December 22, 2006

Vol. LXXXVI No. 15 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 85 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

1 Tevet, 5767 December 22, 2006

Environment of Special Care Unit Brings Therapeutic Benefit to Alzheimer’s Residents Bernstein Named Honoree by National Jewish Aging Association by OZZIE NOGG for Jewish Senior Services/Rose Blumkin Jewish Home The Association of Jewish Aging Services--the central coordinator for homes and residential facilities for Jewish elderly in North America--has announced that Joanie Bernstein will receive the organization's 2007 Trustee of the Year Award at the group’s annual conference this coming March in New Orleans. The award recognizes a Joanie Bernstein volunteer who has demonstrated personal commitment and made a significant contribution to the lives and well-being of Jewish elderly through visionary leadership that fosters growth and change. The theme of the 2007 AJAS Conference is “The Future is Now: The Next Steps in Jewish Aging.” “Joanie certainly exemplifies that theme,” said Mike Silverman, Jewish Senior Services and Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Executive Director. “As past president of JSS -- the Board that oversees activities at the Home and Jewish Community Outreach Services--Joanie led us towards a future that will culminate in a totally refurbished facility to better serve the needs of our elderly. Her vision brought us to our New Beginning.” Bob Belgrade, current President of Jewish Senior Services, described Bernstein as a mentor who involves quality people and inspires those with whom she works. “Joanie understands and respects the importance of creating an environment that allows the professional staff and lay leadership to thrive,” Belgrade said. “She has great organizational skills and is incredibly Continued on page 2

by OZZIE NOGG for Jewish Senior Services/ Rose Blumkin Jewish Home In 1906, Dr. Alois Alzheimer described the puzzling symptoms -- memory failure, language lapses, confusion and general decline in mental ability -- of the neurodegenerative disease that now bears his name. One hundred years later, while medical research continues the hunt for effective drug therapies, studies show that a thoughtfully designed physical environment can be an important Alzheimer’s treatment factor --one that helps prolong wellness in those with dementia. Plans for a Special Care Unit at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home include 25 resident beds with “The Special Care Unit bath, a sunroom, two TV lounges, spa, large dining room, private dining room, fully accessiplanned for the Rose ble kitchen, several activity areas, one public restroom, laundry, nurses station, consultation Blumkin Jewish Home is just room plus locked storage for medication, linen and mechanical purposes. The SCU will also such an environment,” said provide an indoor walking loop and an exterior, secure private garden. The self-contained unit Mike Silverman, Jewish will be built on the west side of the Home, and can be entered through the Home’s new Main Senior Services and RBJH Street. In this article, Mike Silverman explains how the SCU’s physical environment can have Executive Director. “The a positive impact on the behavior and functional abilities of residents with dementia. SCU design will allow our staff to bring an increased level of comfort to residents the resident be lifted high off the ground, a feature that with dementia, to lower their anxiety, improve their takes away the fear some have of being raised up and mood, and help them cope with the frustrations of the falling.” The spa floorplan includes a spacious shower with disease. Let me show you what I mean.” Unrolling a floorplan for the Special Care Unit, multiple heads plus hand-held shower wand. The entire Silverman pointed to a space labeled Spa. “Bathing can area is beautifully tiled. “We’ve ordered new towels and be a sensitive issue for many residents, especially those are considering aromatherapy,” Silverman said. “This with dementia. They feel self-consciousness and vulner- space is like a regular health spa, but one that incorpoable. The spa is dedicated exclusively for this Unit, and rates special features to keep Alzheimer’s patients relaxed its design helps eliminate many anxieties. The special tub and safe. It will make bathing a pleasurable experience, is a perfect example. It takes only seconds to fill, so a res- not one to be afraid of.” Silverman traced the floorplan’s route from the spa to ident can actually get in wearing a towel, which affords greater modesty. And entering the tub doesn’t require Continued on page 2

In Addition to Opening New Museum, Yad Vashem Recalls the Individual Through Expanded Holocaust Education by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press In just over a year, Beth Seldin Dotan has helped train 300 Nebraska teachers how to teach the Holocaust. Of course she’s used the resources of the Institute for Holocaust Education, a project of the Great Plains Anti-Defamation League, of which she is the director. But she couldn’t have done it without the help of a new curicullum--Echoes and Reflections. Written in cooperation with three major institutions--the ADL, the Shoah Foundation, and YadVashem (Israel’s Holocaust Museum), the 385page notebook offers multimedia options to teachers--and to trainers of teachers like Dotan. “The use of the testimonials from the Shoah Foundation makes the difference,” said Dotan. “As you’re unfolding a lesson, a snippet from one of the numerous stories can be shown to the class on an accompanying DVD. And while there have been many, many documentaries made about the Holocaust, this is far more accessible,

Inside Opinion Page see page 16

and personal, regardless of where you’re teaching.” The resources of the Shoah Foundation, which according to Dotan, numbers upwards of 52,000 interviews of survivors from throughout the world, have added a dimension not previous available. “‘Echoes and Reflections’ is a great way of teaching the Holocaust through the individual,” she added, “One person can tell the story of a place or event that affected many. So what you’re seeing is that event or incident through the eyes of one person.” If Dotan wants to tell Yad Vashem opened a new museum about the Holocaust in teachers what happened March, 2005. Visitors wander through its river-like structure, in Poland in May of 1945 made not from Jerusalem stone, but concrete and glass. and how people reacted,

This Week: Senior Living Issue Starts on Page 11 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’

she can access the material--through the interviews of the Shoah Foundation, archives of Yad VaShem, and resources of the ADL--all compiled in this vast new curicullum. So when the Jewish Press had the opportunity to speak to Richelle Budd Caplan, Yad Vashem’s point person in the development of Echoes and Reflections, we jumped at it. “This was literally a 24-hour a day project,” said Caplan, Director of Internation Relations at the International School for Holocaust Studies at Yad Vashem. “While my colleagues at the Shoah Foundation in Los Angeles and Deborah Batiste, Project Director for ‘Echoes and Reflections’ at ADL in New York City, were sleeping, we would be working here in Jerusalem.” This collaborative effort between what Caplan called, “three internationally recognized organizations that work on the local, national and international level,” allowed the process to unroll in “a magical way.” Continued on page 3

