Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA December 21, 2012 7 Tevet 5773 Vol. 93 | No. 14
Brandon Thomas Scholarship
Next Week The Jewish Press will
by MARY BORT Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation is pleased to announce that Robert and Ellen Gordman have established the Brandon Thomas Vocational Scholarship Fund. The endowment fund was created in memory of the Gordman’s late grandson, Brandon Thomas, who passed away in 2010. “Bob and Elly approached us about setting up this new endowment in support of scholarships,” explained Marty Ricks, Foundation Executive Director. “Their generosity will make an important difference for high school graduates who want to pursue a vocational trade rather than attend a traditional college or university.” Income from the scholarship fund will be used for annual scholarships for one or more Jewish high school graduates who wish to pursue a career in a vocational trade and have indicated an interest in the trade by working and/or volunteering in the field prior to beginning their formal training. “Vocational trade” means skilled work typically requiring formal technical training specific to a particular job or career as distinguished from unskilled work or from what
not publish for December 28.
This Week
Hanukkah at Tifereth Israel Page 11
The 2012 Jewish year in review Page 15
On the road, 2012 Page 20
Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam
Next Month The Food Guide See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press
16 18 19
Tips from Dr. Ruth by MAXINE DOVERE (JNS.org) Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the Holocaust survivor turned internationally known sex educator, gave an interview with JNS.org. Now 84 years old, she reviewed her best tips for senior living -- including cultivating relationships with adult children and grandchildren, finding a partner (and enjoying life without one), and being practical when it comes to finances. Bob Gordman, Brandon Thomas and Elly Gordman might generally be described as a profession or business. A scholarship can be used for tuition, books and other related expenses for a student living at home and participating in a vocational program in Omaha. Housing expenses can also be covered for a student attending a vocational program outside of Omaha. Brandon Thomas participated in the culinary arts program at Metropolitan Community College. This is just one example of the type of vocational program for which the scholarships may be granted.
“We wanted to do something for the Jewish community and memorialize Brandon, so we decided to create this scholarship,” explained Elly Gordman. “This fills an important need since not all high school graduates go on to college. There are many scholarships in Omaha’s Jewish community, but they are geared toward college students. And we wanted to do something that reflected Brandon’s interests and abilities. Brandon had this drive to become a chef and we became increasingly aware that some kids Continued on page 2
Jewish Book Month celebrations by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Associate Executive Director, Center for Jewish Life Events for Omaha’s 39th year of celebrating Jewish Book Month included happenings for those of all ages. Events kicked off with the Jewish Book Month Luncheon on Nov. 28, featuring author Janna Yeshanova. Using her engaging personality, Janna shared her story of leaving the former Soviet Union and making a new life in the U.S. Laughter was heard throughout her presentation, as she told about her wide range of experiences. The luncheon was generously sponsored by the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Endowment Fund. Next up was the Jewish Book Month Children’s Event held on Saturday evening, Dec. 8. What better way to celebrate the first night of Chanukah than with over 200 members of the Jewish community at the Omaha Children’s Museum! The museum was hopping with children, parents and grandparents all enjoying a night of fun, candles, dreidels, story telling, crafts and, of course, food. The event also included the re-
Living life to the fullest:
Zoë Berman and Linda Rosenfeld enjoy the face painting launching of P.J. Library, a program that provides free Jewish books for children ages 6 months through 8 years. As families left, the refrain heard repeatedly was “This has to become an annual event!” The Children’s Event was made possible through the generosity of the Ann Goldstein Memorial Fund. Omaha Jewish authors were the spotlight of the final Jewish Book Month event on Sunday, Dec. 9. The Omaha Jewish Author Showcase provided the perfect venue for the diverse
personalities and widespread talent of Omaha’s own to shine. Authors Brian Bogdanoff, Steve Caplan, Tony Endelman, Steve Fischer, Milton Kleinberg, Simon Noel, Ozzie Nogg and Nancy Rips, along with editor Sandra Wendel, shared stories about their literary experiences. Serving as emcee, Nancy Rips commented the presentations moved from “Midrash to Las Vegas, UNMC to the Omaha Police Department and everything in between.” Continued on page 2
Dr. Ruth Westheimer Credit: Maxine Dovere Born Karola Ruth Siegel in Frankfurt, Germany, the woman now known as “Dr. Ruth” saw her father arrested by Nazis and said a final goodbye to her mother as she boarded a Kindertransport rescue train to Switzerland. By 17, she was in the British mandate of Palestine on a kibbutz, and, later in Jerusalem, the diminutive teenager became a sniper for the Haganah forces. A bombing on the night of her 20th birthday left her badly wounded, but she recovered and went on to study at Paris’s Sorbonne, as well as the New School and Columbia University (for a doctorate in education) in New York. Three marriages (two brief ones, followed by the last to Manfred Westheimer for more than 30 years), two children (Miriam and Joel), and a selfdesigned and determined persona later, the octogenarian found herself in a theater in Western Massachusetts, watching an on-stage portrayal of her life. “I had to pinch myself a few times to realize that I was in the audience and not on stage,” Dr. Ruth Westheimer said in an interview with JNS.org. A self-created, resilient survivor, Dr. Ruth became an internationally known sex educator at a time when many consider retirement. Dr. Ruth’s essential focus is living as fully as possible. “People have to be active, to do things,” she said. “Do a new activity every single day. Take a course, go to a concert, make sure to keep a relationship with a neighbor -- to schmooze a little, not just to cry Continued on page 2
2 | The Jewish Press | December 21, 2012
Jackson Home Appliance “OMAHA’S MOST TRUSTED NAME IN APPLIANCE REPAIR� NOW BRINGS THAT SAME ATTENTION TO HEATING & COOLING
Jackson Heating & Cooling FEATURES CARRIER HOME HEATING & COOLING PRODUCTS CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE QUOTE FROM ONE OF OUR HVAC SPECIALISTS ON A NEW FURNACE, AIR CONDITIONER OR HEAT PUMP 8827 Maple Street Omaha, NE 68134
402-391-4287Carrier Factory Authorized Nate Certified Technicians
Alan, Anne & Marty Cohen Looking for a home? Give us a call! 12727 West Dodge Road $59,950 20219 Pinkney St. $145,000 12828 Marcy St. $212,500 19707 Poppleton Ave. $225,000 5627 Emile St. $276,500 6724 Davenport St. $1,300,000 3503 S. 44 Ave. $90,000 770 N. 93 St. $199,500 108 Heavenly Drive $280,000 17462 Archer Circle $345,000 2919 S. 101 St. $380,000
Alan Cohen
Whitehall High-Rise Condo Elkhorn Schools Leawood West Elkhorn 2 story Midtown 2 story Old Fairacres SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD
Anne Cohen
Brandon Thomas Scholarship Continued from page 1 don’t want to go to college. They want to do something else.� “Brandon knew since he was eight that he wasn’t going to college,� continued Gordman. “He wanted to be a chef. Brandon loved cooking. He found it to be fulfilling and more than just a career. It was his life.� “For example, during a ski trip about 18 months before he passed away, Brandon offered to prepare dinner for everyone,� said Gordman. “It was a wonderful meal. It had such complexity, involving many elements. And I remember how he taught me about the effects of cutting board surfaces on knives. He really knew his craft.� “Bob and I don’t give to building funds,� noted Gordman. “We like to support programs such as underwriting First Fridays at Temple Israel. We want to help people – we are people-oriented with our donation decisions. We feel good about
creating this scholarship in memory of Brandon, doing something that isn’t currently done in the Jewish community.� Bob and Elly Gordman no longer reside in Omaha, but it was an easy decision for them to establish the scholarship fund here. “Even though we now live in Breckenridge, Colorado, our hearts are with the Omaha Jewish community,� Gordman stated. “I grew up here. This is a giving community and a great place to raise children.� The Brandon Thomas Scholarships will be administered by the Center for Jewish Life (CJL), an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Application information may be found in the CJL’s 2013 Guide to Scholarship and Grant Opportunities, which will be available Jan. 4, 2013. To find out how you can establish an endowment fund to support a scholarship, contact the Foundation at 402.334.6440.
Jewish Book Month
Marty Cohen
402-677-2524 402-850-4161 402-690-1591
Customized Solutions for All Your Real Estate Needs
Jerry M. Slusky 8712 West Dodge jslusky@lawsgs.com 402.392.0101
• Tax Free exchange of property • Value analysis • Loan Restructurings • Estate Planning for Real Estate Ownership • Real Estate development, leasing, and financing • 40 + years of practice experience • Master’s degree in tax law from New York University • Law School Fellow American College of Real Estate Lawyers “Recognizing National Pre-eminence “in the Practice of Real Estate Law.â€?
Selection by peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America Real Estate Law
“Thanks for keeping Mom happy!�
“Mom moved into Remington Heights in December of 2011. From the day she moved in, the staff has been courteous and respectful, and the card games, birthday parties and daily events keep her active. Thanks for keeping Mom happy!�
- Bob W. Son of Loretta W., a happy resident of Remington Heights
Call today to schedule your personal tour.
(402) 493-5807
8 %PEHF 3E t 0NBIB /& XXX SFNJOHUPOIFJHIUTSFUJSFNFOU DPN
Janna Yeshanova and Shirley Goldstein at Omaha Jewish Book Month Luncheon. Continued from page 1 Jewish Book Month events were presented by the Kripke Jewish Federation Library through the Center for Jewish Life. For those interested in registering for P.J. Library, please stop in the library or visit www.pjlibrary.org and
The authors featured at The Omaha Jewish Author Showcase: seated, Tony Endelman, left, and Steve Caplan; standing, Milton Kleinberg, left, Steve Fischer, Simon Noel, Nancy Rips, Brian Bogdanoff, Ozzie Nogg and editor Sandra Wendel. click on “Find your PJ Community� and select Omaha. The program provides free Jewish books and music, mailed each month to the family’s home, for children ages 6 months through 8 years. P.J. Library is a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation with local funding provided by the Dorothy and Myer S. Kripke Institute for Jewish Literacy.
Dr. Ruth Continued from page 1 on someone’s shoulder. If you have to cry, go to a professional; no one wants to hear about problems.� She is a firm proponent of continuous growth and change. “Things have changed since Lady Chatterley’s Lover or Fear of Flying. Establish a new vocabulary,� she advises. “Read books; look at sexually arousing material.� Dr. Ruth recommends 50 Shades of Gray -- “all three volumes.� “If someone doesn’t like it, you can close the chapter,� she said. “If [she] does like it, the book proves the point that women can get aroused.� Whether they are young or old, most singles would like to be doubles. JNS.org asked Dr. Ruth what she recommends to help people -- especially seniors -- find partners. “Be involved! Go to concerts, performances, lectures -events of interest. Women have to take the risk of being the one to start a relationship, to say to a man ‘would you like to go for a coffee.’ If the answer is ‘no,’ go on to the next one!� she said. If partnership is not possible, Dr. Ruth advises, “find a place that will be enjoyable, and give you some satisfaction - even if you don’t meet a partner.� Even for those seniors lucky enough to find an emotional partner, establishing a physical relationship can sometimes be difficult. “Even older people should go to see a sex therapist,� said Dr. Ruth. “Very often, a problem is something physical. Go to your family physician or gynecologist. Use whatever physical or mechanical aide is needed. Engage in sex in the morning. Do not have expectations that he can hang from a chandelier!� “Don’t ask me about my sex life!� she added. “You will not get an answer. I don’t ask intimate questions except of my patients.� What, asked JNS.org, if one does remain alone and does not find a new partner? “People have an obligation to themselves,� Dr. Ruth said. “If they feel a sexual urge and are alone, they should get used to the idea of masturbating -- even to orgasm. They will be more satisfied -- have a different way of walking. Of course it’s not the same as with a partner -- that’s true. But, I am someone who stands with two feet in reality: make the best of it! No one will be helped by crying about things they can-
not change.â€? That, said Dr. Ruth, includes adult children. “They will never understand,â€? she said. “You have to cultivate your relationship with your adult children and grandchildren. Call them. Ask ‘do you have a moment?’ Don’t say, ‘you didn’t come to see me.’ Say ‘whatever is convenient -- that fits with your plans.’ Be flexible. Go to a coffee shop. Let them know, ‘I would like to see you... I’ll take the time you can give me and be satisfied.’â€? The same “childrenâ€? who may have little time to spend with a parent, often have much to say about a parent’s new partner. Says Dr. Ruth, while the new partner “will never replace the father or mother, never be an intimate part of the family,â€? children should be “civil and politeâ€? and recognize that the mother or father’s companion makes life easier. “One would never go on the assumption the partner will be an intimate part of the family.â€? Dr. Ruth is essentially a practical realist. She said companionship, perhaps even romance, adds much to living; so do existing assets. “It’s very important for an older person who finds a new partner to write a detailed arrangement about money,â€? she said. “The children won’t have fears -- even in their subconscious -- that the inheritance from their parent will go to the partner’s family. You don’t need a fancy lawyer. Go to someone who can witness a legal agreement assuring that money will remain separate. In today’s contentious world, it is essential; an agreement is very important to calm any fear. Documentation is especially important when there is any unusual circumstance, such as when a grandparent is responsible for a minor child. Everything must be written. No one can foresee the future.â€? The experience of being a senior -- she is 84 and a widow -- is one Dr. Ruth shares with many in her audience. Yet, she is clearly a work in progress. This summer, she will present Vin d’Amore, a California-bottled line of low alcohol wines -- available in red, white, and rosĂŠ, of course -- replete with her picture on the label. “I tell people to drink a little, then have sex,â€? Dr. Ruth said. “But,â€? she cautioned, “not too much -- she falls asleep and he can’t perform. With wine, less is more.â€? “Sherry Lansing,â€? she added, “said ‘not to retire but to rewire.’ It’s very important. It’s exactly what I am doing.â€?
