Nebraska hunger relief organizations today. An $8,000 grant to Lincoln Interfaith Council will provide continued support of 12 congregation-based food pantries, providing food and case-management services to more than 21,000 individuals each year. The Council also operates the Multicultural Rice Voucher program, which provides low-income households among the Lincoln’s large Middle Eastern and southeast Asian communities with an important and familiar food source. A $5,000 grant to the American Indian Council in Alliance supports the group’s food program, which serves hungry Lakota Indians and other low-income people in the region. In 1985, MAZON was founded as a national nonprofit organization that raises funds from the Jewish community and allocates them to organizations that alleviate and prevent hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds. MAZON granted a total of $1,460,000 to 149 hunger relief organizations in the United States, Israel and other countries this fall. ACT (formerly American College Testing program) is looking for outstanding secondary school teachers to participate in a summer program designed to help develop and evaluate ACT’s test materials and classroom support materials. ACT’s Visiting Teacher Program seeks four teachers from middle school, junior high or high school with experience teaching minority students. Started in 1995, the Visiting Teacher Program brings
teachers from across the United States to ACT’s national headquarters in Iowa City, IA. Secondary school science, mathematics and language arts teachers are eligible for the program. Earth/Space science teachers and minority teachers are especially encouraged to apply. The six-week program begins June 19 and runs through July 28, 2006. Teachers will receive a stipend of $5,500 and round-trip transportation between their homes and Iowa City. ACT will secure and subsidize housing for the visiting teachers. Teachers will be asked to pay approximately $1,050 in rent for their entire stay. To apply, teachers need to submit a completed application, available online at ACT’s website at www.act.org/path/secondary/visit.html. The deadline for applications is Dec. 30, 2005. CNN host and former news correspondent Anderson Cooper will headline the ABC Breakfast Speaker Series Wednesday, Nov. 30, 7 a.m. The event, sponsored by the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), will be held at the Holiday Inn Convention Center, 72nd and Grover. Tickets are $12.50 each and may be purchased by calling 402.554.2981. Cooper currently anchors the CNN news program “Anderson Cooper 360,.� In that capacity, he has covered a wide range of breaking news stories for the network, including the Space Shuttle Columbia explosion, the D.C.-area sniper case and the war in Iraq.
BIRTH Bridget and Craig Solomon announce the Nov. 4 birth of their daughter, Nicole Heather. Grandparents are Charlotte Bernstein and Sid Solomon of Pompano Beach, FL.
ORGANIZATIONS BREADBREAKERS Bob Wolfson will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Nov. 30, noon, at the Regency Lodge, according to Gary Javitch, chairman. The ADL Director will discuss his visit to Germany to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Nuremberg Trials. Cost is $11 for a complete lunch and $3 for beverage service. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638. VISIONS Board Meeting is Friday, Dec. 2 at 9:30 a.m. in the Blumkin Home conference room.
November 25, 2005
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
Frank Solich: “I’m doing fine” Celebrate Hanukkah by GARY JAVITCH Head coach Frank Solich strode into the post-game press conference with only a hint of a smile on his face. His Ohio University Bobcats had just smacked around Ball State University to win their third straight home game at Peden Stadium in Athens. That victory evened his Mid-American Conference record to 2-2. What’s more, his victorious team scored a season high 38 points behind a great rushing attack to win by 17 points against the harried Cardinals. Since his appointment as head coach, Ohio fans have been expecting great things from the former Cornhusker coach, and they have not been disappointed. Moreover, they are patiently willing to give him the time to turn around their perennial cellar dweller status. And even at 34 overall, Solich’s popularity has soared. He has already recorded a number of “firsts.” His recent dramatic triumph over Pittsburgh in overtime, occurred during Bobcat’s Gary Javitch with Bobcat Coach Frank the first-ever nation- Solich, following his 38-21 victory over the televised Ball State University Cardinals. ally regular season Credit: Joel Javitch contest and took place before the largest-ever home audience. It was a complete sell-out. One very happy fan in the crowd, Dr. Tom Littler, described how Frank has revitalized the team. “The coach has created interest in OU football in Columbus and Cleveland, and that has not happened in a long time,” the optometrist said. That should also be good for recruiting.” For recruiting, the university has highly touted Coach Solich and pictured him in an ad campaign that acclaims, “Got Frank. got team. got tickets?” Still, Solich modestly passes around praise for his success. The last press conference question came from me. When asked by this reporter if he had any message for his admiring fans from Omaha, his voice choked a little and he replied” I had a great career at Nebraska and I enjoyed the fans, the teams and the coaches.” In private, he added that he gets many emails and letters weekly from back home. Another world away from Big 12 football, Solich knows he has a big challenge ahead of him. Nevertheless, the typically low-key coach has gotten off to a solid start, and has already earned the support of the community, his colleagues, and his players. For those reasons alone, he should soon have a bigger smile. At press time, Solich’s final game of the season was to be played on Monday evening against perennial rival Miami (Ohio). Currently, he is 4-6, which is equal to the Bobcat’s last year record at this date.