Coming Next Month: Tax & Financial Planning, Jan. 12, 2007

Next Generation in Business Features Kohll’s Pharmacy: Page 6

Jimmy Carter’s New Book, the Pros and Cons: Page 17

A Conversation with the Director of the Harris Center: Page 20

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 22, 2006

Jewish Leaders Threaten to Indict Ahmadinejad for Inciting Genocide silence as the Nazis prepared the Holocaust. “Do not by BEN HARRIS NEW YORK (JTA)--Barely 48 hours after the conclu- expect passive acceptance of genocide. We will fight back.� Iranian diplomats in New York were unavailable for sion of a government-sponsored Holocaust denial conference in Tehran, Jewish leaders in New York comment. Martin Peretz, editor-in-chief of The New Republic, announced an initiative to bring Iran’s president to trial for inciting genocide. scoffed at the idea that the An all-star lineup of United Nations could stop prominent politicians, Iran. He accused U.N. lawyers and Jewish leaders Secretary-General Kofi laid out the case against Annan of being a “handmaidMahmoud Ahmadinejad, en to Darfur,� where governnoting his stated objective of ment-sponsored Arab militias “wiping Israel off the map,� have killed tens of thousands, his consistent denial of the and a silent bystander as Holocaust, and his country’s genocides unfolded in pursuit of nuclear and ballisRwanda and Bosnia. Peretz tic missile capacity. noted also that Annan has Ahmadinejad’s incitement avoided using the term genoIn addition to Alan Dershowitz and Martin Peretz, speakers violates the 1948 U.N. cide to describe the killings in announcing an initiative to bring Iran’s president to trial for Convention on the Darfur--a term that would inciting genocide are Malcolm Hoenlein of the Conference of Prevention and Punishment compel international action Presidents, left, outgoing American U.N. envoy John Bolton of the Crime of Genocide, under the anti-genocide conand U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel. Credit: Nancy Epstein speakers said. The Dec. 14 vention. event at the New York County Lawyers’ Association was The resort to legal recourse against Iran was initiated organized by the Conference of Presidents of Major by the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, whose presiAmerican Jewish Organizations. dent, former Israeli U.N. ambassador Dore Gold, said Even as speakers accused Ahmadinejad of violating the Ahmadinejad was in “clear-cut violation of the antigenocide convention, they also sought to lay the incitement clauses of the 1948 genocide convention.� groundwork for a military strike if diplomacy and legal Speakers noted two cases in which international law action don’t derail Iran’s quest for nuclear weapons. had been used successfully to prosecute war criminals-“We will try the law. We will try politics. We will try former Chilean leader Augusto Pinochet and Slobodan everything,� said Alan Dershowitz, a prominent attor- Milosevic, former president of Serbia and Yugoslavia. ney and professor at Harvard Law School. “But if they But neither of those figures was brought up on charges fail, we will use self-defense.� before committing their crimes, leading a questioner to In addition to seeking an indictment of Ahmadinejad in challenge the efficacy of using legal remedies to prevent the International Criminal Court, Dershowitz disclosed Ahmadinejad from achieving his objectives. that he and Irwin Cotler, a Canadian legislator and promiDershowitz stressed that the legal initiative was intended nent human-rights lawyer, were preparing a brief to justi- to “give the international community a chance to prove fy military preemption if legal efforts don’t work. itself�--not only the U.N. but states and nongovernmental “We waited once, we will not wait again,� said organizations. If that effort fails, Dershowitz did not Dershowitz, who like other speakers evoked the global mince words in describing what should be done.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel

C L I P & S A V E

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Switch Day Class with Rabbi Seth Nadel, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El Nashir Community Jewish Choir, 11 a.m. at Beth El Chinese Dinner & Family Movie, 5:30 p.m. at Beth Israel College Student Reception, 6 p.m. 92 St Y broadcast: David Broza Concert, 7 p.m.

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 25 JCC Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Switch Day Women’s Book Group, 1 p.m. at Beth El TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26 BBYO Winter Regional Convention, St. Louis, Dec. 26-30 Women of Worth Prayer Circle, 9 a.m. at Chabad House C BBYO Night, 6 p.m. L I P & S A V E

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27 Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. at Chabad House THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28 Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Getting More Out of Prayer, noon at Beth El Yiddush Group, 1 p.m. LOVE Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m. Advanced Parshah Study, 9 p.m. with Rabbi Gross All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)

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Continued from page 1 the outdoor garden, accessible through a secured vestibule on the north side of the Special Care Unit. “When Alzheimer’s patients become agitated, walking is a natural outlet,� he said. “Residents in the new SCU can wander along the inside loop or around the outdoor garden to help calm themselves.� He described the garden’s privacy fence as, “Tall enough so people passing by can’t see in, so residents won’t feel like they’re on display. And the fence provides tight, but not obvious security.� The path in the garden is level, easy to follow, offers comfortable places to sit and visit, and is wide enough to accommodate the turning radius of a wheelchair. “People with dementia don’t have to spend the rest of their lives in a room,� Silverman said. “Outdoor spaces are considered healing modalities. They encourage walking and exercise, and let residents smell the flowers, watch the birds, connect with the cycle of nature.� Quoting Dr. Kevan Namazi, a noted gerontologist and Alzheimer’s researcher, Silverman said, “There’s a theory that Alzheimer’s patients do so much restless wandering because they’re trying to get back to their previous lives. The familiar sounds, smells and sights in the SCU garden will provide a chance to awaken memories and stimulate cognition. And the garden will be a perfect spot for kids to play--it will make family visits to the Home fun. We recognize the healing benefits of those intergenerational visits.� Professionals agree that mealtime offers more than good nutrition, especially in an Alzheimer’s setting, where the activity also brings opportunities for therapeutic socialization with family, friends and staff. The Blumkin Home SCU includes a communal dining room, a private dining room and small kitchen, all open and accessible to the residents. “The private dining room in the Unit seats up to 12 people, just right for a quiet family Shabbat dinner or celebration of a simcha,� Silverman said, adding that caregivers will have their daily meals right alongside the residents in the Unit’s main dining room, not in a separate area. “Some dementia residents lose their ability to communicate hunger or thirst, so taking meals with them gives nursing staff an opportunity to observe and make sure resident food intake is appropriate. Of course, sharing meals with the people we care for gives us the chance to really get to know them, to build relationships.�

Though it can’t be located on the SCU floor plan, Mike Silverman has no trouble describing what the relationship between caregivers and Alzheimer’s patients looks like. “When residents are confused or agitated, even the most thoughtfully designed physical surroundings can do only so much to help them,� he said. “It’s the caregivers who get residents through a crisis. A staff that understands the prognosis and symptoms of dementia and how it differs from normal aging is better equipped to care for people who suffer from the disease. To be part of our Special Care Unit will require special training in appropriate ways of interacting with residents.� Nurses in the SCU must understand nonverbal cues and be creative in managing behavior. They must learn how proper use of their voices and body language can calm residents who are frightened. Assignment to the SCU requires complete attention during a shift, and total concentration even during chaos. Staff will be encouraged to do paperwork in the activities areas, rather than in isolated offices away from the residents. “In other words,� Silverman says, “the Special Care Unit demands a change in the ways we’ve always worked. The needs of our dementia residents present unique challenges to us at the Blumkin Home.� Silverman is confident the challenges will be met. “Our Special Care Unit offers a built environment that can add to, or at the very least maintain, the security and dignity of our dementia residents. It will be functional and beautiful. Our Blumkin Home staff has already proven to be warm and caring. They’re anxious to learn additional strategies that will help dementia residents improve their physical health and well-being, make them more responsive.� Alzheimer’s and dementia patients live in a world that has shrunk,� according to Silverman. “A world where the doors are locked. We’re determined to make those residents feel as complete and free as possible.�

Bernstein Named Honoree Continued from page 1 adept at guiding and assisting all of us to collectively accomplish our goals. She stays on top of the issues and functions with authority in a very classy way.� Belgrade added, “As an officer and board member of Jewish Senior Services, Joanie definitely set the highest standard. She’s a tough act to follow.�

December 22, 2006

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Yad Vashem Expands Holocaust Education The International School begins its training with Continued from page 1 And that “magic� is happening now in Nebraska. Just kindergarten teachers. Caplan says that even teachers of listen to what Dotan learned just last week after con- the very young can start a lesson with a personal story, ducting a training session in Scottsbluff. “A woman beginning with, “This is a very sad day. We remember called asking for information about the Holocaust as her those who died years ago.� From poetry and literature to the more than 10,000 daughter had to prepare a project for her history class,� Dotan said. “Late in the conversation, I learned that the works of art Yad Vashem brought to this project, along student’s teacher had been at the training. That’s when it hit me how revolutionary this curriculum is--and how important it is that we continue training teachers how to teach the Holocaust.� Back in Israel, that’s exactly what Caplan does. In the hallway of the School for Holocaust Studies, she and Estee Yaari, Foreign Media Liaison for Yad Vashem, point out the posters lining the walls. “This was a project completed by design students at Shenker College,� Yaari explains. “See, they’ve taken movie posters from the 1930s and juxtaposed them against photos from the concentration camps or Nazi propaganda.� The images are a harsh reminder of what was going on in every day life in the rest of the world while Jews were being systematically exterminated. “But that’s how people can learn from this,� Yaari continues. “Using what they know best--in this case graphic design--they’re able to put the images of the Holocaust into a framework they can relate to.� And so I begin to understand the motivation of using every sense and every method of learning to help students of all ages--and from all countries and backgrounds--comprehend the incomprehensible. “We work in the International School with students, teachers and other groups--like the School for Special Needs group that the Shenker College students worked with, for example,� Photos from top: Estee Yaari, Foreign Media Liaison, points out a display of posters created by design students at Shenker College in the International School for Holocaust Studies at Yad said Caplan. Active in more than 22 Vashem. More than 100,000 students and teachers rotate through the school in the course of countries, more than a year. Yaari and Richelle Budd Caplan, Director of International Studies at the School, explain 100,000 students come than Yad Vashem also prepares 20,000 Israeli students for annual trips to Poland. The new Yad through this educational Vashem museum, designed by Moshe Safdie, is cantilevered out over a Jerusalem hillside. arm of Yad Vashem in the course of a year. The institu- with the massive amounts of documentation, the testition’s aim is to reach every student, especially what monies recorded by the Shoah Foundation, the pedagogical experience of the ADL--each organization Caplan calls “the underserved.� “Interest in the Holocaust is still high among Israeli brought its strengths together in Echoes and Reflections. students,� Caplan adds. “There’s a consciousness about Caplan also notes that Jews don’t avoid the conflicts this subject from a very early age....from the time they and sometimes harsh lesson of the weekly Torah porfirst hear the siren on Yom HaShoah--Holocaust tion, something also taught to young students, “We Remembrance Day. It’s part of the collective knowledge shouldn’t be afraid to talk about these conflicts in an age about the State of Israel. And they want to learn more.� appropriate way.�

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And of course, the International School wants students and teachers to learn about life before the war. “One of our jobs is to start the dialog with the past. Jews were part and parcel of society--citizens of the modern world. So we raise the question: ‘How is it--what happened to make them outcasts?’� Yad Vashem also prepares some 20,000 Israeli students each year for a trip to Poland, and works with the Israel Defense Force, many of whom come from backwhere the grounds Holocaust was foreign-Ethiopia and the former Soviet dictatorship. The resources of Yad Vashem--some 70 million pages of documents and 115,000 titles in its library-are slowly being digitized. There are now two million pages online (at www.Yad Vashem.org) and three million names. “The resource center allows more in-depth research,� adds Estee Yaari, “giving more options. And the goal is to personalize the Holocaust, focusing on the individual.� “The Nazis tried to erase the identities of those they killed,� says Caplan. “We have to rescue each person. The new curriculum helps teachers discover an individual, her family, her life, rather than viewing her as one of an unimaginable number in death.� Caplan, who has her masters in Holocaust Studies, says even though Echoes and Reflections is technically finished, she still works about 10 hours a week on it. “We still have a conference call every Thursday,� she says, “discussing how to market the curriculum, the challenges of various training sessions, and news in the field of Holocaust Studies.� Yaari adds, “Some people have told us how lucky we are. It’s true--dealing with the Holocaust brings so many different people--Jews and non-Jews, young and old, students and teachers. They all bring a different perspective. Having that exchange in the International School offers connections for teachers they can’t find elsewhere.� Caplan has high praise for Omaha’s Institute for Holocaust Education. “Some teachers--like Beth Dotan--are motivated,� Caplan adds. “Others don’t think they can. We try at this school to give them the tools, provide the knowledge and experience, restoring humanity and identity.� As she reminds us all, however, “When I began my Masters program, the more I studied, the more questions I had.�

Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 22, 2006

Breaking Silence, a Shoah Survivor Writes in Spanish about his Miracles by LARRY LUXNER BUENOS AIRES (JTA)--On his 68th birthday, Jorge Klainman decided he could remain silent no more about his Holocaust horrors. The Polish-born, retired businessman sat at his electric typewriter, he said, “and suddenly the curtains of my memory began to part, revealing events that happened 50 or 60 years ago. After that my life changed completely. I felt liberated.” The result was El Septimo Milagro, a harrowing Spanish-language tale of life and death in a series of Nazi concentration camps that has captivated readers from Buenos Aires to Barcelona. Translated into English as The Seventh Miracle and into Hebrew as Nes HaShev’i, Klainman’s first-person account differs from most other Holocaust memoirs in its extraordinary attention to detail. It ranges from the 1939 roundup of Jews from his Polish hometown of Kielce to Klainman's frightful March 1944 encounter with psychopathic concentration camp commandant Amon Goeth, the SS officer portrayed by Ralph Fiennes in Steven Spielberg’s movie Schindler’s List Goeth marked Klainman, then 15, for execution by firing squad. “My mind refused to comprehend the reality of what was happening,” Klainman wrote. “The end had come. They were going to shoot me and burn me. I thought of my loved ones, and that soon I would be joining them. I reached a state of mind where I just wanted, with all my being, to get it over with.” But Klainman’s Ukrainian executioners