December 21, 2012 | The Jewish Press | 3
Keeping kosher as we age by LISË STERN The menus, which are all taste-tested by Starcevish and his with calcium,” Smithson says. The primary natural source of (JNS.org) Traditional kosher favorites like slow-roasted staff, are sent to a state dietitian for approval. “Sometimes vitamin D is sunlight, but how our skin absorbs it can brisket, matzo ball soup, and lockshen kugel aren’t the health- the state dietician will come back and will tell us to switch depend on where we live, if we use sunblock, and how much iest choices as you get older, but these dishes and your portions the apple on Tuesday with the orange on Thursday, for time we spend inside, an issue for shut-ins. If you don’t spend much time in the sun, you may need can be modified. The challenge: get all the nutrients you need, nutritional balance,” he says. vitamin D supplements; check with a health care provider without overeating. for the best balance. Kashrut can be an issue for some vitaWe all have our traditional kosher favorites -- and for min D supplements. Smithson notes that there are two many this means Ashkenazic fare, like slow-roasted kinds, D2 and D3, and “D3 is derived from ultraviolet irrabrisket, matzo ball soup, lockshen kugel, and perhaps diation of a substance derived from sheep’s wool.” cholent and blintzes. Unfortunately, such kosher classics In general, the most efficient sources for the nutrients we aren’t the best choices for us as we get older. Toby need as we get older is food, rather than supplements; supSmithson, RD, CDE, is a spokesperson for the Academy of plements should do just that -- help with what we’re getting Nutrition and Dietetics and founder of DiabetesEvery from food already. Food has the added advantage of being Day.com. She says, “Age 50 appears to be the time when good for multiple nutrients. Dairy products, for example, some of our nutritional needs change.” Our metabolisms contain both calcium and potassium. begin to slow down, so we need fewer calories -- yet at the Other good sources for potassium include beans (think same time, we still need food that is high in nutrients. cholent) and fruit, including dried apricots, prunes, and The challenge, then, is to get all the nutrients we need raisins (tzimmes, anyone?). Dates are also a good source, without overeating. If you are physically active, great -along with pistachios and other nuts. (Nuts can be high in though most people are not scaling the same number of fat, so moderation is key.) mountains at 60 or 70 that they were at 30. There are also Fortunately, it’s easy to fit a healthy diet into a kosher diet specific vitamins and minerals we need more after we hit -- for the most part. Brisket isn’t the leanest cut of meat, 50, Smithson says, notably potassium, calcium, and vitamins B12 and D. We also need fiber, but slightly less than Kosher classics like noodle kugel, pictured, aren’t the healthiest but it can be reserved for special occasions “Unfortunately choices for us as we get older, but can still be incorporated into the leanest cuts of beef are not kosher, so we need to have we do when we’re younger. a stronger focus on cutting back on our sources of fats, Sodium is a concern in the opposite direction—too our diets if they are modified, experts say. Neal Drobnis is Coordinator of the Kosher Nutrition especially saturated fat,” Smithson says. much can contribute to high blood pressure, and we need to “Many traditional dishes can be modified,” she advises. significantly reduce consumption as we get older, to about Program of Jewish Family Service of Rhode Island. The pro3/4 teaspoon per day (1500 milligrams) -- that includes both gram provides both home delivery and a Senior Café. “The “Dishes like lockshen kugel can be made with a heat-resistwhat we add to our plate and what occurs in foods natural- Jewish Federation has been really supportive of this pro- ant sugar substitute and egg whites to make it more heartly. Unless specifically made for seniors, prepared kosher gram,” Drobnis says. It offers kosher lunches daily for a $3 healthy and diabetes friendly.” “The best advice is to modify recipes, watch portion size, donation and provides transportation. Most guests are in foods can be high in sodium. and add more vegetables to your meals,” she adds. Too much sodium is a concern regarding blood pressure, their 80s. Good advice as we head into our 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. Café meals are all kosher, as are the delivered meals, and and potassium helps blunt sodium’s affect, Smithson says. Calcium, coupled with vitamin D, helps with bone strength, meet federal guidelines in terms of nutrition. “Seniors try to And if we make it to our 90s, that may be the time when we and vitamin B12 protects against anemia. Fiber serves mul- stay away from salt and use salt alternatives,” Drobnis no longer have to worry about moderation, and we can have tiple purposes -- it helps with digestion and heart health, observes. “Everything is low sodium. In general, they stay a second helping of brisket. Suggested Kosher Menu for a Day and can help prevent certain kinds of cancer. Good sources away from sugar as well. We try to have a balance of proToby Smithson suggests the following sample kosher menu. include fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains like teins, carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables. For carbs -Breakfast: oatmeal, a glass of skim or 1% milk; 1 cup of grains, pasta, bread -- we try to use whole grains when we oatmeal and brown rice. For many in their 50s and above, choosing meals and can. It can be very difficult with the budgetary limits to have berries, and a slice of whole grain toast with tub margarine, almond butter, or peanut butter preparing their own food may not be an issue. But as the brown rice or whole wheat pasta.” Lunch: tuna fish salad with reduced fat mayonnaise; 1 slice Zan’s Kosher Delicatessen Restaurant runs a similar proJewish population ages, more and more people are living on their own, with family far away. Jewish organizations in sev- gram in Lake Grove, NY, supplying delivered kosher meals low fat cheese; 2 slices whole grain bread, 1 cup baby bell peperal cities around the country offer services to this group. for area townships. The Supper Club 60 is offered in the pers, 1 peach or nectarine. Snack: 3 graham cracker squares, 6 ounces low fat vanilla Kosher Meals on Wheels is a federally subsidized program afternoon Mondays through Thursdays, according to that supplies a daily meal to those 60 and older who cannot Anthony Ruggiero, who owns the business with his brother yogurt sprinkled with cinnamon and chopped almonds. Dinner: 3 ounces baked skinless chicken breast with rosePat. The $4 donation offers a choice from a daily menu. For easily get out of the house. In Skokie, Ill., Ted Starcevich is the program manager of seniors, Ruggiero says, “We make everything with less salt.” mary; 1 medium sweet potato; 1 cup green beans; an orange. Suggested Shabbat Meal The National Osteoporosis Foundation indicates that our home-delivered meals and Kosher to Go for CJE SeniorLife, Shabbat: chicken soup with whole grain noodles; Cholent an organization that serves older adults in a variety of ways. vitamin D needs can almost double once we hit 50 -- those They deliver 300-400 kosher meals daily, often by volunteers under a half century need 400 to 800 IU daily, while those with more beans than meat; a green leafy salad with bite sized raw vegetables; baked sliced apples with cinnamon and sugar who visit with their clients when bringing the food, which over need 800 to 1000 IU. “Vitamin D is needed to help keep bones strong along substitute. provides a third of their daily nutritional requirements.
All About Me Boutique! Clothing • Jewelry • Accessories
Check out our holiday sales going on now! Gift Certificates available
to oor Door Doo ur our Your Oppenen YYou Open Ope VNA COMPANION CARE COMPAN COMP AN Backed by a century of nursing, you can rely on VNA Companion Care for the extra assistance you need to maintain an independent lifestyle — in the comfort of your own home.
419 South 11th St. • Omaha Old Market Passageway
402.505.6000 Tired of waiting at big pharmacy chains, Check out...
Great service. Sharp pricing. Warm smiles.
Bruce Goldberg Pharmacist 402.932.8709
349 N 78th St. | Omaha, Ne 68114 Fax: 402.932.8711 | Omahapharmacyexpress.com
For a free in-home consultation, contact VNA at 402-342-5566.
Complete In-Home Care Companion Care Skilled Home Care IV Therapy Home Health Technology Hospice and Palliative Care
www.theVNAcares.org
4 | The Jewish Press | December 21, 2012
Friedel fourth graders take second place at math tournament
We welcome new donors
by PAM COHN teacher Ashley Barrow. “I was Principal, Friedel Jewish Academy so proud of the students for Friedel students competed their hard work, dedication, and for everything they in the R.M. Marrs Magnet learned. It was a big bonus to Center Seventh Annual place second considering the Fourth Grade Math other schools are so much Competition Nov. 19. The larger.” For Principal Pam day-long tournament feaCohn, the day was also a trip tured three events: a written home to her former school. test, a “bowl” style buzzer test, She commented, “This type and an engineering contest where students were given a of enrichment experience set of materials (paper, straws, makes learning fun. If you Danny Denenberg, left, Rebecca Denenberg, Rachel etc.) to build a structure both want to see kids who can’t Kricsfeld and Matan Shapiro tall and weight bearing. The wait to do math, just stop by Friedel team, Danny Denenberg, Rebecca Denenberg, after school to watch our students in training.” Friedel was Rachel Kricsfeld and Matan Shapiro, brought home second the first private school ever to join the competition which place medals for their structure. The young “matheletes” included schools from Elkhorn, Millard, District 66, voluntarily stayed after school to train with their coach, Papillon-LaVista, and OPS.
JCC Gallery to welcome local artist Courtney Kenny by LYNNE BATTEN Title The JCC is pleased to welcome Courtney Kenny to the JCC Gallery during the month of January. Through her work, Kenny takes pleasure in pointing out the ironies and incongruities of life. Her drawings often contain imagery and situations that are impossible, yet they are depicted in such a manner that the viewer becomes convinced of its possibility. The subject matter is unrealistic, yet the style is
\’rinkel\ a small ridge, prominence or furrow in the skin. (Webster) e
C.Q. Thompson, M D, F A C S Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery, P.C.
A trusted and experienced surgeon Surgical and non-surgical facial reguvenation Oakview Medical Center 144th & Center
402.788.5555
realism. The mystery and irony in Kenny’s paintings is subtle. Her recent body of work contains no color. With the variety and abundance of colors available to a painter, Kenny explores the irony of a black and white painting and the internal struggle in dealing with the narrow-mindedness, “black and white” views of the general public. Kenny will hold an opening reception on Sunday, Jan. 6 from 2–4 p.m. in the JCC Gallery. This event is free and open to the public.
by BOB GOLDBERG Director of Strategic Initiatives, Jewish Federation of Omaha Lay and professional leaders in our community are working hard to achieve a 2013 Annual Campaign goal of 200 new gifts. We are introducing as many new donors as we can to the readers of the Jewish Press in the hope that their inspiration and motivation to support the Annual Campaign inspires others to do the same. Why donate to the 2013 Campaign? Why now? The time is right for me to contribute. I have invested time and energy the last few Andrew Boehm years so the triangle is complete now that I’m a donor. Time, energy and money makes it complete. The JCC has given me a lot over the last five years; most importantly, the CDC education for my daughter, Juliette. Now she is older and really enjoyed summer camp this year. My son Jimmy loves to play basketball at the J and learned how to swim there as well. The whole campus is great for the entire family. What’s your hope for the Omaha Jewish community moving forward? I think we have a very strong foundation built in the Jewish community. My kids are fifth generation members of this community. That says a lot about our strong roots. I hope to see growth continue and see more great events that bring large crowds together. I look forward to the current and the future. I love being a part of this community. What’s your takeaway? I meet other young Jewish members of this community because I have plugged myself into the JCC. I enjoy YJO and have made great friends. We want to hear from all our new donors. If you would like to be included in this Jewish Press series, please call me at 402.334.6431. We want to welcome you into the Federation family!
Out
Dining
December 21, 2012 | The Jewish Press | 5
Art for Temple Israel’s new building by DAVID GOLBITZ “The meeting was wonderful and inspiring,” Rabbi Josh Temple Israel Staff Writer Brown said. “It was a meeting of religious minds and spiriOn Dec. 12, the five-person jury tasked with selecting tual minds, and people passionate about our congregation artists who will be asked to submit proposals for the sacred and who know art better than anyone. It was a wonderful art objects for Temple Israel’s new building convened at the mix of strong feelings and passion. And even though we all Bemis Center for Contemporary Art to discuss the nomi- at some point in the day had differing opinions, we all left nated artists with clergy and lay leaders. feeling like the result of our discussion will be some really “It was an inspiring, meaningful focal points cutting edge conversain the congregation.” tion,” Rabbi Aryeh Azriel The “focal points” said. “It was educational include the eternal lights for those of us who are in both the sanctuary and not artists to discuss with the chapel, the Ark this amazing group of enclosure, the Torah covpeople.” ers, text for the clerestory Connie Wolf, one of windows and a wall the jurors and the sculpture for the main Director of the Cantor entrance. Arts Center at Stanford The jury will invite the University, was particufinalists to submit prolarly pleased to have the posals for the various clergy present for the dissacred art objects for the cussion. new building. Once the “[They] remind us to proposals have been step back and look high- The discussion about artists for the new Temple Israel building received, the clergy will er,” Wolf said. “To raise included clergy and lay leaders. Louri Sullivan, left, Connie Wolf, meet with the Artwork the conversation to Hesse McGraw, Maurice Finegold, Rabbi Azriel. Committee and other another level.” members of the congregation to get their input before movWolf explained that if a particular artist caught the eye of ing forward with the artists. Rabbi Azriel, she would give more consideration to that “We feel it’s important to involve the community from the artist, because a rabbi would see a piece of art differently, beginning,” Rabbi Brown said. “As one person in the meetmore in terms of religion or spirituality. ing put it, it was very thoughtful for the leadership of the “I’ll like [something] because the rabbi is interested,” she congregation to even have this discussion, and in light of said. having this discussion, that we have the ability to elevate the The jury, consisting of Wolf; Jack Becker, the Executive artistry that’s in the synagogue. That was the really interestDirector and CEO of the Joslyn Art Museum; Maurice ing part, we spent eight hours really struggling over what Finegold, the Boston-based architect who designed the new messages do we want to send, how do we want to inspire Temple Israel; Adam Kleinman, a writer and curator who people, what does it mean to raise the standard of artistic was the Agent for Public Programming for the expression in a spiritual space.” dOCUMENTA (13) art exhibition; and Hesse McGraw, the The artists will also be invited to visit the new Temple Chief Curator for the Bemis; along with Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Israel building and meet with the clergy and lay leaders to Josh Brown and Cantor Wendy Shermet, and members of get a feel for a community and a better understanding of the New Building Artwork Committee, debated the styles what would be most reflective of the congregation. and suitability of many talented artists for about eight hours Members of the Artwork Committee present at the meetbefore ultimately coming away with a short list of names ing included Katherine Finnegan, Gary Kaplan, David Rice, whose work and vision were deemed most reflective of the Terri Schrager, Louri Sullivan, Todd Simon, John Waldbaum Temple Israel community. and Program Director Wendy Goldberg.
Organizations
Hundreds of community members are enjoying CEO Mike Silverman’s frequent email blast communications, aptly named, “Community Updates.” They are a great way to get the latest information about Campus happenings. Plus, Mike’s easygoing style makes it a quick and efficient read. We don’t want anyone to miss out on all the great news! If you are not currently receiving Community Updates and want to, please send an email to Sherrie Saag, Communications Specialist, ssaag@jewishomaha.org, and you will be added to the email distribution.
LOMIR REDN YIDDISH The Yiddish language is a wonderful source of rich expressions, especially terms of endearment (and of course, complaints and insults!). Come join us for fun and laughter. We meet in the boardroom of the Blumkin Home, every Thursday from 1-3 p.m. For information, please call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638.
There will be no Jewish Press on Dec. 28 due to staff vacations and a need to upgrade computer equipment. The Jewish Press will be closed on Monday and Tueday, Dec. 24 and 25, and Tuesday, Jan. 1. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.
Kids who learn from their parents or care-givers about the risks of drugs are: • 36% less likely to smoke • marijuana than kids who don’t • 50% less likely to use inhalants • 56% less likely to use cocaine
THE GREEK ISLANDS 3821 CENTER • 402-346-1528 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.
You’ve got mail!
B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Academy Award-winning director Alexander Payne is famous for many films, including Omaha-based movies, Election and About Schmidt. Descendants and Sideways were also popular and highly acclaimed. His biographer, popular local writer, Leo Adam Biga just wrote a book about this famous Omahan and will discuss it at lunch. Autographed copies of the book will also be available for purchase on Wednesday, Dec. 26, noon, at the Blumkin Home. Speaker to be announce for Wednesday, Jan. 2, noon, at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $11; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.
You are the most powerful influence in your child’s daily life.
When you patronize these fine establishments, tell them you saw their ad in the Jewish Press.
JEWISH PRESS NOTICE
Fine Dining
Pasta Amore Cafe & Bar
Is your Spouse or Parent in a Nursing Home?
Before you send another check to the nursing home, please call us toll free at 1-800-886-8673 or go to NebraskaMedicaidPlanning.com for more information.
Private Party Room | Catering Available Book your parties for 4-60 people Lunch: Monday-Friday 11:00-2:00 Dinner: Monday-Saturday 4:30-On
NebraskaMedicaidPlanning.com 14301 First National Bank Pkwy, Ste. 100 Omaha, NE 68154, USA
• 65% less likely to use LSD
For more information call:
1-800-648-4444 http://www.prevlink.org
402.391.2585
Rockbrook Village | 108th & W. Center fax 402.391.0910 | amoreitaln@aol.com | www.pastaamore.net
Not affiliated with any state or federal agency.
6 | The Jewish Press | December 21, 2012
Bwana Bubbie: On the hunt for Senior discounts
Staying in touch OZZIE NOGG
Celebrating each family legacy Losing someone close to you is never easy. That’s why we at John A. Gentleman Mortuaries do all we can to celebrate each family legacy. One of the ways we do that is by planting a living memorial at Lauritzen Gardens. At John A. Gentleman Mortuaries, service beyond the service means being at your family’s side and caring for your needs.
Omaha 402-391-1664 72nd & Western Avenue
John A. Gentleman Mortuaries
142nd & Pacific Street
Bellevue/Sarpy County 402-293-0999 3402 Samson Way
Service beyond the service.
www.johnagentleman.com
Now that many of my friends and I can no longer rush the net as fiercely as we once did, we’ve replaced tennis with hunting. Big game hunting -- after Senior Citizen Discounts. Trust me. A gray-haired woman with trifocals and stamina can bag some pretty impressive trophies. Here are examples from a typical day in the life of Bwana Bubbie (that’s me). 7 a.m.: Since daybreak is the best time to stalk game, I take the Honda into Speedy Lube for an Early Bird Oil Change. This sunrise service costs $19.99, so the 10% Senior Discount saves me two bucks. Not bad, for the first shot out of the box, so to speak. 8:30 a.m.: One poached egg, a small OJ and side of wheat toast at our local Pancake Palace totals $3.78, which means the 10% Senior Discount nets Bwana Bubbie a whopping 37 cents. Or, conversely, using the money I saved at Speedy Lube, I’m only out about a dollar and a half for breakfast. Either way, I’ve now bagged close to $2.50. 10 a.m.: In pursuit of current fashion must-haves, I spot the tube tops, shorts and blue jeans at Papaya Republic, but (no surprise) they are too teeny-tiny and tummybaring for my over-70, M/L body. However (no surprise), the clothes will fit my three granddaughters, ages twelve, thirteen and fifteen. I splurge and buy them T-shirts -elasticized, pink/lime/purple, $9.99 and -taking advantage of Papaya Republic’s 10% senior discount -- walk out with three dollars saved. Total so far (let’s not quibble over pennies...): five-and-a-half bucks. 10:45 a.m.: A leisurely stroll through Kreative Kraft Korner, turns up a package of delicate, Japanese rice paper. This I will make into a hand-bound ledger in which to record my Senior Savings. The discount realized on said purchase is 45 cents, an amount I’ll enter into the ledger with great satisfaction. 12 noon: Lunch at Greens-R-Good. An all-
you-can-eat bowl of fresh arugula, snow peas, broccoli, bean sprouts, cherry tomatoes, chopped egg (whites, only) and sunflower seeds, all topped with low-cal Ranch, is priced at $6.50. Ten percent off and crunch, crunch, I’m another 65 cents to the good. After lunch, I prowl The Second Chance Thrift Store where seniors receive extra savings on used stuff that’s already dirt-cheap. Wanting to add surprise to our dress-up box (it’s often the granddaughters’ favorite spot when they come to visit), I select two gently worn slips. One -- white satin trimmed with lace will make a stunning bridal gown; and the other -- peach silk, cut on the bias, will morph into the perfect bridesmaid’s dress. Each slip is 79 cents, less ten percent. You do the math. At my next three stops I save one dollar off a regular priced adult hair cut at Shear Magic, another 46 cents at Peerless Dry Cleaners, and 83 cents on sea bass at the Absolutely Fresh Fish Market. By my reckoning, Bwana Bubbie has (by only 3:45 in the afternoon) already hauled in nine dollars, give or take. 4 p.m.: All these MultiPlexes! All these movies! All these celluloid options! Do I aim for a discount of 15%, 28%, 33%, or should I spare myself the mathematical gymnastics and just pay the special senior ticket price of $4.00 at the Odeon where they’re screening a Katherine Hepburn retrospective? Or should I go to the Muse Theater, where “Seasoned Citizens” are admitted for just one dollar. (As it turns out, the Muse seems to run only Pokemon, Rugrats, and an occasional Slasher film, so they probably don’t have to honor the one buck offer very often.) Oy. These decisions are not made easily. I flip a coin (one of the nickels I’ve saved), and smile through The Philadelphia Story for the umpteenth time. Four dollars for the ticket. Two-seventy five for the popcorn. Another two for the bottled water. Yippee! Bwana Bubbie’s savings pay for the movie and the munchies. And she still has 25 cents left over! At the end of the day, that may not seem like much. But I look at it this way. My twenty-five cents is four 1935 nickels. Each with a buffalo on it. In the sport of Senior Discount Hunting, that’s worth the chase.
