Vol. LXXXIV No. 12 Omaha, NE
Introducing... Becki Brenner
Celebrating 83 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
13 Kislev, 5765 November 26, 2004 2 Sections
Yad VaShem Uploads Holocaust Victims Names to Website
by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press Education: Holds a Masters in Health Administration from Central Michigan University. Personal: married to William Brenner, software engineer at Applied Communications (ACI); two sons, Eric and David, two grandsons: Brandon, age 10, and Gordie, age 2. Jewish Press: You’ve worked for a number of nonprofits what experience do you bring to your new position as Executive Director of JFS? Becki Brenner: A new college graduate recently asked me--if she should pursue a position in a not-forprofit organization. I stated that if she has the opportunity to work for an organization that she can truly support and whose mission and vision supports her belief system--then she will find it the most amazing career path she could choose. She will be able to ask herself “what is my unique contribution to the world?” and through her chosen profession, answer the question by her actions. I have been very fortunate to work for not-for-profit agencies in whose mission I have totally supported and still do. Exposure to other not-for-profit agencies has given me the understanding that in order to restore hope to the future we need to be “disturbed”. We need to have our beliefs and ideas challenged by what others think. We need to be curious and have a willingness to accept the diversity in other people’s interpretations. We will end up richer in understanding and spirit, and we will learn to value all perspectives. A quote that has inspired me is “It’s not differences that divide us. It’s our judgments about each other that do.” Continued on page 8
The Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Authority in Jerusalemv announced Monday the uploading of its historic Central Database of Shoah Victims’ Names to its website at: www.yadvashem.org/remembrance/names/site/home. The database, which will allow online public interaction and contributions of new names and materials, seeks to capture the names of as many Jewish Holocaust victims as possible. The technology allows users worldwide to access a treasure trove of millions of documents using cutting-edge web search systems. Right: Chairman of the Yad Vashem Directorate Avner Shalev and daughter of Holocaust survivor, Esther Pitel Lamm, search the Central Database of Shoah Credit: Isaac Harari Victims’ Names for relatives. (See related story about joining the March of the Living trip this spring on page 4.)
Author, Political Activist, Past-president of OU to Speak at Beth Israel by BETH COHEN story. “It is incredible that one man was Executive Director present and intricately involved in so Dr. Mandell Ganchrow, author of Journey many historic events, not only for the through the Minefields: From Vietnam to Jewish community but for America. We Washington, an Orthodox Surgeon’s are so pleased that a visit to Omaha fits Odyssey, will be at Beth Israel Synagogue on into his schedule so we can all learn of Saturday, Dec. 18, serving as Scholar-inhis fascinating journey.” Residence. Dr. Ganchrow will give the sermon on According to the review on Amazon, Dr. Saturday, Dec. 18 at Shabbat morning Ganchrow’s book is “more than an autobiservices. A lunch will follow services. ography of a distinguished Jewish leader, The cost is $8 for adults, $4.50 for chilthis book mirrors American and Jewish hisdren ages four to 12, and is free to chiltory in the second half of the 20th century.” dren three and under. A book signing Dr. Mandell Ganchrow Dr. Ganchrow’s story takes him from being and dessert reception will begin Saturday a young doctor and officer in Vietnam to an active night, Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m. Dr. Ganchrow will speak at leader with AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs 8 p.m. and babysitting service will be available at no Committee) to being president of the Orthodox Union, charge (please call for reservations). the not-for-profit educational, outreach and social servCopies of Journey through the Minefields are availice organization representing Orthodox synagogues in able at the synagogue office for $20 ($7 off of list North America. price). Reservations for lunch can be made by contactRabbi Jonathan Gross, Beth Israel’s rabbi and an avid ing the synagogue office at 556.6288 or reader, encourages everyone to hear Dr. Ganchrow’s BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org.
Choices for Survival by PAM MONSKY Federation Communications Director Editor’s Note: The story you are about to read is true, and used with permission. The names and some details have been changed to protect the subject’s privacy. Welcome to the first installment of The Project Dreidel Chronicles. Over the next three weeks, you will be introduced to a few of the Omaha area Jews who have been helped by Jewish Family Service. The people featured in these stories have graciously agreed to share intimate details of their lives with the community in order to increase awareness of the programs and services offered by Jewish Family Service that have made such a tremendous difference in their quality of Jewish life. Your gift to the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Annual Campaign supports Jewish Family Service as well as the rest of our Centers of Excellence: the ADL/CRC, the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services and Jewish Senior Services. Your gift to the Federation Campaign is what allows us to take care of each other in Omaha, Israel and 60 other countries around the world.
Inside Opinion Page see page 16
Despite our best efforts, our community needs continue to outpace contributions to the Omaha Federation Annual Campaign. Your increased Campaign gift ensures that every member of the Omaha Jewish community will have access to professional and compassionate help in a Jewish environment. Yuri Minkov just wanted to improve his chances for success. Originally from the city of Minsk in the former Soviet Union, Yuri came to Omaha in 1999. He didn’t have much to leave behind there and he didn’t want to wait around to become the next victim of anti-Semitic fever gripping the former Soviet Union. So, at age 50,
Yuri made the bold decision to leave his home and come to the United States for a new beginning. Yuri was resettled in Omaha, where he applied for, and received his work permits, and landed a job in a factory shortly after arriving here. Although his job didn’t pay much, Yuri had health benefits and he earned enough to cover the basics. He began settling into the rhythm of his new life in Omaha. All that changed one terrible day last winter. A freak accident at work severed three of Yuri’s fingers on his right hand. Unfortunately, the doctors’ attempts to reattach his fingers failed. The devastating accident left Yuri unable to work and
This Week: Monthly Calendar: Pages 10-11 HUC Professor to Speak At Temple Next Week: Page 3
Rabbi Harold Kushner on Forgiveness: Page 5
he was forced to take disability benefits. He was relieved that his medical insurance from his job covered the expenses from the accident, but while on disability, Yuri could not afford the cost of COBRA, the state medical insurance program for people between jobs. And in an ironic twist, his disability benefits disqualified him for Medicaid. As Yuri recovered from the accident that took his fingers, a new medical problem presented itself. About a month ago, a searing pain sent Yuri to the emergency room where he was diagnosed with kidney stones. Without medical insurance, he was told at the ER, he would need to prepay the full cost of the surgery to remove the kidney stones. In pain, and with no financial resources to pay for the surgery to remove his kidney stones, Yuri turned to Jewish Family Service. Continued on page 8
Coming Next Month: Guide to Senior Living: Dec. 17 Hanukkah Gift Guide and Coloring Contest Winner: Page 21
Recipes, Table Settings and More for Hanukkah: Pages 29-33
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 26, 2004
INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING CORPORATION “Service First—Quality Always”
PRODUCTS • Corrugated, S.U.S. & S.B.S. Boxes • Packaging tapes & glues • Stretch film, shrink film & lidding film • Poly & steel strapping • Printed zipper bags, poly bags • polypropylene & styrofoam trays
MACHINERY (Auto & Semi) • Stretch film machines • Tape Machines • Strapping machines • Conveyor systems • Case erectors • A full line of new and used machinery
709 N 108th St.
963-9111
www.industrialpack.com Fax: 963-9303 E-mail: sales@industrialpack.com
Gary Kuklin
Relocating? Inbound to Omaha Outbound from Omaha Or just from Here to There... I can help you in all relocation matters whether it’s Housing, Financing, Schools, Moving and more! Please call toll free for assistance. Local REALTOR® National Network
402.880.1887 800.876.2088 gary@garykuklin.info
Hebrew Union College Professor to Serve as Temple’s Educator-in- Residence Next Week by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Rabbi Joseph has worked with Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Jewish communities in Brazil, Professor of Jewish Education and Argentina, Moscow, Leningrad, Leadership Development at Hebrew Australia, and Hong Kong. Union College-Jewish Institute of On Friday night, Dec. 3, 6 p.m., Religion (HUC-JIR) in Cincinnati, he will attend a Shabbat dinner with Ohio, Rabbi Sam Joseph will serve Temple’s kindergarten through 12th as Temple Israel’s educator-in-resigrade religious school teachers and dence Dec. 3-5. their families at Temple. He’ll talk Rabbi Joseph was here in August about “The Value of Jewish Learning to conduct a workshop with in Our Lives.” Temple’s religious school instructors. Speaking to all members of the His discussions relate “to exploring congregation, Rabbi Joseph will give the educators’ own inner landscape the sermon on “You Better Be Good of being a teacher,” explained Rabbi for Goodness Sake” at the 7:30 p.m. Joseph. “I was asking them to think Shabbat worship service that evening. quite deeply about the traits that On Saturday, Dec. 4, 3:30 p.m., Rabbi Sam Joseph make them good teachers. I’m trying Rabbi Joseph will meet with the to get away from the external criteria Religious School Steering Committee of being a good teacher.” at the home of Katherine Finnegan. “One of the focus An internationally known educator, lecturer, work- groups of our committee is curriculum,” said Maria shop facilitator, and expert in leadership development, Neesman, chairman of the steering committee. “We feel Rabbi Joseph was ordained at HUC-JIR in 1976. He was it would be helpful for parents to see a little bit of the awarded a Ph.D. in education and organizational psy- view the teachers have as they’re looking at the curchology from Clayton University in St. Louis in 1981. riculum.” She added that parents who are not part of From 1974 to 1979, he was the rabbi of Temple Israel the focus group are welcome to attend. in Dayton, Ohio. He has been with HUC-JIR since 1979 Neesman heard Rabbi Joseph when he was here in and has served as National Director of Admissions and August and thought that “he was very good. He had Alumni Affairs, assistant to the president, and has been great ideas for the teachers to use in the classrooms. in his present position since 1982. He specializes in And it’s the job of all of us to be Jewish teachers to our synagogue leadership, curriculum development, and kids,” she said. adult education. To conclude his discussion with the teachers, Rabbi Author of four books and more than 50 articles about Joseph will speak to them again on Sunday, Dec. 5, 9 education, teaching, organizations, and the family, a.m. At 10:30 a.m., he will meet with Temple’s Four B’s Rabbi Joseph’s most recent book is Portraits of parent group to talk about “Answering My Child’s Hard Schooling: A Survey and Analysis of Supplemental Questions: A Jewish Response to God, Sex, and Death” Schooling in Congregations. He also wrote Leading followed by lunch with the adult education committee. with a Jewish Heart: Text Study and Good Leadership Rabbi Joseph’s residency at Temple is supported by Practices for Congregational Leaders and How to be a the Margaret and Arnold Robinson Family Jewish Jewish Teacher: An Invitation to Make a Difference. Education Fund.
Beth El Rosh Hodesh Group to Examine and Celebrate the Festival of Lights
We are proud to print the Jewish Press.
339-3331 Fax: 537-2998 1413 S. Washington St., Suite 300 • 84th & Hwy 370
by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator The Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh group will join together on Monday, Dec. 13, to welcome the month of Tevet with a celebration of the Festival of Lights, at the home of Joye Wees, 12605 Lafayette Circle. Wees, along with co-host Diane Axler Baum, will lead “Giving New Relevance and Enthusiasm to the True Meaning of Hanukkah.” Refreshments will be served at 7 p.m., and the program will begin at 7:30 p.m. During the evening, Dr. Ron Wolfson’s book, Hanukkah: The Family Guide to Spiritual Celebration will be examined, and a range of significant issues
relating to Hanukkah will be addressed, Baum said, adding that “we will focus on Hanukkah within the context of what society calls ‘the winter holiday season.’” Wees noted that she and her co-host “hope to explore ways to help each other with the challenges faced by increasing numbers of us, regarding interfaith issues in our immediate or our extended families.” Those attending are encouraged to bring a Hanukkah menorah and eight candles to participate in a beautiful ceremony marking the festival’s seventh night. Reservations are needed and may be made by contacting Baum at 496.7455, or via e-mail at hypelady@aol.com.
November 26, 2004
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
A Person Who Learns from Everyone by RITA SHELLEY for Jewish Senior Services Nancy Rips didn’t need pundits to predict who would win this year’s Presidential election. As usual, her friends at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home foretold the correct outcome. “So far, they’ve always been right,” she said, adding that local news stations might produce more accurate weather predictions if they’d check their statistical findings with Blumkin Residents before going on the air. For more than 10 years running, Rips has been a regular feature on the Home’s activities calendar. On alternate Tuesdays, she leads a discussion of current events. She also is one of a half-dozen regular volunteers who lead Friday night services for Blumkin Residents. Part Walter Cronkite, part Danny Kaye, but mostly an original act, Rips fulfills all three of the traditional roles of the news media Twice a month for several years, Nancy Rips has been visiting residents of the Rose Blumkin Home during her Tuesday sessions—she including Julius Bernstein, to talk about events in the news. Rips also is one of several volunteers who educates, informs and entertains. takes turns leading religious services at the Home. “She helps me keep up on more—being a “walking People maga- Rips also credits her father, Dr. Leon what’s happening in the news,” Bill zine,” getting conversations going about Fellman, with introducing her to the Lohrman, one of Rips’ long-time “regu- events that happened before she was richness of friendships with elders. lars” said. Julius Froom, another Blumkin born, or just having the opportunity to “Nothing makes me happier than hearResident, agrees. Froom also appreciates talk with the adults she has known all ing people say to me what I used to hear the bi-weekly performances of a person her life. residents of the Sher Home say to my with Rips’ energy and enthusiasm. But by helping Residents of the Home father: ‘You’ve given me something new “I like to listen to her,” Froom said. keep up with current events, Rips is con- to think about today.’” And today’s “She’s very well read and she’s a won- tinuing a tradition begun by Toby Kagan, Blumkin Residents frequently give Rips derful lady. She’s one of a kind.” who for many years was secretary to another important compliment: “Your Rips isn’t sure which she enjoys Rabbi Myer Kripke at Beth El Synagogue. father would be proud of you.”
The Warmest Hanukkah Greetings From Us To You.
The “news lady” also is a favorite of Blumkin Home staff. Many already are familiar with her face and voice because she hosts a weekly book segment on a local television station and has hosted radio programs promoting books and libraries. She has worked in local bookstores for almost 20 years. She also gives book talks and is a popular storyteller in area schools and libraries, including Friedel Jewish Academy and the JCC’s Kripke library. She is a member of the Omaha Public Library Foundation, has been a member of the library board, and currently is a Library Friends board member. Rips’ contributions to her community have earned her recognition as Federation library volunteer of the year and the Jewish Senior Services Lee Jane Parsow Award. “As busy as she is, Nancy still arranges her schedule around being here for the Residents,” Lois Wine, Blumkin Home director of volunteer services, said. “She also seems to enjoy being here as much as we enjoy having her.” For Dina Bloom, a Blumkin Resident, it also is a pleasure to attend Friday night services led by her long-time friend. “Nancy has a beautiful voice,” Bloom said. “She also knows everyone and greets all of us by name.” “The wise person is one who learns from everyone,” Wine said, quoting a well-known proverb. “Nancy is a person who learns from everyone, and we enjoy learning from her.” Her father would be proud.
Remington Heights Retirement Community exclusively offers: Beautiful Environment... includes library, activities center, beauty and barber shop, exercise room and much more.
Professional Services... providing weekly housekeeping and laundry, dietician and nutrition services, activities, transportation and more.
Assisted Living Service... assistance with activities of daily living provided on site.
Affordable Retirement... all services included in one low monthly rental.
Peace of Mind...
12606 West Dodge Road • Omaha,NE 68154
(402) 493-5807
Remington Height’s 24-hour staff emergency call system means assistance is just seconds away.
Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 26, 2004
Largest March of the Living Ever Planned for 60th Anniversary of the End of World War II by SHARON BRODKEY for the Anti-Defamation League Seventeen years ago, Jewish high school students from around the world gathered at Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland for the first March of the Living, a journey which has become a tradition honoring the memory of the Six Million who perished in the Holocaust. To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II and VE Day (Victory in Europe), we are all invited to join Holocaust survivors, high school students, freedom fighters and liberators from around the globe at the largest meeting of the March of the Living. ever planned. Organizers hope the 2005 March on May 3-8, 2005, will exceed 18,000 people from communities world-wide. Omaha’s ADL office and Institute for Holocaust Education are organizing a local group to make the trip to Poland, joining hundreds of other participants in the ADL’s international delegation on the March. “We are hoping to gather as many Omahans as we can for the 2005 March of the Living,” said Institute for Holocaust Education Director Beth Seldin Dotan. “This is a unique and powerful opportunity to bridge the generations of our community from Holocaust survivors to their children's children--our young people. The impact this experience will have on our community’s participants is immeasurable.” The March of Living was designed to move and educate. Its central purpose is not only to teach and honor the unalter-
able plea of “Never Again,” but to impart realize that you are standing there with upon participants an understanding of thousands of Jewish kids, feeling so how issues of the Holo-caust affect us today. The March of the Living connects the lessons of the past to personal responsibility today, the responsibility to nurture a respectful society where hatred and bigotry will be met with decisive action. This powerful educational experience begins in Poland and triumph-antly and appropriately ends in Israel. Participants will begin preparing for the trip before they depart for Poland, Gal Tsabari, the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, took this although March of the photo last spring at Auschwitz. She and Betsy Goodman particiLiving alumni will tell pated in the March of the Living in 2004. you that no amount of academic prepa- much pride that we are here today.” ration could have prepared them for the ADL and the Institute for Holocaust flood of emotions they experienced. Education are offering a March of the Omaha teens Betsy Goodman and Gal Living mission package to Poland with Tsabari participated in the 2004 March of an optional extension trip to Israel. The the Living. In their recent presentation to package will include airfare from the Omaha’s B’nai B’rith Youth Organization international departure city (New York members, both young women said they or Chicago), hotel accommodations, were overcome upon seeing the death kosher meals, buses in Poland, admiscamps first-hand. sion fees and guided tours plus orienta“Nobody told us what or how we tion sessions and educational materials should feel,” Tsabari said. “We felt so sad provided by the Institute for Holocaust and sick, but you look around and you Education.
LIVESatelliteBroadcast jewish community center theater
AmosOz: A life in Israel Michelle and Norman Lattman Annual ‘State of Israel’ Lecture Amos Oz, highly regarded as one of Israel’s greatest authors and essayists, shares the extraordinary tale of his life in Israel and how his life reflects the larger story of modern Israel. Oz has been a leading figure in the cultural and political life of the Jewish state. His memoir, A Tale of Love and Darkness, was recently published. He has won awards both for his books and his efforts towards peace. Amos Oz currently holds the Agnon Chair of Hebrew Literature at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Beer-Sheva.
Tu
ay, Novem d s e b
Details are still being finalized, but the projected per person cost of the mission to Poland ranges is $2,000. The Israel extension trip will cost approximately $1,600, also depending on specific package options. Additional expenses include travel from Omaha to the designated international departure airport, gratuities for guides and drivers, and personal expenses. Prior to the trip, there will be two or three orientation sessions designed to enhance the experience with educational and logistical information. These meetings and the curriculum will be provided by the ADL and Institute for Holocaust Education. Dates and times for these sessions will be communicated to March of the Living participants after Jan. 1, 2005. To obtain an application, call Beth Seldin-Dotan, Director of the Institute for Holocaust Education in the ADL office at 402.333.1303 or e-mail bdotan@adl.org. The information packet includes application, medical forms, and liability waiver. Completed applications, medical forms and waivers, are due to the ADL by Monday Dec.13, along with a nonrefundable registration fee of $250 per traveler, payable by check to the AntiDefamation League Plains States office. The registration fee is non-refundable unless the applicant does not meet program eligibility criteria. The balance is due in the ADL office in two installments: 50% by Friday, Jan. 14 and 50% by Monday, Feb. 14, 2005.
May Your Family Have a Happy and Healthy Hanukkah
Omaha Paper Stock Co.
er t 30 t 7:00 pm ha
Tickets $5 Order tickets by calling JCC Member Services at 334-6426. For any additional information, contact Rachel Blum at 334-6404.