Mother Chapter AZA #1 Names New Sweetheart
at Beth Israel with Kosher Chinese Dinner and Movie Scavenger Hunt by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue Come to Beth Israel to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with a fabulous feast and a fun film and movie scavenger hunt. The festivities will begin Sunday, Dec. 25, 5:30 p.m. “Due to a ‘connection’ with a terrific kosher Chinese food restaurant in Teaneck, New Jersey, we have the opportunity to have the meals shipped to us here, in Omaha,” stated Beth Cohen, Beth Israel Executive Director. “Rabbi Gross is a native of Teaneck and discovered that one of his favorite hometown restaurants would be willing to take a very large ‘to go’ order from us.” Dinner is being ordered from Chop Stix, a glatt kosher Chinese restaurant. Earlier this year, Beth Israel member Toba Cohen-Dunning ordered food from Chop Stix. “We were having Rabbi Gross over for dinner earlier this year, and I asked him for suggestions about where I might order some kosher Chinese food,” she explained. “Chop Stix was great! The food arrived on time and heating it up was a breeze. The food was crisp; nothing was soggy. Our dinner was wonderful. Honestly, from start to finish, the whole experience was magic.” In order to arrange for the entire order to arrive in time for the Dec. 25 event, all dinner orders must be placed with Beth Israel’s office by Thursday, Dec. 15. The food will be shipped to Omaha, frozen, and then heated for the dinner. If you are unable to attend the event, you can still place an order. In such cases, the food will be kept frozen, and the pick-up day will be Dec. 26. Following the Dec. 25 dinner, a family friendly movie will be shown. According to Beth Cohen, “A film has been selected that is appropriate for children and enjoyable for adults. Since we’re going to hold a movie ‘Scavenger Hunt’ while watching the film, the title of the film is a surprise.” To place an order and make reservations, please call 556.6288 no later than Dec. 15.
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Crockpot Cooking Coming Up at Temple Israel
Earlier this month, Mother Chapter AZA #1 held its 72nd Annual Sweetheart Dance “In the Jungle” in the tent at Champions Club. The havdallah service was followed by a pizza and pasta buffet dinner. A local band, “Planet Boom” played live music for the remainder of the evening. More than 120 people filled the room for procession, the formal ceremony introducing all the candidates and honoraries and then naming the new sweetheart. Emily Giller, left, is the new 2005-06 sweetheart, pictured here with Alyson Friedman, 2004-05 sweetheart. Emily is the 15year-old daughter of Barb and Stuart Giller and is a sophomore at Millard North High School. She is Vice-president of Ediar BBG #710.
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator “The slow cooker, aka the crockpot, is making a big comeback--and the timing couldn’t be better,” according to Robin Vitetta-Miller, a contributing editor for Cooking Light Magazine. “Our lives are busier, crazier, more stressed than ever,” reports Vitetta-Miller who has a master’s degree in food and nutrition. “We want our meals to be fuss-free, yet we still yearn for homecooked, long simmered, rich flavors.” Voila! The crockpot! Just when you need to figure out what to do with all those Thanksgiving leftovers and what to make for Hanukkah, Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) is planning “Crockpot Comfort Cooking” on Tuesday, Dec. 6, noon, at Temple Israel. With recipes to make your life easier and a lunch to sample some of the chosen favorites, WRJ is also offering “a crockpot of your dreams filled with kitchen gadgets” to be raffled at the lunch. Cost for lunch is $8--or you can be a “crockpot queen” and buy lunch and three raffle tickets for $18. Otherwise, raffle tickets are $3 each or two for $5. RSVP to the Temple office at 556.6536 by Wednesday, Nov. 30. You need not be a member of WRJ or Temple Israel to attend. Everyone is welcome.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 25, 2005
As Long As We’re Giving Thanks Six months ago, we ran an excerpt from an editorial in Denver’s Intermountain Jewish News, “What Rummikub, Windows NT and Grocery Scanners Have in Common.” With information provided by the Israeli Consulate in Los Angeles, IJN’s editorial staff published a long list of accomplishments by Jews in Israel. Having just celebrated Thanksgiving yesterday, we thought it was appropriate to print the rest of that editorial. According to the IJN, Israel, the 100th smallest country, with less than 1/1000th of the world’s population, can lay claim to: • Both Microsoft and Cisco built their only foreign-based research and development facilities in Israel; • Epilady, an electric hair removal system, was developed by Yair Dar and Shimon Yahav from the Goshrim kibbutz; • The program ICQ, which is the technological basis for the AOL Instant Messenger, was developed in 1996 by four young Israelis; • A design submitted by Israeli-born Michael Arad was chosen for the World Trade Center Memorial from among 5,000 entries around the world; • Disk on Keye--a portable, virtual hard disk--was developed by the Israeli company M-Systems; • The Israeli company Wondernet is currently dominating the world market in document signature authentication; • The first computer anti-virus software package was developed in Israel back in the 1970s; • The Israeli company Retalix created the grocery scanners used at Costco, Albertson’s, 7-11, and 25,000 additional stores throughout the United States; • Israel has the highest number of personal
computers per capita in the world; • Israel has the highest number of unversity degrees per capita in the world; • Israel produces more scientific papers per capita than any other nation by a large margin-109 per 10,000 people; • Per capita, Israel has the largest number of start-up companies in the world. In absolute terms, Israel has the largest number of startups, except for the U.S. Per capita, Israel has the largest number of bio-tech start-ups; • With more than 3,000 high-tech companies and start-ups, Israel has the highest concentration of high-tech companies in the world--except for Silicon Valley; • Israel is ranked #2 in the world for venture capital funds, right behind the U.S.; • Outside the U.S. and Canada, Israel has the largest number of companies listed on the NASDAQ; • Israel has the highest average living standards in the Middle East; per capita income in 2000 was more than $17,500, exceeding the United Kingdom; • Relative to its population, Israel is the largest immigrant-absorbing nation on earth (and it’s about to get higher, as Israel absorbs the remaining Falas Mura population from Ethiopia); • Israel has the
world’s second highest supply of new books per capita; • Israel has more museums per capita than any other country; • Israeli scientists developed the first fully computerized, no radiation diagnostic instrumentation for breast cancer; • An Israeli company developed a computerized system for ensuring proper administration of medication, removing human error from medical treatment; every year in U.S. hospitals, 7,000 patients die from treatment mistakes; If Iran’s President Ahmadinejad wants to wipe Israel off the map (and we assume he wants to get rid of the rest of the world’s Jews as well), he should stop using these and all the other inventions and discoveries provided by the people of the tiny country of Israel. As for the rest of us, we continue to be very grateful. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
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.