somehow missed their target, and later that night fellow Jewish prisoners risked their lives to bring his bleeding body to the camp infirmary. A kindly doctor there gradually nursed the teenager back to health. Fate intervened five more times before he was liberated by American soldiers in 1945, and Klainman was saved from certain death. In 1947--with the help of international Jewish organizations--Klainman set sail from Italy to Rio de Janeiro, caught a plane to Asuncion, Paraguay, and smuggled himself across the heavily guarded border into Argentina, where he eventually married and raised a family. “Six actual miracles occurred and saved my life,” according to Klainman, 78. “The seventh was my being able to write the story.” And now, with anti-Semitism again rising throughout his adopted country, Klainman told JTA he feel compelled to share that story with Argentines who may not have yet gotten the message. “Ten years from now there won’t be any Holocaust survivors left to transmit the truth to young people,” he said in an interview at his Buenos Aires apartment. “They’ll begin forgetting the Jewish Holocaust just as they’ve forgotten the Armenian Holocaust. So it’s important that everybody knows what happened. That way they’ll be able to understand the terrible struggle of the Israeli people against the fundamentalist Islamic savages who want to throw us into the sea.” Klainman, a jewelry retailer by profession, lived in Tel Aviv from 1971 to 1990

criminals who were welcomed by Argentina’s military dictatorship after World War II. “I’ve visited many colleges and universities throughout Argentina, giving speeches for high-school kids,” Klainman said. “I even spoke at a Catholic seminary, and afterwards the kids cursed the Vatican for ignoring the Jews. “Usually when I finish speaking after an hour, for three or four minutes they sit there in silence. Then they surround me, hundreds of kids, hugging me, crying, asking for my autograph. Argentine Holocaust survivor and writer Jorge Klainman Once I took a taxi in holds a copy of his book, The Seventh Miracle. Corrientes and the driver Credit: Larry Luxner/JTA recognized me. He took my hand and kissed it, and told and again from 1999 to 2004. He is fluent in Polish, Russian, German, Yiddish, me, ‘God bless you, may you never die.’” He said the reaction of Argentina’s Hebrew, Spanish and Italian, and was recently appointed official representative Christians to his book is much stronger of the Holocaust Museum in Buenos than the Jews because “the Jews already know this story.” Aires. Klainman said he was inspired to write “I’ve dedicated the rest of my life to explaining the Shoah to students from all El Septimo Milagro after his son Miguel over the country,” he said. “Since I’ve began asking him troubling questions moved back from Israel, thousands of about his past. “For 50 years I guarded my silence like students have heard my testimony.” Klainman says he has “lots of work to a hermit, but then I got tired of these do” in explaining the reasons behind the delinquents denying the Holocaust,” he Holocaust to fellow Argentines, many of said. “I realized that by keeping silent, I whom grew up with anti-Semitic atti- was becoming an accomplice, collaborattudes encouraged by the Roman Catholic ing with them.” Church and the thousands of Nazi war Continued on page 5

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December 22, 2006

Bam! Mah Jongg Cranking It up a Notch, Complete with a Holiday Tournament by SUE FISHKOFF Education includes several mother-daughter pairs, one SAN FRANCISCO (JTA)--Three dozen people, all mother-son duo, and a multigenerational grouping. women except for two young boys, are sitting around Rochelle Green, 38, has come with her 66-year-old card tables in the Bureau of Jewish Education’s library mother, Myra, and her 12-year-old daughter, Ariana getting ready to learn how to play mah jongg. Each table Miller. has a full set of 152 plastic tiles spread out, face down, Green says her mom dragged them there. “She said and the players are listening to teacher Marc Wernick she wanted to expose us to Jewish games,” Green explain the rules. “East throws out first,” he instructs recalled. “I said, what, besides guilt?” Both Green and each foursome. “Pick your lousiest tile, make a complaint Ariana liked the lesson, although they found it confusabout your kids, and throw it down.” The women laugh ing. “It was fun,” Ariana says shyly. “Eventually we’ll knowingly. Talking about the family is a time-honored buy a set and we can play together,” Myra Green tradition in mah jongg, an ancient Chinese game that declares. came over from Shanghai in the early 1920s. Lynn Dunlop, 57, inherited her mother’s and grandIn 1937 the National Mah Jongg League formed to mother’s sets, antiques made of ivory and bamboo. standardize the rules for American play. There are more Although she learned how to play as a child, like many than 275,000 members today, most of them Jewish of her generation she says she stopped in her 30s, diswomen. You join by paying $6.50 for a card mailed out tracted by the demands of work and children. Now she’s every March that specifies that year’s winning hands, com- learning and wants to teach her daughters, “so I can plicated combinations of tiles that change from year to leave them something besides dishes,” Dunlop says. year. “When those cards come, no one speaks to each The mah jongg revival started about five years ago, other for weeks,” Wernick says. “They’re all memorizing.” but has gained momentum in the past year or two. Mah jongg caught on quickly in this country among Today many JCCs, synagogues, federations and other Jewish women, but suffered a slump by the 1970s, when Jewish institutions are running beginners’ classes and women entered the work force en masse and few young holding drop-in sessions. Melissa Singer, 41, plays with Jewish women took up the game. Mah jongg skipped a a young women’s Hadassah group near Phoenix. Her generation, although it lingered on in Miami high-rise mother, both grandmothers and older sister have played buildings, Hadassah groups and senior centers. Now for years. Melissa plays with her mother-in-law’s vintage there’s been a major resurivory set; her sister plays gence of interest among with their grandmothers’ women in their 20s, 30s and sets. 40s. And what is being The sisters have taught called the first online tourtheir four young daughters, nament will be held during and this year at Hanukkah on MahjongThanksgiving they played a multigenerational game with time.com. The tournament the children’s grandparents. runs through sundown Dec. Melissa’s daughter Ellie, 9, 23, with the four players at says she likes playing with the final table winning cash her relatives. “It made me prizes up to $2,000. feel I had a game I could In the game’s heyday, play with my whole family,” women would meet, usually Ellie says, admitting that her weekly, at one another’s homes to play the fast-mov- Omaha’s Jewish Women Internation sponsors a mah jongg older sister “gets mad” when ing game, clicking and clack- tournament every year at the Jewish Community Center. Ellie wins--which she often ing their tiles, snacking on Above, Esther Wax, left, Corinne Levin, Rosalie Greenspan does, Singer says. “It’s hilarrefreshments, and talking and Frieda Krizelman practice a hand. ious, she wins on the same about their lives. Judy hand every time.” Watman remembers her mother playing the game with Linda Feinstein has been teaching mah jongg for six her friends in their Cleveland home in the 1950s. “The years in and around Manhattan. She estimates that she’s woman all had their little outfits on,” Watman recalls. taught more than 1,200 people, all women, virtually all “She had candy dishes all over, and everybody came Jewish. And the interest isn’t letting up. “I’m totally full dressed to the nines.” this month,” Feinstein says. “I keep thinking it’s going Watman, who still has her mother’s card table and to stop, and it doesn’t.” Most of her students are in their monogrammed mah jongg tablecloth, organized a begin- 50s or 60s. Many have brought their daughters. “They ners’ group two years ago at her synagogue, Beth Am want to do what their mothers did,” she says. But it’s Israel, along Philadelphia’s Main Line. Eight or nine not just women anymore. women come each time, all members of the congregation. Roni Antebi organizes the Friday afternoon drop-in “We talk about the holidays or things that happen in game at Seattle’s Jewish Community Center. The 12 to synagogue,” Watman says. “When someone’s sick, we 15 regulars are women, mostly in their 60s or older. support each other. It’s a female connection thing.” Except for 26-year-old David Smith. Carole Soskis, who plays in the group, recalls lying in Smith, a student at Bastyr University, decided to take bed as a child in Portland, Maine, listening to her moth- up mah jongg as part of an assignment for a class on er’s games. “I’d hear the words--crak, bam, east. They multicultural psychology. With one Jewish grandfather, sounded like magical things to me.” he didn’t grow up Jewish, but was intrigued by mah Many of the younger women who are part of the jongg and thought it might be a good way to “reconresurgence say they are moved by nostalgia, looking to nect” with his heritage. In November he walked into the forge a connection with mothers and grandmothers who JCC and saw he was the only person in his 20s, and the played the game before them. only man. “It was kind of awkward,” Smith admits. The group at San Francisco’s Bureau of Jewish “They all thought I was in the wrong room.”