Co-sponsored by the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization and funded in part by the Shirley & Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation
The Epstein Family Bobbie and Bob Melissa, Michael and Sarah Schop Elizabeth, Stewart, Dani and Paige Bohart Jeff, Alec and Cali
November 26, 2004
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
For Author Rabbi Harold Kushner Red Sox Win Allows Him to “Forgive Yankees” by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press For 86 years, Red Sox fans could relate to Rabbi Harold Kushner’s best-selling book, When Bad Things Happen to Good People. They just couldn’t seem to win a World Series, due, they charged, to a curse on the team when Babe Ruth was traded to the Red Sox’s arch rival, the New York Yankees. All that changed last month, when the Sox came from behind in the playoffs to defend their nemesis and go on to sweep the series, beating the St. Louis Cardinals. But, said Rabbi Kushner in a recent interview, that “leaves an emotional hole in the psyche of Red Sox fans.” All joking aside, Kushner asserts that “some people internalize doom--that ‘it will never work out.’ Perhaps it comes from our Puritan heritage in New England,” he added, “that we deserved this. But for the fans, I think it’s more an anger against the Yankee fans, who could care less” about the feelings of Red Sox fans. Rabbi Kushner has “forgiven the Yankees”--and their fans. But forgiveness, he insists, is not something that comes easily to people. “The more you brood about something,” he said, “the more you hurt yourself. “People who withhold forgiveness are those who think they can continue to hold power over you,” he explains. “But they don’t if you’ve forgiven them and don’t allow them to press your emotional buttons.” Rabbi Kushner will speak more about this subject when he’s in Omaha next month as part of the continuing series of programs and events at Beth El Synagogue to celebrate its 75th anniversary on Sunday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m. He’s now published his ninth book, The Lord is My Shepherd, and will speak about “Three Ideas the Jewish People Can Teach the World.” His presentation is free and open to the entire community. In his talk, Rabbi Kushner says he’s “not trying to prove that Judaism is better, just that it’s unique. “It’s fascinating to hear Protestants, Catholics and Jews compete as to who has had more to worry about,” he explained. “Our Jewish sense of apprehension has been passed down to us--naturally--through our history. However, it has driven us to be competitive.” There’s good and bad in that, he insists. The good
result of that competition is our over-representation among Nobel prize winners. He’s illustrated the downfall of competition in his newest book, The Lord is My Shepherd, using the well known words of the psalmist. According to Michael Finley who wrote about Kushner in “God, Sin and The Masters Forum”, “Kushner said our society trains men to be skilled at competition and inept at relationships, and trains women to be the opposite. In such a pairing, women are the ultimate ‘winners’ because as philosopher and theologian Martin Buber said, ‘God is found in relationships.’ Buber never mentioned football.” “President Lyndon Johnson had his first serious heart attack, “Rabbi Kushner added, “not when he was working hard, but when he was being deceitful.” Hanukkah, he insists, is the perfect time to have this conversation. “Look at the beautiful Beth El building,” he said, “and its stained glass windows in the sanctuary, illuminating the world. “In the Beit Midrash,” he continued, “the windows were put in backwards, to shed light towards the out-
side world. It’s an example of how Judaism has something to say to others. It’s important to teach the world that what we’re selling is more than survival. Jewish living is for the world’s benefit.” To that end, Rabbi Kushner makes three points-which he’ll explain that night at Beth El--that: • community is more basic than theology; • there is holiness in everyday moments; and • prayer is more than asking. Rabbi Kushner has more than just a passing relationship with Omaha; his wife, Suzette, is a former Omahan. Her father, David Estrada is remembered as leading Psukei d’zimra, the opening verses recited before the Shabbat and holiday Shacharit services. “My wife grew up at Beth El, listening to and learning from Rabbi Myer Kripke’s sermons,” Rabbi Kushner added. He insists that “to have a life, you must share one; to enjoy life, you must accept pain as part of it; to be complete, you have to fill in the blank spots; and to feel good about your life, make a difference in the world. “Forgiveness is a way of ridding your soul of bitterness,” Rabbi Kushner continued. “A therapist once told me that anger allows others to control you. If you forgive them, you’re choosing happiness over self-righteousness.” And the Red Sox? How will they adjust to being winners? Rabbi Kushner laughed and said, “Cubs fans can take over that job of worrying!”
The Psalm Says to “Walk Through” the Valley of Death
BOOK REVIEW by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press Many years ago, Omaha matriarch Mary Fellman told me that following the death of her mother the most inspiring and helpful words came from Rabbi Sidney Brooks. “He said to me, ‘Mary, the psalm instructs you to walk through the valley of death; you will eventually come out the other side.’” Those words came back to me when I picked up a copy of Rabbi Harold Kushner’s latest book, The Lord is My Shepherd. This small volume is divided into 15 chapters, each one devoted to interpreting the 15 lines of the well known 23rd psalm. It’s recited at funerals, Jewish and non-Jewish, and used to soothe grief stricken friends and relatives in their darkest hours. In Kushner’s inimitable style, he dissects life’s important questions, “What does it mean to lack for nothing?” and one he’s asked before in his previous eight books, “Where is God when we suffer?” Rabbi Kushner uses not only Jewish sources, but popular ones, making references to Woody Allen films, raising psychological issues through Sigmund Freud and artistic interpretations via Michelangelo. I’m not alone in my feelings about this psalm, this book and Kushner’s calming prose. According to Publisher’s Weekly, “Many people regard the 23rd Psalm as one of the most familiar and comforting passages in the Bible. Rabbi Kushner, bestselling author of the spiritual classic When Bad Things Happen to Good People, looks to the psalm as a microcosmic statement about God--its 57 Hebrew words, he says, present ‘an entire theology’ about life and loss.” We’re never sure of the plan God has in store for us, and as Rabbi Kushner reminds us in this book, the path is anything but straight. There will be stumbling blocks and detours; but, he insists, that’s life. This book, and the eight other titles by Rabbi Kushner are available in the Kripke Federation Library.
From Our Family To Yours...
Happy Hanukkah
Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Homecare and Hospice
402/345-5683 402/926-4444
Page 6
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 26, 2004
OPS Fourth Graders Have New Dictionaries, Courtesy of NCJW
Hanukkah Run Celebrates 350 Years of Jewish Life in America
Adrian Aguilar, a fourth grade student at Spring Lake Elementary, leafs through his new dictionary, given to him and 1400 others earlier this month by volunteers from the National Council of Jewish Women-Omaha Section. Dictionary Day, a community service project of NCJW since 1998, provides dictionaries to underserved fourth graders in 23 Omaha Public Schools as a result of donations from Omaha Steaks, Pacific Pals, and Gordman’s. Donations were also received from the Friedland Foundation and Dennis and Diana Walker. To volunteer or donate funds to the project, call Sandy Epstein at: 397.2528
by STEVE RIEKES This years Annual B’nai B’rith Hanukkah Run will have a special theme--Celebrating 350 Years of Jewish Life in America. The event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 12, 9 a.m. at the Jewish Community Center; participants should meet at the entrance of the Sokolof Fitness Center. In honor of this event, Henry Monsky Lodge will donate the proceeds to Camp Mitzvah, an organization that supports Israeli children who have been victims of terrorism. You do not have to be a runner to participate. The “Run” is not a race. This unique event is a group activity to draw attention to this year’s theme. As usual, at the conclusion of the run, refreshments will be served. Participants will follow a prescribed five-mile route, together, beginning and ending at the JCC. A van supplied by Nova Health Equipment Company will follow behind the group. Any participant who feels tired, or who feels he or she would like to run less than the five miles may elect to ride in the van for such portions of the route as he or she desires. Please send a check for $18 (Students: $10) payable to B’nai B’rith Henry Monsky Lodge and mail it, C/O Lois Epstein, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 by Dec. 6. A long-sleeved t-shirt is included in the entry fee. For those who cannot physically participate, donations can be sent to the above address as well. For more information, call Lois Epstein at 334.6443 or email lepstein@jewishomaha.org.
WKH
&LW\ :HHNO\ :LVKLQJ \RX D +DSS\ +DQXNNDK
$QGUHZ 5XEDFN
WHY NOT DO IT THE EASY WAY?
NORM’S DOOR SERVICE GARAGE DOOR SPECIALISTS SALES AND SERVICE
COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL
6200 South 90TH St. at 90th & Washington
Omaha, Nebraska
402/331-8920
A Children’s Behavioral Program for 2- to 7-year-olds...
Teens to Compete in B’nai B’rith Bible Quiz by LOIS EPSTEIN for B’nai B’rith Twenty-eight Omaha area teens have signed up to compete in the 19th Annual Edward Zorinsky B’nai B’rith Bible Quiz on Wednesday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center. “It’s a lively contest and is open to the public,” said Steve Riekes, a Trustee of Henry Monsky Lodge. The contest is specifically designed for Jewish high school students in Omaha. This year, the subjects of the Quiz are Leviticus, chapters 11, 19, 23, 25; Numbers, chapters 11-25, 27, 32, 35,36; and the entire Book of Esther. The Lodge will award first, second, third and fourth place scholarship money. The prizes in the contest can be utilized, at the recipient’s choice, for either college tuition, an approved trip to Israel or an approved camp or educational program sponsored by a Jewish organization. At the conclusion of the contest, the Lodge will give out a $10 cash prize to all participants who answer three questions correctly. The first place winner will receive a scholarship in the amount of $600 plus $25 cash. The program, which is held in conjunction with Jewish Book Month, is open to the community without charge. A special committee prepared the questions for the contest. Members of the Omaha Board of Rabbis will lend their expertise as judges, along with Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, the Klutznick Professor of Jewish Civilization at Creighton University. Gloria Kaslow will be the quizmaster, Ron Gordon will act as the timekeeper and I will be the scorekeeper. Henry Monsky Lodge President Gary Javitch also recognized the contributions of Stanley Mitchell, who for 19 years has helped coordinate the contest. Participants in this year’s Bible Quiz are Sam Anderson, Sean Bernstein, David Bresel, Liatte Dotan, Nathan Fineman, Adam Gendelman, Emily Giller, Henry Ginsburg, Lev Ginsburg, Avi Katzman, Shevi Katzman, Samantha Long, Sarah Long, Jeff Malashock, Steven Meyer, Ben Nachman, Marty Nachman, Jacquelyn Neesman, Aaron Passer, Joel Passer, Rebekah Priluck, Alex Raksin, Jason Rich, Seth Rich, Brent Saltzman, Adam Simons, Gal Tsabari, and Alex Wolf. Prior to the contest, which is open to the public, members of Henry Monsky Lodge, judges, volunteers and contest participants, as well as all of the high school religious school classes will be invited to a dinner in the JCC auditorium. Light the first candle of Hanukkah on Tuesday, Dec. 7.
Maple Crest Care Center A Happy Hanukkah To Your Family “Dedicated to the” Enhancement” of Life”
402/551-2110 Early intervention, education, and prevention. Small child-to-staff ratios, and parent participation. Improved family relationships.
3549 Fontenelle Blvd • Omaha, NE 68104 (402) 451-0787 • www.nchs.org
2824 No. 66th Ave. Omaha, NE 68104 www.abhomes.net
Maple Crest is owned and operated by American Baptist Homes of the Midwest. Equal Opportunity Care and Employment
Maple Crest Care Center offers residents an array of progressive programs and services designed to provide individualized and community-wide supportive environments. This Dedication to the Enhancement of Life… Caring for the Body, Mind, and Spirit has earned Maple Crest Care Center the developing reputation as being one of the foremost and finest choices for skilled, restorative, respite or hospice care in the Omaha Area. • Skilled & Intermediate • Nursing Care • Rehabilitative & • Restorative Care • Alzheimer’s Care • Hospice & Respite Care • Transportation for • Dialysis Treatments • Physical, Occupational, • & Speech Therapies • Full-Time Spiritual Care • Program • Life Enriching Activities • & Programs • Emergency 24/7 • Admissions • Medicare & Medicaid • Certified No wonder maturing adults of all ages have gladly called Maple Crest Care Center home for more than 50 years!
November 26, 2004
B OOK REVIEW by PETER EPHROSS NEW YORK (JTA) -- David Horovitz couldn’t believe his ears. Tuning into CNN right after Israel’s assassination of Hamas leader Sheik Ahmed Yassin last March, the Editor of the Jerusalem Report magazine heard the attack being described as the killing of a beloved leader of an Islamic group. Even a veteran journalist and media watcher such as Horovitz found absurd such a one-sided description of Yassin, whose group is considered responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Israelis since the Palestinian intifada began four years ago. Horovitz himself had no ethical qualms about the move. “He was an evil man,” he told JTA in an interview in New York during a break from a two-week tour to promote his book, Still Life With Bombers. “I have no moral ambivalence about it.” But Horovitz is anguishing about whether the assassination was the right move from a strategic standpoint--or whether it will foment even more hatred and spur additional terrorist attacks. During the interview, he also wondered about some of the moves of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon--for example, why Sharon didn’t release Palestinian prisoners arrested for intifada-related crimes when such a move might have bolstered Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas, but then released hundreds of prisoners in an exchange with Hezbollah for the bodies of three Israeli soldiers and a kidnapped Israeli businessman. He also wondered, as do many others, whether a unilateral Israeli withdrawal
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
Journalist Mixes Reporting, Memoir in Book on Israelis Coping with Terror from the Gaza Strip will be seen as a reward for terrorism and questions the West Bank security barrier will really protect Israeli soldiers. The fence “does offer a heightened degree of protection against bombers,” but adds that unless the fence hews close to Israel’s pre-1967 borders, it leaves many Israeli settlers and Palestinians on the “wrong” side, he writes. His unclassifiable stances-- some seen as more dovish, others more hawkish-have sparked debate on Horovitz’s book tour. Some asked why Israel doesn’t finish the job of cracking down on the terrorists, while one man wondered if there’s a point at which supporting Israel might become too costly for Americans. Horovitz, 41, says he wrote Still Life With Bombers--his second major book, after A Little Too Close to God--to set the record of the past three years straight. He said he aims to reach and educate both the protesters who say “End the Occupation of Palestine” and the people who march outside synagogues protesting when Palestinian moderate Sari Nusseibeh speaks. “I’d like to at least broaden some minds. At least give them some more context,” he said. Part political reportage, part memoir of daily life in Israel, the book is a grim accounting of the effects of the almost-daily violence on Israeli life. The British-born Horovitz, who now lives in Jerusalem with his Americanborn wife, Lisa, and their three children, represents a broad swathe of Israelis who have seen the optimism of the Oslo
years literally Islamic leaders. blown to bits by “I don’t believe that the widespread the onslaught of anti-Israel sentiment “is a necessary Palestinian terrorcondition. And I know it wasn’t true a ist attacks. few years ago,” he said in the interIn his book, he view. describes himself Horovitz details the changes that he as a supporter of and his wife have made in their perthe Oslo process sonal lives--not allowing their children who still thinks to attend certain school field trips, the experiment choosing where to shop or catch a was necessary, movie based on which venues have since Israel had to David Horovitz, Editor of the the best security. know that at least Jerusalem Report, discuss- “On the fairly rare occasions when it had tried to es Still Life with Bombers, we went out to a restaurant, we’d agoreach an accom- his book on the Israeli- nize over that choice, too--with the modation with the Palestinian conflict. freshness of the food and the breadth Credit: E. B. Solomont/JTA of the chef’s imagination ranking a Palestinians. While not supportive of every move distant second and third to the perceived the Israeli government has made, safety of the location,” he writes. Horovitz places the blame for the current Despite such daily accommodations, violence squarely on the Palestinians. Horovitz said he thinks Israelis’ He’s sharply critical of P.A. President resilience in the face of terrorism has Yasser Arafat’s decision to walk away been remarkable. from negotiations after the Camp David “I think it’s astounding that Israelis summit in summer 2000. “It seems unar- haven’t flooded out of the country,” he guable,” he writes, that “Arafat had no said, noting the large number of immiintention of striking a deal.” grants, particularly from France, who have But Horovitz doesn’t allow his pes- moved to Israel since the intifada began. simism devolve into hopelessness about Horovitz grew up in an Orthodox family the conflict--or about the Palestinian in London. He attended a Zionist school, people themselves. and visited Israel several times as a kid. He The Palestinian public is suffering from felt increasingly attached to the Jewish what he calls “manipulated desperation.” state, eventually making aliyah in 1983. It’s a desperation created by their leadPersonally, though a lot of Horovitz’s ers, to keep them miserable and incite non-Israeli-born friends have left Israel, them to violence to detract attention he’s not going anywhere. from the leadership’s own shortcomings. “It’s the only place where Jews get to These feelings have only been exacer- control their own destiny,’’ he said. bated by the three years of violence-The book is available in the Kripke and by the heated-up rhetoric from Library.
Page 8
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 26, 2004
Introducing...Becki Brenner Continued from page 1 JP: What about your business experience? BB: Many of us who govern and manage not-for-profit organizations are increasingly finding our organizations subject to the same economic pressures as our for-profit counterparts. We often times resemble their for-profit structure and corporate culture. We face direct competition in delivery of our services and many for-profit agencies have an economic edge. I have worked for large healthcare systems and a large insurance company. This exposure has provided me the necessary understanding of mission and business and the ability to use this perspective in decision-making and in the ability to redefine the corporate culture. It is a needed skill as we look at strategic planning and the future of Jewish Family Service. JP: What are the challenges and opportunities facing JFS in the short term? BB: JFS has seen a significant increase in assistance expense from last budget year. We will need to continue to be cognizant of limited resources and the growing requests for financial assistance. As we begin the process of strategic planning and keeping in step with the Federation plan, JFS can redefine our agency to better support the Jewish community. JP: What are the challenges and opportunities facing JFS in the long term? BB: The Jewish Family Service Board of Directors is very committed to an indepth review of the role and responsibility of the agency. Working with an
external facilitator trained in planning for not-for-profits JFS will restructure some of our current programs, for example: Opportunities: • Develop a volunteer program that can provide support and services for assistance clients that require additional non-financial help. • Expand programming for healthy relationships, parenting, family development, and adolescent programs to name a few. • Increase therapy services and market the reputation to encourage visits from those in need in the Jewish community. • Collaborate with other Federation agencies to prevent duplication of services and to ensure effective outcomes. • Strengthen the community acceptance and understanding of those in our community who may feel disconnected and disenfranchised. Challenges: • Increase fundraising to better support the JFS assistance program. • Strategic Planning and change. • Effective program expansion. • Develop programs to address the needs of our assistance clients so they can learn new skills - to enable them to become self-sufficient. To paraphrase Gandhi, JFS currently provides fish - we need to teach them how to fish. JP: If money was no object - how would that effect JFS priorities? Are there any new projects you would put in place? BB: This is a difficult question - JFS first must do an internal and external analysis about what is the best direction JFS should take as we move into 2005 and into the next five years. Money then becomes the deciding factor after we
have first established our major objectives. This plan will take in account the strategic plan of the Federation so we are together focusing on the future that will ultimately be in the best interest of the community. JP: What do you want to tell the community about JFS that you might think they don’t know? BB: JFS is so very appreciative of the generosity of the Jewish community. Through their generous spirit we are able to provide much needed and some
times critical financial assistance. We can prevent the shut-off of someone’s utilities, secure safe housing for an abused wife and children, buy needed medication, and provide therapy services to families and individuals regardless of their ability to pay. We help strengthen families and individuals through our outreach. It is up to us to get the word out that JFS is here to provide services to all those in our community. If someone needs help and they are not sure whom to call--we can help!
Choices for Survival Continued from page 1 He had been working with a JFS staff member on gaining his United States citizenship, so Yuri went there and asked for advice in getting the medical attention he needed for his kidney stones. It was a very smart move. It just so happens that the new director for Jewish Family Service--Becki Brenner-has a medical background. Brenner made some calls and was able to negotiate directly with the doctors on Yuri’s behalf to lower the costs for the surgery. JFS is paying some of the costs and Yuri is trying to raise money on his own to pay his share of the expenses. In fact, Yuri is so concerned about shouldering his share of the surgery costs that he asked Brenner if he had to pay for everything the day after the operation! Brenner is quick to point out that Yuri’s predicament is indicative of the problems that exist in our country’s
health care system. “It’s a common story when income from government programs like disability or Social Security can disqualify someone from receiving Medicaid. The ‘catch 22’ comes in when that income isn’t enough to cover the high and continually rising costs of medical insurance,” she explained. “The situation Yuri found himself in is becoming more and more common in our community.” By the time this story is printed, Yuri will have had his surgery and will undoubtedly be on the road to recovery. The complexity of the insurance world can baffle even the most educated citizen, so imagine how difficult it is for immigrants to our community to navigate the system. Yuri is one of the fortunate ones who asked for help and got it from a trusted and caring place…Jewish Family Service and the Omaha Jewish community. If you’d like to help, call JFS at 330.2024.
Happy Holidays 12800 West Center Road Omaha, NE 68144 402/330-0200 Fax: 402/330-3884 Member FDIC, N.A.
Enterprise Bank
210 Regency Parkway Omaha, NE 68114 402/392-0400 Fax: 402/392-0100
www.enterpriseebank.com
Wishing Everyone a Happy Hanukkah
NODDLE COMPANIES 13710 FNB Pkwy., Suite 100 496-1616
November 26, 2004
A Message from JFS by BECKI BRENNER Executive Director, Jewish Family Service Think about making choices in your daily life that could ultimately impact your ability to go to work, feed your family, provide housing, or simply stay healthy. The story you have just read highlights a growing problem in our community and the community at large-high health care costs and limited financial resources. A review of Jewish Family Service case files provides us with a shocking picture of families and individuals making decisions that impact their health status and the well being of their family. Choices such as: • Paying for their medicine for the month or paying their rent; • Emergency surgery decisions that often times are decided by “how long can I stand the pain?”; • No affordable health insurance from their employer, or not available because of their part-time status; • No citizenship status that would allow them benefits from State and federal programs; • Income levels at or below the poverty level established by the Federal government. Working does not automatically guarantee income high enough to afford health benefits; • Catastrophic accident or injury that precludes employment. Waiting for benefits for workman’s compensation or disability can take months before payment is received, meanwhile, rent is due and children are hungry. There has been much in the press lately regarding the health and well being of residents of Nebraska, most importantly the welfare of our children. Statistics reveal that 10% of the residents in Douglas County have no health insurance and 8% reported they were unable to access health care because of the potential cost of serv-
ices. While the number may appear small--it equates to roughly 50,000 individuals and families that are unable to obtain much needed healthcare services. While we may think these statistics and issues do not impact our small community--we are sadly mistaken. The Omaha Jewish population is just a microcosm of the larger community. We are impacted by poverty, hunger, compromised health status, and sadly the feelings of despair and desperation. As we begin our Dreidel series and share with you the stories of need in our community, it compels us to remember the meaning of tzedakah. How can we equate the act of tzedakah with the health care crisis that impacts many of the families in these stories? What can we as a community do to alleviate the suffering and harmful choices that face many members of our community? We can: • Contribute to a food bank. • Donate money to organizations whose purpose mirrors our values. • Volunteer to assist individuals in understanding their healthcare options. • Hold elected officials accountable and ask them to focus attention on this very important domestic issue. As we read and think about today’s story and the stories to come and are grateful that these issues do not impact our own lives--remember in Judaism, giving to the poor or to those less fortunate than we are--is not viewed as a generous and magnanimous act; it is simply an act of justice and righteousness. As we begin our Project Dreidel series, we ask you to please donate what you can, and direct your efforts to helping those in our midst with acts of love and kindness.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Sell Your Home With Me I’ll Donate 5% of the Commission Paid to the Federation Campaign in your Name. Ambassador Real Estate
®
Bobbi Leibowitz 496-7499
Care Consultants for the Aging Since 1991
Home Care at its Best A Registry Providing Companions, Home Health Aides, Nurses Aides and Nurses Affordable rates with no minimum hours Omaha 398-1848
Lincoln 488-3771
7701 Pacific, Suite 100
6211 “O”, Suite “B”
Best Wishes For a Happy Hanukkah
‘Who’s Raising Your Child?’ Focus of Sisterhood Event by JANET KOHLL for Beth Israel Sisterhood Mark your calendars for Tuesday, Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m., to hear Laura Buddenberg, co-author of “Who’s Raising Your Child?--Battling the Marketers for Your Child’s Heart and Soul” at Beth Israel Sisterhood’s Donor Event. The event begins with a dessert reception. Nonmembers are most welcome (the cost is$10 and can be
paid at the door). Reservations are requested by calling the synagogue office at 556.6288. Proceeds will go toward a playground on the synagogue grounds. Topics at the event will include: “Tykes and Television”, “What Parents of Teens Can Do” and “Why Marketers Love Teens.” Copies of Who’s Raising Your Child? are available at the Girls and Boys Town Visitors Center or by calling 498.1320. Copies also will be available at the event.