Birth Lisa and Nic Miller of Plano, TX, announce the Nov. 12 birth of their daughter, Ryane Cate Miller. She has two brothers, Kaden and Camden.
Grandparents are Pam and Ron Feldman, and Deb and Paul Hoffman of Plano, TX. Great-grandparents are Lillian Feldman, and Hugh and Corinne Levin.
Specials at Lauritzen Gardens
January 27 - 10:30 a.m. to noon FREE garden admission Celebrate the beginning of a “New Year for Trees.” Experience storytelling, hands-on activities for children, singing and dancing, cookie decorating and an informative visit to stations representing the four seasons of growth in Israel. Admission for this event has been generously underwritten. Activities and crafts are underwritten by Beth El Synagogue. 100 BANCROFT STREET | www.lauritzengardens.org | 402.346.4002
by MIA JENKINS In the spirit of the holiday season, Lauritzen Gardens is offering free admission on Saturdays and Sundays from Dec. 22 - 30 and is offering $15 off all memberships purchased through the end of the year as a special gift to the community. Visitors to the garden can stroll the holiday poinsettia show, view the latest art exhibit by Melissa Toberer, shop in the gift shop (holiday merchandise is 50% off), eat in the café and enjoy the sounds of the season from local performance groups. Children of all ages can enjoy the model garden trains, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. young children can take a free ride on an antique track train as it winds around an area filled with presents and poinsettias. As another gift to the community, the garden is offering $15 off any level of membership purchased on-site through Dec. 31. A garden membership makes a meaningful gift that can be enjoyed year-round. Members can see
world-class gardens and exhibits, take part in garden-based educational programs and enjoy a variety of special events. Memberships also make great client, office, hostess, housewarming or teacher gifts. The $15 discount saves the purchaser up to 50% off, depending on the level purchased. The holiday poinsettia show (open through Jan. 6), features thousands of poinsettias bursting with rich, vibrant color in a glowing tribute to the holidays. Nature takes its paintbrush and creates a celebration of the season in red, white, blush, burgundy and more. In the center of it all, a magnificent and majestic 20foot poinsettia tree stands tall. Surrounded by a cascade of twinkling white lights, glittering ornaments and the whir and whistle of model garden trains, this show evokes the warmest greetings of goodwill and cheer. Celebrate the season and the gifts we receive from nature and entertain your family this month with a FREE, festive outing at the garden.
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
December 21, 2012 | The Jewish Press | 7
Chabad celebrates Hanukkah
IHE addresses Nebraska social studies standards by HILLARY FLETCHER Communications Coordinator, Institute for Holocaust Education In late October the Nebraska State Council for Social Studies brought to the attention of the Institute for Holocaust Education possible revisions for the state social studies standards. The opportunity for public input was also outlined at that time. In response to this information, Paul Smith, chairman of the Nebraska Holocaust Education Consortium (NHEC), invited Bob Evnen, the chairperson of the revisions committee, to visit with NHEC members during a meeting on Nov. 11. The NHEC was informed of the process for revision and some of the rationale behind the proposed changes. A formal response on behalf of the Consortium was submitted to the standards committee. Among the concerns regarding the proposed changes was the lack of mention of the Holocaust in world history, an omission discovered by NHEC member Michael Young who has also served for many years on the Nebraska State Council for Social Studies. A second concern was the likely deletion of the human systems standards in the geography section. The human systems portion contains items regarding cultures and cultural diversity. The third area of concern was possible removal of reference to climate change. Consortium members were encouraged to individually submit concerns to the standards committee. The IHE shared the proposed changes and the time table for response to various groups who might have similar concerns, encouraging their input. On Dec. 6, revised standards were presented to the State
Board of Education at their meeting in Lincoln, prior to the scheduled vote on Dec. 7. IHE Education Coordinator, Donna Walter, attended the Dec. 6 meeting in order to make contact with board members she had previously emailed in regard to the standards revisions. Board members’ responses were positive. Public input was much higher than anticipated. In addition to many responses received by individual board members, the following were submitted: 1043 completions of the survey, 24 letters, 101 emails, 44 public testimonies, and responses from 22 organizations. The IHE was mentioned on both days by board member John Sieler as an organization that had contributed important information. IHE Education Coordinator, Donna Walter, expressed her gratitude for the careful deliberation of the standards committee. The addition of the word Holocaust to world history standard requirements will help assure that the lessons of the Holocaust are taught in the proper context. Retention of lessons in cultural diversity builds understanding of peoples and cultures that differ from a student’s own. Championing this kind of important learning is one of the reasons the IHE exists. The IHE joined with a broader coalition of organizations that included Project Interfaith and Inclusive Communities, who addressed the need for retention of Human Systems standards. Preserving these standards supports the IHE’s work of ensuring that the tragedy and the history of the Holocaust are remembered, that appropriate instruction and materials are available to all students, educators and the public to learn from these lessons.
Going home for the holidays
Top picture: Lighting the Menorah on the fifth night at Westroads Mall; middle picture: Patty Nogg, host of the Women’s Chanukah Party, reads The Nine Spoons; bottom picture: Led by Shani Katzman, the women prepared to light their Menorahs in the home of Patty Nogg at the Women’s Chanukah Party on Dec 12.
by CONNIE CHISHOLM Corporate Marketing Assistant, Immanuel Communities Understandably, as we age, so do our parents. If you are lucky enough to have a parent(s) become elderly, you know there are challenges. The holidays are a time of family get-togethers and often times one of the few times of the year that we get to see that our aging parents may not be doing as well as we may have liked. It’s easy to miss or even dismiss the signs of our parents declining, either physically or cognitively. You may notice the normally meticulous housekeeping becomes a bit cluttered, a bill goes unpaid or you begin to get multiple phone calls about similar subjects. These can all be red flags. These times can be very stressful and, in most cases, not planned for and take us completely by surprise. After all, recognizing that our loved one needs assistance is scary and car-
ing for and/or managing their care is not easy. Where do you begin? It starts with a conversation, and it is a delicate conversation to have, but ask the questions. View your parent’s life or surroundings from a safety standpoint to determine if there are potential fall risks. Can they safely get to all areas of their home to navigate their daily lives, i.e. can they safely get to the washer and dryer to do laundry or to the furnace to check the pilot light? Recognize that it is not always the best idea for our parents to stay in their home. However, not all seniors need skilled nursing home care, most of the time an independent or assisted living environment provides the level of safety or care your parent needs. After a resident moves into an Immanuel community, the comment we receive most is, “I wish we would have done this sooner.”
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Visit the Jewish Press online at jewishomaha.org Offering
25% off on any Gary Rosenthal collection
1032 Howard St. 402.345.1066 Old Market Passageway
Norman M. Sheldon, DDS www.dentalsleepsolutions.com
8 | The Jewish Press | December 21, 2012
Freshman takes top title in B’nai B’rith Bible Quiz
2012 Sokolof Lecture by Dr. Stephen Berk now available on your TV
by DEB MARBURG Administrative Assistant, B’nai B’rith It all came down to the final question, worth 60 points, at the 27th Annual Edward Zorinsky B’nai B’rith Bible Quiz. If Zev Krausman, who had only missed one question the entire evening, had missed that one, he would’ve been edged out by Aaron
by DR. MOSHE GERSHOVICH People’: American Jewry and the Struggle for Director, Schwalb Center for Israel Civil Rights, 1954-1965. and Jewish Studies Now, those who were unable to attend this Nearly two months ago, on Nov. 1, Dr. splendid event, and those who would like to Stephen M. Berk delivered the annual Ruth relive it, may have their chance. The entire lecture, which was and Phil Sokolof professionally Lecture in Israel taped by UNO TV, Studies at UNO. Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 at 11 a.m. and edited under The lecture, which was hosted by the Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013 at 6 p.m. the title An with... Dr. Schwalb Center Monday, Feb. 18, 2013, at 1 a.m. Evening for Israel and Stephen Berk, will Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013, at 6 p.m. air four times on Jewish Studies and co-sponsored The Knowledge (among others) by the Jewish Federation of Network (Cox Channel 18). Omaha, was entitled ‘Your People are My
ship funds; Third Place, Sam Lieb, winning $250 in scholarship funds; and Fourth Place Tie, Ethan Potash and Max Weiner, each winning $125 in scholarship funds. Other participants were Aaron Kurtzman and Max Polack. Special thanks to this year’s judges: Rabbis Steven Abraham, Josh Brown and Yaakov
The viewing schedule:
Bloom Companion Care
Front row: Gloria Kaslow (Quizmaster), left, J-Max Polack, Ethan Potash tied for Fourth place with Max Weiner; Sam Lieb - Third place; Aaron Zipursky - Second place; Zev Krausman - First place; Rabbis Steve Abraham and Yaacov Weiss -Judges; Back row: Aaron Kurtzman, left, Deb Marburg - Admin. Assistant; Ari Riekes - Monsky Lodge President; Steve Riekes - Lodge Trustee; Gary Javitch - President Emeritus; Rabbi Josh Brown - Judge. Zipursky, who took second place. Throughout the quiz, students and spectators were enlightened and even entertained, as Quiz Master Gloria Kaslow asked the contestants multiple rounds of challenging questions from the books of Leviticus, Numbers and Esther. The final results were First Place, Zev Krausman, winning $600 in scholarship funds and a $50 cash prize; Second Place, Aaron Zipursky, winning $350 in scholar-
Weiss; organizers Gary Javitch, Gloria Kaslow, Stan Mitchell and this year’s committee, chaired by Steve Riekes; and Cantor Wendy Shermet and Hazzan Michael Krausman for leading attendees in blessings and song. For information about participating in next year’s quiz, please contact Steve Riekes at 402.492.9800 or email Deb Marburg at the B’nai B’rith office bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.
Simchas
by GRETCHEN RADLER David’s parents moved to Omaha several years ago. David and I started navigating our way through his parents’ eyes. We wanted companion care that felt like family. Someone who would consider what it is that you like to do, not just a list of options. Someone who looked out for you, not just reminded you to take a pill. Someone who would seek out counsel when things didn’t look right. We found good people, we just felt they needed better back up. We started Bloom Companion Care, a nonmedical companion care company based here in Omaha. Our system is this: individual caregivers who have support staff to help them be confident and do what helps the client feel connected both emotionally and physically to the world around them.
We perform daily charting of health concerns and activities performed. We partner with those most capable of helping you maintain an optimal health status. When we interview you or your loved one, we look for ways to connect your interests to the broader community calendar, making every effort to find moments that add meaning for you. One client wanted cookies his wife made him, so we make them as often as he runs out. Another client was intent on logging her family photographs and oral outline of what was happening at the time the photos were taken. At Bloom Companion Care, we go beyond light housekeeping and personal hygiene. Together we help you maintain independence at home. Please visit our website at bloomcompanion.com or call Gretchen Radler at 402.612.4383.
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Coming in February
Publishing Date | 02.01.13 Space Reservation | 01.21.13 Camera Ready Deadline | 01.23.13
Jessie Wees | 402.334.6559 | jwees@jewishomaha.org
• Wheelchair Van Sale & Rental • Home Medical Equipment & Repair • Walkers & Canes • Scooters & Wheelchairs • Stair Glides • Electric Seat Lift Chairs • Bathroom Aids • Oxygen & Respiratory Equipment • Diabetes Supplies & Shoes • Nutritional Supplies • Mastectomy & Lymphedema Products • Vaccinations & Health Screenings Full-Time Professionals To Serve You: Retail & Compounding Pharmacists • Respiratory Therapists Certified Repair Technicians Certified Mastectomy Fitters • Certified Orthotic Fitters Nurses • Certified Compression Garment Fitters
A Complete Retirement Plan? Our team is on top of that. We’ll take the time to get to know your business and customize a retirement plan that enhances the quality of life after retirement for you and your employees. You’ll enjoy the convenience of trustee, plan administration, record keeping, participant education, and investment services — all right here in Nebraska. How can we help your business? Contact Mike Kulas at (402) 323-1379, toll-free at (888) 769-2362 or visit ubtrust.com.