Checking the Calendar Begins at Home
ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW by JANET KOHLL Burke High School senior and tennis player Zach Muskin was lauded in a recent Jewish Press letter to the editor for skipping the Boys State Tennis Tournament because it was held on Yom Kippur. Zach deserves a pat on the back for his decision to “be true to his religion,” as the letter writer noted. The NSAA said it didn’t realize that the State Tournament fell on Yom Kippur. With all the holidays in October, it was indeed a tough month for Jewish students having to miss school and athletic events. My 11-year-old son, Sam, had to miss three basketball games and a practice because they were held either on a holiday or the Sabbath. Funny thing is, he plays for the Jewish Community Center. He plays for one of the select sixth-grade basketball teams and happens to be the only Jewish kid on the team, another irony for another day. So, for three games so far this season a group of non-Jewish kids are running up and down the basketball court with attractive stars of David on their jerseys shooting hoops on the Sabbath. What’s wrong with this picture? On the night of Shmini Atzeret, while his teammates were learning skills, Sam was home eating dinner in the Sukkah with his grandparents because it was a yontiff. The policy of the basketball program is if the “J” is open, the teams will practice. And, unfortunately, on this yontiff the “J” was indeed open. It is also the policy of the JCC basketball program that players will not be penalized for missing a practice for religious reasons. But, really, how can they not be when valuable
practice time is lost? And, for a kid who loves the game, it’s very unfortunate when you have to miss a practice or a game. This is not a criticism of Bob Franzese, director of the basketball program, who runs a top-notch operation and works personally with my family so as to give our son as many opportunities to play as possible. It is a criticism of the policy makers of the JCC and the Jewish Federation, where the basketball program is far from the only problem. The Nov. 4 Jewish Press editorial urged us to check our school calendars for conflicts with the Jewish holidays. Let’s start with the J’s preschool calendar, which held school on three yontiffs this year. While some of the JCC preschoolers were at synagogue on Simchat Torah, their classmates, many of them not even Jewish, were having their own Simchat Torah celebration with a parade and face painting. The next day, when my five-year-old son, Max, went back to preschool and realized he had missed such festivities, he was on the verge of tears. The JCC states that its mission is “to create a positive Jewish environment in which to build, strengthen and preserve Jewish identity and traditions…” Mission accomplished? A nice start in getting back to this mission would be to not have preschool, sports activities or any events on yontiffs or Sabbath. Corey Kirshenbaum, the director of the CDC and preschool, who was sympathetic to my concerns, estimates about 10 children miss preschool when it is held on a yontiff. This year, I found public school teachers to be more accommodating than the JCC. My older son’s teacher, for example, changed a poetry reading day from Yom Kippur to another day just because my son--one class member--would be absent. Even if no special events are held on a preschool day, kids at that
(Founded in 1920) Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Pam Monsky Sales Associate Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Jason Rich Sales & Marketing Intern Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Jamie Meyerson; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joe Shyken; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; Dorothy Spizman; and Melany Weinstine. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a constitutional committee of the Jewish Federation.
age love school and hate to miss out. A look ahead to my JCC preschool calendar shows that preschool will be held on two yontiffs during our upcoming Passover holiday. That needs to be changed. My family pays the same amount for preschool and basketball as other families, but, because we are following Jewish traditions, we get short-changed. Again, I ask, “What’s wrong with this picture?” As it stands now, the J is actually encouraging families to break with Jewish traditions and obligations. Unlike the folks who schedule the state tennis tournament, we can’t say we don’t know when Jewish holidays are.