R Y C O PACKAGING CORP.
Happy Hanukkah from The Schrier Family FORD Just North Of I-80 On Hwy. 50 9203 South 145th Street • Omaha, NE 68132-3632
402/896-6000
Page 9
11422 Miracle Hills Drive 493-8951
Page 10
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 26, 2004
November 26, 2004
climate control
Your Look... Your Lifestyle Hairstyling Manicuring Pedicuring Waxing
AUTO BODY INC. • Collision Specialists • Hail Repair • Windshield & Glass Replacement • Work with all Insurance • Companies
Family Owned Since 1955
Countryside Village Pacific at 87th | 392-2039
1010 Bert Murphy Blvd. • Bellevue, NE 68005
That Pottery Place offering an assortment of Judaica Pottery
This paint your own pottery and mosaics studio specializes in unique gifts made by you! Select from over 100 items including several Judaica pieces! A great place for birthday, group, or no-occasion parties!
7828 Dodge St. 402-392-1166
FURNACE SPECIAL OFFERS
invitations collectibles and gifts unique gift baskets
12039 Blondo • Omaha, NE • 402/498-9770
Community Calendar
The pharmacy that specializes in home delivery! • North Omaha • South Omaha • Council Bluffs • • City-wide Delivery • Discount Prices •
• Discount prices, both charged and delivered • Medicines, Herbals and Natural Vitamins • Accepting HMO & Insurance Cards BRUCE GOLDBERG, Pharmacist Serving Our Community
For Home Delivery, call
Metro area: 733-3216 • www.phexpress.com
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1 HAZAK, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El JELS Maimonides Class Part III, 11 a.m. Beth Israel Lunch and Learn, noon at the office of Joe Kirshenbaum Bible Quiz Study (Gr. 7-12), 5:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Youth Group Dinner, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel Kabbalistic Journeys, 7 p.m. at Chabad House THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel “Most Important People of the Bible�, noon at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. “Meaning of Life� Class, 1 p.m. at TLC Federation Strategic Planning Meeting, 7 p.m. Kabbalistic Journeys, 7 p.m. at Chabad House “Crash Course in Hebrew Reading�, 7:30 p.m. at TLC FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3 Tri-Faith Dialogue, 8:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. Educator-in-Residence Rabbi Sam Joseph, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4 Hazak Lunch and Learn, 12:30 p.m. at Beth El BBYO Israel Disco, 7 p.m.
This spot could have your name on it.
$
20 OFF
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10 Temple Israel “Shabbat Comes to You�, 4 p.m. at Remington Heights Hanukkah Dinner & Services, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El Hanukkah Shabbat Dinner & Party, 7 p.m. at Beth El
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12 Religious School Steering Committee Meeting, 8:30 a.m. at Temple Israel B’nai B’rith Annual Hanukkah Run for Freedom, 9 a.m. Jewish Potpouri, 10 a.m. at Beth El Bible Study Class, 11 a.m. at Beth El Hebrew Crash Course, 11 a.m. at Beth El Sunday School Class, 3 p.m. at Beyt Shalom Rabbi Harold Kushner, 7 p.m. at Beth El
Finn Comfort Vaasa
MONDAY, DECEMBER 13 “Kosher Kitchen� Class, 7:30 p.m. at the Hoffman home TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14 BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Federation Executive Committee Meeting, 6 p.m. Adult Education, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel Executive Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at Friedel Jewish Academy Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. TLC “Growth Through Torah�, 7:30 p.m. at private residence
Many Mini
Comfortplus
334-6451
Certified Pedorthists On Staff
SHOE CENTER
1010 S.74th Plaza Omaha • 392-2952 On the North Side of Pacific at 74th
6450 O Street Lincoln • 466-7463 North Side of O Street
Monday-Friday 9-6 • Saturday 9-4:30 • Phone orders welcome
Dec 17 - Jan 5
Featuring small works by Fluxion’s represented artists.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17 Scholar-in-Residence with Dr. Mandell Granchow, 5 p.m. at Beth Israel SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18 Scholar-in-Residence with Dr. Mandell Granchow, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel Hazak Lunch and Learn, 12:30 p.m. at Beth El 39 Forever Pot Luck Supper, 6 p.m. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19 Jewish Potpouri, 10 a.m. at Beth El Bible Study Class, 11 a.m. at Beth El Hebrew Crash Course, 11 a.m. at Beth El Bridal Pagent, 2 p.m. at Chabad House “Discovery�, 6:30 p.m. at TLC MONDAY, DECEMBER 20 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. Hadassah Board Meeting, 1 p.m. BEAM, 7 p.m. at Beth El “Kosher Kitchen� Class, 7:30 p.m. at the Hoffman home
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21 BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Sisterhood Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El Board of Trustees Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel TLC “Growth Through Torah�, 7:30 p.m. at private residence
FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
328-8251 ;4
XXX IDY DPN
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22 Beth El USY International Convention, in Chicago Dec. 22-30 NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23 Beth Israel NCSY Sr. Conclave in Chicago/ Lake Geneva Dec. 23-27 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. “Meaning of Life� Class, 1 p.m. at TLC L.O.V.E Auxiliary Board Meeting, 7 p.m. “Crash Course in Hebrew Reading�, 7:30 p.m. at TLC FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24 Temple Israel OTYG NFTY Winter Chavurah Dec. 24-27 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26 BBYO Winter Regional Convention Dec. 26-29
0BLWJFX )BMMPX Â… 4PVUI UI 4USFFU Â… (SFZIBXL 7JMMBHF Â… 8FTU .BQMF 3PBE Â…
PGG BOZ DPMPS TFSWJDF
/PU UP CF VTFE XJUI BOZ PUIFS PGGFS 7BMJE 4VOEBZ 8FEOFTEBZ 0OMZ
FOR A
Hours:Mon-Tues By apt. only, Wed 12-5, Thurs 12-5, Fri 12-9, Sat 12-9, Sun 12-5
Dundeal Call
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27 “Kosher Kitchen� Class, 7:30 p.m. at the Hoffman home MONDAY, DECEMBER 28 TLC “Growth Through Torah�, 7:30 p.m. at private residence
Dundee Realty Co.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29 BBYO Night, 6 p.m. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. “Meaning of Life� Class, 1 p.m. at TLC “Crash Course in Hebrew Reading�, 7:30 p.m. at TLC
SALES • RENTALS • MANAGEMENT Residential and Commercial Real Estate Listing and Selling–Omaha and surrounding areas
Howard Weiner Dik Weiner 4645 Dodge • 553-2121 ENTERTAIN
FIRST CLASS Proudly Serving:
The Georgetowne Club - 2240 S. 141st Cir. W.H. Thompson Alumni Center - 6705 Dodge St. Livestock Exchange Building - 4920 South 30th St. Country Oaks - 9809 M Street Lauritzen Gardens - 100 Bancroft St. Homes, Offices and Other Desired Locations Available! Call one of our professional event planners today
402.932.5999 • 1209 HARNEY ST.
SERVING THE ENTIRE METRO AREA
CALL
Fluxion Gallery’s
Birkenstock • Dansco • Dunham • ECCO • Finn Comfort
Call Allan Handleman to see how easy it can be.
655 North 108th Avenue Omaha, NE 68154
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16 Men’s Spirituality Group, 7:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Hebrew Crash Course, 11 a.m. at Beth El “Most Important People of the Bible�, noon at Beth El Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. “Meaning of Life� Class, 1 p.m. at TLC Kabbalistic Journeys, 7 p.m. at Chabad House Hebrew Speakers Club, 7 p.m. “Crash Course in Hebrew Reading�, 7:30 p.m. at TLC
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15 Patter, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Rabbis & Presidents Meeting, Noon Adult Education, Noon at Temple Israel Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth El
Works Show
All in stock shoes thru Nov.27
M-W-F: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. & 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Tues: 1 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Thurs: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat: A.M. by appointment
Crowne PlazaÂŽ Omaha Old Mill
December
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7 ADL’s Manhigim Institute, 4:30 p.m. Adult Education, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Hanukkah Program, 7 p.m. at Friedel Jewish Academy TLC “Growth Through Torah�, 7:30 p.m. at private residence
Does Holiday Baking Make Your Feet Hurt?
334-1818 West Omaha 558-1555 Central
FOR ALL OCCASIONS
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11 Hanukkah Lunch, 11:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Hanukkah Party, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel “Most Important People of the Bible�, noon at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. “Meaning of Life� class, 1 p.m. at TLC Visions Chanukah Party, 4 p.m. Jonathan Sarna Lecture and Reception, 7 p.m. Kabbalistic Journeys, 7 p.m. at Chabad House “Crash Course in Hebrew Reading�, 7:30 p.m. at TLC
For information, Call the sales department at 402/496-0850 ext. 143
INDIVIDUALIZED CATERING
MONDAY, DECEMBER 6 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. Hanukkah Extravaganza, 5:30 p.m. at JCC “Kosher Kitchen� Class, 7:30 p.m. at the Hoffman home
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8 PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Latke Sales, 11:30 a.m. at Friedel Jewish Academy “Maximize Your Relationships� Class, noon at TLC B’nai B’rith Bible Quiz Dinner, 6 p.m. B’nai B’rith Bible Quiz, 7 p.m. Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel
Back & Neck Pain Headache Arm & Leg Pain Auto & Work Related Injuries Sports Injuries
• On-site planning and catering professionals
PRIVATE PARTY ROOMS AVAILABLE
14450 Eagle Run Drive 402-408-2529
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30 BBYO Night, 6 p.m. “Live from the 92nd Street Y� -- Amos Oz, 7 p.m. Beth Israel Sisterhood Event, 7:30 p.m.
• 12,000 sq. ft. of flexible event space accommodates up to 250 guests
Margarite and Mary Goodenow
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.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5 Jewish Potpouri, 10 a.m. at Beth El Educator-in-Residence Rabbi Sam Joseph & Adult Education, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Bible Study Class, 11 a.m. at Beth El Hebrew Crash Course, 11 a.m. at Beth El W.O.W. Program, 4 p.m. at Chabad House
402/496-6090
• Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
• Save $10 with any service call • Ask about our Yearly Service Plan
Call Today For a FREE No Obligation Estimate
132nd & Dodge (Next to Hy-Vee)
On Any TRANE Unit
Financing Available
Page 11
DR. KRISTINE B. SIMONSON CHIROPRACTOR
• Weddings • Anniversaries
SIX MONTHS SAME AS CASH
Stationery B’nai Mitzvah & Weddings Anniversaries & Special Occasions
402/291-2762
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. NCJW Book Club, 7 p.m.
We believe that special occasions deserve special attention. Count on us for memorable events that exceed expectations
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
You BEND ’em we MEND ’em
A Full Service Salon for Men+Women
CELEBRATIONS ARE OUR BUSINESS
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
(402) 334-5446 • www.brandeiscatering.com. “YOUR EVENT IS OUR NEXT SUCCESS!â€?
for RELIABLE & RESPONSIBLE FABRICARE 5213 Leavenworth
8728 Pacific
14430 W. Center Rd.
214 N. 114th St.
2214 N. 90th St.
4963 So. 155th St.
10910 ‘Q’ St.
2909 N. 108th St.
4028 N. 132nd St.
108th & Center
5624 Ames
1810 N. 144th St.
2301 Lincoln Rd.
2541 S. 174th Plz.
www.martinizing.com/omaha
WITH
HONEYMAN RENT-ALL The Party Place FOR THE FINEST IN ENTERTAINING ACCESSORIES, HOW CAN YOU THROW A PARTY AND NOT INVITE US? • Tables • Chairs • Linens • Skirting • China • Glassware • Champaign Fountains • Chafing Dishes • Party Canopies • Wedding & Church Displays • Dance Floors • BBQ Grills • Coat Racks • Candelabras • Margarita Machines • Chocolate Fountains
Our Visit room w o h S
11226 Wright Circle (1 Block South of 114th & Center)
333-2882
We Disp dding Sup lays & plies
Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 26, 2004
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
ORGANIZATIONS BREADBREAKERS Governor Mike Johanns will be the guest speaker at our Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Dec. 1, noon, at Ironwood Country Club, 126th and Pacific, according to Marty Ricks, Chairman. The Governor will update us on current issues. Cost is $10 for lunch and $2 for beverage service only. Breadbreakers is open to the community. TORAH LEARNING CENTER (TLC) All classes are taught by Rabbi Tuvia Hoffman. Please call 981.0569 for details. Monday, 7:30 p.m.: “Kosher Kitchen”--learn the laws of keeping kosher. No prior knowledge necessary. Beginner and Advanced students will gain from this class at the home of Rabbi and Ariella Hoffman. Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.: ”Growth Through Torah”--personal growth through studying Jewish philosophy from the Torah at a private residence. Thursday, 1 p.m.: “Meaning of Life & Other Business”--based on the Kabbalistic text Way of G-d by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto in the JCC Library. At 7:30 p.m. at the JCC, “Crash Course in Hebrew reading”-learn to read Hebrew in just a few weeks. Note: Rabbi Arye Pamensky cancelled Sunday’s event at the last minute due to an emergency; we will be rescheduling him at a later date. VISIONS Reminder: Visions board meeting is Friday, Dec. 3, 9:30 a.m., in the conference room of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.
YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Join us for a delicious special treat on Monday at the JCC. A representative from Godiva Chocolate will teach us the fine art of savoring this delectable indulgence. The program will begin following lunch at noon. The cost is $6 per person. All are welcome to participate in bingo at 10 a.m.; senior exercise class at 10:30 a.m. and the discussion group at 11 a.m. For transportation call Dee Dee at 330.4272. For information call Maggie Conti at 334.6521. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. It’s guaranteed to enhance your Yiddish! Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.
Covering the Globe Forty-plus Visionaries toured the Air Force Weather Agency recently at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue. The agency is the strategic center of weather prediction for the Air force and is the largest computing center in the world. Bud Greenspan and Sol Swartz enjoyed the docent-led tour.
Neshama Carlebach’s new CD--Journey--is now available. Her fifth CD, Journey combines a sweet mix of the simplicity of her father’s melodies, jazz and earthy folk sounds, Neshama’s musical growth is evident. Of the CD’s 13 acoustic songs, 11 were composed by Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, and two original songs, “Ata Hu”and “Min Hametzar” were written by David Morgan and Neshama Carlebach. Nebraska AIDS Project hosts the 12th annual “Night of a Thousand Stars” on Saturday, Dec. 4, 9 p.m.midnight, at the Qwest Center. This year’s event guests will enjoy cocktails, desserts and disco music with a special performance by KC and the Sunshine Band. Attend one of the many parties taking place throughout the community or attend the open party on Dec 4, 6-8:30 pm at One Drake Place (121st and West Center Road) for a $40 donation. For tickets, contact 402.552.9260, ext. 127 or www.nap.org.
MARRIAGE KULLY/BENISH Cathy Kully and James Benish were married Oct. 23 at the home of the bride’s mother, Leslie Kully. The bride is also the daughter of the late Bill Kully. The groom is the son of Don Benish.
Wishing you a
Happy Hanukkah filled with family,
warmth, love and laughter.
Omaha • Council Bluffs • Lincoln • Kearney
Bob Goldberg Vice President/Senior Loan Analyst
402/330-0770 800/616-6848
Cell: 402/598-8677 Fax: 402/330-7318
www.advantagemort.com email: bgoldberg@advantagemort.com 12046 Pacific Street • Omaha, NE 68154
All of this...without leaving home!
Hanukkah Greetings some of our residents!
■ Whirlpool/Spa ■ 150-seat Theatre ■ Computer Room ■ Serenity Massage ■ Luxurious Dining ■ City Bank & Trust ■ Studio in the Pines Salon ■ Via Van Bloom Travel Agency ■ Stockwell Gift Shop/Pharmacy ■ State-of-the-Art Fitness Center
Leo Hill, Charlotte Orloff & Dr. Sam Lipkin
lcome e W Retirement Living at its Best e to... m o H ✓ No Buy-Ins ✓ No Entrance Fee ✓ Month to Month Rental
Dwelling units include features for persons with disabilities
at WILLIAMSBURG VILLAGE 3900 Pine Lake Road • Lincoln, NE • 402/420-9900 www.savannahpines.net
November 26, 2004
IN THE NEWS The Food Network has been taping at Omaha Steaks; “Kitchen Accomplished”, a show which features extreme kitchen makeovers, will air Dec. 3, 9 p.m.; Dec. 4, 1 a.m. and Dec. 5, 5 p.m. In this episode, a family’s kitchen is redone with “state of the art” indoor grilling and smoking appliances and closes with Omaha Steaks products from steaks to turkey. Also on Dec. 4, 10 p.m. and Dec. 5, 2 a.m., the popular show, “Unwrapped”, will feature “Mail Order Munchies” from Omaha Steaks. Greg Lindberg of Absolutely Fresh Seafood Company announced a series of cooking classes and demonstrations at their 119th St. location. On Tuesday, Dec. 1, Lindberg will present Holiday Appetizers with Chef Claude; on Dec. 8, join them for a Wine Tasting with Jay Rubin and food by Chef Claude. After the New Year, come for a cooking class with Gene Camarota on Jan. 11. Classes are from 6:30-8:30 p.m., $25 per person, and the first glass of wine is on the house. Reservations can be made by calling 827-4376. The Nebraska Children’s Home is sponsoring a Home Specialty Boutique at their headquarters, 4939 So. 118 St., on Saturday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is no admission fee; 20% of the proceeds will benefit NCH. Former Omahan Jill Abrahamson, daughter of Hugh I. Abrahamson and Tania S. Moore, has become a member of the New York Bar. She is staff attorney for the Legal Aid Society, Criminal Defense Division, in Manhattan. She is also a licensed member of the bar in California and Nebraska. She is a graduate of Golden Gate Law School in San Francisco, CA. Parsow’s Fashions for Men and Women in Regency Court announce the addition of Jeff Cohn as a sales associate. Cohn, who has 30 years of experience, began his career at Council Bluffs-based Herman’s Clothiers and later owned his own store. For the last 17 years, Cohn has worked at Landon’s and its Big & Tall Men’s division.
Compassionate Caregiver Seeks full-time position for end of life care in home setting. 35 years experience in both nursing facilities and private homes yields impeccable references.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 13
Cuisines of the Caucasus Mountains
The Polish Country Kitchen Cookbook
by Kay Nelson (Hippocrene, $24.95)
by Sophie Knab (Hippocrene, $24.95)
R EAD IT AND EAT Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN Many of our grandparents and great-grandparents came from Russia or from Poland. Savor a bit of the foods that were probably familiar to them from these regions via a couple of new cookbooks. In Cuisines of the Caucasus Mountains, travel through the region comprising Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Russia...the people of the Caucasus Mountains. A culinary journey... think pomegranate, saffron, rose water, honey, fresh and dried fruits and nuts, yogurt. The book begins with legends, folk lore and history, culinary traditions and the cooking of the Caucasus...this ancient region between the Caspian and Black Seas. Each of the chapters begin with food information as do the headnotes for the 180 recipes. The recipes are one-to-a-page and have brief instructions. From Apsheron (a peninsula jetting out into the Caspian Sea) Chicken With Okra to Zaqatala (a historic town in Azerbaijan) Walnut-Yogurt Soup. Discover the ethnic diversity, foods, drink and lore. In this recipe with legend connecting it to Noah’s ark coming to rest on Mount Ararat and everyone bringing whatever foods they had left to prepare a dish to celebrate. MOUNT ARARAT PUDDING 5 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/2 cup slivered blanched almonds 1/2 cup golden raisins 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 cup medium bulgur
13/4 cups orange juice Salt In a medium skillet melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add the almonds, raisins, walnuts, and cinnamon. Saute 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat. In a large saucepan, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add the bulgur; saute about 4 minutes, until brown and toasted. Pour in the orange juice. Season with salt. Mix well. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook, covered, about 25 minutes, until bulgur is tender but still crunchy and liquid has been absorbed. Add the fruit mixture. Stir well. Serve at once. In The Polish Country Kitchen Cookbook, the author shares her family’s peasant heritage and history and relates information on early Polish cooking methods, utensils and the foods of the pantry. Descriptions of projects and over 100 one-to-a-page recipes that have numerical instructions and both English and Polish titles are arranged seasonally. Here’s a recipe Grandma might have prepared.