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Shoah Survivor Writes in Spanish Continued from page 4 It took Klainman four months to write the book. His original draft version ran 107 pages; only 25 copies of that version were printed. “When I read what I had written, I realized nobody would believe it was true,” he said. “So we [Klainman and his wife, Teresa] decided to travel to Poland to look for details. It was very traumatic, that first time back in Poland, more so for Teresa than for me.” “Jorge didn’t talk about it. I knew very little,” said Teresa Klainman, an Argentina native who had no idea what a concentration camp was until she met her husband. “I knew he was a survivor, that he had no family and that he was in camps, but it was a taboo subject. Whenever I asked, he would tell me a few things, but he wouldn’t want to go into details, and I didn’t want to upset him, so I learned not to ask.” The Klainmans would return to Poland twice more, most recently as part of a program to bring Jewish chil-

dren to Poland to teach them first-hand about the horrors of the Holocaust. In October, Jorge and Teresa Klainman came to the United States for a two-week visit that included lectures at secondary schools, colleges and Jewish community centers throughout New Jersey. The trip was organized by Kal Wagenheim, the Millburn, N.J., freelance journalist and playwright who had translated Klainman’s book from Spanish to English. Klainman proudly showed off a thick folder full of letters from a seventh-grade civics class in Millburn. “Thank you for the presentation. I found it interesting that you seemed to keep barely missing death--especially the time you got shot in the leg near the pit,” wrote one student. “Maybe it was fate that allowed you to live to tell your tale, or maybe it was just luck. Either way I am grateful that you came all the way from Bueno Aires to present us with your story.”

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 22, 2006

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the market and drive most other family-owned independents out of business. To survive, the family found what Justin calls “a niche” that separates what they do from the pack. With a nursing homes supplies division already in place and the senior health care market ever growing, they gradually hit upon senior homecare as their specialization. As David’s fond of saying, “There’s a lot of opportunities. There’s just so many things out there.” It’s the one-stop-shopping model applied to health care. But saying you’re one-stop and doing it are two different things. “Everybody tried to promote that they were doing one-stop-shopping, but they really weren’t,” Justin said. “Some companies tried doing it and they quit...now they just do respiratory or they just do power chairs, where we can do it all. We really are truly one-stop. You can come here for everything.” The store that best epitomizes the company’s one-stop health-orientation is at 127th and Q, where clients can: get prescriptions filled inside or via a drive-thru window; receive vaccinations and blood pressure/cholesterol screenings along with hormone replacement injections; get fitted for wheelchairs, mastectomy bras, compression socks or ostomy bags; select from many other personal care items, such as chairs, scooters, walking aids, raised

A peek inside a family-owned Kohll’s Pharmacy and Homecare in Omaha soon reveals this is not the drug store of your mother’s or father’s nostalgia. Sure, pharmacists in white coats still dispense prescription medicines from behind a counter, but mostly gone are the sundry retail items associated with a traditional drug store -- greeting cards, stationery, magazines, household goods, candy, alcohol and soft drinks. In their place is an array of home medical equipment and service stations dedicated to meeting the health care needs of clients, particularly seniors or anyone coping with chronic illnesses. The biggest changes, however, can’t be seen on site, as they encompass a wide range of services that help Kohll’s respond more quickly and comprehensively to individual client needs. For example, health care professionals on staff, such as occupational and respiratory therapists and a dietitian, make home visits to do assessments and devise strategies that foster greater independence. A call/future-orders center tracks what medical supplies clients are low on and gets new shipments out to their homes before they run out. A pharmacy benefits division supplies discounted meds to employees of subscriberemployers. Homecare products may be ordered online or via mail-order. A compounding division prepares custom meds for human and animal patients. An age-management section provides hormone replacement therapy to participating seniors. A contracting unit installs stair glides in people’s homes and renovates residential bathrooms to enhance accessibility and safety. The company’s come a Marvin Kohll, center, owns and operates Kohll’s Pharmacy and Homecare with his sons, Justin, long way since Louis and left, and David. Another son, Louis, died last year. Leona Kohll opened the original store in 1948 at 29th toilets and bath/shower bars; and even have a lift and Leavenworth. Back then the store was open 8:30 installed on their van. The store has bays dedicated to not only installations a.m. to 11:30 p.m. every single day of the year. The couple’s sons, Marvin and Jerry, followed them in the busi- but also repairs of lifts, power chairs, scooters and glides and has even opened a showroom selling vans that come ness. Founder Louis Kohll died at age 49 following a heart equipped with lifts. “You can go anywhere in the country and you will not attack he suffered in the store. Marvin was his only partner at the time and Jerry later joined him. Marvin and see a facility that looks like this. I guarantee it,” David Jerry later split the business, with Jerry building up a said. “You might see some who have some wheelchairs nursing home supply division. Jerry eventually sold his or this and that--kind of shoved in the corner, but without real experts doing it. None has anything to this interests to a national company. What made the then-small company a success all those (level of) commitment. Pharmacists generally own their years ago is the same thing that keeps Kohll’s successful pharmacy and if you’re trying to get everything done now as a much larger organization -- customer service. right there you’ve got to be really committed to this and Today, a pair of third generation pharmacist brothers, you’ve got to like it. You can’t just do it for the business David and Justin Kohll, Marvin’s two surviving sons, or it’s going to go away.” It’s about the Kohll family being smart and passionate maintain the customer-first policy. “For me, the satisfaction is taking care of the patients. about what they do. “We try to pick and choose what we do,” Justin said. It’s working with our health care team to come up with a solution and to know that we made a difference. It also “I mean, we could do a lot of things, but we usually pick helps you to feel good. It’s the thing that gets you to something we like to do also. You’re going to do a betwork the next day,” said David, whose oldest brother, ter job if you like it.” Each Kohll’s pharmacy offers the basics when it comes Louis, died recently, but not before making his own to prescriptions, vaccinations and screenings, along with mark in the business as a pharmacist and manager. Lessons learned have been passed down from one gen- a general selection of health care items, but each store eration to the next. It all comes down to hard work, fair also specializes in something. For example, the 127th and Q store specializes in play and treating people right. “Our father taught by example,” David said. “His mobility products. It’s also the company’s headquarters, example was the basics like being polite, honest, follow housing the administrative offices, marketing department, call center and future orders center. The through, et cetera. He’s worked hard his whole life.” Just as Louis Kohll taught his sons Marvin and Jerry Leavenworth store features respiratory/oxygen supplies. the trade, Marvin taught his boys the ins-and-outs. The 50th and Dodge site specializes in mastectomy fitPharmacists all, they built the foundation for an enter- tings and compression stockings. The 114th and Dodge prise that’s gone from a single mom-and-pop store to a location handles the compounding side and veterinary multi-faceted, seven-location corporation. Kohll’s stays needs. And so on. competitive in an era when national franchises dominate Continued on page 12