LETTER TO THE
EDITOR
To the Editor: I wish the editorial published on Nov. 11, “Welcome to the Middle East, Monsieur Chirac”, was correct. Such assertions make it easier for us to identify the problem and place the blame. The unrest in France is not a result of any terrorist conspiracy. It is a result from years of prejudice and poverty endured by a minority who live without hope or care. France’s international positions are frequently veiled attempts to mollify their own persecuted minority factions. Certainly, terrorist organizations will attempt to capitalize on this unrest by attempting to recruit these youth for their own perverted causes. And Gandhi, among others, taught us that violence to achieve any means must be strongly condemned. Complicated issues deserve thought provoking discussion and not broad sweeping conclusions. Larry Gendler
Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $36 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
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November 25, 2005
Foxman: ADL Not Anti-religion, but It Is Against Religious Coercion
FOCUS ON ISSUES by ABRAHAM H. FOXMAN NEW YORK (JTA)--It’s unfortunate that David Klinghoffer sets up a number of straw men in his condemnation of my speech warning about certain efforts to Christianize America. By pointing out the various Muslim anti-Jewish activities during the week I made my remarks, Klinghoffer suggests I’m focusing on the wrong threat. In fact, the Anti-Defamation League has been at the forefront of efforts to expose Islamic extremism, if only Klinghoffer were interested. The very week that I spoke, ADL ran advertisements in The New York Times calling on the world to stand up against Iran and take concrete steps against its Islamic government in light of the call by Iran’s president to “wipe Israel off the map.” On the subject of the film based on The Protocols of the Elders of Zion being shown on Arab TV, for two years we have been working with the U.S. State Department and the American Embassy in Cairo to pressure Egypt and other Arab countries to stop airing anti-Semitic TV series. ADL regularly reports on anti-Semitism in the Arab media, keeping our Web site updated daily. In other words, Klinghoffer is engaging in demagoguery when he suggests we’re ignoring the threats from the Islamic world. Regarding evangelical support for Israel, the ADL always has encouraged it. When many in our community were raising questions about such support, we asserted that it was important--in a world where Israel has many enemies--to bolster support from evangelical Christians. We also said all along, however, that in order to achieve that support we would not abandon our principles of keeping America the kind of society in which there is tolerance and in which Jews don’t feel excluded in any way. My speech had nothing to do with Christians’ right to express their values and religious beliefs or to “influence the culture in what Christians regard as a spiritually healthful direction.” Of course they have such a right. Indeed, the ADL has been very energetic in advancing that part of the First Amendment that calls for the “free exercise of religion.” We believe religion is a critical institution and value that makes America great, and should be encouraged. I have no doubt that others, following Klinghoffer’s lead, will accuse me of all
kinds of things--being antireligious, anti-Christian, claiming that evangelicals are anti-Semitic or undermining support for Israel. None of these accusations is true. I have worked all my life to improve relations between Christians and Jews. I have not hesitated to acknowledge and comment on the significant reductions in anti-Semitic attitudes and policies by Christian churches. I have encouraged evangelical support for Israel and the free-exercise rights of all religions. What my speech did deal with, and what I believe is a new development in American life, is a desire by some groups to coerce Americans to subscribe to a narrow religious perspective that will result in exclusion, both practically and psychologically, for Jews, other religious minorities, nonbelievers and even many Christians. When the Alliance Defense Fund says “court victories are vital steps to...reclaim the legal system for Jesus Christ,” that points to its intention to threaten the pluralistic society that is at the heart of Jewish security in America. When D. James Kennedy, head of Coral Ridge Ministries, says, “Our job is to reclaim America for Christ whatever the cost and to exercise godly dominion over every aspect and institution of human society,” that’s not the America that I know. When the Texas GOP platform says the United States is a Christian nation and that the separation of church and state is a myth, that’s not merely a matter of expressing one’s religious views. When hundreds of millions of dollars of federal funds are appropriated for religious institutions without prohibitions against proselytizing, or when the U.S. Air Force Academy--a federally funded institution--is a place where Jews and other non-evangelicals feel religious coercion, then something is amiss. As the head of an organization that fights for free expression of religion, that believes religion is an important part of a healthy American democracy and that has encouraged evangelical support for Israel, I’m very aware of how important these issues are. In the long run, however, what has made American Jewish life the uniquely positive experience in Diaspora history-and what has enabled us to be such important allies for the State of Israel is the health of a pluralistic, tolerant and inclusive American society. If those who seek a coercive America would have their Continued pn page 16
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Critic: Why Does Foxman Tout ‘Menace’ of Evangelicals? To Raise More Money
FOCUS ON ISSUES by DAVID KLINGHOFFER SEATTLE (JTA)--Devoted to fighting anti-Jewish bigotry, the AntiDefamation League is America’s most influential Jewish group. So what are we to make of the weird air of unreality in the ADL’s public statements about Christians? Consider the recent address by Abraham Foxman, the ADL’s national director, to the group’s annual meeting, in which he called for a community-wide response to a growing threat. Foxman spoke Nov. 3 in New York during a week when disturbing news stories were unfolding around the world. The riots across France by immigrant Muslim youths were building to a climax. These are the same youths who have been terrorizing French Jews for the past five years--assaulting individuals, firebombing synagogues and desecrating Jewish cemeteries. The same week, Iran’s president was refusing to back down from his call to fellow Muslims to “wipe Israel off the map.” Meanwhile, TV viewers in Egypt had just spent Ramadan enjoying a new drama series based on The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, the notorious anti-Semitic hoax. If there is one religion that poses a danger to Jewish interests, it’s worldwide Islam. How strange, then, that Foxman held up the terrifying specter of, um-American Christianity. “Today,” said Foxman, “we face a better financed, more sophisticated, coordinated, unified, energized and organized coalition of groups in opposition to our policy positions on church-state separation than ever before. Their goal is to implement their Christian worldview. To save us!” Foxman warned that mainstream evangelical groups have “built infrastructures throughout the country...intend[ing] to ‘Christianize’ all aspects of American life, from the halls of government to the libraries, to the movies, to recording studios, to the playing fields and locker rooms of professional, collegiate and amateur sports, from the military to SpongeBob SquarePants.” “‘Christianize’ all aspects of American life?” This must mean that evangelical leaders want to Christianize us either by legal coercion or by inspiration and moral example. If Foxman means by legal coercion, his accusation is ludicrous. To take a contro-