NOODLES AND POPPY SEEDS (Kluski z Makiem) One 16-ounce package medium-size egg noodles 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, melted One 12-ounce can poppy seed filling 1 tablespoon lemon juice 4 teaspoons grated lemon peel 1 tablespoon honey Preheat oven to 350º. Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and toss with butter while still warm. Mix poppy seed filling with lemon juice, lemon peel and honey. Add to noodles and mix well. Place in baking casserole and heat through about 20 to 30 minutes. Makes 4 to 6 servings
Wishing you a season of peace & prosperity
Clients cared for with dignity and respect despite nature of illness. All aspects of client care: invalid or ambulatory. Services include light housekeeping, cooking, errands, doctor appointments, and hospital companionship. References available on request Contact: Virginia LoParco
402-651-7908
The Blues are good for you!
We’re your community credit union. Membership is open to everyone who lives or works in Douglas, Sarpy or Pottawattamie County. You’re eligible to join!
www.bcbsne.com
We do business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.
A not-for-profit mutual insurance company and an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
(402) 334-7000 or (800) 334-2328 Omaha: 2727 S. 168 St. • 15480 Spaulding Plz. • 11718 M Cir. • 1299 Farnam • 343 N. 114 St. Bellevue: 2207 Pratt Ave. La Vista: 8250 S. 99 St. Council Bluffs: 2825 Ave. G w w w. c e n t r i s f c u . o r g
Page 14
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 26, 2004
Specializing in all your Real Estate Needs Throughout Sunny Arizona Seasonal Rentals Investment Properties
New Home Sales Short & Long Term Rentals
I Could Have Sworn I Knew Where I Left That...
Realty Executives Ben Feldman 602-819-HOME Ben_Feldman@cox.net
®
BERT’S EYE VIEW ®
by BERT LEWIS
“Specializing in Scottsdale & Southeast Valley”
Shield Crest Irrigation — — — — — —
SERVICE ON ALL BRANDS PROFESSIONALLY DESIGNED SPRING TURN ONS QUALITY INSTALLATION WINTERIZATIONS RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL
“WE MAKE SURE IT’S DONE THE BEST” LICENSED - BONDED - INSURED MEMBER Metro Omaha Area
697-5539
... providing quality care in the security of familiar comfortable surroundings
Improving
the Quality of Life
The Hospice Concept
Hospice is not a place; it is a concept of care for those who have life-limiting illnesses. Even when medicine cannot provide a cure, it can offer comfort, care, and assistance that help maintain a better quality of life for the patient. This type of attention called pallative care, involves the aggressive treatment of physical and emotional pain and symptoms. It focuses on enhancing a patient’s comfort and improving that person’s quality of life.
444 Regency Parkway Dr. Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68114
402/397-0990
Do you ever misplace things? You know, put something away where it belongs (or maybe where it doesn’t belong) and then discover you can’t find it? That’s one of the things on the complaint list of people who have celebrated many, many birthdays. We all know somebody who found the sugar bowl in the fridge and the butter in the cupboard, to cite just one example. Okay, I don’t want you to think I’m trying for a book-of-records mention about a lost article, but let me tell you about a recent experience that had me going nuts for nearly three months. I have had, for a really long time, a little book of important dates. It lists birthdays and anniversaries of family and friends whose special days I like to remember with at least a card, if not a gift. I depend on that little book. When I’m really at my most efficient and organized self, I remember to take the brand new calendar before January first, and sit down with it and my date book. I go through each month and mark who has a special occasion to celebrate and exactly when. Of course, I’m not always efficient and organized, so sometimes those dates don’t get marked on the new calendar, and that’s precisely why I need my little book. Under usual circumstances, I keep it by my kitchen phone, along with the Hadassah and Council directories and other important stuff. When we pack up and leave for the winter, I always make sure my little book goes with me. Now it should be clear to you just how much that little book means to me. And here’s where the topic of lost items comes back to attention. Early in the summer, I discovered my little book wasn’t where it was supposed to be. I looked in every conceivable place, and many inconceivable places too, and no book. I actually cleaned and and reorganized several drawers during the search, so it wasn’t a total waste of time, but it was very aggravating. I knew there were certain people in my life who were celebrating various occasions I needed to acknowledge. Somebody very near and dear to me had both a birthday and an anniversary coming, and I real-
ly wanted to find my book! Of course there were other ways to find out what I needed to know, but I really didn’t like calling other people and asking if they happened to have those dates. I ended up doing exactly that, because I had no choice, and the next thing I did was to buy a new book. Now I needed to somehow establish an entirely new little personal directory, and that necessitated phone calls. Little by little, I gathered the information and filled out the appropriate dates, all the time boorching because I didn’t like the new book as well as the original. Fast forward to September and a spur of the moment trip to Scottsdale. We needed to spend a week checking on various things and more importantly, on our family members who live there. Pack a few things, all hot weather items, close up the house and go to Arizona. The trip was uneventful and when we arrived we found everything as it should be, except maybe dusty. I went to my desk to turn on the computer to see if there was any mail and to just look around. I think that was when I decided to find my list of local friends numbers which I keep neatly stored on a shelf. And guess what I found right next to my list? Yep. You got it. My little book of dates had been there all the time, even though I would have sworn I remembered packing it and taking it home when we left. So, to all the people I pestered about birthdays and anniversaries of mutual friends, I apologize. If I didn’t have such a fardrayta kop, I maybe would have known all along where the book was, but I didn’t dream I had left it behind. Now I have two and I guess that’s good. I’m thinking maybe I’ll get a nail and a hammer and pound one of them into a wall, so I can’t lose it. I’m even considering buying one of those electronic schmitchiks and entering all that information into it, only I’m afraid it would be too easy to put it down someplace and forget where I left it. I could put all that data into my computer. I don’t know why I haven’t thought of that before. Maybe that’s what I’ll do right now. I’ll just get one of my two books and get busy--but wait a minute. I have to think where I left them. You didn’t happen to see either one, did you? Bert Lewis can be reached at Bertelewis39@aol.com.
The First Hanukkah Candle is Lit on Tuesday, Dec. 7. Call us for a tour today! One Bedroom/Two Bedroom Units Available 402-390-9991
9804 Nicholas St. Omaha, NE 68114
A Partner with University of Nebraska Medical Center
Bloomfield Forum
Omaha’s Independent Senior Living Specialists
Happy Hanukkah from
Norman and Bernice Harris Center for Judaic Studies
November 26, 2004
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 15
Prejudice Elimination Workshop Strives to Educate Teens by SHARON BRODKEY for the Anti-Defamation League Nearly 300 high school students from the Greater Omaha area came together with volunteer facilitators to participate in the ADL’s 18th annual Prejudice Elimination Workshop (PEW) earlier this month at the Westside Community Conference Center. Public, private, parochial and home schooled students were selected by their school counselors and teachers to attend the day-long, highly interactive anti- bias training seminar. Community volunteers from all professions and walks of life served as PEW facilitators after completing PEW facilitator training. ADL/CRC Assistant Director Debbi Zweiback explained that, “the students who attend PEW represent every thread in the tapestry of our diverse community and it is so important that our facilitators mirror that diversity.” To that end, this year the ADL reached out to partners in its mission who had not yet been tapped for programs like PEW. “We had some very skilled volunteers from the Latino Peace Officers Association, the Urban League and faith based community organizations.” she added. Other community volunteers lend their time and energy to help throughout the day. From serving lunch to managing materials and traffic, PEW is a substantial project. Recent graduates of ADL’s Robert Sturm Youth Leadership Mission to Washington, D.C. were also on hand to help. “This is a labor of love and commitment and it shows in the enthusiasm of the many people who take time from their busy lives and jobs to make an impact on our community and on our kids,” added ADL Regional Director Bob
to return as a volunteer facilitator for his fourth PEW Workshop in 2005. This year a new interactive program element was added to PEW. Drama students from the University of Nebraska Omaha brought the internationally acclaimed Theatre of the Oppressed to the workshop. Combining dramatic arts and community action, Theatre of the Oppressed pulled the students into active relationships with the actors/facilitators, engaging them in anti-bias training through performance, activities and structured exercises. PEW is made possible by a donation from the Murray H and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation.
One of the lessons students were asked to repeat throughout the day was that “Different isn’t good or bad.” Different also means “differently-abled.” Skilled sign language interpreters (right) were on hand for hearing impaired students at PEW. Wolfson. First-time facilitator Tony Gates said, “It was fun working with an amazing group of young people. I wish we could make PEW a required piece of curricula to reach all students.” Gates, whose “real job” is district manager for Pfizer Inc., emphasized his personal reason for becoming involved in PEW. “As a father of bi-racial children, one of the biggest reasons I wanted to do this was to make sure my kids have a fighting chance to grow up and live in a society that is free of bias,” he added. “I will do this again without hesitation.” Chris Rogers, assistant to Mayor Mike Fahey and newly elected County Board commissioner, is a returning facilitator. “Each year that I work with the PEW kids, I understand there is so much to be resolved in stereotypes and prejudice for this age group,” he said. “For me it reinforces that we’ve come a long way but we still have a long way to go.” Rogers intends
Come to the Holy Land
Minister of Tourism Gideon Ezra, back row fourth from left, and representatives of many denominations of Christian Clergy gathered in Jerusalem following the signing of the declaration to encourage pilgrimage to Israel. During the past few years of the intifada
many Christian pilgrims have been coming to Israel in ever increasing numbers. The declaration states that visitors to Israel are as safe as anywhere else in the world and now is the time to build bridges of friendship. Credit: ISRANET
A C C PA C AC C O U N T I NG www.accpac.com • ACCPAC For Windows • ACCPAC Plus • Software Sales
• On-Site Training • Installations • Telephone Support
Certified ACCPAC Consultants: Lee Schaller, CPA — Omaha Sandi Bentley, CPA — Kearney Roger Aldrich, CPA — Omaha
A Capital Senior Living Retirement Community An Independent Retirement Community Monthly Rates Include: • • • • • • • • •
Independent apartment living. 3 delicious meals. Weekly housekeeping. Scheduled transportation. Planned activities. Exercise classes & equipment Pets accepted. Emergency intercom. 24-hour office staff
OMAHA
GRAND ISLAND
402-391-1207
308-382-7850
2820 S. 80th Street
HASTINGS
KEARNEY
402-462-4154
308-234-5565
391-7555 seniorhousing.net/ad/crownpointe www.capitalsenior.com
Page 16
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 26, 2004
Opinion Can the World Recover from Arafat’s Legacy? Hailed as a martyr, tears were shed by a BBC reporter, Barbara Plett, who said, “when the helicopter carrying the frail old man rose above his ruined compound, I started to cry... without warning.” And, unbelievably, United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan not only was “deeply moved” by Arafat’s death, he ordered all U.N. flags to be lowered to half mast in memory of “Arafat’s legacy.” What legacy? This is a man who knew how to be a terrorist, but not how to govern. He rejected offer after offer and left his people stateless, all the while winking at his so-called security personnel while they committed acts of atrocities against Israelis and Americans. While his people remained jobless, Arafat grinned at television cameras and reporters from Europe who fawned over him. Remember when he was first locked down in his Ramallah compound? European newscasters how chocolates would be delivered to him! Chocolates? Palestinians didn’t have jobs; their children were being denied basic rights of education and healthcare and left-wing sympathizers were worried about chocolate? One doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Since his death, a huge number of op-eds have been printed about his alleged legacy and guesses about the future. One of the best statements has come from Jeff Jacoby at the Boston Globe. He wrote on Nov. 11, “Yasser Arafat died at age 75, lying in bed surrounded by familiar faces. He left this world peace-
fully, unlike the thousands of victims he sent to early graves. “In a better world, the PLO chief would have met his end on a gallows, hanged for mass murder much as the Nazi chiefs were hanged at Nuremberg. In a better world, the French president would not have paid a visit to the bedside of such a monster. In a better world, George Bush would not have said, on hearing the first reports that Arafat had died, ‘God bless his soul.’ “God bless his soul? What a grotesque idea! Bless the soul of the man who brought modern terrorism to the world? Who sent his agents to slaughter athletes at the Olympics, blow airliners out of the sky, bomb schools and pizzerias, machinegun passengers in airline terminals? Who lied, cheated, and stole without compunction? Who inculcated the vilest culture of Jew-hatred since the Third Reich? Human beings might stoop to bless a creature so evil--as indeed Arafat was blessed, with money, defer-
(Founded in 1920)
ence, even a Nobel Prize--but God, I am quite sure, will damn him for eternity.” Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom, added, “Yasser Arafat is an obstacle to peace; that a responsible Palestinian leadership can only emerge once he is gone from the scene. This argument will now be put to the test. We will have to see over the coming weeks and months if we have a real partner for a return to negotiations, which has always been our preferred path. The passing of Yasser Arafat presents an opportunity for renewed momentum. “All sides must take this opportunity.” We shall see; we shall see.
Optimism Greets Post-Arafat Era, but Obstacles to Progress Remain
BEHIND THE HEADLINES by LESLIE SUSSER JERUSALEM (JTA)--The post-Arafat era has begun with high hopes in Washington, London, Jerusalem and even Ramallah--but many of the obstacles that prevented peace in Arafat’s day remain, and it's not clear whether any of the major players has the single-minded determination to make peace happen. The United States is not as actively involved as it may have to be; the Europeans, who would like to be intimately involved, don’t have the necessary political clout; the Israeli leadership, insulated by strong American backing and facing a recalcitrant right wing, sees no need to hurry; and the new Palestinian leaders, hamstrung by radical, violent opponents, may not be able to make concessions beyond what the late Palestinian Authority president countenanced. President Bush gave an inkling of the ambivalence inherent in American policy after a meeting in Washington with British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Bush rejected Blair’s call for an international conference and a speedy transition to talks on a final peace agreement, saying the Palestinians first would have to stop terrorism against Israel. At the same time, however, Bush said he still believed the establishment of a Palestinian state is the only way to resolve the conflict. The essence of American policy can be gleaned from those ostensibly incongruous statements: The United States will help the Palestinians achieve statehood on condition that they stop violence and carry out economic, security and political reforms. In other words, it’s up to them to make the first move. Bush also seemed to alter the time frame for Palestinian statehood. Whereas the “road map” peace plan--presented in 2002--spoke of 2005 as the target date, Bush said he was determined to work toward a Palestinian state by the time he leaves office, in January 2009. This reinforced the president's main mes-
sage to the Palestinians: They must get their act together before the United States will be ready to help. If they’re slow, there will be a price to pay in the deferral of national aspirations. The quicker they act, the quicker statehood can be achieved. European officials believe the American role primarily should be to help the new Palestinian leadership establish its legitimacy. First, they say, the United States can help with elections for a new P.A. president by leaning on Israel to allow optimum conditions for a free election, with as few signs of occupation as possible. As for the Palestinians, they cannot take things forward unless the new leaders establish a stable government. So far, the signs do not auger well. An incident in which militiamen from the PLO’s mainstream Fatah movement opened fire on the mourners’ tent for Arafat-when his heir apparent, Mahmoud Abbas, and Gaza strongman Mohammed Dahlan were inside-- is symptomatic of a fairly widespread refusal to accept Abbas’ authority. Two of Abbas’s bodyguards were killed. Though it apparently wasn’t an assassination attempt, the shooting was meant to warn Abbas not to diverge from Arafat’s hardline. The assailants shouted, “No Abbas, no Dahlan and no CIA,” suggesting that some Palestinians see the two as American puppets capable of selling out Palestinian interests. For his part, Abbas believes only America can deliver the goods. On the Israeli side, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon wants to give Abbas every chance, or at least give the impression of doing so. Despite opposition from some of his closest supporters in the Cabinet, Sharon seems set to allow eastern Jerusalem Arabs to vote in the Palestinian election, even though that part of the city was annexed by Israel in1968 and
Israeli officials have been wary of any step that could bolster Palestinian claims there. Sharon also has the defense establishment working on contingency plans: The National Security Council is considering how Israel’s planned unilateral withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and part of the West Bank can be coordinated with the Palestinians, and the Israel Defense Forces and the Defense Ministry are drafting blueprints for Palestinian security reforms as well as steps to end the intifada. Sharon also is contemplating gestures that could help Abbas build authority, such as releasing prisoners and withdrawing the Israeli army from Palestinian cities. For example, after an operation that lasted several weeks, Israeli forces withdrew from the West Bank city of Jenin. But Sharon faces constraints of his own. If he is finding it so difficult politically to withdraw from Gaza and a small part of the West Bank, Israeli pundits ask, how will he be able to withdraw from the huge amounts of territory that a peace agreement would entail? For now, Sharon is pleased with the way Bush's policy is shaping up, especially his apparent commitment that the United States will not pressure Israel to engage in peace talks until the Palestinians end violence. But on the center-left of Israeli politics, there's a growing sense that if the Americans don’t change course and start pressuring both sides, nothing good will happen. Writing in the economic newspaper Globes, journalist Matti Golan was the latest to articulate the feeling that the only way the deadlock can be broken is through a more proactive American policy. In an editorial addressed personally to President Bush, Golan called for “an imposed settlement, please.” Bush, he maintains, should not be “behind Sharon,” but rather should give both sides an American lead. Bush should put a deal on the table and tell the parties that “anyone who doesn’t sign, or even starts to argue, won’t see a single penny, not from you nor the Europeans.”
The United States will help the Palestinians achieve statehood on condition they stop violence and carry out economic, security and political reforms. In other words, it’s up to them to make the first move.
Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Timothy J. Ketelsen Bookkeeper Lori Kooper-Schwarz Production Assistant Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; and Melany Weinstein. 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, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press and the Foundation are constitutional committees of the Jewish Federation. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $35 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
Nebraska Press Association
National Newspaper Association
November 26, 2004
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 17
Israel After the U.S. Election OUR MAN IN ISRAEL by CARL ALPERT Haifa--Following the American presidential election it might be expected that we would devote some space to a discussion of the reaction to the results in Israel. Of course there was great interest here, both in the campaigning and in the outcome. Television and the domestic press devoted considerable time and space to an analysis of the significance to Israel of Bush’s re-election, and political pundits from all points of views offered their interpretations. Most of the discussion can be summed up in a few words: It was good for Israel. We leave the rest to the news columns. But the electoral count in the U.S. by no means monopolized the news. Israel has its own very immediate problems and crises. In the days immediately following the balloting in America and announcement of the results, Israeli public opinion has been occupied by the following critical issues: Both major political parties here are
faced with internal dissensions to such an extent that Reuven Rivlin, Speaker of the Knesset, declared that it is now “hard to define what is the opposition or the coalition.” Within Premier Sharon’s Likud party a sizeable number of Knesset members are opposed to his plan for disengagement from Gaza, and have even voted against it. At the same time, Ehud Barak, former Prime Minister who had been defeated by Sharon, and who had of late been politically quiet, announced that he was back in the running, and would compete for chairmanship of the Labor Party, presumably against Shimon Peres, and then for Prime Minister in a national election. At a time when there is talk of reconciliation between the Republican and Democratic parties in the U.S. for the sake of national unity, Israel is faced with growing acrimonious feuding among the various parties and within each party as well. Here we have 10 or 12 or 14 parties (we have lost count) in the Knesset. Major item immediately on the agenda is passage of the national budget for 2005. Every party has its own demands
for inclusion in the budget. The Minister of Finance, Binyamin Netanyahu, who is struggling to keep the expenditures column low, has to make compromises in order to marshal the number of Knesset votes required for passage. Perhaps by the time this is in print the necessary compromises will have been made. If not, will Netanyahu still be Minister of Finance? If the budget is not passed by March 31, the Knesset will be automatically dissolved, and the country will head into a fresh national election. Bush, Kerry, fade into the background against domestic realities like these. In the meantime, the disengagement bill, including compensation for the settlers to be removed from Gaza is facing both objection and support in the Knesset, irrespective of party lines. March 1 has been set as deadline for passage. Before then, however, anything can happen, including the ousting of Sharon. Other issues continue to compete for the headlines. What will happen as a result of Yasser’s departure from the scene? Will there be any unity on the Palestinian front? Any progress toward peace is impossible until the Palestinians proclaim and show that they are capable of halting terrorism against Israel.
Pressures on Israel are to be expected from the European Union, where an action program is now being drawn up. Problems are not lacking on other fronts as well. The authorities are taking seriously wild threats to assassinate Sharon. Plans to carry out an active Christian missionary program in Jerusalem have been revealed. First appearance of locusts en route here from North African countries has put the Agriculture Ministry on serious alert. The relatively minor problem of gas masks has been put on hold after it was decided not to collect the masks from the civilian population. Have we mentioned unemployment, poverty, exports. immigration, foreign workers, terrorist attacks, religious problems? The list is long. All these just happen to compete in the news with Bush’s re-election. Fortunately, there is another, positive and upbeat side to Israel as well. Such items just don’t make headlines. We shall find occasion to devote space and time to these as well. George W.Bush has been re-elected. Israel can now turn its attention to our local, home grown affairs Carl ALpert can be reached at: alpert@techunix.technion.ac.il.