Kohll’s Pharmacy & Homecare
7 Convenient Locations • (402) 408-1990 • Toll Free: (877) 408-1990
Investment products: May Lose Value - Not FDIC Insured - No Bank Guarantee
December 21, 2012 | The Jewish Press | 9
New Congress will be missing some of its longtime pro-Israel pillars by RON KAMPEAS Newer members also may find themselves taking more of WASHINGTON (JTA) -- When the new Congress con- a leadership role on Israel issues. Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.), venes in January, it will be missing several longtime pillars elected in 2010, already is a leader on Iran sanctions issues, of support for Israel on Capitol Hill. and Rep.-elect Brad Schneider (D-Ill.) has strong ties to Gone from the House of Representatives will be veteran Chicago-area chapters of pro-Israel groups. Jewish Reps. Howard Berman (D-Calif.), the ranking mem“The longer I’ve been in Congress, the more I see that ber on the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Gary Congress is a living body, we lose some good people and we Ackerman (D-N.Y.), the ranking memgain some good people,” Engel told JTA. ber on the committee’s Middle East and Engel said there is “an excellent crop” South Asia Subcommittee; and Steve of incoming freshmen, and that “those Rothman (D-N.J.), a point person on of us who are around have been around funding Israel’s missile defense efforts. for a while. We’re eager to carry the Absent from the Senate will be Sen. torch.” Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.). But Bloomfield suggested that an Jewish politics watchers agree that the emerging generation of Democrats departures represent a loss of pro-Israel could spell long-term changes in the brainpower of a scope not seen for traditional structure of two-party supyears. port for Israel. “People like Berman and Ackerman, Younger Democrats, he said, do not both Congress and the pro-Israel comnaturally come by the sympathies Israel munity will miss having people of that accrued when it was under attack in its Rep. Gary Ackerman, shown addressing seniority who know issues inside and earlier decades. Additionally, the Israel Policy Forum on Dec. 3, is one out,” said Jeremy Ben-Ami, president of Bloomfield said that Israeli Prime of a number of veteran pro-Israel lawthe dovish Israel policy group J Street, Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hawkmakers leaving Congress. referring to the top senior Democrats ish policies alienate a demographic that Credit: IPF on the Foreign Affairs Committee, each favors Israeli-Palestinian reconciliation. of whom served in Congress for 30 years. “The generation that’s leaving -- and there are ones who Martin Frost, a Jewish Democrat who represented Texas are leaving, like Howard [Berman] and Gary [Ackerman] -in Congress from 1979 to 2005, said that Berman’s departure these are guys who grew up in the formative years of Israel is a “a real loss.” But he expressed confidence that support and understand what the struggle was,” Bloomfield said. for Israel would remain strong in Congress. “They are being replaced by a post-1967 generation who “You always hate to lose anyone, but I think we’re in good know not a threatened Israel, a vulnerable Israel -- who shape,” Frost said. know a muscular Israel.” The reasons for the departures vary: Berman and But Engel said he did not perceive a significant shift in Rothman were defeated in intra-party battles sparked by how members of Congress relate to Israel. redistricting, while Ackerman and Lieberman are retiring. “There are a handful of people in the Democratic Party Other notable departures of Jewish pro-Israel lawmakers that see things in a different light and there are a handful of include Reps. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), a leading liberal who people in the Republican Party that see things in a different is retiring, and Rep. Shelly Berkley (D-Nev.), a hawkish light,” he said. “The overwhelming majority understands voice on Israel who was defeated in her bid for a Senate seat. that Israel is a strategic ally and the United States has a stake A staffer for a House Democrat said the loss of veteran in the Middle East in the survival of Israel.” Jewish lawmakers is significant in that their colleagues Steve Rosen, a former AIPAC foreign policy chief who looked to them for guidance on Israel-related issues. now trains Europeans in pro-Israel advocacy, said the “They connect the dots, they look at the big board and see Democratic Party’s rank and file is likelier to question Israel how a leader on a particular issue votes,” said the staffer, who than it has in the past. asked not to be identified, citing Capitol Hill protocol. “There “What’s striking is how many of the shtarkers of the are a lot fewer data points now for them to work with.” Democratic Party are leaving,” Rosen said, using the Yiddish The staffer said that top Jewish lawmakers would garner term for big shot, “and people coming in have weaker ties support for Israel by showing leadership in other areas and have been subject to a propaganda effort by the Jewish embraced by Democrats. left which has presented to them a set of ideas that are out“The real concern I have is how those older members side the Israeli mainstream.” functioned in the caucus as a whole -- that because they Rosen cited the influence of J Street and journalist Peter were good Democrats, what they favored was seen as good Beinart, who argues that Israeli policies have alienated for Democrats,” the staffer said. young American Jews. Multiple sources cited as a particular blow the loss of J Street itself claimed that the congressional election Berman, whose long congressional career is coming to an results were a “victory,” noting that of 71 congressional canend following his defeat by fellow Jewish incumbent Rep. didates backed by J Street’s political action committee, 70 Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) in a bitterly contested race. won -- all of them Democrats. “Howard Berman had the ability to work across the aisle,” Rosen, however, questioned the extent of J Street’s victory. said Douglas Bloomfield, an opinion columnist for Jewish He wrote in an article for Foreign Policy magazine that most media outlets, who in the 1980s was the legislative director of the candidates backed by J Street also were supported by of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. “He was a political action committees and individuals aligned with legislator as well as a policy person. He was a respected AIPAC. voice, people took him seriously.” Ben-Ami, for his part, said the successes of J Street-backed Berman was seen as critical to brokering the deal that candidates should be seen as not a diminution of pro-Israel achieved overwhelming congressional backing for enhanced support but of its future shape. Iran sanctions in 2010. He worked closely with the Obama “Forty or 50 years ago it was a different relationship than administration on the issue. it is today,” he said of the U.S.-Israel relationship. “The inter“Howard was beloved by everybody,” said Ira Forman, who ests of the United States and Israel dovetail in a place where headed the Obama campaign’s Jewish outreach efforts and is a you want to see a U.S. policy set that leads into the resoluformer president of the National Jewish Democratic Council. tion of this conflict.” “AIPAC people like him, people who were dovish like him.” Even among veteran pro-Israel members of Congress, Also on the Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Ileana Ros- there has been some strong criticism of the Israeli governLehtinen (R-Fla.), who is considered a strong ally of Israel, is ment recently over its approach to relations with both the relinquishing her post as the committee’s chairwoman, as Palestinians and the Obama administration. required under the House Republican Caucus rules that limit In an interview with Congressional Quarterly, Sen. how long its members can serve in committee leadership roles. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) blasted Netanyahu for Even with the loss of so many veteran pro-Israel voices, announcing plans for new building in eastern Jerusalem and observers stress that there are still devoted friends of Israel the West Bank. in key congressional positions. “It’s an indication of Israel’s continuing to stick a thumb in They include Jewish pro-Israel stalwarts such as Rep. Nita the eye of the Palestinians,” she said. “I am profoundly disLowey (D-N.Y.), who now leads Democrats on the powerful appointed.” Appropriations Committee, and Rep. Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.), At a Dec. 2 Israel Policy Forum event in New York, who is replacing Berman as the top Democrat on the Ackerman -- who is known for his sharp tongue -- took a Foreign Affairs Committee. thinly veiled dig at Netanyahu. He praised former Prime “Engel knows his stuff very well, he is similar to Shelley Minister Ehud Olmert, who was in attendance, as “most [Berkley] in being a real pro-Israel stalwart,” Forman said. famous for his activity as a prime minister who went to the Engel at times has taken a more critical stance than Berman White House and did not piss on the president’s shoe. It’s toward the Obama administration’s approach to Israel. only common sense.”
Russ Kaplan Investments, Inc.
Providing 29 years of investment experience in Nebraska
Call today at 402-614-1321
Visit us on Facebook
Personalized customer service, ensuring your financial plan meets YOUR lifestyle needs. Consultations free. www.russkaplaninvestments.com
PREPARE TO BE...
exhilarated at our New Location!
Art • Lamps Art •• Lamps Furniture Accessories Furniture • Accessories One Week Custom Framing One Week Custom Framing
Knitting • Needlepoint Knitting Quilting• •Needlepoint Weaving Quilting • Weaving
8600 Cass Street • 391-7733 M-F 9-6 • Sat 9-3
One step, Anti-Aging Night Treatment Natural, No harsh chemicals
oduct This pr ing is rais s w eyebro y! ll litera
See more before and after results at
www.youngerme.nerium.com
Order online or call
1.888.250.6278 Carol Fisk, Independent Brand Partner Nerium International
10 | The Jewish Press | December 21, 2012
Specializing in the most comprehensive State-of-art Prosthetic & Orthotic Care
Light up the Night a success
Prosthetic & Orthotic Care Services ORTHOTICS • Spinal, Knee, Custom Ankle, & Fracture Bracing • Cranial Helmets & Pediatric Orthoses • Diabetic Footwear & Orthotics
PROSTHETICS • Microprocessor Knee Joints & I-Limb Hand • Upper/Lower Extremity Prostheses • Pre-prosthetic Care & Silicone Partial Feet Prosthesis
223 E 14th St. Ste. 5, Hastings, NE 68901 | 402-461-4961 17931 Pierce Plaza, Omaha, NE 68130 | 402-933-1393 659 N Orleans Dr., Grand Island, NE 68803 | 308-675-1508 CALL FOR FREE CONSULTATION APPOINTMENT | 888-775-WALK (9255)
Therapy can improve your quality of life.
For 30 years, Omaha-based RehabVisions has been partnering with hospitals and nursing homes, like the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, to provide Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy services.
RehabVisions.com Excellence Enthusiasm Integrity Respect Compassion Commitment
On Dec. 11, 63 seventh through 12 graders attended the BBYO Hanukkah celebration. The top picture shows the group as a whole; evidence that the BBYO events are well-attended and very popular. Middle, left: Emma Ericson, left, Adam Silverman, Hannah Bargas, Jack Weiss, Mia Vinci, Ben Raffel and Josh Sullivan; middle, right: Gabe Levine and Kylie Kirshenbaum. Bottom: Josh Sullivan, left, Joe Goldberg, Allan Bogan, Scott Sussman and Scott Tatelman. by LEORA AZRIEL Teen/BBYO Director On Dec. 11, 63 BBYO and BBYO Connect teens celebrated the fourth day of Hanukkah with latkes and sweet tasty treats, numerous spins of the dreidel, lighting the menorah, ice breaker games, and making new connections. Sophomore Jacob Baron commented, “Light up the Night was a great event! It was a chance for Jewish middle school teens to interact with BBYO high school members. They mingled well and shared their love for BBYO with high fives, lots of smiles, and great ideas for how to make their experience better in the BBYO Connect program.” A special guest from BBYO was also in
attendance for the event. Allan Bogan, Chief Field Officer for the Midwest, spoke with BBYO high school teens about their leadership roles and how they can be successful at planning programs, being role models, and participating in Tikkun Olam projects in the Omaha community. Bogan also took part in the games with BBYO teens. His energy and excitement for Omaha Cornbelt Council was remarkable. Sophomore Jessica Shandell shared, “BBYO International came out with a great Hanukkah YouTube video to share with all of us. I think it was important to share this with BBYO Connect because they can see how important it is to our organization to celebrate holidays.”
The price of growing old by RUSS KAPLAN Russ Kaplan Investments Recently I have gotten involved with a reputable non-profit organization dealing with elder care. It has made me even more aware of the need for us to get better at saving money to be able to afford the cost of growing old, because it is not cheap. In the city where I live, a good skilled care facility costs between $6,000 and $7,000 a month. Medicare will only pay for four months of that stay. How long will you be able to pay for that when you are not working? You may be saying that if I don’t have the funds there is Medicaid. This is true (at least so
far) but further inquiry has shown that nursing homes that accept Medicaid patients are not good places and not in good parts of town. The reason for this type of care is that Medicaid only reimburses the nursing home $75 per day. A nice independent/assisted living facility costs about $2500 per month. Having said all of this, take a good look at your portfolio and see how long you could pay at a rate of $7000 per month. For most Americans it would not last very long. Since this is the end of the year, a good place to start saving more is your IRA. A good New Years resolution would be to save 15% of your income.
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
JEWISH PRESS NOTICE There will be no Jewish Press on Dec. 28 due to staff vacations and a need to upgrade computer equipment. The Jewish Press will be closed on Monday and Tueday, Dec. 24 and 25, and Tuesday, Jan. 1. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.
December 21, 2012 | The Jewish Press | 11
Beth El’s ‘Dinner and Drash’ offers a little nosh, a little knowledge
Hanukkah at Tifereth Israel
by JILL BELMONT Last month’s dinner attracted around 50 attendees, among Beth El Publicity Coordinator those, first-timers Sherry Shapiro and Mindy Tene. Both Bringing congregants together for meaningful Shabbat congregants sang the praises of the program and said they’ll experiences is a joyful task for Beth El’s clergy members, and return for future dinners. one recently-established program generating enthusiastic “Friday night, sitting with friends at the synagogue was buzz is “Dinner and Drash,” a monthly get-together at the filled with humor, prayer, joyous songs and learning, beginsynagogue. The casual dinning with the service and ner follows 6 p.m. Kabbalat ending with a Dinner and Shabbat services, and feaDrash,” Shapiro said. tures a brief discussion of “Rabbi Abraham and Torah -- or holiday-related Hazzan Krausman are a topics, led by Rabbi Steven great team. The give and Abraham or Hazzan take with all ages repreMichael Krausman. (The sented during the dinner hazzan will lead this and discussion was very Friday’s program, which enjoyable. This was my starts at 7 p.m.; his topic first experience with the will be “Playing with Dinner and Drash, but it Blocks, the Structure of the definitely won’t be the last!” Shabbat Morning Service.”) Calling the evening The popular program warm and friendly, Tene has struck a chord among said the discussion about congregants for several Hanukkah offered new reasons, Rabbi Abraham and interesting informasays: “First, it allows famition, and said that Rabbi Armed with a little dinner and a bit of ’drash, Hazzan Michael lies and friends to share Abraham “absolutely Krausman, left, and Rabbi Steven Abraham share a light moment as Shabbat dinner at Beth El, engaged us. He’s wonderthey prepare for Beth El’s upcoming ‘Dinner and Drash’ program. and second, people are ful - young, talented and enjoying our 10 minutes of Torah. Whether it’s a text study fun. I’m thrilled; we’re blessed.” of the week’s parsha, information about an upcoming holi“It’s simply a nice night,” Rabbi Abraham said. “In a twoday, or other Judaic topics of interest, we infuse a bit of hour period of time you get a meaningful service, a great learning into the dinner.” meal and some Torah; what could be better?” He also emphasized that knowledge of Torah or other Cost to attend Dinner and Drash is $12.50 per person; Judaic-related topics is not necessary to enjoy the evening, reservations are required and may be made by visiting and everyone in the Jewish community is welcome to join in www.bethel-omaha.org, or by contacting the synagogue the conversation. office at 402.492.8550, or programming@bethel-omaha.org.
Life at Remington Heights
by NANCY COREN The annual Hanukkah celebration at Tifereth Israel was extraordinary this year. The gathering was part of Tifereth Israel’s 100th year celebration programming. After a tasty latke lunch was prepared and served to a mixed age crowd, Sandy Finkel, of Chicago, took to the Tifereth stage. He led the audience on a lively journey through 100 years of compositions by Jewish Americans. Using vocal and piano renditions, Finkel engaged the audience with many familiar tunes. He also provided an historical perspective about each composer and the role his/her music played in America. The program was a smashing success, drawing out more than 125 individuals ranging in age from nine months to 95 years old.
by ALAN GOODMAN Resident of Remington Heights Retirement Community I came to Remington Heights in March of 2012. I was a very depressed person, having been widowed some three months earlier, and I had a substantial fear of the population of a retirement home that I was being dropped into. That is not in any way what has happened since. The people who live in Remington Heights have from the very beginning gone out of their way to welcome me into their community. They have talked constantly about their families, their children, grandchildren and friends that I know in the local Omaha Jewish community. Remington Heights overall provides a cordial mental environment for all its residents. The apartments provided are of sufficient size and configuration to give each of the individual residents the possibility of having a very comfortable homelike place to reside. Every single meal provides a nutritious item
with many meals attempting to satisfy the personal food requests of residents. The staff goes to great lengths to provide what the residents want, and meals are prepared close to the way they were at home. No reasonable request is turned down. The top management of Remington Heights has from the day I arrived worked to make the building a more comfortable place to live out my senior years. They provide entertainment and various events on an almost daily basis, as well as games and educational projects aimed at keeping the residents engaged. The things I feared on my arrival have never become true; Remington Heights is an ideal place for seniors to come and take part in the community environment and enjoy a happy and healthy life in their later years. If anyone in a reader’s family needs a place to enjoy their senior years, come to Remington Heights and join a growing happy healthy community. There is no question in my mind that living at Remington Heights has improved my senior lifestyle.
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Teach your kids it’s easier to never start. It’s up to you to provide the information they need to say no to drugs.
1-800-648-4444
Kindness, conversation & care for your loved ones.
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
Gretchen Radler 402.612.4383 bloomcompanion.com
402-331-8920
12 | The Jewish Press | December 21, 2012
Aging gracefully, aging gratefully
Staying in touch OZZIE NOGG So how did she do it, our matriarch Sarah? Without benefit of Botox or facelift, how did she manage to remain youthful in appearance until the day she died at the age of 127, her skin still soft as a young girl’s and looking (according to the rabbis) like a forty-year old woman with no need to feel bad about her neck? Questions of physical beauty aside, how did Sarah retain her mental and emotional well-being as she grew older? At sixty-five she left her family home in Haran and moved to the unfamiliar land of Canaan, yet nowhere do we read that the relocation threw her for a loop. At eighty-nine, after decades of infertility, God told her she would bear a child -news that prompted her to laugh, not sing the blues. And although jealousy of Hagar and Ishmael eventually made Sarah pitch a fit, a description of her basic nature is given by Rashi. “All the years of Sarah’s lifetime were good, because no matter what occurred she looked upon them as good.” Our sages teach that Sarah accepted the challenges of life with confidence and courage, without complaint. Through each stage of life she exhibited the innocence of a child, the determination of a young adult, the wisdom of the ages. She was, the sages tell us, an integrated whole, complete in body and soul. Perhaps that’s the answer. If we want to stay attractive, fit, and emotionally balanced -- in youth, middle years and beyond -- we must live each part of life fully (as Sarah seemed to do) and recognize that cultivating equanimity and prioritizing our values is right up there with blueberries, Pilates and occasional tune-ups from a friendly shrink. Bioethicist William F. May writes, “Certain traits of character are always necessary to age well. They are gratitude, acceptance, courage, simplicity, humor and wisdom.” On days when you feel that some (or all...) of these traits are beyond reach, remember the words of the Rambam. “Repeat, over and over, the behavior you wish to acquire until it becomes automatic.” Let’s pick a few and see what happens... First, repeat after me: gratitude, gratitude, gratitude. The Talmud instructs us to refrain from complaint, stressing that the very fact of being alive is enough reason to be thankful. Traditionally, we Jews open our eyes each morning and say modeh ani -- I am grateful and thank you, God, for restoring my soul and for giving me the gift of life once more as I awake to the new day. To paraphrase the Jewish learning site, Aish.com, being a Jew is synonymous with expressing
gratitude, to see everything in life -- every ray of sunshine, every child, every breath -- as gifts from God. According to the website, when one is depressed a dose of modeh ani is better than anything. Next -- say simplicity, simplicity, simplicity. Jewish tradition teaches that money won’t buy happiness. “Who is rich?” asks Ben Zoma. “Those content with their portion.” Rabbi Hillel declares, “The more possessions, the more worry.” Rabbi Steven Leder, author of More Money Than God: Living a Rich Life Without Losing Your Soul, asks, “Could it be that 90 percent of what we spend our time and energy amassing is unnecessary? We should be grateful for the simple good fortune that pours like rich cream upon most of us each day.” Rabbi Arthur Waskow defines simplicity as “a sense of sharing, enoughness, not-too-muchness.” Choosing to live with less can make more room for family, add time for study, bring opportunities for rest and renewal which, in turn, can increase our well-being. (Maybe Sarah’s move from Haran to Canaan was free of stress because she was free of stuff.) Finally, say wisdom, wisdom (one more time), wisdom. How can each of us acquire the rank of chachamah -- wise woman -- she who brings the gifts of teaching, of stories, of memory to the young? First, of course, we must get some experience under our belts, live a while, although Sarah’s 127 years seems excessive to me. Next, we might look for guidance in the book of Proverbs. When speaking of wisdom, the text says, “All her ways are pleasant, and all her paths are peace.” Meaning, perhaps, that to become a chachamah we must keep smiling, speak gently, with kindness on our tongues. One could argue that Sarah dropped the kindness ball when she demanded that Abraham drive Ishmael, his firstborn, and Ishmael’s mother, Hagar, into the desert to die. “Cast out this slave woman with her son,” Sarah raged, “for the son of this slave woman shall not be heir with my son, with Isaac.” Sarah’s words and behavior were far from gentle. But God told Abraham, shema b’kolah -- listen to her voice. Some commentators suggest that God’s admonition meant, “Listen beyond the words Sarah is saying. Listen to what she is feeling. Be empathetic. Acknowledge her fear and jealousy. Hear her.” (Bless our biblical sages -- the original Relationship Counselors...) In her book, The Goddess Companion: Daily Meditations on the Feminine Spirit, Patricia Monaghan writes that we do not love Sarah for her beauty but rather for her wisdom based on inner strength and self-knowledge. “Women’s wisdom,” Monaghan continues, “gained through years of watchful awareness and inner searching, was important for the health and happiness of all her family and, beyond that, of her entire people. We must reclaim that wisdom, finding it within ourselves and sharing it fearlessly.” Amen to that, my friends. Here’s to aging gracefully. And to aging gratefully, simply, wisely -- and fearlessly.