versial illustration that’s in the news, Intelligent Design has drawn support from Christians (as well as others) and condemnation from the ADL. One may disapprove of letting teachers acquaint public-school students with a scientific critique of Darwinism, but I.D. in biology class is an entirely different thing from “Christianizing” American life--a phrase that calls to mind the Spanish Inquisition. If Foxman means that evangelicals would “Christianize” by inspiration and example, he’s right--but so what? By definition, to be an evangelical means to wish to influence the culture in what Christians regard as a spiritually healthful direction. Good for them. Broadly speaking, that direction is one that we Jews likewise traditionally have regarded as healthy and positive. Many classical Jewish source--the Talmud, Midrash, Maimonides and other authorities--speak of the need to bring humanity closer to the values of the One God. There is nothing exclusively “Christian” about favoring traditional marriage, lamenting the abortion culture or defending a helpless woman like Terri Schiavo. Christians are only doing what we Jews ought to do. So why vilify them? Historical Christian anti-Semitic persecution cannot fully explain modern Jewish attitudes. Surely Jews are rational enough to appreciate that we don’t live in medieval Europe, but rather in a time of unprecedented Christian philo-Semitism, especially among conservative Christians. For the needlessly heightened state of Jewish concern about evangelicals, we can’t blame the ADL entirely. Yet the group has done much to exacerbate Jewish worries. What drives the ADL to stoke our fears? Let’s be realistic. Naturally, a crusading non-profit organization needs a bad guy to give a sense of urgency to its fund-raising campaigns. The ADL has more than $52 million in yearly expenses, including Foxman’s $412,000 in salary and other compensation (according to publicly available 2003 tax information). Not bad for a non-profit. The anti-defamation professionals of the Jewish community are no dummies. Nor, I believe, are they paranoid. Or cynical. True, if these well-meaning folks are directing so much attention to the wildly exaggerated menace of Christian evangelicals, I don’t see an alternative explanation to a financial one. But this doesn’t mean the ADL leadership is corrupt. Continued pn page 16
Contact us at 330-4272, info@rbjh.com. or http://www.rbjh.com .
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 25, 2005
Candlelighting Friday, Nov. 25, 4:40 p.m.
Synagogue Listings
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
B’nai Israel Synagogue
FRIDAY: There will be no Services this week.
618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
The Neighborhood Minyan 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethlincoln.org
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to reserve space, call Allan Handleman, 334.6451.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. in the chapel. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (3-7) and K’tantan (K-2) will not be held this week; Kiddush sponsored by Beth El; Evening Service, 4:45 p.m. Sitter Service is available during Friday night and Saturday morning services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge. SUNDAY: Bible Study Class with Leonard Greenspoon, 10 a.m.; “Living Hebrew,” with Susi Frydman-Levin, 10 a.m.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah class with Cantor Bogomolni, 10 a.m.; Jewish Pot Pourri Class, 11 a.m.; “From Your Heart to God’s Ears”, led by Andy Greenberg, 11 a.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m./5:30 p.m.; Weekdays, 6:55 a.m./5:30 p.m. SISTERHOOD: Will meet on Sunday, Nov. 20, 12:30 p.m.; a light lunch will be served. PATTER: Wednesdays, 10:30 -11:45 a.m. led by Helen Epstein JEWISH VETERANS’ PROJECT: Now through Dec. 12, the community is invited to the Jewish Veterans’ Project, a pictorial exhibit, on display at Beth El. COMFORT AND CONVERSATION GROUP Wednesday, Nov. 30, 6 p.m. following minyan. This month’s theme, “Keeping Afloat” will address ways to give support to caretakers and caregivers of loved ones. Guest speaker will be Chaplain Anne Marie Aita from the Visiting Nurse Association's Hospice. An optional dinner will be available at a $5 charge; reservations may be made by contacting Program Director Margie Gutnik at 492.8550, or at programming@bethel-omaha.org. COLLEGE STUDENTS’ LUNCHEON If you’re a Jewish college stufor the dent on break Thanksgiving holiday, you’re invited to join Rabbi Levin and Cantor Bogomolni for lunch at Beth El tomorrow, following
Shabbat services. Call the synagogue office to make your reservation and plan to join us! OMAHA JEWISH COLLEGE STUDENT UNION Join this exciting new group, geared to Jewish college students, for its first get-together on Friday, Dec. 2, 6 p.m. for Kabballat Shabbat services, and Shabbat dinner. Jewish college students are invited to attend; reservations are needed by Nov. 28, and may be made by contacting Robert Mosenkis at 968.7013, or via email at rmosenkis@hotmail.com; or Trevor Gerson at 301.5312, or e-mail eliezer1510@yahoo. com. SISTERHOOD’S ANNUAL BETH EL BOUTIQUE On Sunday, Dec. 4, the community is invited to attend our annual Boutique, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the social hall. Vendors will be selling home decor, artwork, clothing, stationery, women's accessories and jewelry items; there will also be a kosher bake sale and raffle prizes awarded throughout the day. All proceeds from the event will be used to repair the synagogue’s Torahs. WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH GROUP Monday, Dec. 5 at the synagogue. Social hour begins at 7 p.m.; the formal meeting will follow at 7:30 p.m. Co-hosts Evie Mitchell and Jan Wayne will lead a discussion about the importance of ethical wills. To RSVP, contact Mitchell at 333.7668, or via email, at evmit@cox.net. ALTERNATIVE SHABBAT SERVICE Saturday, Dec. 10, the community is invited to attend our next alternative Shabbat service at 10 a.m., this service will feature a “reading theater” where congregants role-play the characters in the week’s parsha, as well as an informal Torah discussion, lead by Rabbi Levin. BESTT FAMILY HANUKKAH PROGRAM On Sunday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m. to noon, Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah students and their families will be treated to the school’s second annual Family Hanukkah Program. The morning will be highlighted by Hanukkah games, arts and crafts centers, Hanukkah-related com-
BAT MITZVAH Rachel Lauren Saferstein daugther of Lynda and Mark Saferstein and Stephanie and Michael Siedshlag will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Dec. 3, at Temple Israel. Rachel is a seventhgrade student at Lewis and Clark Middle School, and is on the Student Council. Her interests include soccer, singing, dancing, cheerleading, anything pink, shopping, and spending time with her friends. For her mitzvah project, Rachel had a two part project. She col-
lected books to donate to the Planned Parenthood Book Sale, to help raise money for their many causes. She also volunteered to read to yound children at the Child Saving Institute. Rachel has a brother, Dylan and three stepsisters, Melinda, Melanie, and Emily. Grandparents are Mary and the late Jack Saferstein, Ruth and James Cullen of Annandale, VA., Laura Beth and Ray Barr, and Jean and Duane Siedshlag.