December 22, 2006

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

College Students Invited for Join “College Night Out” with David Broza With financial assistance from an anonymous donaGENDELMAN Ice Cream with Rabbi Azriel byJCCLESLEY tion, the reception and concert are free to the first 50 Community Services Director by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator If you’re in college or beyond, home on break, or call Omaha home, Temple Israel’s Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Elyce Azriel, director of education at Temple, will host a College Ice Cream Night on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 8 p.m., at Ted & Wally’s Ice Cream in the Old Market at 1120 Jackson St. Ted & Wally’s makes their ice cream the old fashioned way right on the premises. There’s usually a variety of about 15 flavors including cinnamon and pumpkin pie. Taste-testing spoons are available to help the undecided choose a desirable flavor. “Come renew old friendships and fill me in on what’s going on in your life,” said Rabbi Azriel. “I would love to catch up with those who have been away and those I just haven’t seen for some time. Let’s schmooze for awhile. I’m paying for the ice cream!”

ORGANIZATIONS LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343-1638. VISIONS Luncheon meeting is on Friday, Jan. 19, 12:30 p.m., at the Venice Inn. Celebrate the Installation of New Officers for the year 2007. Our guest speaker, Mike Silverman, Executive Director of Jewish Senior Services, will give a presentation on the rebuilding project of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Send reservations to: Tootie Simon at 8725 Izard St., Omaha, NE 68114. Join Visions for Urinetown at the Omaha Community Playhouse (Howard Drew Theatre) on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2 p.m. Please meet in the lobby at 1:30 p.m. to pick up tickets. Cost is $28. Send reservations to Ethel Goldston, 1108 No, 92 Plaza, #101, Omaha, NE 68114 by Jan. 22. For information, call Rose Pitlor at 558.5144 or Goldston at 393.7358. Membership dues for 2007 are now due. Please mail your check for $7.50 per person to: Visions, c/o Beverly Gilinsky, 1406 No. 126 St., Omaha, NE 68154. JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES Feel the passion with Middle Eastern Dancers--The Arabian Delights--on Sunday, Jan. 7, 1:30 p.m.. in the JCC auditorium. There is no admission fee. The Arabian Delights began four years ago at the LaVista Recreation Center. Enjoy the beautiful costumes, ethnic music and the art of Sword Dancing. For information, call Colleen Busk, Activities Director, at 334.6520. Business Owners Register for the free

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Are you looking for something to do this winter college students who RSVP to me at 334.6418 or at break? Want to reconnect with your college friends? lgendelman@jccomaha.org. While virtually everything else is closed on Sunday, Robert Mosenkis, Youth Director at Beth El, was one Dec. 24, the Jewish Community Center is hosting a of the nearly 50 attendees at last year’s event, and said, “College Night Out” “I have heard David event for all Jewish colBroza’s music and he is lege students in the great, so I hope that there Omaha metro area. will be a large showing A private student recepfor this great program.” tion, catered by Teresa In addition, all Jewish Kramer-Ruback, begins at teens are invited to the concert and a dinner in 6 p.m., and will be folthe JCC Teen Lounge, lowed by a satellite conprior to the broadcast. cert featuring Israeli rockThe cost is just $5. Please er, David Broza, Live Rachel at contact from the 92nd Street Y at 334.6404 to RSVP. 7 p.m. Broza’s performThe broadcast is open to ance career includes headlining with Paul Pictured above are 30 of the nearly 50 Jewish college students the entire Jewish community at $5. To order tickSimon, Bob Dylan, Van that attended last year’s “College Night Out.” Morrison, and Sting. With 23 gold, platinum and multi- ets, contact Cindy Reed, JCC Registration Associate at platinum albums, Broza has fans in every corner of the 334.6419. world.

BIRTH Laurie and Jeff Epstein announce the July 30 birth of Sophie Rose Epstein. She is named for her grandmother, Rachael Brown and her grandfather, Bob Epstein. She has a brother, Alec, and a sister, Cali.

Grandparents are Rachael and William Brown of Atlanta, GA, and Bobbie and Bob Epstein. Great-grandparents are Charlotte “Sis” Adler, and Joe and Latifa Cohen of Atlanta, GA.

Deadline Dates Announced For CJE Scholarships and Grants by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Administrator for Center for Jewish Education The annual Financial Assistance Guide from the Center for Jewish Education is found as an insert to this week’s issue of the Jewish Press. The Financial Assistance Guide is a comprehensive summary of the wide variety of grant and scholarship programs available to families in the Omaha community. Funding for the scholarships and grants are provided by an array of endowment funds with the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, direct funding by individuals, and through the Federation. All applications can be printed from the Federation website at www.jewishomaha.org. Select “Center for Jewish Education”, and then choose “Scholarships and Grants”. Applications can also be obtained by emailing a request to scholarships@jewishomaha.org or by call-

ing 334.6445. Application deadlines are as follows: Israel Experience Grants, Jan. 31, 2007; Sokolof Scholarships, March 1, 2007; Academic Excellence Scholarship, and Undergraduate & Graduate Studies, March 15, 2007; Jewish Summer Residential Camp Scholarships, Jewish Community Center Camp Scholarships, and Jewish Experience Grants, March 30, 2007; Jewish Community Center Preschool Scholarships, and Friedel Jewish Academy Scholarships, June 30, 2007. Please note that due to several complications with late documentation submissions, there will be strict adherence to the deadlines for all applications and associated documentation. For additional information on any of the grant or scholarship programs available, please call 334.6445.

Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 22, 2006

Beth El Class Takes a Magnifying Glass to the Siddur by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Beth El’s Rabbi Mordechai Levin says the Siddur is “the most important book that Jews read regularly, and yet it is little understood by American Jews.” Wanting to give the community the opportunity to discover the significance of the text, Rabbi Levin has chosen to explore its passages during his year-long class, “Getting More out of Prayer: Insights into the Siddur.” The class meets every Thursday at noon; the entire community is invited to join in the conversation. In addition to examining individual prayers, the rabbi and his class tackle such questions as ‘What is prayer?’ ‘What are the reasons for praying--or not praying?’ ‘Does God answer our prayers?’ and ‘How can fixed liturgy meet individuals’ needs?’ So far, the class (which convened in October) has reviewed three important ideas in Jewish theology: creation, revelation and redemption, and has discussed the Shema and its blessings, “the central and most ancient part of Jewish liturgy,” Rabbi Levin said. “We talked about why the Shema is so important, the difference it makes in believing in one God, and if there

are rewards and punishments for obeying sense in many ways, even though I have been familiar with them for so long --I feel or disobeying God’s commandments.” The class has proven to be both stimu- a greater depth of understanding now.” Staenberg, who also attended Rabbi lating and thought-provoking, and the rabbi noted his ongoing enjoyment of the Levin’s Thursday class last year, commendgroup’s lively discussions. “The 30 class ed her teacher, saying “he brings new thoughts and perdismembers spectives to the cuss, analyze and information-contribute their many of which I insights. There had not previously are always interor considered esting and wise thought about. perspectives, His classes are offered by those really very accessiattending, and ble to people and we have fun, too. he is a very clear several For presenter.” attendees, the in-depth study Rabbi Levin leads his students through a discussion of She added that, “I like to expand has created a the Shema. my understanding of being Jewish--there new-found relationship with the Siddur. “I feel more connected to the prayers in is so much to learn and appreciate and the Siddur and more connected to myself have different levels of understanding. I in a way by having a better understanding think that adult education is so helpful in of the prayers and what the meaning and my own growth--learning should not end background of the prayers are,” said Beth with a bar or bat mitzvah!” Fellow classmate Harold Kosowsky said Staenberg. “It has enlivened my time when I am at the synagogue--the prayers have a that following a recommendation from deeper meaning to me and make more friends Harold and Phyllis Zabin, he

decided to give Rabbi Levin’s class a try. “So even though I am not a believer in God or prayer, I decided to attend in the hope that I would discover new insights into my heritage,” he said. “Rabbi Levin is now teaching me what I should have learned sixty years ago,” Kosowsky continued. “The class has revealed to me the structure of the prayer book, something to which I have never given any thought. I especially enjoy the discussions about what the prayers mean and why certain passages have prevailed over the years and continue to be recited by the Jewish people. “I thank the rabbi for his careful, thorough preparation for each class,” he noted, adding that he appreciates Rabbi Levin’s acknowledgment that each prayer may mean something different to each student. “He continually informs everyone that there are no correct answers, and that every viewpoint is valid.” All members of the Jewish community are welcome to join; cost is $36 for the year. For information or to register, contact Program Director Margie Gutnik at 492-8550 or programming@bethelomaha.org.

Choosing a Retirement Plan For You, Your Business and Your Employees by ALAN UNGER UBS Financial Services Inc. Most of us look forward to enjoying the freedom of a financially secure retirement. Of course, how well you live tomorrow is largely determined by how well you plan – and save – today. It used to be that most workers could rely on Social Security payments as a major source of retirement income. But that’s no longer the case. Social Security was not designed for the America of today. Americans are living longer and could spend up to 30 years or more in retirement. Carefully planning for your retirement can be the key to the financial future of your later years. A retirement plan can offer important advan-

tages to business owners: tax-deductible contributions to the plan reduce your current tax bill; a valuable recruiting tool, which may be positioned as part of your business’ total benefits package, and can help you attract and retain valued employees. Retirement plans fall into two categories: defined benefit and defined contribution plans. With a defined benefit plan, each participant’s retirement benefit is determined by the formula set forth in the plan, which is all funded by the employer. Employer contributions vary to meet benefit requirements, and the plan sponsor takes on the investment risk. Since annual contributions are based on the amount required to provide the promised benefit, the closer your

employees are to retirement, the larger the permitted tax-deductible contribution will tend to be. With a defined contribution plan, an employees’ retirement benefit is the amount of assets in the individual account at retirement. The plan may be structured so that each plan participant takes on the investment risk of his/her own account. Some of the plans available include simplified employee pension plans (SEPs), profit sharing plans, 401(k) plans, and savings incentive match plans for employees (SIMPLEs). For employers who want their employees to share in the funding of their retirement plan, a 401(k) plan may be a viable choice. A 401(k) is a form of profit sharing plan that allows employ-

ees to make salary deferral contributions. In addition, the employer may choose to make matching and/or discretionary contributions on a tax-deductible basis. Providing sufficient retirement income for you and your employees at a reasonable cost to your business requires careful planning and investing. Consult with a professional to help you identify investment alternatives and programs best suited to your needs and those of your plan and your employees. Planning for retirement is far too important to put off. Neither UBS Financial Services Inc. nor its employees provide tax or legal advice. You must consult with your attorney and tax advisors regarding your personal circumstances.

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December 22, 2006

IN THE NEWS Two vacancies currently exist on the Advisory Committee to the Nebraska Library Commission Talking Book and Braille Service. Its purpose is to represent the needs of talking book and Braille borrowers and to make recommendations concerning library policies, services, and programs. Membership consists primarily of library users but may include librarians, educators, health care providers, and others who understand the needs of individuals with disabilities. The committee normally meets twice a year. Contact Talking Book and Braille Service, 1200 ‘N’ St., Suite 120, Lincoln, NE 68508-2023 by March 1, 2007. Phone: 402.471.4038 or 800.742.7691, fax: 402.471.6244, or e-mail: talkingbook@nlc.state.ne.us for more information. Nobbies, with locations in Omaha and Bellevue, donated toys valued at more than $5000 to the Toys for Tots Campaign. Gordon and Joy Watanabe, owners of Nobbies made the donation as a way of thanking the community for its support this year. “It’s been a wonderful year for Nobbies,” said Gordon Watanabe. “We won several national awards including Party Retailer of the Year, something we couldn’t have done without the support of this community. It’s just a small way for us to give back to the community that supports us throughout the year.” Toys for Tots, run by the Marine Corps Reserve for the past 59 years has set a goal of collecting 50,000 toys for families in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area. Creighton University ranks fifth in PC’s Magazine’s Top Wired Colleges, an annual analysis of colleges throughout the nation. The recognition honors colleges with the most comprehensive--in terms of size, scope and quality--computing and technology offerings. Creighton is the only college in Nebraska and the only Jesuit, Catholic school in the nation being recognized. “Creighton’s mission is to provide an exceptional learning and living environment that benefits students. This national recognition underscores that commitment and reaffirms the importance of cutting-edge technology to the total college experience...helping make graduates more marketable,” said Creighton President, the Rev. John P. Schlegel, S. J. Creighton embraces technology to support academics, enhance student’s education and provide an innovative learning environment. The list will be available in January’s issue PC Magazine on newsstands Dec. 26. Background data on the survey conducted with top administrators from The Princeton Review’s college guide will be available on their website at www.pcmag.com.