Boys Town Ear, Nose & Throat Institute
Our Board Certified physicians specialize in treating problems ranging from chronic ear, nose and throat illnesses to complex head and neck disorders calling for specialized surgical care.
Boys Town Medical Campus Downtown Clinic
Boys Town Medical Campus Pacific Street Clinic
555 North 30th Street
14040 Hospital Road (139th & Pacific Street)
(402) 498-6540
(402) 778-6800
BOYS TOWN
Ear, Nose & Throat Institute
BoysTownENT.org
SM
Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic 320 McKenzie Avenue, Suite 202 Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503
(712) 256-5272
by DAVID GOLBITZ Temple Israel Staff Writer At its annual Hanukkah dinner, Temple Israel collected winter clothes for Omaha area children in need. Congregants were asked to bring new or gently-used winter clothes like coats, hats, scarves and gloves to donate to elem e n t a r y school kids. “We emphasize the fact of giving and realize there are people who have much less than we do,” said Shari Hess, who works at Chandler View Elementar y School and Donated winter clothing practically oversees up close flowed out of the collection bin during the need for Temple Israel’s Hanukkah First Friday. these cold weather clothes, especially winter coats. “We get very large coats and very small coats, but not many medium-sized coats,” Hess said. Temple Israel members donated many items, mostly gloves, hats and scarves, which Hess distributed to children at her school and two other elementary schools. Donating, especially at this time of year, can also be used as an educational opportunity for kids who are maybe used to receiving more than giving. “It’s a good lesson to consider your own situation and be grateful for that, and to also be thinking of others,” Hess said. “It can bring up family conversation. Parents talk to children about why they participate in something like this, so I think that adds to the learning process.” Hess is still accepting donated clothing, which can be dropped off at Temple Israel during normal business hours.
In the news Linda Saltzman has been elected President of the Friends Forever Board of Directors. Friends Forever, the volunteer guild that supports the Nebraska Humane Society, enhances the lives of companion animals through fundraising, public education and awareness. With the help of Friends Forever, the Nebraska Humane Society finds homes for more than 10,000 animals per year while providing compassionate medical care and ongoing community services.
Associated Counseling Professionals
Helping Little Ears Feel Better
Temple Israel collects winter clothing
[
Glen Fineman, LICSW, LIMHP
]
C l i n i c a l S o c i a l Wo r k e r
2255 So. 132nd Street Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68144
Phone: 402-334-1122 Fax: 402-334-8171 www.acpcounseling.com
December 21, 2012 | The Jewish Press | 13
Snowbirds fly to Israel by DEBORAH FINEBLUM RAUB States for school vacations, putting in plenty of Skype hours (JNS.org) Picture yourself retired. in between. Others pay to have the kids flown over in the You’re no longer rushing off to your job, so morning just summer, giving the grandkids the opportunity to live in might find you hiking along the beach, a picnic lunch in Israel for weeks or months at a time and pick up the kind of your backpack. You can enjoy yourself, worry-free, knowing real-live Hebrew they could never learn in religious or day your new home is in a community with terrific public trans- school back home. portation and access to shopping, theaters, recreation, uniWhen Larry Woznica made aliyah from Toronto he had versities and synagogues of every stripe. What’s more, you every intention of retiring—until Nefesh B’Nefesh offered have your health insurance squared away and your retire- him a job he couldn’t refuse. “But whether or not you work, ment income more than takes this is an amazing place for care of your expenses. And if people our age,” he says. you have questions about “There’s so much to do and the your new community, help is services are terrific.” A bonus but a phone call or e-mail for Woznica: He just became a away. You breathe in the sea grandfather for the first time, air and text a friend back in and the baby lives in Israel. your old hometown: “Wish Buiumsohn says Nefesh you were here.” B’Nefesh works to make the Expecting those “early bird transition and integration specials” and alligators lurkinto Israeli society as painless ing in the gutters? Nope. It’s as possible, including ongonot a Florida beach you’re ing support in such areas as strolling along. You’ve just selecting a community, retired to Israel. finances, health coverage, For a growing number of Senior citizens, known as “snowbirds” when they retire to housing and even connecting baby boomers and older folks warm locations, ride their bikes. you to opportunities for volCredit: Wikimedia Commons unteering and socializing. too, Israel is the Promised Land for retirement. Whether they’ve got kids (and as often More and more private firms are springing up to help as not, grandkids) already there, or they’re finally living out their clients select and pack those belongings destined to be their own Israel dream deferred, they’re making plans and useful to them in Israel, while leaving the rest behind. One making their move. such service is the Boston-based Design Coaches (www. Avigail Buiumsohn is a retirement expert for Nefesh Designcoaches.com). “Helping people move their belongB’Nefesh (www.nbn.org). Though based in Israel, she ings to a new location is part of what we do,” says owner spends large chunks of her time presenting to groups of Thelma Newberger-Hirsch. “The other part is creating a English-speaking prospective retirees. These seminars are new home that reflects their new lives as they make aliyah.” popular. Arriving at one in Boston last winter a mere 10 Josie Arbel, Director of Klitah Services and Programs for minutes late, a friend and I were lucky to find seats. And the the Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel crowd was serious, judging by the 30 minutes of questions (AACI), reports that her organization is a home-away-fromthey lobbed at the end of Buiumsohn’s presentation. home for new olim over the age of 60, advising them on “They are serious,” she concurs. “The children are grown everything from healthcare to housing to learning Hebrew. and their careers are winding down, plus they’re still young “From the time they arrive, they’re already creating rewardenough to enjoy themselves, so now is their chance.” ing, active lives. It’s wonderful to be a part of this process.” What’s more, many of today’s seniors are still employed, In fact, the most frequent comment Buiumsohn hears either full - or part-time, and they arrange to telecommute from the over-60 olim is “if I had known how good it was after they make aliyah. This puts them in the enviable posi- going to be I would have come much earlier.” tion of earning dollars but spending them in a shekel-based Deborah Fineblum Raub is a Sharon, MA-based writer, economy. editor and Jewish LifeStory coach. She currently does comFor every grandparent who joins the kids in Israel, anoth- munications for Jewish Women’s Archive and regularly er racks up the frequent flyer miles coming back to the entertains aliyah thoughts.
Israeli foreign minister Lieberman resigns following indictment by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- Avigdor Lieberman has resigned as Israel’s foreign minister following his indictment for fraud and breach of trust. “I have committed no offense, but I wish to put behind me this issue, which is what remains of many years of investigation,” Lieberman said in a statement Friday. Lieberman said he would also step down as vice prime minister and lift his immunity from prosecution, to which he is entitled as a member of Knesset. Avigdor Lieberman On Dec. 13, Israeli Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein closed a 12-year investigation on Lieberman, dismissing most of the charges. But he indicted Lieberman for fraud and breach of trust for advancing former ambassador to Belarus Ze’ev Ben Aryeh’s position in the Foreign Ministry allegedly in exchange for information about an investigation against Lieberman being
conducted in Belarus. Last spring, Ben Aryeh confessed that he had received and passed documents to Lieberman in 2008. In his statement, Lieberman added: “I am stepping down also because I believe the citizens of Israel deserve to go to the ballot box with this thing already settled, so I can resume serving the state of Israel and its citizens.” According to Ynet, Lieberman does not plan to resign as number two of Halikud Beiteinu -- the merger of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud and the movement headed by Lieberman, Yisrael Beiteinu. Lieberman has said he wished for a “quick trial” but it is not known whether this could be concluded ahead of Israel’s general elections scheduled for January 22. A statement by the Prime Minister’s Office said Netanyahu spoke with Lieberman “and wished he [Lieberman] would soon prove his innocence in the sole remaining issue at hand and return before long to take up a senior cabinet post.” Labor Chairwoman Shelly Yachimovich said in a statement that Netanyahu’s words “left a bad taste” and reflected “poor judgement.” She called Netanyahu’s statement “an ignominious blessing.”
Before someone offers you alcohol or other drugs, decide what you are going to say. Having the facts can give you confidence.
Receive 10% OFF any purchase with this ad Marty & Jan Rosenstein
2060 N. 117 Ave.
402-344-(SMEJ)7635
Monday- Friday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
www.smejssnacks.com marty@smejs.omhcoxmail.com Coupon expires January 31, 2013
Save for College with Nebraska’s 529 College Savings Plans UÊ vv À`>L i UÊÊ iÝ L iÊ ÛiÃÌ i ÌÊ «Ì Ã UÊ- >ÀÌÊÃ>Û }ÃÊÌ Ã
Escape
Call 877-914-4838 Visit NEST529.com/community Speak to your financial advisor
the cold
SEWING CENTERS 10144 Maple (Maple Village)
For more information, call
402-572-1212
1-800-648-4444
Mon & Thur: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. • Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Snowbirds
Please let the Jewish Press know in advance when you are leaving and when you are returning. Sometimes several papers are sent to your “old” address before we are notified by the Post Office. Every time they return a paper to us, you miss the Jewish Press and we are charged! Please call us at 402.334.6448 or email us at jpress@jewishomaha.org.
14 | The Jewish Press | December 21, 2012
Your Look... Your Lifestyle 20% off
First Time Clients
Cuts | Color | Highlights
January Community Calendar FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH
For an appointment call Alicia
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel
Tues-Sat 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23 Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El
Countryside Village Pacific at 87th | 402-392-2039
Comfortable Style
MONDAY, DECEMBER 24 Adult Education with Rabbi Abraham, 10 a.m. at Beth El Chinese Dinner and A Movie, 6 p.m. at Beth Israel Matza Ball, 8:30 p.m. at Phoenix Bar & Grill TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25 Temple Israel: Stephen Center Christmas Meal, 11:30 a.m. Men’s Club Congregational Dinner, 5:30 p.m. at Beth El WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26 Rabbi Weiss’ Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel
Comfortplus SHOE CENTER Certified Pedorthists On Staff
535 N 155th Plaza
6450 O Street
Omaha • 402-392-2952
Lincoln • 466-7463
Pepperwood Village by Baker’s
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28 Beth El cooks/serves lunch at the Nebraska AIDS coalition, 9 a.m. Beth El Brings Shabbat to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30 Temple Israel: Stephen Center Breakfast, 9 a.m. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2 Rabbi Weiss’ Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel
North Side of O Street
Silver Memories, Inc. Monday-Friday 9-6 • Saturday 9-4:30 • Phone orders welcome
Assisted living for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss and other forms of dementia in the comfort of a real home. Now serving Omaha at two locations. Our original location at 80th & Maple and our newest in the heart of Leawood West near 126th & Pacific.
402-689-2800
Join us for Sunday Brunch! Please join us for Omaha’s newest Sunday Brunch. Our menu includes Chef Archie’s famous fluffy omelette, eggs benedict, and chicken and waffles, which is a huge hit on the east and west coasts. We open at 10 a.m. and serve brunch until 2 p.m. We want to thank the Jewish community for their support, and we look forward to serving all of you in the future. We hope to see you at brunch on Sunday.
R E S TA U R A N T
655 North 114th Street • Omaha, NE
402/496-2090 Mon. - Thurs. 11 am - close • Fri. 11 am - 9 pm Sat. 4 pm - 9 pm • Sun. 11:30 am - 9 pm
Gather new clients
Advertise.
Call for advertising opportunities in the Jewish Press.
Jessie Wees
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27 Sacred Grounds with Rabbi Gross, 10:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Scholars Club for 4th, 5th and 6th graders, 3:30 p.m. at RBJH
402.334.6559 | jwees@jewishomaha.org
THURSDAY, JANUARY 3 Adult Study with Rabbi Brown, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Sacred Grounds with Rabbi Gross, 10:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Scholars Club for 4th, 5th and 6th graders, 3:30 p.m. at RBJH FRIDAY, JANUARY 4 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Annual Beth Israel AIPAC Shabbat, 4:45 p.m. Congregational Dinner, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel First Friday Shabbat Service, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, JANUARY 5 Annual Beth Israel AIPAC Shabbat, 9 a.m. Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Guys & Dolls performance, 7 p.m. SUNDAY, JANUARY 6 BESTT Talmud Torah Class, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Adult B’nei Mitzvah Information Meeting with Hazzan Krausman, 11 a.m. at Beth El Guys & Dolls performance, 4 p.m. MONDAY, JANUARY 7 BESTT Monday Moadon, 4 p.m. Budget and Financial Review Meeting, 5:30 p.m. Adult Tai Chi Class led by Beth Staenberg, 6:30 p.m. at Beth El Introduction to Judaism, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, JANUARY 8 B’nai B’rith Board Meeting, 11:45 a.m. Jewish Medical Ethics, noon at Med Center BBYO Night, 6 p.m. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9 AIPAC Omaha Political Luncheon, noon BESTT Talmud Torah Class, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Beth Israel OJC [Omaha Jewish Connections] Event, 6:30 p.m. Iranian History Persian Modern with Moshe Gershovich, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El Women’s Book Club, 7 p.m. at Beth El Rabbi Weiss’ Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, JANUARY 10 Adult Study with Rabbi Brown, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Sacred Grounds with Rabbi Gross, 10:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Scholars Club for 4th, 5th and 6th graders, 3:30 p.m. at RBJH USY Lounge Night, 6:30 p.m. at Beth El Back2Basics Class with Rabbi Abraham, 7 p.m. at Beth El Beth Israel Living Room Lecture Series, 7:30 p.m. at Rabbi Gross’s home
TUESDAY, JANUARY 15 B’nai B’rith Board Meeting, 11:45 a.m. The Ethics of Our Fathers, 2 p.m. at Remington Heights BBYO Night, 6 p.m. BESTT Talmud Torah Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El Board of Trustees, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel “Yada, Yada, Torah,” 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16 Beth Israel Tu B’Shvat: A Guide to Living in Gratitude, noon at Whole Foods BESTT Talmud Torah Class, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Teen Night, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel Iranian History Persian Modern with Moshe Gershovich, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El Rabbi Weiss’ Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, JANUARY 17 Adult Study with Rabbi Brown, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Sacred Grounds with Rabbi Gross, 10:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Scholars Club for 4th, 5th and 6th graders, 3:30 p.m. at RBJH Beth Israel Living Room Lecture Series, 7:30 p.m. at Rabbi Gross’s home FRIDAY, JANUARY 18 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Dinner and Dash, 7 p.m. at Beth El SATURDAY, JANUARY 19 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Junior Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, JANUARY 20 BESTT Talmud Torah Class, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Adult Ed Class: The Highly Controversial Laws of the Torah, 10 a.m. at Beth El Beth Israel RBJH Connections for Teens, 2:30 p.m. at RBJH Beth Israel Judaism 101: Living the Jewish Year, 5 p.m. Sunday Night Dinner: South of the Border, 6 p.m. at Beth Israel MONDAY, JANUARY 21 BBYO Connect Event, 9 a.m. Adult Tai Chi Class led by Beth Staenberg, 6:30 p.m. at Beth El Beth Israel Teens 4 Israel, 7:30 p.m. at Starbucks, 114th & Dodge Sts. TUESDAY, JANUARY 22 B’nai B’rith Board Meeting, 11:45 a.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. BBYO Parent Information, 6 p.m. Board of Director’s Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El “Yada, Yada, Torah,” 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23 Rabbi and Presidents Meeting, noon BESTT Talmud Torah Class, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Federation Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m. Teen Night, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel Iranian History Persian Modern with Moshe Gershovich, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El Rabbi Weiss’ Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, JANUARY 24 Adult Study with Rabbi Brown, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Sacred Grounds with Rabbi Gross, 10:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Scholars Club for 4th, 5th and 6th graders, 3:30 p.m. at RBJH USY Lounge Night, 6:30 p.m. at Beth El Dames and Drinks/Dames and Games, 7 p.m. at Beth El Beth Israel Living Room Lecture Series, 7:30 p.m. at Rabbi Gross’s home FRIDAY, JANUARY 25 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH SATURDAY, JANUARY 26 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Sisterhood Shabbat, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El “Shabbat’s Cool,” 10 a.m. at Beth El Annual Tu B’Shvat Bracha Bee, noon at Beth Israel Simcha Kiddush, noon at Beth Israel Kibbutz Chaverim “Shul-in”Overnight, 1 p.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, JANUARY 27 Blood Drive, 9 a.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Talmud Torah Class, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El LEAP Limmud for Teens, 10 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Tots, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Beth El Community TuB’Shevat Celebration, 10:30 a.m. at Lauritzen Gardens Russian Community Event [Annual Campaign Event], 2 p.m. 2013 Annual Campaign Event, 3:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 11 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Oh Say Shalom to Shabbat & Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El Shabbat Dinner for Teens, 6 p.m. at Beth Israel
MONDAY, JANUARY 28 BESTT Monday Moadon, 4 p.m. Adult Tai Chi Class led by Beth Staenberg, 6:30 p.m. at Beth El Introduction to Judaism, 7 p.m. Beth Israel Monthly Women’s Dessert & Discussion, 7 p.m.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 12 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Junior Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El Veshinantam, 3:15 p.m. at Beth Israel BBYO Beau Dance, 7 p.m. at Marriott-Regency
TUESDAY, JANUARY 29 B’nai B’rith Board Meeting, 11:45 a.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. “Yada, Yada, Torah,” 7:30 p.m.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 13 BESTT Talmud Torah Class, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Beth Israel LEAP Limmud for Teens, 10 a.m. Children’s TU B’Shvat Activity, 10:15 a.m. at Beth Israel “Jewish Heroes” Project Reception, 3 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30 BESTT Talmud Torah Class, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Jewish Bedtime Rituals, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel OJC [Omaha Jewish Connections] Event, 6:30 p.m. Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El Rabbi Weiss’ Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel
MONDAY, JANUARY 14 Mainstreeters Art Class, 1 p.m. at RBJH BESTT Monday Moadon, 4 p.m. Adult Tai Chi Class led by Beth Staenberg, 6:30 p.m. at Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El Introduction to Judaism, 7 p.m. Jewish Press Board Meeting, 7 p.m.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 31 Adult Study with Rabbi Brown, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Sacred Grounds with Rabbi Gross, 10:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Scholars Club for 4th, 5th and 6th graders, 3:30 p.m. at RBJH
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 Pat Anson at 402.334.8200. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the above events.