puter programs in the computer lab and Hanukkah-cookie decorating.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:45 p.m.; “Get-Out-of-YourKitchen” Shabbat Dinner, following 4:45 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free Babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood; Early Mincha, 12:45 p.m.; Mincha, 4:45 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:43 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Contact the office for Mincha/ Ma’ariv time. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Contact the office for Mincha/Ma’ariv time. WEDNESDAY: Beth Israel Book Club discusses As a Driven Leaf, 7:30 p.m. led by Rabbi Gross at the synagogue.
BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Minyan, 7 a.m.; Ima & Me, 10–11:30 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush to follow service. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m.; Mishne class, 9:30 a.m.; Chabad Cheder and Aleph Champions, 10 a.m.-noon. WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m.; Torah Tots, 4:15 p.m. For information about programs or to register for classes, call the office or visit: www.nebraska-judaism.com.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m., led by Sara Friedman, with oneg following provided by Johna Walker. SATURDAY: No Shabbat Morning Service; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. led by Deborah Swearingen. SUNDAY: No Religious School Classes ADULT EDUCATION Sundays, 7 p.m. Intro to Judaism, led by Rabbi Emanuel on break this week.
Tuesday series on Jewish Social Justice on break this week. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew class (grades 2-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. For the holiday season, the Temple Social Action Committee asks you to buy socks and underwear to donate to the children of the Friendship Home, the local shelter for victims of domestic violence. All sizes are needed, from toddler through high school, for girls and boys. Please bring your donations to the Temple. We will have a collection box in the social hall during Nov. and Dec.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9 a.m. led by Steve Riekes.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 6 p.m.; Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. SITTER SERVICE: Available at each Friday evening service, Saturday mornings when there is a bar or bat mitzvah, and Sunday mornings when there is Religious School. Advance reservations and a $5 donation are appreciated. Sorry, there are no facilities for infants. SUNDAY: No Religious School. ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY, Nov. 29, 7 p.m.: Lifting the Veil: New Models of Thinking to Reveal Insights Hidden in Judaism. WEDNESDAY, Nov. 30, 6:30 p.m.: Join Wendy Goldberg for coffee and conversation about the many transitions for Temple. THURSDAY, Dec. 1: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Cantor Shermet, 10-11:30 a.m.
NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 4:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Royi Shaffin. Minyan, MONDAY & THURSDAY, 7 a.m., followed by breakfast. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. with an Shabbat dinner following. SATURDAY: Parashat Hashavu’a class, 8:30 a.m.; Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by “Thanksgiving Seder Nosh” and Talmud class. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066.
To Submit B’nai Mitzvah Announcements Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, or by e-mailing the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org. You can also submit announcements online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements.
Pulverente MONUMENT CO.
November 25, 2005
DEATHS MAURY UDES Continued from page 1 began the company with four employees and a used truck. In 1977, they advertised as Nebraska’s largest building materials dealer and, said Udes, “We have marketing figures to prove itl” When he began his own business, he said that he would never dwell on fears because all he could ever see in life were opportunities. He pledged that he would get right out on the job with the contractors--rather than dropping off the materials at the job site. By 1986, the company had moved to 72nd and F Streets where they were in a better position to serve the contractors in West Omaha. They had over 200 employees on the payroll. At that time, they shared land with its Security Windows division, a wood and aluminum manufacturing company. This gave them flexibility to give the contractors what they needed. Also at that time, emphasis on “do-it-yourself” customers was beginning and Builders Supply was a forerunner in that field. Udes always said that seizing opportunities was his key to success. Designing and manufacturing his own products helped Udes to survive the 1973-74 business recession in Omaha. He said, “Diversification and being in the manufacturing business helped us over the recession because the retail business picked up.” By manufacturing its own products, Builders Supply was able to give a price advantage. He said, “Manufacturing also gives us the advantage of flexibility because, when business is brisk, it’s difficult for a dealer to maintain an adequate inventory of certain items.” In 1990, Maury and Joan Udes gave a gift of $200,000 to help the resettlement of Soviet Jews. Their gift to the “Passage to Freedom Fund” was his way of repaying an old debt. He said at the time, “My dad was bom in Russia He was six months old when my grandparents immigrated to the United States and someone had to help him get here. I know that this is something that my father and grandfather would have wanted me to do.” Udes recalled that his father had told him of the conditions in Eastern Europe. “Our people were denied educational opportunities and there was prejudice against them because they were Jewish. It was never considered illegal to beat a Jew,” he explained then. The Udes’ gift was used to cover basic necessities such as apartment rental, utilities, furniture, kitchen equipment, linens, food, bus fare and daycare for young children. He said, “Freedom is important, necessary and a high priority. I have a wonderful sense of satisfaction!” At the time of the gift, he hoped that at least one member of the Russian families would be employed. In 2001, Udes was inducted into the Omaha Business
After Sarah, Isaac
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Haye Sarah It appears that this is the only case in which the age of a woman is given at the time of her death. Moreover, the numbers are reversed, seven plus 20 plus 100. And now, urged on by this, we note that 127 is a prime number, divisible neither by two, three or four or any other number excepting one and 127. Abraham, landless in Canaan, is now obliged to buy a burial place for Sarah. After much bargaining--after all this is the East--Abraham buys the famous Cave of Machpela from Ephron the Hititte for 400 pieces of silver. The text then goes on with the important story of acquiring a wife for Isaac. Abraham’s servant, unidentified, is sent off to the East to Aram-Naharaim, from which Abraham had emigrated to Canaan, to pursue this task. This is the first of several biblical stories where action or bargaining takes place at the local well, since this was a natural gathering place for people. It is here where we are introduced to Rebekah, through her eager and money-wise brother Laban. Rebekah is beautiful and generous, a fitting wife for Isaac (did Sarah and Rebekah ever meet?). We are not through with Laban, who appears again and always with his eye on his economic welfare. Both with Ephraim and Lavan, it is the “Easterner,” not Abraham or his representative, who keeps testing the atmosphere to see what the traffic will bear. Abraham’s representative does not hesitate to accept the first price offered. The “bargaining” is entirely in the mind of the “seller”, not between seller and buyer.