A Timeline of Yasser Arafat’s Life by JTA Staff NEW YORK, (JTA)--The following is a timeline of the life of Yasser Arafat: • 1929: Arafat is born to a family of merchants in Egypt (though he often claimed to have been born in Jerusalem); • 1952-56: Attends Cairo University, where he joins the Islamist movement known as the Muslim Brotherhood. Also organizes Union of Palestinian Students; • 1956: Arafat has said he fights in the Egyptian army during the Suez War, but some believe he is in Czechoslovakia, attending a Communistsponsored student congress; • 1957: He leaves Egypt and, a year later, settles in Kuwait, where he works as an engineer; • Late 1950s: Co-founds Fatah, a Palestinian political movement dedicated to armed struggle against Israel; • 1964: The PLO is founded at an Arab League summit. Fatah will soon become its central element; • 1965: Fatah carries out its first terrorist attack on Israel, an attempt to blow up the National Water Carrier. • 1968: Losses the PLO inflicts on Israeli soldiers at the battle of Karameh, in Jordan, and Arafat’s daring escape from the battle on a motorcycle add to his mystique and solidify his growing hold on the PLO; • 1969: Arafat is elected chairman of the PLO’s Executive Committee; • 1970: PLO attempts to destabilize and ultimately take over Jordan
prompt King Hussein to crack down on the PLO and kick them out of the country. Thousands of Palestinians are killed in what comes to be known as “Black September.” Arafat chooses Lebanon as his new base of operations. • 1972:Palestinian terrorists kill 11 Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympics. The attack and other terrorist actions, mainly airplane hijackings, put the Palestinian cause on the international stage; • 1974: Wearing a pistol holster, Arafat addresses the U.N. General Assembly. The assembly recognizes “the right of the Palestinian people to sovereignty and national independence” and gives the PLO observer status at the world organization; • 1982: Israeli forces drive Arafat from Beirut, forcing him to set up his base in Tunisia; • 1987-1993: Riots break out that grow into the first Palestinian intifada, or uprising. The fighting eventually claims the lives of an estimated 1,100 Palestinians and 150 Israelis; • 1988: Arafat says the PLO accepts U.N. Resolution 242, implies recognition of Israel and, at least formally, renounces terrorism. As a result, the United States opens a dialogue with the PLO; • 1990: The United States breaks off its dialogue with the PLO after Arafat refuses to condemn a terrorist attack carried out by a member group. Arafat’s support for Saddam Hussein after he invades Kuwait, and during the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq the following year, leads Persian Gulf states to cut off their funding for the PLO;
• 1991: Arafat marries his 28-year-old secretary, Suha Tawil. Born a Christian, she converts to Islam; • 1993: Israel and the PLO agree on a framework for peace in what later are called the Oslo accords. The framework is signed on the White House lawn, where Arafat hakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin; • 1994: Arafat, along with Israeli leaders Rabin and Shimon Peres, is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Arafat returns to the Gaza Strip after a 25-year exile; • 1996: Arafat is overwhelmingly elected president of the Palestinian Authority. Under heavy pressure, the PLO's Parliament-in-exile votes to revoke sections of the PLO charter calling for Israel’s destruction, but never completes the process; • 2000: Arafat refuses a peace plan proposed by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak at the Camp David summit. Later that year, Palestinians begin a wave of terrorism that intensifies after a visit to Jerusalem's Temple Mount by Israeli opposition leader Ariel Sharon. This grows into what is called the second intifada, which is still ongoing; • 2001: Frustrated by Arafat’s ongoing support for violence, Israel confines him to his compound in Ramallah, where he remains until October 2004. • 2002: The United States breaks with Arafat after he is found to have lied about P.A. involvement with a weapons ship arriving from Iran. President Bush later makes replacement of leaders “compromised by terrorism”--a clear nod to Arafat--a precondition for Palestinian statehood; • 2004: Arafat dies on Thursday, Nov. 11 in a Paris hospital.
333 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE | 68154-2198 | Fax 402/334-5422
Coming this January
IMPRINTED SPORTSWEAR Serving the Omaha area for 20 years
TAX+ 2005 FINANCIAL
T-shirts • Sweatshirts • Polo shirts • Windshirts Hats • Bags • Pens • Mugs Golf Balls • Calendars • Magnets • Balloons and More...
ISSUE INFORMATION
B’nai Mitzvahs • Birthdays • Anniversaries Family Reunions • Corporate Outings
Publishing Date: January 7, 2005 Space Reservation: December 16, 2004 Camera Ready Deadline: December 23, 2004 To place an ad in this new special section, call Allan Handleman at 402.334.6451.
10410 South 144 Street • Omaha, NE 68138
402-333-3354 • 1-800-772-2543 • Fax: 402-333-7603 lrandels@exsportswear.com
Page 18
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 jewishnebraska.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
The Neighborhood Minyan Torah Learning Center 1313 No. 58 St. Omaha, NE 68132 553.5397
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org
If you’re looking at this space, so are others! YOUR AD CAN GO HERE...
to reserve space, call Allan Handleman, 334-6451.
November 26, 2004
Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: No Services
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; K’tantan (K-2), 10:45 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Beth El Synagogue; Evening Service, 4:45 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Weekdays, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sitter Service is available during Friday night and Saturday morning services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge. SUNDAY: Note - the following classes will not be held on Nov. 28, and will resume on Dec. 3. Jewish Pot Pourri Class, 10 a.m. Bible Study Class, 11 a.m.; Hebrew Crash Course, 11:10 a.m. BESTT FAMILY HANUKKAH PROGRAM Sunday, Dec. 5. 10 a.m. to noon, BESTT students and their families will be treated to the school’s first-ever Family Hanukkah Program. During the morning, kids and their parents will take part in a variety of Hanukkah games and arts and crafts, and enjoy latkes and sufganiot in the Latke Cafe! CONGREGATIONAL HANUKKAH DINNER Friday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m., a festive congregational Hanukkah dinner will feature a musical program by Cantor Gastón Bogomolni, plus games and prizes for all. Dinner will include Lucy White’s famous fried chicken and of course, latkes! Cost is $9.50 for adults; $5 for children 5-12; free for children under age five. For reservations, please send a check (payable to Beth El), as well as your seating preference, to Beth El Synagogue, 14506 California St., Omaha NE 68154. AN EVENING WITH RABBI HAROLD KUSHNER As part of its 75th anniversary celebration, Beth El Synagogue welcomes back renowned author and speaker Rabbi Harold Kushner on Sunday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m. Best known for his international bestseller, When Bad Things Happen to Good People, Rabbi Kushner will speak about “Three Ideas the Jewish People Can Teach the World.” (See the interview with Rabbi Kushner and a book review of his latest book on page 5.) WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH GROUP The Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh group will join together on Monday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m., to welcome the month of Tevet with a celebration of the Festival of Lights, at the home of Joye Wees, 12605 Lafayette Circle. Wees, along with co-host Diane Axler Baum, will lead “Giving New Relevance and Enthusiasm to the True Meaning of Hanukkah.”
Refreshments will be served at 7 p.m.; the program will begin at 7:30 p.m. Reservations are needed and may be made by contacting Baum at 496.7455, or via e-mail at hypelady@aol.com.
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. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free Babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by the Sisterhood; Mincha, 4:45 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:43 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 6:45 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 6:45 p.m. TUESDAY: Beth Israel Sisterhood Annual Donor Event, 7:30 p.m. “Who’s Raising Your Child?” featuring divine desserts and discussion on the influence of advertising on children. Proceeds from the evening will go toward a new playground. WEDNESDAY: Business Ethics Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Gross, noon at the office of Joe Kirshenbaum, 1125 So. 103 St., Suite 580 (There is visitor parking in the garage). Men and women are invited to attend. A Bagel Bin lunch is provided for $5. Please make a lunch reservation with the synagogue office.
BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m.; Shabbat Dinner at Chabad House, 5:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Mamarim class, 9 a.m.; Services, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. Mishneh class, 9:30 a.m. MONDAY: Services, 7 a.m.; Halacha, “Walking the Walk” of Jewish Law, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: Services, 7 a.m.; “W.O.W: Strength and Majesty, 9 a.m. Women only; babysitting available upon request. WEDNESDAY: Services, 7 a.m.; Kabbalistic Journeys, 7 p.m. THURSDAY/FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m. Events and programs are open to the community. For information or to register, call 330.1800.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in Lincoln two weekends a month. Please call her at 402.416.2321 or e-mail her at dstiel@everestkc.net to set up an appointment. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. with Oneg following provided by Ellen and David Feingold. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. led by Rich Lombardi and Robert Rickover. SUNDAY: No Hebrew class,
Religious School, or Hallah High. SOCIAL ACTION This year, the Temple Social Action Committee asks Temple members to dedicate their gifts on the sixth night of Hanukkah to the children in the Lincoln Public Schools Headstart Program. This program needs gifts for for children from birth to five years of age. They emphasize literacy, and request books, small toys relating to stories, activity books, puzzles, puppets, and magnetic letters. Gifts should be unwrapped and cost less than $5. Please bring them to the Temple by Dec. 5. Let’s celebrate the spirit of Hanukkah with tzedakah! For more information, call Barb Straus at 476.1070.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE
Candlelighting Friday, November 26, 4:39 p.m.
THURSDAY, Dec. 2: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Rabbi Azriel, 10-11:30 a.m. UPCOMING EVENTS EDUCATOR-IN-RESIDENCE Rabbi Sam Joseph Friday, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m.: Shabbat Evening Service “You Better be Good for Goodness Sake.” SUNDAY, Dec. 6, 10:30 a.m.: The 4B’s: Behaving, Belonging, Believing and Bagels. “Answering My Child’s Hard Questions: A Jewish Response to God, Sex and Death.”
THE NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN AT TLC FRIDAY: Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:40 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; followed by Kiddush Luncheon and Mincha, 12:35 p.m.
FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Marty Shukert.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 6 p.m., Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate and give the D’var Torah. SATURDAY: No Bagels and Sacred Books; 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, as well as Sunday mornings when there is Religious School. Please make a reservation through the Temple office. Cost is $2 per family. Sorry, there are no facilities for infants. ADULT EDUCATION EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO ASK A RABBI Tuesday, Nov. 30, 6:15-8 p.m. Rabbi Mordechai Levin of Beth El Synagogue and Rabbi Jonathan Gross from Beth Israel Synagogue will participate with Rabbis Aryeh Azriel and Craig Marantz in a panel discussion during the Basic Judaism and Family School classes. The four rabbis will answer questions from those attending, and will cover topics ranging from conversion to the separation of church and state.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, MONDAY & THURSDAY, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY: NOVA presents “Ancient Refuge in the Holy Land”, watch the program on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 8 p.m. on Nebraska ETV Network. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066. ADULT EDUCATION MONDAYS: Introduction to Judaism with Rabbi Stanley Rosenbaum, 7:30-9 p.m. A comprehensive introduction to basic Judaism, it’s outlook, values, beliefs, and practices for individuals who seek more than just a mere “taste” of Judaism. SUNDAYS (during Hebrew School days): Jewish Law through the Ages with Rabbi Stanley Rosenbaum, 10-11:45 a.m.
JEWISH PRESS NOTICE College students can enjoy a free subscription to the Press; just e-mail your name, address at college (don’t forget dorm or suite number), city, state and zip to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.
BAT MITZVAH Zoë Nicole Vann, daughter of Leslie Vann and Tom Vann, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Dec. 4, at Temple Israel. Zoë is a seventh-grade Distinguished Honor Roll student at Westside Middle School. She was selected for the Duke University Talent Identification Program. She also received the “Daughter of the Year” award.
She enjoys dance, soccer, tennis, knitting, spending time with family and friends, and loves summer camp at Birch Trail. For her mitzvah project, she volunteered at the JCC Summer Camp, and was a junior counselor for three to five year olds in 2003-04. Zoë has a sister, Abby Rose, and a brother, Michael. Her grandparents are Judy Vann and the late Howard Vann.
November 26, 2004
The Limits of Appeasement
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Vayishlach Our forefather patriarch Jacob prepared well for his meeting with his brother Esau. It had been a long time that they had not seen each other, and Jacob was uncertain about the meeting. Would it be a confrontation, or would it be a peaceful meeting? He is not particularly encouraged when he hears that Esau is coming to meet him with 400 men, a sizeable private army. So Jacob arranges his large retinue and substantial wealth into separate contingents, keeping, as Rashi puts it, his most beloved families farthest away from any expected violence. And he prepares rather lavish gifts for Esau, the gifts to be sent on in advance. This obvious attempt to appease Esau, he thought, might help, and like chicken soup, could not hurt. We must remember that rabbinic Judaism heaped all sorts of contumely on Esau, but the Bible itself pictures Esau as a very decent gentleman. And he shows himself to be a gentleman. He accepts the gifts only after much persuasion, continually repeating that he has adequate resources of his own. He offers Jacob to send
Pulverent e some of his men to accompany and protect Jacob and his family as they make their way into the land. There is no hint in the Biblical account that Esau is anything but friendly and eager to be helpful. It is only the rabbinic account that tries to make a sharp contrast between Jacob and Esau. If you have been thinking that this kind of situation exists in our own world, in our own day, you have been thinking as I do. The nations with clout have been trying to deal with Iran by appeasement and by political gifts in much the same way that Jacob appeased Esau. Iran, however, is a tougher opponent than Esau was by threatening the use of nuclear weapons, which Iran is suspected of having quickly available. Iran is able to use the ultimate clout of the contemporary world. And so the nations with the most clout must yield to Iran’s unexpressed but real threat. What gifts does Iran expect? What gifts will the United Nations come up with? It is possible that we are on the brink of a great worldwide conflagration. But Iran is probably only playing the game of political persuasion as it is played in the highest circles for the highest stakes. Television and newspapers will keep us abreast of what will happen. We hope that we will emerge as fortunate as Jacob did. But Iran is a tougher roughneck than Esau ever was.
DEATHS RICHARD “SKIP” FEINTECH Former Omahan Skip Feintech died Nov. 5 at the age of 53. Services were held Nov. 8 in Chicago. He is survived by his mother, former Omahan Gloria Feintech, now of Chicago; a son, Ben Feintech of Forestville, CA; sisters, Jane Batt, Sandra Weil of Chicago; and brother and sister-in-law Jim and Carole Feintech of Chicago; nieces and nephews, Jonas Batt, Aaron Batt, Parker Weil, Sarah Weil, and Samuel Feintech. Memorials to charity of choice. HAROLD AUSTEN OBERMAN Former Omahan Harold Austen Oberman, a longtime member of the University of Michigan Medical School faculty, died Oct. 21 on his 72nd birthday. Services were held Oct. 22 at Temple Beth Emeth in Ann Arbor, MI. He is survived by his wife of over 45 years, Marylen Segel Oberman of Ann Arbor; his children, Michelle, Debra and Jeffrey; grandchildren; and brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Myra Oberman of Las Vegas, NV. Memorials to University of Michigan Department of Pathology, P.O. Box 0602, 1301 Catherine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, Temple Beth Emeth Caring Community, 2309 Packard Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, or Shalom Torah Center, 9030 W. Sahara Ave., Suite 267, Las Vegas, NV 89117.
To Submit an Obituary Notice: Send full name, age, date of death, location of service and burial site to the Jewish Press via e-mail: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; fax, 402.334.5422; or mail, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68114. Survivors shall be listed, including names of surviving spouse, sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, sons, daughters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren and their places of residence; the numbers (but not names) of greatgrandchildren, as well as the name of the spouse or children who preceded the deceased in death. The cause of death may be included, if authorized by the immediate family. In cases where confusion might arise due to people of the same name either being the deceased or a survivor, maiden names or middle initials shall be added, if known. Nieces and nephews shall be listed when there are no surviving children or grandchildren. Friends of the deceased (companions or life partners) shall be listed. Other pertinent biographical information (including honors or the serving as an officer in a Jewish organization) may be included at the Editor’s discretion. Memorial suggestions are acceptable to any bona fide, charitable organization; addresses will be included to out-of-state nonprofit organizations, if provided.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
MARK F. SALOMON Mark Salomon died Nov. 19 at the age of 54. Services were held Nov. 20 at Temple Israel Cemetery. He is survived by wife, Debbie Katelman Salomon; daughters, Lisa Michelle and Jillian Nicole Salomon father, Hans Salomon of Philadelphia, PA; brother and sister-in-law, Garry and Susan Salomon, Philadelphia, PA; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gary and Lorrie Katelman; sister-in-law, Gretchen Powers. Memorials to Yachad, c/o Jewish Family Services. THELMA PASSER REUBEN Former Council Bluffs resident Thelma Reuben died Aug. 15 in Beverly Hills, CA, at the age of 84. Services were held Aug. 17 at Hillside Memorial Park in Los Angeles, CA. She was preceded in death by a sister, Eleanor Slosburg, and a brother, Robert Passer, who is buried in Council Bluffs. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Dr. Ronald Reuben of Beverly Hills; daughter and son-inlaw, Gayle and Sandy Reisenbach of Beverly Hills, CA; son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Sheryl Reuben of San Francisco, CA; grandchildren, Amy Reisenbach of Los Angeles; Aaron, Eric and Caroline Reuben of San Francisco; brother, Alvin Passer of Henderson, NV; and aunt, former Council Bluffs resident Ethel Kipperman of Studio City, CA. Memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association or charity of choice.
Page 19
ASSOCIATED
MONUMENT CO.
ACP
Frank L. Ciciulla Jr. 60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials
COUNSELING PROFESSIONALS
1439 So. 13th
341-2452
GLEN H FINEMAN, LSCW Licensed Clinical Therapist Family Mediator
Light the first candle of Hanukkah on Tuesday, Dec. 7
12818 Augusta Avenue Omaha, NE 68114 402/334-1122 email: acpcounseling@hotmail.com www: acpcounseling.com
PEOPLE WHO READ NEWSPAPERS ARE
STUDENTS WITH BETTER GRADES It all starts with Newspapers “Thinking outside the Box”
Midwest Benefit Advisors, Inc. If the only conversation you have with your broker is about deductibles and copays, then you need to to talk to MBA. We show our Clients how to cut costs, increase benefits and increase their company’s revenue.
It is time for a fresh approach to employee benefit planning. Group Health Plans Consumer Driven Health Plans Voluntary Insurance Plans Benefit Communication and BEnrollment Servies Total Compensation Statements Individual Health and Life BInsurance
Midwest Benefit Advisors, Inc www.mbainc.us
Call us at: 402-861-0565 402-861-0569 Fax 866-243-3568 toll free hms@mbainc.us
Tim Longwell Howard Shandell Jeff Zacharia 12105 Anne St. Omaha, NE 68137
Live Worry Free All Year At Sunridge Village! • No Entrance Fee
WANTED: FULL-TIME SALES PERSON • Exciting growth opportunity now available in the advertising department of the Jewish Press • Perfect for a young retiree or recent college grad; • Sales experience a plus, but more important-a sense of adventure, desire to meet people, persistance, and persuasion; • Straight commission for first 12 months
• Spacious One & Two Bedroom Apartments • Underground Heated Parking Garage • 24 Hour Emergency Communication System • All Utilities Paid • Housekeeping Included • Chef Prepared Meals Served Daily
(earning potential only limited by your ambition!)
with potential future benefits. Send resume or letter of inquiry to: Allan Handleman, Advertising Manager Jewish Press 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 or call 402.334.6451
Tell our advertisers...you saw their ad in the Jewish Press!
Call Today To Tour
(402) 496-0116 135th & Blondo www.sunridgeomaha.com
Sunridge Village Independent Living Retirement Community
Page 20
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 26, 2004
Thanks (for) Giving Son of Former Omahans to Represent U.S. at Maccabiah Games FROM THE DESK coming from Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. The basketball team will be coached by Howard Levy, currently on the coaching staff at Princeton University. The team will train at Princeton for a week in late June before leaving for Israel on July 2. The U.S. delegation is expected to number between 600-700 athletes. Much like the Olympics, the Maccabiah Games are hosted by the state of Israel every four years, when the best Jewish athletes come from countries all over the world to compete in over three dozen sporting events. Previous alumni of the Maccabiah Games include swimmers Mark Spitz and Lenny Krayzelburg, gymnasts Mitch Gaylord and Kerri Strug, and NBA players Dolph and Danny Schayes, who coached the 2001 men’s basketball team on which Omahan Ben Zach Greenberg, right, captain of the Phoenix, AZ, basketJacobson, son of Nancy and ball team, leads the team onto the court. at the 2004 JCC David Jacobson, played. Maccabi Games in Austin, TX, in August. As part of his commit“We’re hoping to attend the Games in ment to the 2005 Maccabi Games, Zach Israel,” said Mickey Greenberg, “provid- is raising funds for the national team. ing I recover in time from a fall which Donations and receipts from the sale of left me with multiple pelvis fractures. raffle tickets will be used to offset travel Unlike Zach, I’m not too graceful. He expenses for the athletes and to support makes jump shots with no effort and I’m the Maccabi USA organization. To purstruggling to learn how to walk again.” chase tickets , contact Alan Greenberg at A junior at Desert Mountain High 480.203.4794 or ga42@cox.net. School, the 6’3” shooting guard is the Opening ceremonies are in Ramat Gan only player to be selected from the West Stadium on July 11, 2005, with the Coast, with the remainder of the team Games ending July 21. by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press Zach Greenberg, son of former Omahans, Dr. Alan and Cindy Greenberg of Phoenix, AZ, has been selected to represent the United States as part of the 12 member men’s basketball team at the world Maccabiah Games to be held in Israel in July. His grandparents are Omahan Naomi Greenberg and former Omahans Mickey and Mort Greenberg of Scottsdale, AZ.
OF THE
PRESIDENT
by ZOË RIEKES President of the Jewish Federation of Omaha
Instead of the usual Thanksgiving reflections about what I’m thankful for this year, and there is plenty, I’d rather use this holiday and say “thanks” to the Omaha Jewish community for your “giving.” I’ve always known that the Omaha Jewish community is a generous one, but until I assumed the Presidency of the Federation, I didn’t realize the extent that people will give of themselves for the benefit of us all. What follows are just a few examples of the extraordinary giving that happens in Jewish Omaha every day… • A cadre of wonderful volunteers has been helping us welcome more than 100 new Jewish families to Omaha by inviting them into their homes for Shabbat and holidays and inviting them to services, Jewish community programs and even their weekly poker and mah-jongg games. • More and more young people (those under age 45) are taking on leadership roles in the Federation, our committees and agencies and their synagogues. • People with a vision for what this community can become are committing huge amounts of their own time and effort towards developing a strategic plan for the future of the Federation.