FIRST CLASS ENTERTAIN
HONEYMAN RENT-ALL The Party Place WITH
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
402-333-2882 (1 Block South of 114th & Center)
We Disp dding Sup lays & plies
Jade Garden Chinese Restaurant CARRY OUT AVAILABLE
402-498-8833 Beer and Wine Available 2068 N. 117 Ave.
North Park (117th & Blondo) M-Th: 11-9:30 • Fri & Sat. 11-10:30 • Sun. Noon-9:30
FOR A LIMITED TIME!
nal o i t sa
n e S CD Rates Ask an Enterprise Banker about our latest CD Special and let us help put your money to work for you! 12800 West Center Road
330-0200 210 Regency Parkway
392-0400 N.A., MEMBER F.D.I.C.
Granite & Tile
Design Flexibility and Quality– For every project we offer the perfect selection
December 21, 2012 | The Jewish Press | 15
The 2012 Jewish year in review by DR. ERICA BROWN (JNS.org) We’re well into 5773, but turning the corner on 2012 and saying goodbye to a year of making history. January brought us the 10th Israeli film nominated for an Oscar: Footnote. It did not win, but there were many Jewish wins to celebrate in 2012. Robert Lefkowitz won the Nobel Prize in chemistry; Serge Haroche won it in physics. Alvin
Siyyum Ha-shas, or completion of the entire Talmud that takes seven and a half years at the rate of one folio page a day. Tens of thousands of people gathered in athletic stadiums, synagogues and schools to complete the last lines of the last page together. Many began the process again the very next day. Dec. 6 marked the anniversary of the National March for Soviet Jewry on the National Mall. We stood to protest more than a million Jews held behind Russia’s Iron Curtain. In a historic Gorbachev/ Reagan meeting, we discovered a voice that rang out with the biblical phrase: “Let My People Go.” It was a voice that From left: The Arak IR-40 heavy water reactor in Iran. Credit: Nanking2012/Wikimedia changed our people, openCommons; A Gaza rocket in an Eshkol Regional Council field during the latest conflict. Credit: ing doors to Soviet Jews in Ronit Minaker; Nobel laureate Alvin Roth, right, speaks with ABC reporter David Louie, left, Israel and across the world after a press conference on his prize. Credit: Linda A.Cicero/Stanford News Service. map. And in a special cap E. Roth won it in economics. Israeli tennis player Noam to this anniversary, Gal Beckerman, who traced the moveGerhsony took the gold in wheelchair tennis at the ment in his book, When They Come For Us, We’ll Be Gone, September Para-Olympics, and Aly Raisman brought her won the 2012 Sami Rohr prize for literature. team the gold in a floor exercise performed to Hava Nagila. Talking literature, Philip Roth retired, but Blake Bailey did Seems like all those bar mitzvah dance parties paid off. get a lucrative book deal to write Roth’s biography. Herman Another young face stole our Jewish hearts this year: 14- Wouk did us proud by writing The Lawgiver at the prized year-old Edon Pinchot charmed the crowds all the way to age of 97. the semi-finals of America’s Got Talent with his pop songs The New York Times identified Mexikosher as the new and his yarmulke. phenom in kosher dining. This Los Angeles concoction was Perhaps the biggest competition of the year was the U.S. started by Mr. Katsuji Tanabe, who has a Japanese father and presidential election, and Jews were not quiet about the vote. Mexican mother, and opened a kosher restaurant that serves In fact, sometimes we were downright nasty to each other Korean, Indian, and Vietnamese food along with a dash of about our partisan perspectives, while both candidates tried Southern barbecue. New Yorkers -- eat your heart out. in different ways to outdo each other in the sport of supTwo relatively unknown heroines who deserve a special porting Israel. This year brought us Jack Lew as a new chief mention passed away this year. Vladka Meed died in of staff for the White House, and critical issues about November at 90. She posed as a gentile in World War II to America’s role in the Middle East. become a partisan in the Warsaw Ghetto, smuggling pistols, It’s not easy for us to celebrate any victories, however, with gasoline and dynamite to resistance fighters. Meed was one the defense pockmarks in the political landscape of the of the first to tell of the Holocaust’s travesties in a book she Middle East and the recent anxiety over Operation Pillar of published in Yiddish in 1948, On Both Sides of the Wall. Defense. The question of Iran’s threat loomed large in 2012, Lastly, we note the death this past August of Florence and no one is going into 2013 overly optimistic about the Waren, who also smuggled arms to resistance fighters but in Arab-Israeli conflict. On the anti-Semitism radar, three a different guise. She was a member of one of the most shootings in Toulouse and Montaubon, France, shook the famous ballroom dancing teams in Europe, and often Jewish world with the loss of seven lives. And Germany’s danced on stage in front of German officers without them ban on circumcision caused a world outcry and more realizing that she was actually hiding herself in the spotlight. anguished debate. This was shadowed by the 40th anniver- As we lose more survivors with every passing year, we take sary of the Munich Olympics, when 11 members of the a moment to honor their memories and their service. Israeli team were taken hostage and then murdered. The fact Dr. Erica Brown is the scholar-in-residence for the Jewish that Olympic organizers would not honor their memory Federation of Greater Washington and consults for the Jewish with a moment of silence was a subject of much consterna- Agency and other Jewish non-profits. She is the author of In tion for many Jews worldwide. the Narrow Places (OU Press/Maggid) among other books. Jews across the globe did come together to mark the
Quartz Zodiaq® Radianz® Cambria® SileStone® Caesarstone®
Solid Surface Corian® Staron® Hi-Macs®
Family owned and operated since 1970 Call Tony Nogg 9101 Military Road • Omaha
402-572-4044 www.MartinsCountertops.com
Grow your business
When it’s time to sit down and talk about your future, we’re here for you. Getting together to talk about your ideal retirement scenario is important. We can help. We know there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to your future. We also know that it’s easier to find the right answers when you start asking the right questions. Give us a call. We’ll sit down and help you move the conversation forward.
Advertise.
Call for advertising opportunities in the Jewish Press.
Jessie Wees
402.334.6559 | jwees@jewishomaha.org
ImmanuelCommunities.com
402-829-2900
Affiliated with the Nebraska Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
16 | The Jewish Press | December 21, 2012
Point of view
American Jewish Press Association Award Winner
Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008
Friends in strange places
ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT And yet, that headline stuck with me, as did the photo of necks (which deserves a whole separate discussion, don’t get Editor of the Jewish Press that funny little child holding that inflatable hammer. It me started) embrace their fans from Israel so easily. “Honey Boo Boo Supports Israel,” read one headline this stuck with me partially because it was the first piece of posBut the real reason the story stayed in my head is our tenweek. If there were a contest for most ridiculous news item, itive news related to Israel I’d read in weeks, and it came on dency to forget that Israel is a real country. Just as the this would be a serious contender. For those of you who Thompsons are represented one-dimensionally in their are already lost, Honey Boo Boo is the nickname of Alana Television show, we tend to see Israel in a very fragmentThompson, one pint-sized, loudmouth pageant girl from ed way. We see conflict, we see Kibbutzim, we see Georgia who is famous for, well, being famous. After Zionism, and we see settlements. We see Haredim, and drawing some attention on one reality show centered on we see the Knesset; we listen to Bibi and we drink our child pageants, she now stars in her own, aptly titled: Elite coffee and eat our halvah and remember the Kotel. Here Comes Honey Boo Boo. We share our experiences at Yad Vashem and know what I have to admit: I’ve never watched an episode. The it is like to float in the Dead Sea, shop in the shuk, and previews show a happy family that enjoys mud wrestling, stand at Masada. We discuss the rockets, Hamas, the honest if horrid grammar, and a glorification of what’s West Bank and Gaza. been dubbed “redneckiness.” I have no particular probBut we rarely think about the everyday, the normal, and lem with reality shows (I’ll cop to a passing fondness for the uneventful. Russian Housewives) but I decided to pass on this one. While Israelis face constant threats, they still have to get But: Honey Boo Boo is very popular. So popular, she up on time and shop for ordinary groceries at an ordireceives fan letters from all over the world, some of which nary grocery store. While their children hide in bomb the family posts on the official Facebook page. And that’s shelters and know how to put on a gas mask, they still how Alana ended up having her picture taken holding an have to grow up, do their homework, brush their teeth, inflatable hammer adorned with the Israeli flag in one and go to bed on time. Life goes on, with laundry and hand, and a letter from Tel Aviv in the other. dishes and family meals and yard work and leaky faucets, The website where the story was originally published is and we sometimes forget that. We look at the highlights www.6degreesNoBacon.com, a sort of Jewish TMZ, and the low points and we forget the in-between. And where fluffy entertainment pieces with a Jewish angle are that’s a pity. highlighted, and no serious news ever makes an appearThat silly little pageant queen with her boisterous ance. There are other, better places for that. And so this behavior may not go down in history as the most eloridiculous story was published exactly where it belonged; quent TV star ever. But when she opened that letter and no harm, no foul. Of course, the headline itself wasn’t Reality television star Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson showing a noticed where it came from, she did something good. She necessarily true; whether Honey Boo Boo supports Israel letter she received from an Israeli fan. acknowledged that an ordinary act by an ordinary Israeli, Credit: Facebook like writing a fan letter to a celebrity, no matter how or not is not proven by a picture of a plastic hammer and a fan letter. Besides, the child is seven years old. I very much the heels of the United Nations vote-slash-settlement deba- unconventional that celebrity is, deserves attention. Call me doubt she can find Israel on a map, let alone feel sympathy cle. Partially because it is encouraging to see people, who are crazy, but I think that’s nice. for its plight. branded by the Television producers as stereotypical red-
Jewish organizations have made great strides in gay inclusion -- but must do more
Focus on issues IDIT KLEIN BOSTON (JTA) -- At the 2009 General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America in Washington, 50 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Jews and their allies gathered in a small room on the ninth floor of the conference hotel. The event was not part of the official GA program, and the room was in the hinterlands of the hotel, hidden from the public eye. It reminded me of photos of 1950s gay bars, underground dives with no signs or windows. At the biggest annual gathering of Jews in the world, it felt like LGBT Jews were still stuck in the closet. It used to be rare for LGBT equality to be on the agenda of a major Jewish conference. Now it is rare for it not to be. The Jewish community is changing and, three years after that first gathering, I could feel and see that change at the 2012 GA. At this year’s reception for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Jews, and their family, friends and allies, we celebrated the release of a new report, the Human Rights Campaign’s Jewish Organization Equality Index on the state of LGBT inclusion in North American Jewish organizations. People flowed into the reception room until the line was out the door; we had to turn people away. Dana Beyer, executive director of Gender Rights Maryland, remarked, “Who would have thought that we would reach the day when people would be lining up waiting to get into a room at the GA to talk about LGBT equality?” Over the years, at times I have felt like a broken record, gently correcting people’s assumption that the work I do is
(Founded in 1920) Andrew Ruback President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Jessie Wees Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper
Jewish Press Board Eric Dunning, Caryn Scheer, Bobbi Leibowitz, Past President; Phyllis Brown; Daniel Christensen; Mel Epstein; Scott Farkas; Sandy Friedman; Noah Priluck; Paul Rabinowitz; Mark Senal; Nancy Wolf. The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish Community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish LIfe, Jewish Social Services, and the Jewish Press. Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishoma
“only for LGBT Jews.” Creating a more inclusive Jewish community benefits LGBT Jews, but ultimately this work is for the sake of the entire Jewish people. LGBT inclusion leads to a stronger, more deeply authentic Jewish community. Jewish organizing in the 2012 campaigns for marriage equality reflects a shift toward LGBT inclusion as a core Jewish value. Jewish activists, rabbis and organizations in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington transformed their values into action in the lead-up to Election Day. Jewish Community Action in Minneapolis and Jews United for Justice in Maryland -- both members of the Jewish Social Justice Roundtable -- knocked on doors and sparked hundreds of conversations about marriage equality. The National Council of Jewish Women organized for equality in Washington state and in Minnesota. What’s more, a recent poll of the Jewish community by the Public Religion Research Institute found that a striking 81 percent of American Jews support same-sex marriage rights. So how has this happened? The Jewish community has mirrored national trends. One by one, we have come out to friends, families and co-workers. Increasingly, Jewish youth are coming out to clergy, youth group leaders, teachers and camp counselors. When we know more people who are openly LGBT, support for full equality grows. The Jewish Organization Equality Index confirms what I have seen and heard working in Jewish communities throughout the country. Across the denominational spectrum, basic tolerance and acceptance of LGBT civil rights are becoming the norm. But tolerance alone is not enough. As Jews, we have a long tradition of fighting alongside others for equality. We need to do the same for LGBT people. Furthermore, there’s still plenty of work to be done in the
world of Jewish organizations and institutions. Jewish organizations need to make concrete changes in their policies, and now. Changing organizational culture and behavior is hard and a long-term investment. It requires staff time, financial resources and conversations that may be difficult, even painful. Here are five ways to start: • Change your organization’s membership forms so that “member 1/member 2” replaces “mother/father.” • Revise your health insurance, bereavement, parental leave, hiring and all organizational policies to meet the needs of LGBT employees and clients. • Ensure that staff members have access to gender-neutral restrooms. • Include photos of same-sex couples in your promotional materials and on your website. • Train your staff in how to respond to anti-LGBT bullying and harassment. We cannot afford to wait until the next election or even the next GA to make these changes. We know that youth are uniquely vulnerable to bullying and social pressures. Even LGBT teens who are active in the most liberal Jewish communities tell us that they feel isolated and marginalized. We can do better as a community -- and we must -- for the sake of our youth and for all of us. Many organizations point to one gay or lesbian board member as proof of LGBT inclusion in their community. We must make sure that inclusion is not the burden of only a few. Together, let’s hasten the pace of change in Jewish life and embody the ethics of inclusion and justice at the core of our tradition. Idit Klein is the executive director of Keshet (www.keshetonline.org) and a member of the Jewish Social Justice Roundtable (www.jewishsocialjustice.org).
ha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, 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.
and space restrictions, but it 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. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. 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 per-
Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial
material and photos to: avandekamp @jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jew ishomaha.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: avandekamp@jew ishomaha.org. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced 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
sonal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de KampWright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $40 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.