Hall of Fame. Proceeds from the dinner honoring the inductees were donated to the Durham Western Heritage Museum and provided funds for Junior Achievement of the Midlands Inc., the Omaha business Hall of Fame Scholarship Foundation and Omaha 2000. At the dinner, Udes was cited for his contributions through the Metropolitan Omaha Builders Association. “Maury had the foresight to realize that his generation needed to take that extra step to endow the future of the Omaha Jewish community,” noted Marty Ricks, Executive Director of the Jewish Fedration of Omaha Foundation. “In 1995, he and Joan established a very significant PACE (Perpetual Annual Endowment Fund). With this fund, their annual campaign pledge will continue forever. “Maury realized this was the most meaningful way to help the Jewish community--by letting the leaders determine through the Federation budget and allocation process, how the income from their endowment should be spent every year.” Udes also funded a permanent exhibit at the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, entitled, “Heroine of the Holocaust,” which features Udes’ aunt who stayed behind in Germany to protect a destitute child. In addition to his wife, Joan, Udes is survived by daughters, Barbara Shaw and Diane Udes; daughter and son-in-law, Lynne and John Scott; stepdaughters, Janet Backus of Las Vegas, NV, JoEllen Eugenides of Warner, NH, Barbara Pathak, Andover, MA; step-daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Mark Cannon of Kenilworth, IL; 15 grandchildren, Teri Bader, Jon Shaw, Sonja, Sarah and Julia Scott, Ryan, Andrea, Christopher, Michelle and Keith Cannon, Nevin Pathak, Kyle Backus, Joel, Jenna and Alicia Eugenides; two great-grandchildren. Memorials to Temple Israel, the Alzheimers Association, or the American Lung Association. ARTHUR BENJAMIN DUTKY Former Omahan Arthur Dutky died Nov. 12 in Idaho Falls, ID. Services were held there Nov. 17. A First Lieutenant in World War II, Dutky received the Purple Heart after combat in North Africa and Messina, Italy. He returned to Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. His career included working on the emerging color television products for RCA Victor in Cincinnati, OH, and as an aerospace engineer in San Diego. He helped develop the F102 and F106 missile and the Saturn rocket at General Dynamics. When he returned to Omaha, Dutky assisted in vaccine production for Viva veterinary laboratories. He is survived by his companion, Mary Heise; sisters Jean Marshall and Betty Arons; son, Paul Dutky of Bremerton, WA; daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra and Merrick Brow and Marsha and David Nipper of Idaho Falls, ID; and a grandchild, Rivka Nipper. Memorials to the Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104 or charity of choice. JOSHUA GREENBAUM Joshua Greenbaum died Nov. 18 at the age of 98. Services were held Nov. 22 at Beth Israel Cemetery. Born in 1907 in Zawiercie, Poland, he was a survivor of Soviet labor camps. Arriving in Omaha in 1960, he became the owner of Joe’s Tailor Shop. He is survived by wife, Mina Firshman Greenbaum; and son, Leo.