• The staff and lay leadership of our “Family of Agencies” are passionately dedicated to improving our Jewish community and go above and beyond the call of duty to accomplish their goals. • Our Jewish Federation Foundation is the envy of communities across the country and the people that have established endowments and special funds help to insure the health of Omaha’s Jewish community well into the future. • More than 250 people volunteer their time to work on the Annual Campaign. Their efforts, and the generosity of our donors, keeps this community ticking and allows us to improve Jewish programming and explore innovative projects. • Community interest and involvement in our Partnership with Israel extends our community beyond our own borders and offers a unique and personal relationship with Israeli Jews in the Western Galilee. • The Federation, our agencies and synagogues are looking for more ways to work together to bring quality community programs to everyone in our Jewish community. As you enjoy Thanksgiving 2004 with your family and friends, please accept my “thanks,” on behalf of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, for your generous “giving” today, tomorrow and well into the future! Shalom.
Light the first candle for Hanukkah on Tuesday, Dec. 7
Happy Hanukkah Lakeside Hills Apartments Omaha’s Finest New Apartment Community
934-5253
2 blocks North of 171st & West Center
1 Bedroom $922 • 2 Bedroom $1133 • Includes climate controlled underground parking in your • building
3 Bedroom Plan Available • Spacious, well designed floor plans • Extra storage areas available on each floor • Elevator service • Indoor trash chutes • 3rd floor social room in every building • Extra wide, well lighted hallways for easy moving • Corporate and Guest suites available • 7000 sq. ft. clubhouse with party and meeting room • 24 hour exercise room
This Is Where You’ll Want to Be.
991-5335
Located in the newest part of SW Omaha with nearby fine shops and restaurants within walking distance in a parklike setting and across from the new Lakeside Hospital. Oakview Mall and Village Pointe Shopping 5 minutes away. Professionally managed by Vacanti & Randazzo Companies
November 26, 2004
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 21
HANUKKAH G I F T
G U I D E
Winner of this year’s Jewish Press Hanukkah Coloring Contest is Lindsey Yoneda, age 9, daughter of Debby and Steve Yoneda
Happy Hanukkah Best wishes for a joyous celebration topped w i t h m u ch h a p p i n e s s a n d p ro s p e r i t y.
STAFF AND COMMITTEE
Page 22
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 26, 2004
EYE ESSENTIALS We make a difference in the way you view the world. • 8111 Dodge Medical Center • Suite 140 • 354-8195 • 8111 Dodge Medical Center • Suite 331 • 354-8175
Basic: $25.00 Sponsor: $50.00 Patron: $100.00 Life Member: $500.00 Benefactor: $1000.00
(Contact Lens Dept.)
• 16120 West Dodge Road • Health West • 354-0670 • 4242 Farnam St. • Dr.’s Building Suite 141 • 558-8961
333 South 132nd Street Omaha, NE 68154 334-6441 or 334-6442 njhs@jewishomaha.org
Happy Hanukkah to all the Generations
Jewish Software for Your Palm
Give a membership to the
You CAN take it with you! That is, if the “it” refers to a Jewish calendar, news about Israel, commentary about this week’s Torah or a game or two to teach Hebrew basics. And you can take it to school or on your commute or while waiting in line a checkout counter. Since I first wrote about Jewish and Hebrew software for the Palm a few years ago, handheld devices have evolved from being toys for geeks to ubiquitous productivity tools for businesspeople, students (and geeks, too.) And along the way, programs and content designed for Jewish consumers have mushroomed. Today, I’ll tell you where to look if you want to load up your Jewish Palm. But first a couple of notes. Most of the sites mentioned today refer to the Palm but you should also be able to find Jewish software for other handhelds such as Windows Pocket PCs. Also, while some of the software mentioned today is free for the downloading, other programs are commercial or shareware where you are allowed to try before you buy. If you continue to use shareware, you are expected to do the right thing and pay for it. Rather than point you in the direction of several sites that offer Jewish software for your Palm, just visit PilotYid. [www.pilotyid.com/] Ari Engel has done a masterful job in scouring the web for programs that you can download onto your Palm. Here are just a few of the programs he links to. You can: ❥ Find contact info for kosher restaurants from around the world; ❥ Convert dates between Jewish and secular calendars; ❥ Read Flavius Josephus’ The Wars of the Jews; ❥ Learn a new Hebrew word every day; ❥ Keep track of how long you are fleishig and when you are permitted to eat dairy again. And for links to downloads for your Pocket PC, check out Ulrich Greve’s website. [www. tichnut.de/jewish/windowsce.htm] One of the most useful features for your handheld is AvantGo. [http://avantgo.com/] After you download this free program, you can subscribe to hundreds of “channels” (also usually free) such as the New York Times, the CBC or the BBC. Each time you hotsync your Palm, the latest news stories are automatically downloaded. There’s no need for you to go searching for the material. It just appears on your Palm. Continued on page 23
Nebraska Jewish Historical Society With Your Help We’ll Have A Great Past Ahead Of Us
Hardware store for women BERGMAN JEWELERS 9415 F Street
PEOPLE OF THE
BYTE
by MARK MIETKIEWICZ
Happy Hanukkah... HAPPY HANNUKAH and all other celebrations throughout your year!! For Hanukkah parties, bar or bat mitzvahs, weddings or receptions, let our on-site planners do all the work and you take all the credit! We offer: • Menus for your taste and your budget • Kosher foods available • 12,000 sq. ft. of flexible event space accommodates up to 250 guests • 223 exceptional guestrooms for out-of-town guests
Call our sales department at 402-496-0850
©2002, Crowne Plaza, Inc. All rights reserved.
655 North 108th Avenue Omaha, NE 68154
MASSAGE® THERAPY Gift certificates make great gift ideas!
398-9500
November 26, 2004
Jewish Software
clothes peter som
2004
location littleton alston studio
hanuakah
photo ekaphon
happy
Nan C.
4911 Dodge Street
VIP Limousines are Great for Bar Mitzvahs Bat Mitzvahs Anniversaries Weddings Birthdays Special Occasions or Just Because!
Happy
Page 23
Hanukkah
ROCKBROOK FLOORS
CERAMIC TILE • FORMICA • WOOD FLOORS
Commercial & Residential CONTRACTOR PRICING
IN WESTWOOD PLAZA GUARANTEED INSTALLATION BY OUR OWN CREWS
“YOUR CERAMIC TILE EXPERTS” WOOD FLOORS
OPEN 2 EVENINGS
Featuring
PRE-FINISHED HARDWOOD FLOORING 25 YEAR WEAR THROUGH WARRANTY
WOOD FLOORS • CERAMIC TILE • VINYL FLOORING • FLOOR CARE PRODUCTS FORMICA • WILSON ART LAMINATE FLOORING & UNCLIC GLUELESS
DON’T BUY ANY NEW FLOOR UNTIL YOU’VE TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF OUR EXPERT ADVICE & LOW PRICES. MON, WED, FRI 9:30-5:30 TUES, THUR 9:30-8:00 SAT 9:30-2:00
333-2711
SHEET VINYL • CERAMIC TILE
Continued from page 22 As for Jewish and Israeli content for AvantGo, Aish Hatorah offers a weekly selection of provocative and thought-provoking articles. This week on my Palm there are articles about pulling the plug on TV, one woman’s obsession with the mikvah and some dating advice. [www.aish.com/Avantgo/ get_aish.com_on_handheld.asp] Ohr Somayach offers a similar service with its “Ask the Rabbi” feature and a look at this week’s parashah. [http://ohr.edu/yhiy. php/ohr_somayach/ohr_on_ your_pda/] Other AvantGo channels include F a c t s O f I s r a e l . c o m [http://tinyurl.com/3u5f3] and articles from New York’s The Jewish Week. [http://tinyurl.com/6xf9q] Unfortunately, those articles seemed dated. For more Jewish AvantGo channels, check out this page. [www.pilotyid.com/collection.php?c at=17] Those are some of the basics. If you want to learn how to read Hebrew on your Palm visit the Moadon at Penticon Technologies. [www.penticon.com/ moadon.html] And if you want to join the Israeli community of handheld software aficionados, take a look at the Hebrew-language Palmi site. [www. palmi.co.il/] Now that you have loaded all that Jewish software onto your Palm, treat your hi-tech gadget with the new respect it deserves. Rabbi Ephraim Zalmanovitz, spiritual leader of Israel’s Mazkeret Batia
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
MEMBER
BBB of the Heartland
FINANCING AVAILABLE • FREE ESTIMATES • 12355 W. CENTER RD (Backing Pier 1 Imports)
SHEET VINYL • CERAMIC TILE • FORMICA • WOOD FLOORS • L AMINATE FLOORING
community, studied the Palm Pilot and has issued a hi-tech halachic ruling. According to the rabbi, someone who has “holy” software installed on a Palm, and drops it, must kiss it as one does a holy book such as a siddur or other sacred book. [www.geocities.com/mayefeld/ press.html] On the other hand, the rabbi at Ohr Somayach says that you can take a Palm with Jewish material stored in it into the bathroom. Just don’t display the text on the screen at the time. Mark Mietkiewicz is a Torontobased Internet producer who writes, lectures and teaches about the Jewish Internet. He can be reached at highway@rogers.com.
realpeople |realstyle
friend | sister | working mom
onedrakeplace HAIR • NAILS • FACE
getreal Bel-air plaza • 12100 West center road Suite 910 • OMaha, NE 68144 • 402-93-drake
Page 24
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 26, 2004
LINES FROM
THE LIBRARY
...a tradition in Omaha... 120 Regency Court 397-6700
Wishing You a Happy Hanukkah
by GARY KATZ Library Administrator Happy Anniversary! This year we mark the 350th anniversary of the first Jewish community in the United States. We celebrate this special milestone with
a year-long reading fest. Past issues explored 17th century New Amsterdam through novels, 18th century colonial New York through a museum catalog, the War of 1812 and preserving Monticello in energetic non-fiction, a Jewish contribution to manifest destiny in a delightful memoir and the Civil War in a dashing biography. We continue with Eastern European Immigration.
Mine is the Shining Future A World of Fashion
FABULOUS MEN’S & WOMEN’S SPORTSWEAR BARRY BRICKEN ANDREW MARC JHANE BARNES BOBBY JONES COLE•HAAN IKE BEHAR ST. CROIX ZANELLA TALBOTT MEZLAN VERICCI TALLIA REMY
by ELLEN G. COLE Librarian, Levine Library Temple Isaiah, Los Angeles, CA Golden words capture the Golden Land in this brilliant classic. Mary Antin’s 1912 autobiography, The Promised Land, relives the third wave of Jewish immigration to the United States-that tidal wave of Eastern Europeans that poured Jewish American history into the 20th century. Share her intensity: sharp observations electrify every page. Marvel at her language: Antin’s command of English is astounding; she learned “to think without an accent.” Shiver at her remembrances of her 19th century Russian shtetl: precise vignettes of misery, terror and tyranny explain her family’s 1894 emigration. Revel in her joy and hope. Cheer as she surpasses slum life to become a successful, patriotic, assimilated, accepted
HOLIDAY HOURS
American. Antin’s heartfelt work is the first autobiography about immigrant Russian Jews. It remains one of the most significant immigrant narratives written in English, irresistible truth for all nationalities. Antin’s powerful work weaves immigrant history, family saga and coming of age angst with a sense of immediacy. She fashions her life as an arc from the Middle Ages to modernity, equally dividing her book between Jewish life in Russia and the--eponymous--United States. Antin is a prodigy in a family who believed American opportunity would propel her to the heights by nurturing her with excellent free public education, public libraries and settlement houses. She responds with gratitude and such strong identity that contemporaries chafed at this Russian immigrant upstart Continued on page 26
Discover the Country
MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 10 A.M. TO 8 P.M. SATURDAY 10 A.M. TO 5:30 P.M. SUNDAY NOON TO 5 P.M.
REGENCY COURT 120 REGENCY PARKWAY 402-397-7900
Complimentary features include: ◆ Light & healthy breakfast
www.parsows.com
◆ In-room coffee & weekday morning newspaper ◆ Local telephone calls & long distance access ◆ Fresh-baked cookies & coffee in the lobby
Give yourself a special gift this Chanukah… Establish a donor-advised fund with the Jewish Federation Foundation. Your uncle will help with the expenses.
You’ll also appreciate the extras: ◆ Spacious guest rooms & suites ◆ Indoor pool & whirlpool ◆ Golf courses, shopping & entertainment nearby (Ask about our “Special Group Rates”. Special Group Rates for out-of-town guests for bar/bat mitzvahs, weddings and reunions.)
★ If your donor-advised fund is set up (with a minimum contribution of ★ $5000) and funded by December 31, 2004, you will be entitled to take a ★ tax deduction for the value of your gift, subject to the following limits: 1. A gift of appreciated common stock owned for more than one year 1. allows you to deduct up to 30 percent of your Adjusted Gross Income 1. (AGI)*, or… 2. A gift of cash entitles you to deduct up to 50 percent of your AGI.*
Omaha-Airport (Carter Lake, IA) 2210 Abbott Dr. ◆ Carter Lake, IA ◆ (712) 347-5600 Omaha-West, NE 11811 Miami St. ◆ Omaha, NE ◆ (402) 445-4445
www.countryinns.com
Builder-Supplier Franchise Major Appliance Division General Electric
*Any amount not deducted in 2004 may be deducted in the next five years.
★ You can recommend charitable donations to local and national charities ★ for a minimum of $100 from your donor-advised fund. ★ Checks are mailed directly to your designated charity with a letter ★ indicating that the donation is from your donor-advised fund. Copies of ★ the letter are sent to you. ★ The Foundation will send you a quarterly summary of the balance in your ★ fund including a summary of the donations. ★ The confidentiality of your charitable recommendations will be maintained ★ by the Foundation.
800-456-4000
HARMAN
APPLIANCE SALES, INC. 334 N. 115 St. • Omaha, NE 68154 (2 1/2 blocks south of Dodge)
Serving homebuilders, architects, remodelers and designers since 1959 We are known for customer service and product knowledge
Contact Marty Ricks, Foundation Executive Director, at 402-334-6440 or Laurie Peatrowsky, Endowment Assistant, at 402-334-6439 for questions or a confidential interview.
GE Proudly Representing: GE Monogram Gaggenau Jenn Air Kitchen Aid
Showroom Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00 Saturday 8:00-12:00
Marvel Scotsman Bosch Sub Zero
Wolf Thermador U-Line
Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath
402/334-1883 fax: 402/334-7949
November 26, 2004
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 25
Celebrate the Festival of Lights. May it bring health, peace, happiness and prosperity to all.
Come see Rockbrook Village® being remade.
A fresh new look... Happy Hanukkah! Serving up a taste of Sicily & Italy that’s Pasta Amore floral designs
in rockbrook village 10923 prairie brook road omaha, nebraska
delivery available
991-2300
Your neighbors, Leo and Pat Fascianella
Catering to your home or office Party rooms available for up to 65 people
Pasta Amore
11027 Prairie Brook Road, Omaha • 391-2585
Happy Hanukkah
Lunch: Monday-Friday: 11:00 am-2:00 pm Dinner: Monday-Saturday: 4:30-on Open Sundays for private parties • www.PastaAmore.net
Wyndham Street Ltd.
A SIAN & E UROPEAN A NTIQUES
Holiday Sale Now In Progress
from Your Friends at
L IKE N O O THER S TORE Lew Location! 10817 Elm Street • Rockbrook Plaza FURNITURE • HOME DECOR • HOME ACCESSORIES ANTIQUE JEWELRY • ANTIQUITIES AND MORE GREAT PRICES • GREAT SELECTION • GREAT SERVICE www.wyndhamstreetltd.com
11th & Howard • 35th & Farnam 52nd & Center • 72nd & Redick 78th & Cass • 87th & Pacific 108th & Center • 120th & Stonegate Cir. 101st & Pacific • 142nd & Millard Ave. Loan Office: 29 S. Main, Council Bluffs
Page 26
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 26, 2004
Lines from the Library
at the
LOFT
PA C K A G I N G & S H I P P I N G
HAPPY HANUKKAH UPS & FED EX Gift Wrapping Packing Supplies Greeting Cards
day spa dental spa art gallery
Packaging Service Boxes & Tape Copy/Fax Padded Envelopes
at the LOFT Spa 1105 Howard Street Omaha, NE 68102
Westridge Shopping Center
132nd & Dodge
496-0066
M-F 9:30-6 | Sat 9:30-1:30 | Sun Noon-4
402 | 505 | 4100 www.attheloft.com
Our 10th Year of Business!
®
Happy Hanukkah F
R O M
GOLF USA
AMERICA’S GOLF STORE
Your Hanukkah Golf Store Golf Bags 15% OFF Animal Headcovers $19.95-$21.95 Cargo Travel Case $159.00 Golf Shoes 15% OFF Financing Available • Gift Certificates • Layaways 4207 South 120th • Omaha, NE
334-9303 894-0105 CONTEMPO WOMEN’S CLOTHING
4429 South 140th St. Omaha, NE 68137
R A R Y
L.L.C.
omahatransvideo.com
BAT MITZVAH/BAR MITZVAH CHILDHOOD MEMORIES SCRAPBOOK
633 NORTH 114 402.493.7343
T H
S
T
.
Your special young ones photos to video synchronized to music. Share the treasures of their youth with your family and friends Anniversaries - Birthdays - Graduations - Weddings - Company Histories
Format Transfer To DVD VHS ~ BetaMax ~ 8mm Video Hi 8mm Video ~ Digital 8 ~ Mini DV Omaha’s Most Trusted Video Services Since 1987
Continued from page 24 proclaiming herself the quintessential equal American. Vivid memory recalls the depressing existence of Jews in “the prison of the Pale,” her family origins, daily life, dreams and failures. Jewish customs and village characters arrive with innocent, youthful charm. Connecting actions to reactions, she asks sympathy for Jewish stereotypes, empathetically reveals the salvation of insular religion. Denied education by Czarist fiat and ethnic tradition, Mary burns with determination. Her father’s need to support his large family and his unusual desire to educate his daughters drives him to emigrate, to settle in Boston and to send for his family when Antin is 12. Immigrant striving arrives not from the clichéd Lower East Side, but from Boston. The Antin family lives in ever worsening neighborhoods and tenements. Antin alleviates grime with books, friends and mentors. Both parents and older sister slave, but indulge their student at all costs: it is the scandal of the neighborhood that a debt ridden family keeps a daughter old enough to work in school. Running from the greenhorn label Antin learns English in four months, starting in first grade with children half her age, but just her size due to her ill health and malnutrition. The combination of her father’s unrelenting dream and her own blazing ego and sense of entitlement lead to academic celebrity, poems published in city newspapers and principals citing her immigrant stardom in graduation ceremonies. Antin loves the American woman she becomes. Born in the Pale with its double standard for gentile and Jew, Antin is reborn in America with one standard for all. She throws her life in the face of nativists (rampant in 1912) claiming immigrants could never assimilate. Immigrant make-over includes pain, loss and inversion of family relations. Father and children readily discard traditional Judaism; mother, though resistant, under husbandly coercion concedes much as well. If any one book can bring a watershed Jewish American experience alive this is it! Antin became famous at publication and is still famous almost 100 years later for her engaging, humorous, insightful, informative, philosophical, but above all, rivetingly personal paean to Jewish chances in our land. Check out this book --and others about the 350 Years of Jewish History in America--at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library.
there’s nothing like it in Omaha!
International Contact Lens R E G E N C Y LO D G E
NO Wishing Room Rental and FREE Dessert for the Jewish Community Holiday or Business a Happy and Healthy Lunches until Hanukkah! Jan. 2004
dine
full service restaurant, relaxing lounge and exquisite catering. I-680 at Pacific • www.parkhtls.com • 402-397-8000
Orchard Plaza
Maple Village
132nd & West Center 330-4330
102nd & Maple 571-8888
Tower Plaza
Brentwood Square
78th & Cass 391-6600
84th & Giles 339-5550
Dr. Stanley and Barbara Malashock Dr. Neal and Jody Malashock Dr Larry and Diane Malashock
November 26, 2004
To Combat Anti-Semitism, Cartoonist Turns to Old Jewish Staple -- Humor
Wishing You a Happy & Healthy Haunukkah!!
by SUE FISHKOFF PACIFIC GROVE, CA, (JTA) -- Israeli cartoonist Ya’akov Kirschen, whose Dry Bones comic strip has appeared in Jewish newspapers for more than 30 years, is aiming his pen in a new direction. Enlisting the help of Mr. Shuldig and his dog Dry Bones cartoonist Doobie, along with Yaakov Kirschen. their other bulCredit: Sue bous-nosed, wideFishkoff/JTA eyed cartoon friends, the artist has formed a nonprofit organization called The Dry Bones Project to combat the “lies and ugliness” of anti-Semitism through humor. “My experience with Dry Bones has taught me that people laugh when they see the unexpected appearance of what they perceive to be the truth,” explains Kirschen, 66. “The strength of cartoons is that when you get someone to laugh, at that instant they see things from your point of view.” The Brooklyn-born cartoonist, who immigrated to Israel in 1971, never has concealed his contempt for those he perceives as Israel’s enemies, and the Dry Bones comic strip long has served as an outlet for Kirschen’s strong Zionist beliefs. Creating the new nonprofit simply represents a more organized effort to fight the anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism that has emerged in the Western world over the past few years. “We plan to educate those who might be tricked into supporting this war against our people by holding the perpetrators of these assaults and their ideas up to ridicule, satire and exposure,” Kirschen says. “Humor is a very basic tool of the Jewish people, and for the entire Judeo-Christian world to be under attack and for us not to use humor would be a silly failing.” Daniel Pipes, an academic who directs the Middle East Forum, is on the project’s international advisory board. Though he has made his career defending Israel through political analysis, Pipes acknowledges the limitations of words. “Anti-Semitism is irrational and so cannot be combated by marshalling evi-
Page 27
Great Gift Specials Going On Now At Lakeside Dental •Supreme Crest Whitestrips Whitens at least 88% better than in store items 14% Hydrogen Peroxide $50 after mail in rebate and Buy 1 get the other 1/2 off
•Adult Braun Oral-B 3D Excel Professional Model $Just
69 Professional Model includes: 2 handles, 2 Flexisoft brushheads, 4-brush storage tower and travel case 2 interspace brushheads [designed for braces] •Oral-B Advance Power Kids Electric Toothbrush
2505 South 174th Plaza Omaha, NE 68130 697-3838 Fax: 697-3888
One minute EZtimer desined to help children brush longer and better Available in Disney Characters
•New Patient Specials
$
Just
$
32
Just
1
Nite White Excel 3 Bleaching Kit 75 Upper and Lower mouth trays, 6 filled whitening gel syringes 1 sodium flouride toothpaste, 1 travel case
Wishing all our customers a happy and healthy Hanukkah!