December 21, 2012 | The Jewish Press | 17
The ‘four Cs’ in appraising the community’s approach to the disabled
Focus on issues STEVEN A. RAKITT WASHINGTON (JTA) -- Many years ago, when I bought an engagement ring for my wife, I learned about the four Cs in appraising and purchasing diamonds. Last week I learned about other precious jewels in our community and participated with more than 100 others from across the United States in a groundbreaking disability inclusion conference sponsored by the Jewish Federations of North America. Held immediately following JFNA’s General Assembly in Baltimore, the conference was titled “Opening Abraham’s Tent: The Disability Inclusion Initiative.” It was an extraordinary gathering, bursting with inspiring moments and “tachlitic” how-tos. The room was filled with passionate, caring and dedicated volunteers and professionals seeking to share, learn and package the values to take home. It is indeed the manifestation of Jewish values to welcome and embrace our most vulnerable community members. Just as the diamond industry has its four Cs, I believe there are also four Cs in appraising our collective approach to precious members of our community -- our hidden jewels -- who are disabled: • Culture: We must endeavor to create a culture of openness and welcoming throughout our communities, from
newcomers to interfaith families to those with special needs. An open tent is good, but not sufficient; an extended hand is a must. Statistics indicate that one of every five Americans has some sort of disability. We cannot afford to write off this huge segment of our population and their families. To have an honest conversation about enhancing services and ensure that those with special needs are included in Jewish life, we must reinforce the importance of creating a communal culture of respect, dignity and participation. We must do more than welcome. We must sustain high-quality services and care for the long term. • Competence: This requires focus, training and a commitment to competence in service delivery. The Jewish community provides many high-quality services for its disabled, and many people are well meaning. If we are to successfully serve those with special needs, many of whom are feeling disenfranchised from the Jewish community, then nothing less than top-quality programming and services will do. • Collaboration: No agency or synagogue is an island. Together we can create a welcome community with seamless “handoffs” for our clients. People with disabilities want and need services, and at various life stages. Together we can create robust points of entry and exciting opportunities throughout the communal structure. • Cost: Several conference speakers pointed out that being welcoming does not have to cost much, if anything.
Operation Pillar of Defense: Lessons learned
Behind the headlines URIEL HEILMAN (JTA) – As Israel and Hamas mostly stilled their guns after reaching a cease-fire agreement, ending eight days of intense bombardment, both sides took home some new lessons about their foes. By firing longer-range rockets capable of reaching Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Hamas demonstrated for the first time that it could expand the borders of the missile battleground to include the densely populated center of Israel. Even under severe aerial bombardment, Hamas managed to launch some 1,500 missiles over the course of the week. Some traveled as far as 50 miles. But with its Iron Dome missile defense system, Israel showed how technology can be a game changer on the battlefield. Of the missiles targeted by Iron Dome, which is designed to knock down only missiles aimed at populated areas, approximately 80 percent to 90 percent were eliminated, the Israeli military said. In all, the Israel Defense Forces said Iron Dome downed 421 missiles. “Eight days ago, Israel launched an operation after terror attacks from Gaza escalated,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday night. With several major terrorist commanders eliminated and much weapons infrastructure destroyed, he said, “we have decided to give cease-fire a chance.” Israel suffered five fatalities in the fighting, all but one civilians. The Palestinians reported more than 140 killed, including militants and civilians. That’s approximately the same proportion of Israeli-to-Palestinian casualties the last time Israel and Hamas went to war, during the 22-day Operation Cast Lead launched in late 2008. But the Palestinian casualty rate this time was about one-third the rate of Cast Lead, when an average of 350 Palestinians were killed per week. That’s probably because this round of fighting, which the IDF dubbed Operation Pillar of Defense, did not include a ground invasion. Palestinian casualties increased significantly during Israel’s ground invasion in the 2008-09 war, stoking international anger. As that war dragged on, Israeli critics said the military achieved diminishing returns the longer it stayed in Gaza and should have gotten out quicker. This time, though Netanyahu threatened to send in ground troops -- calling up 75,000 reserve troops and amassing tanks on the Israel-Gaza border -- he did not follow through on his threat. Under the terms of the cease-fire, Israel agreed to halt its operation in Gaza, including targeted assassinations, and Palestinian terrorist groups agreed to stop their rocket fire and border attacks against Israel. Some sporadic fighting was still reported after the cease-fire went into effect Wednesday night. So, who won, and what did the fighting accomplish? If it holds, the cease-fire will have ended the rocket fire on southern Israel without any concessions to Hamas -- a clear victory for Israel. The operation also enabled Israel to do some damage to Hamas’ terrorist infrastructure, including
killing the Hamas military chief, Ahmed Jabari. The IDF was able to do it all without undertaking a risky ground invasion that could have ratcheted up the casualty count on both sides and fueled more international ire. On the plus side for Hamas, the group showed that despite Israel’s ongoing blockade of the Gaza Strip, terrorists are able to get their hands on increasingly potent and sophisticated weaponry, representing a greater threat to Israel. And despite Israel’s bombardment, Hamas’ rocket launching capability has not been destroyed. Few Israelis believe it’s anything but a matter of time before the rocket fire starts anew. There are some very clear losers here. Again, the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority was left sitting on the sidelines while Hamas commanded Israel’s attention and claimed the mantle of the Palestinian cause. Negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, have been frozen since 2009. While Hamas did not achieve any tangible gains from the fighting, Palestinians in the more moderate Fatah-ruled West Bank rallied to Hamas’ side. The notion that negotiation rather than violence is the path toward Palestinian statehood seems to have suffered yet another setback. While Hamas was emboldened by the Egyptian government’s very public and sympathetic stance, the sympathy didn’t translate into any concrete assistance on the ground. Egypt’s prime minister visited Gaza during the fighting as a show of solidarity, but Egypt kept out of the fighting and retained its role as a broker between Israel and Hamas. That’s a triumph for President Mohamed Morsi, who showed that despite his affiliation with Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood -- Hamas is an offshoot of the Egyptian Islamist group -- he could play the role of mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Egypt’s gain showed Turkey’s loss. Once Israel’s closest Middle East ally and a key conduit between Israel and the Arab world, Turkey was left on the sidelines of this conflict. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s description of Israel as a “terrorist state” may have won him fans among his Muslim base, but it also signaled that Turkey had lost its unique ability to act as a mediator in the conflict. Finally, there’s the issue of cost for Israel. Each Iron Dome missile interceptor comes with a price tag in excess of $40,000, and Israelis suffered damage to infrastructure ranging from homes to schools to roads. But President Obama has pledged to seek additional funding from Congress for the Iron Dome system. The United States already has sent Israel $275 million for Iron Dome over the last two years, and earlier this year the U.S. House of Representatives proposed an additional $680 million through 2015, with the Senate proposing an additional $210 million. Iron Dome’s success during the fighting also could be a boon for Israel’s defense industry, as other countries facing similar rocket threats clamor for the pioneering missile defense system. Whether that defense coupled with Israel’s offensive in Gaza is enough to deter Hamas from resuming its attacks remains unclear.
There are many things we can do to welcome, embrace, serve and engage those with special needs that don’t impact agency or synagogue budgets. Other initiatives, however, have a significant price tag. As a community, we must be willing to state the case and make the argument that the cost of NOT engaging this precious population and their families is greater than the cost of any programs we initiate. We cannot be naive about the potential costs, but nearly every community has donors and foundations interested in this issue. It’s our job to bring them to the table. In Washington, we will redouble our efforts to make our community even more welcoming to those with disabilities. The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington will convene local activists who participated in the conference to “download” reflections and ideas, then invite stakeholders for a broader conversation about how we can be more responsive to community needs. The four Cs of disability inclusion is a simple approach, even simplistic. But if we successfully create a meaningful and embracing culture, deliver competence in a coordinated manner and redouble our efforts to secure additional funding to support this holy work, I believe our tent will be more than open. It will reflect the teachings of Abraham by welcoming and embracing our community’s angels. Steven A. Rakitt is the executive vice president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, D.C.
Dave Brubeck’s Jewish cantata by ADAM SOCLOF Legendary jazz pianist Dave Brubeck died of heart failure on Dec. 5, one day before his 92nd birthday. One of Brubeck’s contributions in particular stands out in terms of its Jewish themes. In 2004, The Record in In Stockton, Calif., explained the meaning behind the Brubeck’s Jewish Cantata as an effort to bridge the Black and Jewish communities: The work, a plea for peace and brotherhood, was written in 1969 -- a period of growing animosity between blacks and Jews. Sung in English, it employs excerpts from the Old Testament, writings of Jewish sages and Martin Luther King Jr. Brubeck and his wife, Iola, constructed the text to emphasize the common goals and experiences of the two minorities in their struggle for social justice. The music also synthesizes elements of Hebrew liturgical melodies and black jazz, emphasizing their shared qualities of improvisation. As JTA noted a few months before the song’s Oct. 19, 1969 premiere, the cantata was commissioned in 1968 by Rabbi Charles D. Mintz, director of the Pennsylvania Council of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. A video describing the cantata can be found at the Milken Archive of Jewish Music, where the 59-minute work can also be purchased. In 2004, Milken’s David Frost won a Grammy Award for classical music producer of the year. Of course, that song alone can explain Brubeck’s impact to Jazz and music in general.
Scalia and Kagan, hunting? by RON KAMPEAS I was on Chanukah Party duty (the White House and Congress) last week and knew I would regret missing Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan's address at a Jewish Primary Day School fundraiser at Washington's Sixth and I synagogue. Sure enough, Kagan delivered, and Josh Gerstein had a good post the next morning at Politico. Best nugget: “Kagan praised her frequent intellectual opponent, Justice Antonin Scalia – with whom she revealed she spent three days hunting in Wyoming this fall.” Hunting what, exactly?
JEWISH PRESS NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed on Monday and Tueday, Dec. 24 and 25. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.
18 | The Jewish Press | December 21, 2012
Candlelighting
Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 | 402.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com For information on our historic synagogue – dates and times for Friday night services, please call 712.323.8885.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. FRIDAY: Family Kabbalat Shabbat Service, Dinner and Drash, 6 p.m. led by Hazzan Krausman. Reservations needed for diner; contact the synagogue office. SATURDAY: Morning Services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush given by Beth El; Evening Services, 5:05 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Torah Study Group, 10 a.m. MONDAY: Wrestling with Rabbis of the Talmud, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Abraham. TUESDAY: Switch Day at the Blumkin Home, help out at the Home so employees can enjoy Christmas at home with their loved ones. To sign up, visit Beth El’s website; for more information, contact Larry Kronick at llk22@aol.com; Men’s Club Chinese Buffett Dinner, 6 p.m. Special children’s activities will follow dinner. Dinner cost for Beth El members, $4 per person, with a maximum charge of $16 per family; for non-members, $7 per person and a maximum of $28 per family. No charge for children ages six and younger. Reservations are needed; RSVP and pay online at www.bethel-omaha.org, or contact the synagogue office, or programming@bethel-omaha.org. FRIDAY, Dec. 28: Serve Lunch at Nebraska AIDS Project, 11:30 a.m. Help with serving and clean-up. For details, visit Beth El’s website; for more information, contact Joan Marcus, hmarcom@juno.com; Beth El Brings Shabbat to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. SATURDAY, Dec. 29: Shabbat Mimosas for the new year following Shabbat morning services, stay for a special Kiddush, when we’ll celebrate the upcoming new year by sharing mimosas and raising our glasses to usher in 2013; Evening Services, 5:10 p.m. Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class informational meeting about our new adult B’nai Mitzvah class on Sunday, Jan. 6, at 11 a.m., led by Hazzan Krausman. Knowledge of Hebrew is not required to participate in the class. Email hazzankraus man@bethel-omaha.org if you’re planning to attend. Social Action Committee -- To get involved with Beth El’s community service projects, visit the synagogue website, www.bethel-omaha.org. All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:40 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting service begins at 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored in honor of
Bar Mitzvah Simon Alex Murphy, son of Kate and Joe Murphy, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Jan. 5, at Temple Israel. Simon is a seventh-grade student at Glenwood Middle School in Glenwood, IA. He is in the Talented and Gifted program at school and was awarded a chair in the Seventh Grade Southwest Iowa Honor Band. He is a madrich at Temple Israel for a third grade class. His interests include playing the French Horn, playing video games and participating in 4H and Civil Air Patrol. For his mitzvah project, Simon volunteered with the Glenwood Giving Garden, which grows vegetables and distributes them to those in need in our local community. He has a sister, Clara Remily Murphy, age 9. Grandparents are Naomi and Irving Kaminsky, and the late Carole and Joseph Murphy.
December Simchas; The Laws of Shabbat, 2 p.m.; Advanced Parshah Study for Boys (ages 10 and up), 3 p.m.; Mincha, 4 p.m., followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 5:46 p.m. SUNDAY: Fast begins, 6:18 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m. followed by breakfast; Mincha, 4:45 p.m.; Fast Ends, 5:46 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Daf Yomi: Week in Review, 7:45 a.m.; Judaism 101: Living the Jewish Year, 5 p.m.; Chinese Dinner and Movie, 6 p.m. TUESDAY: Synagogue office closed; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Women’s Study Group, 6:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Sacred Grounds, 9:30 a.m; Med Center Chabura, 1 p.m; Scholars Club for fourth-sixth graders, 3:30 p.m. with Rabbi Gross. FRIDAY, Dec. 28: Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:45 p.m. SATURDAY, Dec. 29: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting service begins at 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; The Laws of Shabbat, 2 p.m.; Advanced Parshah Study for Boys (ages 10 and up), 3 p.m.; Mincha, 4 p.m., followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 5:50 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. followed by breakfast. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Daf Yomi: Week in Review, 7:45 a.m. TUESDAY: Synagogue office closed; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Women’s Study Group, 6:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Sacred Grounds, 9:30 a.m; Med Center Chabura, 1 p.m; Scholars Club for fourth-sixth graders, 3:30 p.m. with Rabbi Gross.
CHABAD CENTER An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street | Omaha, NE 68144-1646 | 402.330.1800 www.OChabad.com | email: chabad@aol.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service. How does the life of Yakovs effect me today? SUNDAY: Minyan, 8:30 a.m. There will not be breakfast as it is a fast day; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m. followed by refreshments. WEEKDAYS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m. TUESDAY: Dynamic Discovery with Shani Katzman, 10:15 a.m. A class for women based on traditional texts with practical insights and application. Please reserve by calling 402.330.1800. WEDNESDAY: Personal Parsha class, 10 a.m. with Rochi Katzman. Call 402.417.2752 to reserve. FRIDAY, Dec. 28: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m. SATURDAY, Dec. 29: Minyan and Meditation, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service. How does the life of Yakovs effect me today? SUNDAY: Minyan, 8:30 a.m.; Breakfast Bonanza, 9:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Camp Gan Israel, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information call Rochi at 402.330.1800. TUESDAY: Camp Gan Israel, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Dynamic Discovery with Shani Katzman, 10:15 a.m. A class for women based on traditional texts with practical insights and application. Please reserve by calling 402.330.1800. WEDNESDAY: Personal Parsha class, 10 a.m. with Rochi Katzman. Call 402.417.2752 to reserve. All programs are open to the entire community.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN South Street Temple | Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street | Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 | 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat and Wacky Mac Dinner with Ms. Jennifer, 5:45 p.m. at Tifereth Israel; Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m., with oneg following hosted by Jayne Draper and Julie Moore. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Vayigash; Jewish Movie Night, 7 p.m. starting with Havdalah service and potluck dessert, followed by Outside Chance of Maxmillian Glick (movie appropriate for mature audiences.) SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes TUESDAY: Temple office closed. WEDNESDAY: No LJCS Hebrew Classes. FRIDAY, Dec. 28: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m., with oneg following hosted by Elaine Monnier.
Friday, December 21, 4:41 p.m. Friday, December 28, 4:45 p.m.
SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Veyechi. SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes TUESDAY: Temple office closed. WEDNESDAY: No LJCS Hebrew Classes.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway | Offutt AFB, NE 68113 | 402.294.6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Alan Shulewitz. TUESDAY: Switch Day, volunteers assisting in some departments allowing some staff to be with their families on their holiday.) FRIDAY, Dec. 28: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. with Beth El. SATURDAY, Dec. 29: Services, 9 a.m. led by Jim Polack. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.
TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street | Omaha, NE 68132-2651 | 402.556.6536 www.templeisrael-ne.org FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Azriel and Cantor Shermet. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Jane Glazer, daughter of Jennifer and John Glazer, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. SUNDAY: No Religious School. TUESDAY: Christmas Lunch, 11:30 a.m. at Stephen Center. WEDNESDAY: No Religious School; No Family School; No Grades 7-8. THURSDAY: No Adult Study with the Clergy. FRIDAY, Dec. 28: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Brown and Cantor Shermet. SATURDAY, Dec. 29: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. SUNDAY: No Religious School; Breakfast at Stephen Center, 9:30 a.m. WEDNESDAY: No Religious School; No Family School; No Grades 7-8. THURSDAY: Articulate Architecture, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Brown.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat and Wacky Mac Dinner with Ms. Jennifer, 5:45 p.m. at Tifereth Israel; Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch. SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes MONDAY, TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY: Temple office closed. WEDNESDAY: No LJCS Hebrew Classes. THURSDAY: Temple office open. FRIDAY, Dec. 28: Temple office closed; Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY, Dec. 29: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a special Kiddush lunch in honor of Heni Kamil’s 96th birthday and her move back to Lincoln sponsored by Kim Taylor and Tifereth Israel. SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY: Temple office closed. WEDNESDAY: No LJCS Hebrew Classes.
To Submit Announcements: Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewish omaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, by e-mailing jpress@jewishomaha. org or online at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Submit other announcements -- births engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Federation website: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press,’ scroll down to ‘Submit Your Announcements here’, complete form and click on “submit form”.
Pulverent e
December 21, 2012 | The Jewish Press | 19
Israel and the Diaspora
In memoriam
PEOPLE WHO READ NEWSPAPERS ARE
NORMA LOU LEVIN NOVAK
Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Vayigash If we were to look for some historical source for information on the relations between the land of Israel and the Jews of the Diaspora, we would not generally look at the Bible. Yet there is something of primary interest in our Sidrah: It is here that Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, and it is here that Jacob comes down to Egypt. The memories of the ancestors of our people are very real, very accurate: the geography of the Fertile Crescent lands and their rainfall pattern resulted in frequent famines. But Egypt’s narrow band of fertile land where the Nile overflows could be counted on to produce crops. Almost always. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob each experienced famine in the land of Canaan. Abraham and Jacob, but not Isaac, came down to Egypt. Further, they became a people spiritually, again not in Canaan, but with the acceptance of the Ten Commandments in the Sinai wilderness. Moreover, the Bible itself makes it clear that some books of the Scripture were written outside of Canaan-Israel. Rabbinic Judaism offers the traditional view that the whole of Biblical and rabbinic tradition was given to Moses at Sinai. History adds to all this that the Babylonian Talmud was produced outside Israel. The great productions of Spanish Jewry took place outside Israel. The great medieval Bible commentaries, the great medieval philosophical works, and the great attempt to codify Jewish religious law were produced outside Israel—except for the final work, the Shulhan Arukh. It is apparent that creativity lies in the Jewish people, and loyalty to Judaism is the soil from which it springs. Let no one infer, for I have not implied it, that this is meant in any sense to derogate Zionism and the grand achievement of the sovereignty of Israel. The continuously astonishing creativity of the Jews of Israel amply illustrates what Jewish minds can do in their own land. But the Diaspora, despite the staggering problems of survival, can still be spiritually creative. And part of the paradox of Diaspora life is that if indeed we are spiritually creative, a substantial part of our young people will regularly opt to live in Israel. And we congratulate ourselves when that happens.
Israeli leaders send condolence messages in Newtown massacre by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Israeli leaders sent letters of condolence to President Obama over the mass killing at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, Conn. “On behalf of the people of Israel, as friends and as parents, we stand with you today in contemplation and grief over the atrocious, incomprehensible massacre of 20 children and six adults -- educators -- at Sandy Hook Elementary School,” Israeli President Shimon Peres wrote. “No experience with death can be likened to that of a parents’ loss of their child. No crime is more heinous than the killing of a child.” Twenty children and six school employees, were killed Friday when Adam Lanza, 20, forced his way into the building and opened fire. Lanza, who had attended the Sandy Hook school, also killed his mother, Nancy, in the home they shared. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote in a letter sent Friday that he was “shocked and horrified by today’s savage massacre of innocent children and adults” at the school. “We in Israel have experienced such cruel acts of slaughter and we know the shock and agony they bring,” Netanyahu wrote. “I want to express my profound grief, and that of all the people in Israel, to the families that lost their loved ones. May you and the American people find the strength to overcome this unspeakable tragedy.” In a video message posted on YouTube, Netanyahu addressed the American people, saying, “The people of Israel grieve with you. I can only pray that God will give you the strength, as he has given us, to overcome the tragedy and go on living.”
There will be no Jewish Press on Dec. 28. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.
Norma Lou Levin Novak passed away on Dec. 14 in Omaha. Services were held on Dec. 17 at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Leavenworth, KS and officiated by Rabbi Linda Steigman. She was preceded in death by her parents, Geraldine and Morris Levin, and husband, Harry Novak. She is survived by her daughter, Esther Novak, M.D., a geriatric psychiatrist, and son-in-law, John Chendo of Davis, CA; grandchildren, Rachel Goldberger Teichman and Jesse Teichman; great-grandchildren: Nina Lynn and Eli Judah of Oakland, CA; sister, Marjorie Levin Rabin Brodkin of Kansas City; nieces, Sandy Rabin and Janelle Rabin Flacks of Kansas City. Norma graduated from Leavenworth High School, and matriculated at the University of Missouri, St. Mary’s College and Washington University. In her twenties she joined her parents in working at their store. She was an active participant in the Jewish congregation of Leavenworth, and she had a lifelong love of writing poetry, painting, playing the piano and singing. She studied voice as a young woman and sang in her synagogue’s choir. After moving to Omaha in 1988, she volunteered leading musical performances with senior citizens and as a rabbinical assistant. Memorials may be made to Children’s Reading Programs, Morton-James Public Library, 923 First Corso, Nebraska City, NE, 68410, Attn. Barbara Hegr, Director.
Netanyahu: Western Wall ‘will be ours forever’ L
by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his claim from a Western Wall candlelighting ceremony that the site “will be ours forever.” Netanyahu made the claim at the weekly Cabinet meeting the morning after making the same assertion the night before during a ceremony at the Wall on the eighth and final night of Hanukkah. At the meeting, the prime minister said that Hamas at rallies and demonstrations in the West Bank to mark the 25th anniversary of the terrorist group’s founding called for the destruction of Israel and the expulsion of Jews from Jerusalem and every area in the State of Israel. He added that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas allowed the West Bank demonstrations. Netanyahu responded, “We have been here in Jerusalem not for 25 years; we have been here in Jerusalem for 3,000 years,” he said. “We have been in the Land of Israel for close to 4,000 years. We have a strong and steadfast national will, the continuous historical consciousness and strength of soul of a people that has struggled for its homeland and knows how to maintain its state.” At the Wall, Netanyahu said, “In recent days, I have heard that the Palestinians are saying that the Western Wall is occupied territory. I want to tell them from the closest possible place to the miracle of the jar of oil: The Western Wall has been ours for 3,000 years, and it and the State of Israel will be ours forever.”
To Submit obituaries to the Jewish Press: Email to the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.org; fax to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154, or online at www.jewishomaha.org. Click on Jewish Press and go to Submit Announcements.
30´× 48´× 16´ RV Shed
$18,500 Material Only Kits Now Available
Experience the QSI Advantage • Free Estimates • Free On-Site Consultation • Fully Insured • 5-yr Workmanship Warranty • Pre-engineered for code laws • Licensed ICC General Contractor
Two 12´× 14´ Overhead Doors One 3´ 9-Lite Entry door One 3´ × 2´ Slider Window Drive-Thru RV Storage Prices include: DELIVERY & INSTALL on your level site. Travel charges may apply. Wainscot, SofÞt, Cupola and Fasica not included in price.
FREE
Visit us at the
Call Omaha for Home Show info and 3/28-4/1 estimates
• 3-Ply Laminated Posts (60 yr. warranty) • Steel Roof and Sides (40 yr. warranty)
STUDENTS WITH BETTER GRADES It all starts with Newspapers.
MONUMENT CO.
Frank L. Ciciulla Jr.
60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials
1439 So. 13th
402-341-2452
get history buff. It’s fun to know history.
DO NOT PRINT INFO BELOW, FOR ID ONLY. NO ALTERING OF AD COUN 4 1/4 x 3 1/2 85 f (212) 689-8585 Ref#:204983
Presents ! Big Buck Contest & Awards
Ceremony
! Golden Arrow Archery Club 3D
Classic sponsored by Full Draw Archery ! Scheels Trail Cam Photo Contest ! North American Shed Hunters Contest ! Over 100 exhibitors showcasing your favorite outdoor products & services ! Professional seminars by outdoor industry leaders ! Ted Nugent Kamp for Kids Celebrity 3D Shoot & Live Auction ! Airgun & archery ranges, laser shooting games, antler shed find, face painting, balloon art & more for the whole family
4000
Nebraska STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS PREGNANT? CONSIDERING Adoption? Call us first. Living expenses, housing, medical, continued support afterward. Choose adoptive family of your choice. Call 24/7. Adopt Connect, 1-866-743-9212. ATTENTION ADVERTISERS! For $225/25 word classified you can advertise in over 170 Nebraska newspapers. For more information contact the Jewish Press at 402-334-6449 or call 1-800-369-2850. BANKRUPTCY: FREE initial consultation. Fast relief from creditors. Low rates. Statewide filing. No office appointment necessary. Call Steffens Law Office, 308872-8327. steffensbankruptcylaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code. AFFORDABLE PRESS Release service. Send your message to 175 newspapers across Nebraska for one low price! Call 1-800-369-2850 or www.nebpress.com for more details. SELL YOUR classic car, truck or motorcycle online. Call this newspaper or call 1800-369-2850 to place your ad on the national Midwest Classic Cars web site for only $25.00. Your ad with photos runs until your vehicle is sold! WALK-IN BATHTUBS. Priced lower than most competitors! Plain to luxury air and water jet models. Full line handicapped tubs and shower units. Installation available. 402-896-2966. CORNHUSKER SELECT Angus Sale, Sunday, January 6, 1 pm, Fairbury Livestock Inc., Fairbury, NE. Selling 50 Lots! Catalog online at www.angushall.com or contact Angus Hall of Fame, 816-532-0811, angushall@earthlink.net. 2005-2006 Peterbilt 387’s - C-15, 13 speed, Platinum Interior. Trades welcome. Financing available with approved credit $29-34,000. Call TMC Truck Sales, 877285-8752 or www.BlackandChromeSales.com. COUNTY ASSESSOR: Buffalo County, Nebraska, is accepting applications for the position of County Assessor. Buffalo County, EOE/AA. Please find additional information at www.buffalocounty.ne.gov.
• 16 colors available
• 90 MPH Wind Load / 30lb. Truss load
SOUTH CENTRAL Diesel has immediate openings for growing Parts and Sales Dept. Need strong computer skills, highly motivated, well-driven & have excellent customer service skills. Must be able to lift up to 60-80 lbs. Great Pay, Retirement, Paid Vacations, Health Insurance. Contact Mike @ 308-995-6528 or scdinc2@ qwestoffice.net.
• Site Preparation available
YOU GOT the drive, we have the direction. OTR Drivers, APU equipped pre-pass EZ-pass passenger policy. Newer equipment. 100% No Touch. 1-800-528-7825.
• 8´ o/c Post Spacing 4´ o/c Truss Spacing
800-374-6988 www.qualitystructures.com
METALS TO Cash silos, grain bins, tractors, combines, pivots, irrigation pipe, anything made of metal. Fully insured for your safety. Call Markus, 308-530-8842.
20 | The Jewish Press | December 21, 2012
On the road, 2012 by DANNY PACHMAN I recently decided to take a break from my college routine and seek some real-world education. For two months I hitchhiked around the Midwest and Eastern United States and stayed with hosts I found through couchsurfing.org, a social networking site that connects travelers with people willing to host them for free. Traveling this way allowed me to see the world from a new perspective and become a better-rounded person. I can’t say I experienced the world of the homeless since I had plenty of money for food, but I lived enough of a minimalist lifestyle to gain some valuable insights. As a hitchhiker I was dependent on the help of strangers. I now know how it feels to be ignored by hundreds of people while in need of help. After hours of standing in the rain, it was easy to feel angry at the world for not taking care of me. The waiting was worth it, however, once I was saved by someone who offered a long ride with thought provoking conversation and delicious music. A lot of my rides were from people who felt like helping a stranger because they had been through hard situations themselves, so they were great people to learn from. It sometimes took more than one day to reach a big city where I could stay with a couch-surfing host. When I found myself between destinations I had to sleep outdoors, which was often an uncomfortable experience. It’s not easy to fall asleep in such an exposed state, especially with inhospitable weather and mosquitoes. The first time I tried this in St. Louis led to a night of paranoia and a forceful awakening by the police. When they checked my ID and learned I was from Omaha, one of them said he went to Central High School and graduated in 2006 (I graduated from Central in 2010). It turns out we had some friends in common, and perhaps
for that reason I was allowed to stay where I was on the promise that I’d be gone by sunrise. That first experience taught me to choose more discrete locations to sleep and over time I became a much better guerilla camper. My traveling style set me up to meet a very diverse mix of people rather than only young educated people that I met in college. I most enjoyed meeting people who were excited about something. The man who drove me from Kansas City to St. Louis had lost his job, recently lost his marriage, and was about to lose his house that he built by himself from scratch. He was on his way to St. Louis to try to convince his bank to cancel his foreclosure (I ended up joining him for this). It would seem that he had nothing to be excited about, but he was unbelievably energetic. He spent the car ride explaining to me the importance of “faith.” He wasn’t religious but understood how beneficial it is to always be optimistic. I witnessed an amazing presentation to his bank representatives at the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America conference and I later learned through a text message that his foreclosure was canceled. I think of him whenever I need inspiration. My social interactions were not always inspirational, however. I became more and more annoyed with those who made thoughtless judgments. I strongly dislike the word “criminal” since it implies inherent malice in a person instead of simply someone responding to the circumstances of their lives. It’s ideal to find alternatives to breaking the law, but our society takes it too far and puts crimes on people’s permanent records so that their lives are forever damaged. Poor neighborhoods also face eternal damnation because most non-residents are afraid to enter them and also encourage others to stay away. Too many people simplify complex
This is the man who drove me to St. Louis.
I-75 south towards Macon, Georgia.
things and generalize about what they know little of. While it’s easier to organize the world this way, this thinking causes people and places to be confined to their categories and blocked from many good opportunities. If more people would step into the unknown and try to learn like I did, the world would be much more united and happy. My observations of closed-mindedness in American society also come from the way people reacted to me. Before I took off I had to explain to people that I was taking time off of college. I heard a lot of surprised responses; when I told people I wanted to hitchhike around the country, they didn’t understand and thought I was crazy. Most of my good friends understood why I wanted to explore, but not most of my relatives. I’ve lived a very conventional life so far and this was the first time I dealt with a series of negative reactions. It’s painful to ignore people who care about you, but this trip wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t followed my heart and I’m very glad it did. Besides the lessons about other people, the journey was good for my personal development. I surprised myself at how extroverted I could be when my well-being depended on who I knew. I got plenty of practice dealing with unreasonable people and not letting their
negative emotions bring me down. I became more aware of the importance of chilling out and living in the present instead of feeling worried or regretful. When I ran into problems I practiced relaxing and reminding myself that problems often have easy solutions that aren’t immediately obvious. Overall, this was the best adventure I’ve ever had. Spending money on transportation and places to stay would have made the experience much less interesting. I was never in any dangerous situations, only uncomfortable and inconvenient ones. I felt energized all the time because I knew the short-term future would either be rough or a lot of fun, but never boring. Traveling was also a great stress reliever because I got plenty of physical exercise and had nothing to worry about besides having a good time. The desire to learn made me look at “bad” experiences in a positive light. It seems that most college students get very little exercise and deal with a lot of stress. Having fun usually requires alcohol and occurs only at night and on weekends. My goal is to avoid a boring, routine life. I want to find a way to support myself while exploring the rest of the world. If anyone has advice on how to accomplish this, feel free to contact me at danpac310@yahoo.com.
Omaha’s Team Hockey Upcoming Jan. 4: UNO vs. Colorado College CenturyLink Center 6:37 p.m. Jan.5: UNO vs. Colorado College CenturyLink Center 7:07 pm
Basketball
Upcoming Dec. 31: UNO vs. Kansas City Ralston Arena 7 p.m.
For Tickets Call
554-MAVS
402-392-1818