Temple Represented at OTOC Meeting
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Page 15
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Wendy Goldberg, right, President of Temple Israel, was part of a panel discussion on public education at the OTOC meeting earlier this month, along with Maddlie Fennell of Sacred Heart. Other topics at the 10th anniversary meeting included health care, drivers’ licensing for illegal immigrants and state subsidies for quality jobs. Photo by Howard K. Marcus
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 25, 2005
Peretz Victory in Labor Means Shake-up in Israeli Politics by DAN BARON JERUSALEM (JTA)--Israeli politics usually make for fine drama--and 2006 is shaping up to be no exception to that rule. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon quit the Likud Party on Monday to form a new centrist party to compete in early elections expected to take place in March. Sharon’s new party, to be called the National Responsibility Party, is expected to capitalize on mainstream support for his decision to withdraw Israeli soldiers and settlers from the Gaza Strip last August. But polls suggest that Sharon, 77, may have difficulty beating his chief rival, new Labor Party chairman Amir Peretz. History has not been kind to Israeli leaders who try to reinvent themselves
the coalition and force elections. Peretz, a veteran trade union chief, made clear in his speech that his campaign against Sharon would focus on economic issues. “You stood by as Bibi battered your supporters mercilessly, forcing the poor to root around in the garbage,” Peretz said in his speech, referring to former Netanyahu, who oversaw a program of economic reform as Sharon’s finance minister. Peretz also accused Sharon of neglecting the needs of immigrants. Eleven Likud ministers and legislators officially joined Sharon in National Responsibility, signing letters saying that they quit Likud. The 11 were Sharon, his son Omri Sharon, Finance Minister Ehud Olmert, Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, Minister Transportation Meir Sheetrit, Internal Security Minister Gideon Ezra, Tourism Minister Avraham Hirchson, Ruhama Avraham, Eli Aflalo, Ze’ev Boim and Marina Solodkin. A 12th, Majalli Whbee, announced that he would quit Likud to join Sharon, but Whbee was in Morocco and couldn’t make his departure official. Sharon reportedly invited Israeli trade union chief Amir Peretz gives his victory speech Defense Minister Shaul after ousting Deputy Prime Minister Shimon Peres from the Mofaz to join the party, leadership of the Israeli Labour Party, at party headquarters though Mofaz--who is conCredit: Brian Hendler/JTA sidering running for Likud Nov. 10, in Tel Aviv. through new political parties. Sharon is a head--hasn’t decided whether to do so. founding father of the Likud, whose Ma’ariv reported that Sharon hopes to grass-roots supporters are famously parti- court a number of center-right politicians san. Still, with almost half of the Likud as well, including Dan Meridor, former faction chafing at Sharon’s diplomatic Shin Bet chief Avi Dichter, Russian immicourse, and with party rival Benjamin gration expert Ya’acov Kedmi and the Netanyahu criticizing him over the Gaza president of Ben-Gurion University, withdrawal, Sharon may have felt he had Avishai Braverman, who has long called no choice. for a civic revolution in Israel. “Sharon, as far as anyone call tell, Despite earlier reports, current Vice decided long ago that he has no intention Prime Minister Shimon Peres, the longof drinking from the poisoned chalice time Labor leader who lost a recent priprepared by those Likud colleagues who mary to Peretz, was not expected to join were meant to ride into the next Knesset Sharon’s new party, the Jerusalem Post on his coattails,” Yediot Achronot political reported. correspondent Shimon Shiffer wrote. Meanwhile, Netanyahu heads the list of The need for elections became clear expected contenders for Likud leadership, Sunday after the Labor Party voted to but he has a lot of competition. pull out of Sharon’s coalition governUzi Landau, Education Minister Limor ment. The vote by Labor’s Central Livnat, Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom, Committee formalized the pledge by the Yisrael Katz and Mofaz--if he remains in party’s new leader, Amir Peretz, to leave Likud--are also on the list.
Foxman: ADL Not Anti-religion
Critic: Why Does Foxman Tout ‘Menace’
Continued from page 13 way, American Jewish life would fundamentally change. We believe the American people as a whole value such a society. We also believe that to alert the public to gathering threats to that kind of society serves America, the Jewish community and ultimately American Jews’ ability to support Israel in its quest for peace and security. Finally, it’s sad that Klinghoffer has to resort to the charge that my speech was all about raising money. Disagree with me, make your arguments--but don’t resort to inappropriate accusations. Abraham H. Foxman is national director of the Anti-Defamation League and author of Never Again? The Threat of the New Anti-Semitism.
Continued from page 13 Rather, don’t dismiss the Marxist insight that money can shape consciousness. For whatever reason, hyperventilating about Christians makes Jews open their wallets. Very possibly, a dynamic inherent in the non-profit business molds the attitudes of those who work in this curious industry. Not cynics at all, they sincerely come to believe those things they must say to raise money--money, I would add, that would be far better spent on other communal needs such as Jewish education, which is the best assurance of a flourishing communal life. In more ways than one, the ADL’s success is our loss. David Klinghoffer, a columnist for the Forward and a senior fellow at the Discovery Institute, is the author most recently of Why the Jews Rejected Jesus: The Turning Point in Western History (Doubleday).
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ONLY 22 Minutes From The Gretna, NE Exit!
BERNINA
Skilled staff are at your disposal in both Bernina stores. They are ready to discuss and demonstrate all that is new from Bernina
BERNINA 180 Pre-Owned
for the Creative Sewing Enthusiast Now available with Artlink/CPS Software Computer Hookup at no cost. • LCD Touchscreen
• 250 Stitches, 45 CPS Stitches • Maximum stitch width 9/45mm • Maximum stitch length 5mm • 7 alphabets
NO INTEREST NO PAYMENT FOR 6 MONTHS
BERNINA SEWING CENTERS WITH APPROVED CREDIT
3407 S. 84th (Westgate Plaza) 392-0430 • 10144 Maple (Maple Village) 572-1212 Mon & Thur: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. • Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
333 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE | 68154-2198 | Fax 402/334-5422
KIDS! Your color drawing could be on the front of our Hanukkah Gift Guide! Use color markers or crayons to create your drawing on an 8.5X11 piece of white paper. Fill out the form below, attatch it to the back and send to the Jewish Press, 333 South 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. The deadline is December 5, 2005.
This drawing by Megan Kahn won her a gift certificate last year since it was one of the first two we received.
2005 Hanukkah Gift Guide Cover Name ___________________________________________________________ Age ______ Parent’s Names _____________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________ Phone Number ___________________