Dry Bones cartoons from a book against anti-Semitism, part of cartoonist Ya'akov Kirschen's The Dry Bones Project. Credit: Ya’akov Kirschen dence and convincing arguments,” he suggests. “Perhaps humor can work to expose its folly.” So far, the project has two components: Kirschen’s Dry Bones comic strip and an annual Purim awards ceremony that will “honor” people Kirschen and his board believe deserve a gentle slap in the face. It’s the “gentle” part that distinguishes Kirshen’s comic style. His is not the Continued on page 28
We
Care Care For
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
You! Huge Lift Recliner Sale!!
Quality, Customer Service, Specialty Medical Products, at Great Prices
Savings up to $300
• Retail Pharmacy • Compounded Prescriptions • Rental Medical Equipment • Oxygen & Nebulizers • Wheelchairs & Walking Aids • Diabetes & Ostomy Supplies • Wellness Center • Mobility & Rehab Equipment Center Thank you for your continued patronage.
Pharmacy & Homecare Seven locations to serve you. www.kohlls.com 114th & Dodge - 408-0012 • 84th & Hwy. 370 - 331-8632 29th & Leavenworth - 342-5886 • 3427 S. 84th - 393-1404 43rd & L - 733-2000 • 172th & Q - 895-3101 • 5000 Dodge - 553-6294
happy
Hanukkah May the warmth and
glow of each candle you light, make your heart and home happy and your Hanukkah
bright.
give the unexpected Omaha: 171st & Center, 90th & Military LaVista: 8100 S. 84th Bellevue: Hwy75 & Cornhusker Council Bluffs: I-80 & I-29 SP1131
Dining
Page 28
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 26, 2004
Cartoonist Turns to Humor
Out
When you patronize these fine establishments, tell them you saw their ad in the Jewish Press.
When people mention Jack & Mary’s, they’re talking
Chicken! RESTAURANT
Lunch and Steaks • Seafood Dinner Chicken Old Mill Shopping Center 108th & Dodge 496-2090
Continued from page 27 ybones.com--and two prototype cartoon books that humor of a Dennis Miller or even an Ali G, the HBO he is showing to Jewish and Christian leaders in North comedian who has tried to expose American xenopho- America and Israel. bia by, for example, persuading patrons in an Arizona He is ready to provide the material for free to anyone bar to sing along about throwing who wants to print and distribute it, Jews “down the well.” and he’s already getting some tentaKirschen’s characters smile as tive bites. they convey the cartoonist’s simple, Bridges for Peace, a Christian straightforward messages: AntiZionist organization based in Tulsa Semitism is stupid, doublespeak is and Jerusalem, is considering printwrong and those who threaten the ing the booklets and sending them Jewish people’s safety in their to its affiliated newspapers. homeland must be exposed. The Women’s International “Unlike many cartoonists whose Zionist Organization has invited mission is to go for the jugular, Kirschen to discuss his project with Ya’akov sees his mission as educatits young leadership group later this ing people,” says Abraham Foxman, month in Tel Aviv, and to speak national director of the Antiabout it at the group’s annual conDefamation League, who says he ference in Jerusalem next January. welcomes this latest initiative. Rabbi Stanley Davids, presi“As anti-Semitism has mushdent of ARZA--the Association of roomed these past few years, he’s Reform Zionists of America -says he used his Dry Bones to show how is “personally very excited” about ludicrous and untruthful it is. And I the project’s potential, and is bringthink he’s been quite successful,” ing it to the ARZA leadership “for Foxman says. consideration, to see whether we A Dry Bones cartoon book against antiCartoonists are given great license would want to distribute it to our Semitism, that is part of cartoonist Ya'akov to stretch the truth, Kirschen says, congregations.” Kirschen’s The Dry Bones Project. and they can abuse that power. He tested the comics at a Credit: Courtesy Ya’akov Kirschen Pointing out that a recent cartoon national gathering of Alpha Epsilon showing Ariel Sharon eating Palestinian babies was Pi, the Jewish campus fraternity of which Davids is a named best cartoon of the year in Britain, Kirschen main- past national president, to see whether it might be a tains that a print journalist never would be allowed to useful tool for pro-Israel college students. convey such vitriol in words. As time goes on, Kirschen hopes to expand the Dry “We as a people have borne the brunt of totally Bones Project to include work by other cartoonists and insane lies published in American and English newspa- writers, “so it becomes a kind of Mad magazine,” he says. pers,” he continues. “As a Jewish cartoonist, I am very Another possibility is branching out to write jokes. wary in my cartoons about libeling people. I have the There are plenty of anti-Semitic jokes, he says, so why power to do it, but I set my own boundaries. I don’t not write a few anti-anti-Semitic ones? want to incite.” “We want to use every kind of humor to carry this out,” The Dry Bones Project is still in the formative stages. he declares. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if people started So far, Kirschen has a Web site--www.mrdr telling jokes like, ‘Two anti-Semites were on a train...”
And Now, the No. 1 Reason to Lick the New American Hanukkah Stamp
Happy Hanukkah! • Northern Indian Tandoori Cuisine • Regional Specialties • Vegetarian Favorites • Lunch & Dinner
1010 Howard St. • Old Market • 342-4856 Happy Hanukkah from Dan & Usha Sherman
by JOEL F. GLAZIER WILMINGTON, DE (JTA)--With Hanukkah approaching, the U.S. Postal Service may have just made sending gifts more satisfying by issuing its new Hanukkah Stamp. With apologies to David Letterman and his famous Top 10 lists, we offer the Top 8 reasons for using the new stamp. 8. How interesting it is that this is only the second time a Jewish holiday has been mentioned on a U.S. stamp issue. It’s not quite the miracle of 164 BCE, but it’s not bad for 2004. 7. Amazingly, this stamp has Hebrew letters bright and bold, a rarity among American stamps. Why is this Jewish stamp different from other stamps?
THE GREEK ISLANDS 3821 CENTER • 346-1528 Greek Specials Daily Greek Beer & Wine Homemade Pastries Dine In/Carry Out Party Room We Cater Too! Full Service Bar Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
6. No worries about licking any treif ingredients in the stamp glue; these stamps are self-adhesive. 5. Unbelievably, the cost is a mere 37 cents, which can deliver a card across the street or all the way to the self-proclaimed “Frozen Chosen” Jews in Fairbanks, Alaska. A real seasonal bargain! 4. Keeping in touch by mail is still more enjoyable than sending and receiving impersonal e-mail messages. 3. Knowing a colorful dreidel adorns the stamp can brighten up any stack of mail and cheer the recipient. 2. After Hanukkah, imagine how your gentile friends will become more sensitive to the possibility that using Madonna and Child stamps on their cards to you may not have been “kosher.” 1. How wonderful finally to be able to answer the question of why to use the stamp with the common Jewish saying, “Why not?”
Happy Hanukkah
Omaha’s Top Tex Mex
®
Locally owned...Unchain yourself!
Low carb tortillas available! 132nd & Arbor • 330-2110 • www.julios.com
eli D e h T at
“The Best in Casual Dining”
SM
Steaks • Prime Rib • Chicken Pasta • Burgers • Salads • Fresh Fish SM
PIZZERIA 13463 W. Center Rd.•330-1444 7924 W. Dodge Rd.•391-1881 1213 Howard St.•344-2222
Open Daily 11:00 for Lunch Location:
West Dodge & Boys Town Omaha,NE 402/431-0023 To-Go Available • All Major Credit Cards Accepted
Spirit World 7517 Pacific Omaha, NE 68114 391-8680
Bring in this ad and receive a
% discount
20
on your deli purchase Eat in only
November 26, 2004
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 29
All About the Olive Oil: Frying up a Tasty, Festive Repast for Hanukkah by LINDA MOREL NEW YORK (JTA)--“I like to have fun in the kitchen,” says Susie Fishbein, a stay-at-home mother of four-three girls and a boy--who became an overnight success with the publication of her cookbook, Kosher by Design. While some food writers automatically push the same old latke and brisket menu at Hanukkah, Fishbein offers a lighter touch by mixing in Mediterranean fare. And although she tweaks culinary tradition, she honors it. Fishbein believes in presenting beautiful food in unique ways. Because Fishbein never attended culinary school, she has empathy for the home cook who is working blindly from a stranger’s instructions and, maybe, a picture. Her recipes are easy to follow; even novices can achieve professional results. Although she is playful and adventurous, Fishbein is serious about finding inspiration. She talks to lots of people, asking them about their favorite foods. She reads restaurant menus the way some people study the stock market. She’s never just eating; she’s figuring out what ingredients she’s tasting and which flavors compliment each other. Her aim is to keep ahead of the kosher curve. “Creating recipes is my forte,” she says. To invent novel ways of preparing food, she spends huge amounts of time experimenting in the kitchen. She asks her husband and children to test her creations. “Through trial and error, I attempted a new dish several months ago,” she laughs. “It went through three phases before my family said: ‘Give it up! It just isn’t any good.’ “
Dining
Out
When you patronize these fine establishments, tell them you saw their ad in the Jewish Press.
Happy Hanukkah from Farouk
With a bubbly personality, Fishbein describes a recent December when a Hadassah chapter on Long Island invited her to demonstrate how to make beignets, a type of French fritter. “Beignets are fresh and exciting at Hanukkah,” she says. “A change of pace from jelly doughnuts.” Because she expected 200 Hadassah women at the demonstration, Fishbein asked her mother for assistance. “Ironically, I don’t come from a long line of good cooks,” she says. “My ancestors were amazing women, bold beyond their time. But we gagged on their Susie Fishbein, author of Kosher by food.” Design. Watching Fishbein Credit: Mesorah Publications whipping up the beignet batter and frying fritters, her mother said: “Those aren’t beignets, they’re punchkis!” She then claimed that Fishbein’s grandmother used to make an Ashkenazi rendition of this French confection. “It’s the one thing that Bubbe made well!” Fishbein found this hilarious, because she had searched long and hard for this upscale idea. Then, through a series of missteps followed by corrections,
Two Great Cuisines Under One Roof
Italy’s Kitchen of the Mediterranean ❖ Expanded menu ❖ with favorable ❖ prices ❖ Nightly Specials ❖ by Chef Brian ❖ Low trans fats ❖ and no sugar ❖ added ❖ Bruschetta and ❖ olive oil to Dine ❖ For ❖ Leisure dining for ❖ lunch and dinner ❖ Charming setting ❖ for private parties
129th & Maple AT
EAGLE RUN SQUARE
402/496-0202 RESERVATIONS ACCEPTED
Happy Hanukkah!
MEDITERRANEAN
Bndistroine Bar a W
Japanese Sushi
Chinese
1712 North 120th St. 493-3080
LUNCH • DINNER • SUNDAY BRUNCH • PARTY ROOM
558-5923 8727 Maple Street
South of 129th & Maple (Eagle Run Plaza) | 884-3909
A World of Great Taste Sensations
EL ALAMO “Best Mexican Food”
Nachos • Guacamole • Tacos • Fajitas Burritos • Shrimp • Enchiladas Combination Dinners Carnitas • Tostadas Tamales • Arroz Con Pollo • Machaca MEXICAN BEER Corona • XX • Bohemia • Tecate • Carta Blanca Open for Lunch and Dinner 11 a.m.-9 p.m. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
4917 South 24th St. • 731-8969
Happy Hanukkah To All Our Friends & Customers
a distinguished taste for lunch or dinner
OPEN SUNDAYS Reservations Accepted
Specialties Steak • Chicken • Seafood Pasta with Sauces from Around the World Catering & Carry Out Available • Full Service Bar
Mon-Sat: 11:30-2, 5-10 | Sun: 12-9 Every Fri & Sat Late Night Happy Hour 10-12am
Casual Dining in a Bistro Atmosphere Dine-In, Take-Out & Catering
LUNCH: Mon-Fri, 11-2:30 DINNER: Tue-Sun, Open at 5 p.m.
she perfected her version of the recipe, only to find something similar had been in the family for decades. Every Hanukkah, Fishbein throws a block party and includes all of her neighbors. Inviting 18 adults and 14 children, she serves many of the recipes from Kosher by Design, especially the ones calling for olive oil. Olive oil, a precious commodity in Jerusalem during the Second Temple period, is at the heart of Hanukkah cooking. After the Maccabees prevailed in a series of bitter battles, there was only a 24-hour supply of oil left to light the Temple menorah. This created a crisis, because it took eight days to replenish lamp oil. But, miracle of miracles, one day’s worth of oil lasted eight days. Paying homage to this joyous event, no Hanukkah menu would be complete without food fried in oil. True to this theme, Fishbein serves family and friends Rigatoni ala Norma, a scrumptious Italian dish made with red sauce riddled with fried eggplant and basil. Her Parmesan Crusted Grouper is a remarkably easy recipe that yields amazingly delicious results. A perennial favorite, Greek Tomato-Spinach Pizza is surrounded by phyllo dough and layered with fried veggies and ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. Fishbein likes these two dairy recipes because of the role cheese plays in the Hanukkah story. Aware that food is mightier than the sword, Judith, an unsung heroine, entertained an enemy general and plied him with salty cheese. To quench his thirst, he consumed far too much wine. After he fell asleep from the wine, Judith cut off his head with his sword, helping her people prevail against the enemy forces. Continued on page 30
For Award Winning Burgers 17th & Vinton
449-9112
www.vmertz.com Old Market Passageway 345-8980 for Reservations Wine Spectator Award of Excellence
Page 30
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 26, 2004
Tasty, Festive Repast for Hanukkah
Happy Hanukkah “Omaha’s Oldest” 515 South 15th Street Corner of 15th & Jackson (4 Blocks West of the Old Market)
341-5466
LINDLEY CLOTHING
GREAT HOLIDAY SAVINGS
ALL LINDLEY’S FAMOUS BRAND SUITS AND SPORT COATS all reduced! ALL LINDLEY’S FAMOUS BRAND SUITS AND SPORT COATS all reduced! GREAT holiday savings ON SUITS AND SPORTCOATS. {HART SCHAFFNER & MARX, AUSTIN REED, JOSEPH ABBOUD, JHANE BARNES AND JACK VICTOR} ALL OUTERWEAR {WOOL TOP COATS, NEWPORT HARBOR MICRO FIBER TRENCHCOATS, DOWN-FILLED AND TENCEL JACKETS} all 20% off! ALL JAYMAR SANSABELT SLACKS 20% off!
Continued from page 29 roughly chopped Today, the Festival of Lights remains a 2 (28 or 32) cans whole plum tomatoes, drained and chopped joyous occasion. In accordance with the holiday’s spirit, there’s a photo of a glit- 1 Tbsp. sugar tering table flooded with glowing can- 3-4 fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus extra for garnishing dles and blue and gold accouterments in the Hanukkah chapter of Kosher by 1 pound rigatoni, uncooked Paper towels Design. Lay eggplant slices in a single layer. Fishbein knows how to turn an ordinary dining room into a dazzling scene Lightly salt both sides. Cover with paper that impresses guests. She has become towels. Let sit for 20 minutes. Press on the doyenne of Jewish entertaining. As a paper towels occasionally to soak up matter of fact, she’s publishing Kosher by water that will come from eggplants. In a large frying pan, heat 1 cup, or Design Entertains in time for Passover. No matter what your home looks like, more, of olive oil over medium high heat. Fishbein suggests firing up your imagi- Make sure you have at least an inch of nation when setting holiday tables. Last oil, so it will cover the slices and elimiHanukkah, her house was under con- nate the need for flipping each piece over. struction. “We had bare walls down to When oil is hot, carefully add the eggthe studs,” she says. “The place was a plant in batches and fry until golden on disaster zone.” Yet at her annual both sides. Add more oil, if necessary. Hanukkah party, she overshadowed Transfer to clean paper towels and drain. Season generously with salt and black chaos with extravagance. pepper. “Would you Place 1/4 cup believe the photo olive oil in a large from my cookbook pot. Add the garlic was actually my and saute until table--taken during golden. Add the the demolition,” tomatoes and any she says. “It goes to accumulated show, you can crejuices. Add the ate ambiance anysugar and simmer where.” about 15 minutes. But how do the The sauce will creatively chalthicken. Add the lenged get started? chopped basil Fishbein suggests leaves and simmer beginning with the 3-4 minutes best food. Yet, she longer. says, it’s not only While the sauce what you serve, but simmers, prepare how you serve it. the pasta accordA simple garnish ing to package creating contrast, an Rigatoni ala Norma from Kosher by Design. offbeat tablecloth Credit: Mesorah Publications directions until al dente (chewy). such as a quilt, an Oriental pot filled with flowering plants-- Drain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water these things elevate the mundane to the in case sauce needs thinning. Toss the pasta with the eggplant and magnificent. Search your house for lovely objects long forgotten. Mix and match sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Yield: 6-8 servings things representing different styles and GREEK TOMATO-SPINACH PIZZA adapt them when you entertain. “Above all, enjoy yourself,” says 1/4 cup olive oil Fishbein. “Let each meal be a wonderful 2 cups chopped onion journey--the sharing of something spe- 3 garlic cloves, minced cial with people you care about and 3 (10-ounce) boxes frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry love.” These recipes are all from Kosher by 2 tsp. dry oregano 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil Design by Susie Fishbein 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper RIGATONI ALA NORMA 6 medium Asian eggplants, unpeeled 15 ounces ricotta cheese 10 sheets frozen phyllo dough, and cut into 1/2-inch thick slice crosswise thawed Salt to taste 1/4 cup butter, melted 11/4 cups or more olive oil 4-6 fresh tomatoes, evenly sliced Freshly ground pepper to taste 11/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese 4 large cloves garlic, Continued on page 32
Absolutely Fresh Seafood Company’s
New Seafood Market One Block South of 119th & Pacific 827-4376 (formerly Sherm’s Seafood)
Open Monday through Saturday And still at 18th & Leavenworth, 345-5057
FREE gift wrap!
707 NORTH 132ND STREET OMAHA, NE 68154
491-4000
Sign up for our weekly Email Specials! Info@absolutlyfresh.com
November 26, 2004
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 31
8722 Pacific St. 391-0312
YOUR GOURMET FOOD SOURCE We now offer one of the largest selections of gourmet foods available.
Happy Hanukkah!
Shop the Broadmoor Market
• Girls 0-16 • Boys 0-7 • Distinctive Infant Gifts
Different Sale Items Every Day!
The Dance Shoppe has great gifts for the dancer on your holiday list! • Leotards • Sweaters • Sweatshirts • Jewelry • and Much More!
Weekdays: Thursday: Saturday: Sunday:
9:30-5:30 9:30-7:00 9:30-5:00 12:00-4:00
Your Look... Your Lifestyle
Light the first candle of Hanukkah on Tuesday, Dec. 7
Your Complete Dance & Exercise Outfitter Countryside Village • 87th & Pacific
399-8580
87th & Pacific (Countryside Village)
398-0999
Kim Strong Manicuring+Pedicuring 20% off New Salon Clients
Offer expires 01|07|05
A Full Service Salon for Men+Women
Countryside Village | Pacific at 87th | 392-2039
The Ultimate Hanukkah Gifts
A Boutique 87th & Pacific fashion@sarahs-clothes.com
402-391-7997 http//www.sarahs-clothes.com
CALL US TODAY FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION
Page 32
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 26, 2004
MAINSTREAM FASHIONS
Light the first candle of Hanukkah on Tuesday, Dec. 7
Specializing in California Casual Clothes Debbie Remmereid 12100 West Center Road • Bel Air Plaza
981-8052
530 North Main Street • Fremont, NE
Newly Renovated ®
Group & Corporate Rates
❖ Free Deluxe Continental Breakfast ❖ 7 Days • 6-10 a.m.
❖ 128 Spacious and Comfortable Guest ❖ Rooms
❖ Free Local Calls
❖ 9 Two-Room Parlor Suites
❖ Exercise Room in Hotel ❖ Westroads Shopping Mall Adjacent • 18 Fabulous Food Court Restaurants • TGIF Fridays • PF Changs • Macaroni Grill • Panera Bread
❖ FREE HBO, CNN, ESPN, WGN and TNT ❖ In-Room Movies Available ❖ 100% Satisfaction Guarantee ❖ If you’re not satisfied with your room, ❖ you don’t pay!
Beautiful Guest Rooms For Out Of Town Bar/Bat Mitzvah and Wedding Guests
Hampton Inn 9720 West Center Road • Westroads • 391-5300
Tasty, Festive Repast for Hanukkah butter, mayonnaise and Continued from page 30 Preheat oven to 400º. scallions. Reserve. In a skillet, heat olive oil Place grouper fillets on over medium heat. Add the a lightly greased boiler pan. onion and garlic. Saute Squeeze juice from lemon about 5 minutes, or until over fillets. Sprinkle with onion is transparent. black pepper. Add spinach and saute Broil 6 inches from heat until all excess moisture has for 10 minutes. Remove evaporated. Add oregano, from oven. Spread tops of the fillets with cheese mixbasil and pepper. Mix well. ture. Return to oven and Remove from heat. Mix in ricotta cheese. Set aside. Beignets Credit: Mesorah broil for 2 minutes longer, or until topping is lightly Grease a large jelly roll Publications browned and bubbly. pan (the kind with a small rim). Lay one sheet of phyllo in it. The Remove fillets to platter. Yield: 4 servings phyllo may be just a little bigger than the BEIGNETS pan. Brush phyllo with melted butter. Top with a second phyllo sheet and brush 4-6 cups vegetable oil with melted butter. Repeat process until 1 cup milk all ten sheets are buttered. Roll the ends 1 cup water of phyllo into themselves to form the 1 large egg “pizza crust.’’ NOTE: Phyllo dough dries 3 cups all-purpose flour out quickly, so keep sheets covered with a 2 Tbsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt damp cloth until use. Using a spatula, spread the spinach 4 tsp. sugar ricotta mixture in an even layer over the confectioners’ sugar Pour oil into a deep pot to a depth of 3phyllo. Arrange tomatoes over this layer. Sprinkle with mozzarella. Bake 25-30 4 inches. Heat oil to 370º. In a large bowl with the mixer at mediminutes or until golden brown. When cool enough to handle, cut into squares. um-high speed, combine the milk, water and egg. Add the flour, baking powder, salt Yield: 12 servings and sugar. Mix until batter is smooth. PARMESAN CRUSTED GROUPER 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Using a 1/8 cup measure, drop the bat1/3 cup butter, softened ter into the hot oil and fry about 3-4 minbut not melted utes. Don’t make them much bigger or 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise the inside won’t cook properly. The 2 scallions, thinly sliced beignets will float to the surface. Turn 4 small (1-inch thick) grouper fillets them a few times, until the beignets are 1 lemon golden on both sides. Remove and drain Freshly ground pepper to taste on paper towels. Use a strainer to sprinkle Preheat broiler to high. confectioners’ sugar on all sides. Serve In a small bowl, combine Parmesan, hot. Yield: 20-24 beignets.
Happy Hanukkah!
Clocktower Village 707 N. 98 St. (Just east of Westroads)
391-5565 Boys 0-8 Girls 0-14
Your heritage may be fading away. Let’s face it. Mom and Dad aren’t getting any younger.
Great Clothes & Gifts for great kids!
We can help you preserve their recollections together with old family photos in an elegant heirloom book…forever.
Bring this coupon in for
20% off your entire purchase* *Does no t include sale items or special orders Coupon expires December 31, 2004
Second Story 402-553-5704 second.story@cox.net
Making history one family at a time
November 26, 2004
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 33
Playing the Blues: Design Tips for a More Festive Hanukkah Table by LINDA MOREL NEW YORK (JTA)--Following are pointers on livening up your Hanukkah table from Kosher by Design, a book by Susie Fishbein. • In the Beginning: Dress your dining table with a snazzy tablecloth. A gold one will glitter. Using narrow runners and/or yards of wide ribbons, preferably in shades of blue and gold, weave them under and above each other, creating a lattice effect. • Gifted Settings: Create place settings that look like Hanukkah presents by using placemat-sized rectangles of Styrofoam (about two inches thick). Cover them with blue fabric. Straight pins will secure the fabric to the underside of rectangles. To simulate a bow, wrap gold tulle ribbon on a diagonal around two opposite corners of rectangles. • Box Appeal: Find boxes about 3-inches square. Cover boxes with Mylar foil wrapping paper. Tie a bow around them with gold ribbon. With two sided tape, attach them to the upper left-hand corner of placemats. • Got the Gelt: In front of each placemat, situate a gold netted sack of Hanukkah gelt. Write each guest's name in gold ink on place cards. Then with narrow gold ribbon, tie place cards to gelt sacks. • Twinkling Fantasy: Flood the center of the table with as many blue votive candle holders as you can find in every size and shape. Fill them with candles and light just before guests arrive. • Gaming Table: Scatter around dreidels in varying sizes and shapes, ones made from silver, gold, porcelain, plastic, wood--and anything blue. Antique dreidels are particularly decorative.
Lené Larson
KATELMAN ANTIQUES
Intimate Gourmet Cuisine for 2-250 People
QUALITY EUROPEAN & AMERICAN CHANDELIERS FURNITURE WROUGHT IRON ACCESSORIES
Heart Healthy
REPAIR & RESTORATION
French | American | Italian | Asian
144 SOUTH 39TH STREET • OMAHA
C
A
T
E
R
I
N
G
556-4088
Professionally Trained California Culinary Academy • Italian Culinary Institute
402/551-4388 www.katelmansantiques.com
“The Unique Salon” Voted #1 in Omaha Two Years in a Row!
HAPPY HANUKKAH DOWNTOWN 514 North 16th 342-7764 LA VISTA 7926 South 84th 331-3327 WEST 2505 South 120th 334-8776
New & Preowned Jewelry Stereo Equipment, TVs, VCRs Quality New & Used Merchandise ALL MERCHANDISE GUARANTEED for 30 DAYS
MIDTOWN 2906 North 72nd 397-2845 SOUTH OMAHA 3110 L 731-2915
In the spirit of the holiday, it is our pleasure to wish all our friends and customers a very Happy Hanukkah!
Holiday Gift Certificates Available
639 North 114th Street • Omaha
493-0099
ENHANCE YOUR BEAUTY
THE BEST COMBINATION SKIN CARE AVAILABLE
A table set for Hanukkah in Susie Fishbein’s Kosher by Design. Credit: Mesorah Publications • Blue Plate Special: Set the table with blue dishes, preferably ones that mix and match. Place a salad plate of one pattern over a dinner plate of another. Discount stores often sell glass blue plates for $1.25 each. • Color Wave Silverware: Set the table with gold plated flatware or stainless steel with blue plastic handles. • Crystal Collection: Buy glasses and wine goblets with blue striations or purchase glassware with a blue tint, found at stores such as Crate and Barrel. • Clear Water: Buy mineral water in blue bottles. • Fruit of the Vine: Buy wine in blue bottles. • Congratulations: You’ve created a show stopping setting! Photograph your table for inspiration when planning your next holiday meal.
•Facelifts •Eyelids •Breast Augmentation •Breast Reduction •Abdominoplasty •Liposuction
AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY, PC
C.Q. Thompson, M.D., F.A.C.S. A trusted and experienced surgeon Certified the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Visit our new website:
www.cqthompsonmd.com
| CLARKSON WEST MEDICAL CENTER |
778-5555 | 800-447-0106 | 2727 S. 144TH STREET, SUITE 205 |
Page 34
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 26, 2004
AT YOUR SERVICE C AT E R I N G F O R A L L Y O U R N E E D S formerly Siegler’s Catering Service, Inc.
Paul Pleskach is the new owner and native Omahan Graduate of New England Culinary Institute Worked with Chef Bill Telepan at Judson Grill in New York Worked at The Four Seasons, the number one hotel in the United States
Call us. We are eager to help you with all your catering decisions. 10737 MOCKINGBIRD DRIVE OMAHA, NE 68127 • 402/339-1410
May the Brilliant Lights of Hanukkah Brighten Your Days
Malashock Jewelry The Diamond Specialists Since 1894 Official Rolex Jeweler
712 North 114th Street • Miracle Hills Park
496-9990
It’s a Jewish Family Thing: Making Hanukkah out of Hanukkah by JANE ULMAN being Jewish. ENCINO, CA (JTA)--For my husband, Larry, it’s This is important to Larry and me. We want to ensure “Project Yankee Doodle,” a circa-1960 rocket launcher, that we have Jewish grandchildren, though--and I can’t made by Remco Toys. emphasize this strongly enough--not yet. For me, it’s a generic plastic pickup truck. And this is important to Jewish spiritual leaders and We’re talking favorite childhood Hanukkah presents. educators across the country and across denominations And while Larry also recalls a toy robot and battalions who are seeking sure-fire ways to forge strong Jewish of army men, the truck remains the favorite--and only - identities among our youth. -Hanukkah gift embedded in my memory. Maybe the answer isn’t Jewish day school, a Bar or “That’s it? That’s all you remember?” my mother asks. Bat Mitzvah, a summer at Camp Ramah, a birthright I nod my head guiltily. israel trip or a subscription Perhaps I remember it because of the cirto Heeb magazine. Maybe cumstances--a hastily purchased gift, one the answer is as simple as that I was allowed to select myself at this: lots of unmemorable Doden’s Drug Store en route to my grandHanukkah presents. parents’ house. Along with a memorable Perhaps I remember it because of the Hanukkah. context--in 1956, in Davenport, IA, girls Growing up in Iowa, even didn’t play with, let alone own, toy trucks. with only three other Jewish Today, as the mother of four boys and the kids in my grade, I never chief family shopper, wrapper and, often, felt left out or less than the exchanger of almost two decades worth of other children. I never felt Hanukkah gifts, I feel my mother’s chagrin. the desire to sit on Santa’s And, payback being an inevitable part of lap in Petersen’s Jane Ulman, right, lights a Hanukkah Department Store or have a parenting, I now feel my own. “What’s your all-time favorite Hanukkah menorah with her mother and siblings in big frosted Christmas tree in Davenport, Iowa, in 1961. gift?” I mistakenly ask my sons. our living room. Credit: Photo courtesy Jane Ulman And it wasn’t as if--sorry, “I remember when I was 5 and got stuck with the Ghostbusters girl action figure, April O’Neal, Mom--Hanukkah was a big blow-out in our family. because all the good ones were sold out,” Zack, 20, “Go and make Christmas out of Hanukkah,” my mom says. always said, quoting her friend Alice Weitzman. “I don’t know,” Jeremy, 15, says. But she did better: She made Hanukkah out of “I don’t really like Hanukkah presents,” Danny, 13, Hanukkah. admits. A holiday of joy and warmth. Of chanting the blessOnly Gabe, 17, who will be visiting his girlfriend in ings and lighting the “lion” chanukiah, of eating freshBoston over winter break, responds positively. “My air- ly made latkes with burnt edges, cooked by my mothplane ticket, of course,” he says. er cooked in the electric frying pan, of playing dreidle But here’s the up side. Far greater than that little truck with my siblings and parents and betting with gold-foil--and the furry slippers, scarf and mitten sets, books wrapped Hanukkah gelt. and phonograph records that I undoubtedly received-And a holiday of driving across the river to Rock was another gift: a love of Hanukkah and a love of Continued on page 35
e t a r b e l Ce h a k k u n a H d o o g h t i w living!
11422 Davenport Street • 390-9684 (2 blocks south of Dodge)
Open: M-Th 10-9, Fri 10-8, Sat 10-6, Sun 12-6
Gourmet Items Including: All-Clad • Wusthof • Bake/Cookware • Glassware Linens • Dinnerware • Bar & Wine Accessories
Plus Coffees & Teas • Wine • Jams & Jellies Sauces •Mustards • Breads • Salsas
20 OFF %
One Regular Priced Item*
Bridal Registry Available 10909 West Maple Road • 402/397-0694 www.alkarbilliards.com
❄ FREE Gift Wrap ❄
*excludes Wustof, All-Clad sets, Electrics and Wine Valid with coupon through December 24, 2004
BERNINA Skilled staff are at your disposal in both Bernina stores. They are ready to discuss and demonstrate all that is new from Bernina
More than just a good steak.
featuring Premium Heartland Omaha Steaks® Serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - 7 days a week Sunday Brunch served 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Located in the
Marriott Regency Hotel 10220 Regency Circle Reservations Accepted 516-3600
BERNINA 180
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 WITH APPROVED CREDIT
BERNINA SEWING CENTERS 3407 S. 84th
(Westgate Plaza) 392-0430 • 10144 Maple (Maple Village) Mon & Thur: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. • Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
572-1212
November 26, 2004
Making Hanukkah Continued from page 34 Island, Ill., to celebrate with my grandparents. Of baking poppy seed cookies using my grandmother’s recipe and the dreidel, Jewish star, and menorah-shaped cookie cutters. A holiday that reflected the anti-assimilationist ideals of the Maccabees, that ancient band of guerilla fighters who, unaware of what an identity crisis was, refused to submit to the Syrian Greeks. Who were willing to sacrifice their lives to continue studying Torah, observing Shabbat and circumcising their sons. But the threat to Judaism at the time, interestingly enough, was internal as well as external. Many Jews of the second century BCE were easily drawn into the dominant Greek culture. Not unlike today, where-according to the National Jewish Population Survey 2000-01--42 percent of respondents who defined their religion as Jewish described their outlook as secular. And where we have to work hard to remain Jewish in a non-Jewish world. Hanukkah gives us that challenge and opportunity. Especially since younger Jews already tend to express their Jewish identification through the celebration of holidays, according to The Sovereign Self: Jewish Identity in Post-Modern America by Steven M. Cohen and Arnold M. Eisen. And since, according to the population survey, 72 percent of all Jews already profess to kindle Hanukkah lights. And so this year, emulating my mother, I will once again try to make Hanukkah out of Hanukkah. I will go through the ordeal of buying, wrapping and, perhaps, exchanging all those Hanukkah gifts, which dollars to donuts--or, more appropriately, gelt to sufganiot--my kids will soon forget. And maybe that’s OK. As Zack says, “Ten years from now will I remember all of the presents I received? No. But will I remember that magical feeling of celebrating Hanukkah? Absolutely.’’ And, I hope, that magical feeling of being Jewish. Jane Ulman is a freelance writer in Encino, CA. She is the mother of four sons.
H A I R I TA G E STYLING
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 35
Holiday Greetings & Gifts From Around The World
1328 So. 119th St., Suite A Omaha, NE 68144 For appointment, please call
697-1700 COUPON
BUY ONE round of miniature golf,
GET
7052 Dodge St. Omaha, NE 68132
554-1925
a second round of equal or lesser value
imports
FREE!
1018 Howard St.• Omaha,NE • 342-2972
theRECROOM Celebrate! 8
1
“We’re Serious About Fun & Games” Come in now for floor model and factory closeouts at special prices.
SAVINGS THROUGHOUT THE STORE! • Pool Tables • Bar Stools • Game Tables
Stop in and see our selection of
Dynasty Spas 125th & Center Westwood Plaza (next to Office Depot)
333-0666 Index of Advertisers Advertiser Page Absolutely Fresh Seafood Company .............................. 30 Advantage Mortgage Service, Inc. ................................ 12 Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery, PC ......................... 33 Alkar Billiards ................................................................ 34 All Makes Office Equipment Co. ...................................... 5 Associated Counseling Professionals ............................. 19 At the Loft ..................................................................... 26 At Your Service Catering ................................................ 34 Bergman Jewelers ......................................................... 22 Bernina Sewing Centers ................................................ 34 Bloomfield Forum .......................................................... 14 Blooms ......................................................................... 25 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska .............................. 13 Brandeis Catering .......................................................... 11 Broadmoor Market ........................................................ 31 Brodkey’s ...................................................................... 29 California Closets ........................................................... 31 Care Consultants ............................................................ 9 Caregiver-Virginia LoParco ............................................. 13 Category One ................................................................ 34 CB Richard Ellis/MEGA ................................................... 2 CBS/Home-Gary Kuklin .................................................. 2 Centris ........................................................................... 13 Century 21 Dundee Realty Company ............................ 11 Charleston’s .................................................................. 28 Christel’s ....................................................................... 26 City Weekly ...................................................................... 6 Climate Control ............................................................. 11 Comfort Plus Shoes ...................................................... 10 Country Inn & Suites ..................................................... 24 Countryside Village ........................................................ 31 Crown Pointe Retirement Community ............................ 15 Crowne Plaza ........................................................... 11, 22 Dance Shoppe .............................................................. 31 E Street Auctions ........................................................... 22 Ed’s Auto Body .............................................................. 10
Advertiser Page El Alamo ....................................................................... 29 Enterprise Bank ............................................................... 8 Expressions ................................................................... 17 Eye Essentials ............................................................... 22 Family Fun Center ......................................................... 35 Farucci’s ....................................................................... 29 Fluxion Gallery ............................................................... 10 Garbo’s Salons & Spa ................................................... 27 Golf USA ....................................................................... 26 Gordmans ..................................................................... 27 Great Western Bank ........................................................ 2 Greek Islands ................................................................ 28 Greetings ....................................................................... 10 Hadassah ..................................................................... 20 Hair Color Xperts ........................................................... 11 Hairitage Styling ............................................................ 35 Hampton Inn ................................................................ 32 Harman Appliance Sales, Inc. ....................................... 24 Harris Center for Judaic Studies at UNL ........................ 14 Hiro Sushi/Imperial Palace ........................................... 29 Honeyman Rent-All ........................................................ 11 Hy-Vee .......................................................................... 20 Indian Oven .................................................................. 28 Industrial Packaging Corporation ..................................... 2 Jack & Mary’s ............................................................... 28 Jewish Community Center-Live from 92nd Street Y ......... 4 Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation ...................... 24 Jewish Press ...................................................... 17, 19, 21 Jewish Senior Services .................................................... 9 Julio’s ............................................................................ 28 Katelman Company Antiques ........................................ 33 Kohll’s Pharmacy & Homecare ..................................... 27 Kramer Catering ............................................................ 30 Lakeside Dentistry ......................................................... 27 Lakeside Hills Apartments ............................................. 20 Learning Rx ................................................................... 20
Advertiser Page Lene Larson Catering .................................................... 33 Li’l Prince & Princess ..................................................... 31 Lindley Clothing ............................................................ 30 Louie M’s Burger Lust ................................................... 29 Mainstream Fashions .................................................... 32 Malashock Jewelry ........................................................ 34 Malbar Vision Centers ................................................... 26 Maplecrest Care Center ................................................... 6 Margarite’s Catering ....................................................... 11 Market Basket ............................................................... 10 Marriott Regency Hotel .................................................. 34 McDermott & Miller ....................................................... 15 Mediterranean Bistro ..................................................... 29 Metro Chiropractic ......................................................... 11 Mid-City Jewelry & Loan ................................................ 30 Midwest Benefit Advisors, Inc. ....................................... 19 Mutual Protective Insurance .......................................... 14 Nan C. .......................................................................... 23 Nebraska Children’s Home ............................................. 6 Nebraska Jewish Historical Society ............................... 22 Nobbies ........................................................................ 35 Noddle Companies ......................................................... 8 Norm’s Door Service ....................................................... 6 Odyssey Health Care ..................................................... 14 Omaha Paper Stock Co. .................................................. 4 Omaha Steaks .............................................................. 32 Omaha Trans Video ....................................................... 26 One Drake Place ........................................................... 23 One Hour Martinizing .................................................... 11 Parcel Place .................................................................. 26 Park Inn Regency .......................................................... 26 Parsow’s ........................................................................ 24 Pasta Amore ................................................................. 25 Pharmacy Express ......................................................... 10 Picture Man .................................................................. 35 Pish Posh ...................................................................... 32
Advertiser Page Planned Parenthood ....................................................... 8 Professional Massage Therapy ...................................... 22 Prudential Ambassador Real Estate-Bobbi Leibowitz ....... 9 Pulverente Monument Co. ............................................. 19 Realty Executives-Ben Feldman ..................................... 14 Recroom ....................................................................... 35 Remington Heights .......................................................... 3 Rockbrook Floors .......................................................... 23 Rockbrook Village .......................................................... 25 Russell’s .................................................................. 10, 31 Ryco Packaging Corp. ..................................................... 9 Salon Aura .................................................................... 33 Sarah’s .......................................................................... 31 Savannah Pines ............................................................ 12 Schrier Ford ..................................................................... 9 Second Story ................................................................ 32 Security National Bank .................................................. 25 Shield Crest Irrigation .................................................... 14 Sir Speedy ..................................................................... 58 Sol’s Jewelry & Loan ..................................................... 33 Soul Desires .................................................................. 33 Souq ............................................................................. 35 Spirit World .................................................................... 28 Sprigs ............................................................................ 29 St. Joseph Villa ................................................................ 5 Suburban Newspapers Inc. ............................................. 2 Sunridge Village ............................................................. 19 That Pottery Place ......................................................... 10 Topp’s ............................................................................ 24 University of Nebraska Medical Center ............................ 7 V. Mertz ......................................................................... 29 VIP Limousine ............................................................... 23 Wells Blue Bunny .......................................................... 12 Wyndham Street, Ltd. ................................................... 25 Zio’s Pizzeria .................................................................. 28
Page 36
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 26, 2004
EMPLOYEE OWNED
Happy Hanukkah!
Celebrate the Festival of Lights! Warm wishes to all and many thanks for your kind patronage. 5150 Center St.• 553-2664 • 50th & Center | 10808 Fort St. • 493-2089 • 108th & Fort | 3505 L St. • 731-6107 • Stockyards Plaza 3404 Oak View Dr. • 697-0811 • Oakview | 7910 Cass St. • 384-8668 • Peony Park | 9707 Q St. • 339-3047 • Applewood 747 North 132nd St.• 493-2911 • Westridge | 8809 West Center Rd. • 384-9072 • 90th & Center | 180th & Q St. • 896-4168 • Welch Plaza 1706 North 16th St., Council Bluffs • 328-9762 • North 16th Street | 1745 Madison Ave., Council Bluffs • 322-9260 • Mall of the Bluffs