Yachad Wrapped Up in Dreidel Project by DUANE J. PIEPER Armed with scissors, scotch tape, and rolls of Hanukkah gift paper the Yachad members were given their wrapping orders by Jenny Meyerson, coordinator of the Dreidel Project for Jewish Family Service. Each team consolidated their skills and resources and took on the challenge of transforming diverse shapes, sizes and textures into a collage of colorful creations. In the end each team completed wrapping a bundle of gifts reflecting the unique personality and love of its participants. This is a special time of the year in the Jewish calendar in which to reflect upon the gifts of life, light and miracles. The Nancy Isler partakes in the gift of giving at the Y a c h a d Driedel Project event. members joined JFS’s Dreidel Project outreach to ensure that everyone in the Jewish community would have the wherewithal to celebrate in the spirit the season. Receiving gifts is always great fun. However, as the Yachad members can attest to, being part of this volunteer effort, carefully wrapping each gift and imagining the joy it will bring, was even more fulfilling. Coming up in a future edition will be some reflections from Yachad’s next event, their annual Hanukkah party.

Annelise Ocanto has graduated from the University of NebraskaOmaha, with honors in English as a Second Language. She is applying to the Cantorial School at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City.

Jody’s Sweet Shop in Virginia Beach, VA, known for its nationally renowned caramel corn and popcorn with more than 12 flavors, and its fudge, has announced that former City Council Woman, Sylvia Wagner is its Midwest Regional Sales Manager. Jody Wagner currently serves as Secretary of Finance for the Commonwealth of Virginia after serving as the Commonwealth’s Treasurer. Dr. Alan Wagner created the “Original Formula 43” caramel corn. Wagner can be reached at 402.392.0600 or sylvia@ jodyspopcorn.com. Rabbi Seth Nadel and his band play their high-energy hybrid of pop, rock, folk, and blues, tomorrow night, Saturday, Dec. 23 , 8 p.m, at the Foundry, 6051 Maple St. in Benson. There is a $5 cover charge. Critics have called Rabbi Nadel’s music, “Dylan, Springsteen, and the Counting Crows meet Shlomo Carlebach.” For more information, visit: www.sethnadel.com. Karen Sokolof Javitch and Elaine Jabenis, coauthors of Princess Diana: The Musical, were featured in the Dec. 18 issue of the National Enquirer. The original story about the authors was picked up by the tabloid during the week commemorating the death of the Princess of Wales, who died in a tragic car accident in Paris in 1995. The musical has been produced several times in Omaha, but next year, it will also be shown in Germany, as it has been translated into German. Paintings by former Omahan Jay Milder are featured at the Museu de Arte Moderna in Rio de Janeiro, and at the Lohin Geduld Gallery. A 1952 graduate of Central High School, Milder was for many years a Professor at CUNY in New York; he now lives in Easton, PA. His work can be viewed at www.mamrio.org. His parents, the late Leo and Jeannette Milder, were long time residents of Omaha.

NCJW to Sponsor “Grand” Book Reading Group by LISA LIEB NCJW Co-Vice President of Public Relations In celebration of the special bond between grandparents and their grandchildren, the National Council of Jewish Women is pleased to sponsor a Grandparent/Grandchild Book Reading Group. The book reading session will take place on Sunday, Feb. 18, 4 p.m. Darlene Golbitz, joined by grandchildren Carter and Emma Eades, will lead a group for children ages 3-6. During this session, the group will read a book together and have related craft activities. Marian Nogg, accompanied by her grandchildren Madie and Ari Rauhauser, will lead a group for children ages 7-11. During the session for the older children, the group will read and discuss the chosen book. “We would like to foster a love for reading and provide a chance for grandparents and grandchildren to spend quality time together,” said Susan Rothholz, CoVice-President of Public Affairs & Education for NCJW. “This is also an ideal opportunity to instill NCJW’s Jewish values into future generations.” Details about the books selected and meeting locations will be announced in January, and the books will be available for purchase two weeks prior to the book group session. Earlier this week the Omaha section of NCJW dedicated the Kripke Library children’s entrance, which was donated by NCJW in memory of Karin Levine. For more information about the book group, contact Susan Rothholz at spredwood2@cox.net. Reservations are due by Feb. 1.

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Temple Caring Committee Members Have Become Like Family to Blumkin Home Residents ful for a few minutes of our time, for a smile, for a hug. by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator “Each time I go, I see the goodness that our older genEvery Friday afternoon as most of us are tidying up eration has to teach us,” Josephson said. “They are so loose ends at work, preparing an appetizing Shabbat special to each other. We have watched one resident dinner, getting ready to go to worship services or for looking after another who is less able, a resident who weekend R and R, three women are wheeling a cart holds the hand of another who is not well, a resident who around the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home visiting and serves the Home by helping to plan activities, a resident who creates artwork for special members in her family, a chatting with residents there. Since last winter, Lisa Epstein, Judy Josephson, and resident who brings flowers to another who is having a Bonnie Pfrenger load up a rolling cart with bundt cake, bad day. They are role models for us in many ways. I feel pound cake, strudel, soft cookies, bags of Hershey kiss- like a guest when I am invited to visit in a resident’s room es, and other sweet treats and stroll from room to room for that is their private space, their home.” Pfrenger, a relative newcomer to Nebraska, said, “I meeting with 15 to 20 Blumkin residents. “It usually takes us about two hours since we have devel- always wanted to get involved helping the elderly. When oped friendships with so many of our Temple residents,” I moved here two and a half years ago, I knew I wanted said Epstein, chair of Temple Israel’s Caring Committee. to get involved some way. When Lisa asked me to join “If invited, we sit down and schmooze with them. The res- the Caring Committee, I knew that’s exactly where I idents are so sweet. Many of them have no family here in wanted to be. “All the residents are very receptive,” Pfrenger added. town and we have become a welcome visit. They share stories of their lives and families with us. We look at pictures “They were reserved at first, but they enjoy our visits of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. now. They look forward to the treats we bring, especially Lisa’s strudel!” They talk of their spouses, Shelly Fox, Jewish Senior many who have passed away. Services social worker, It’s so dear to hear how they explained that Epstein wantmet their spouse and their ed to increase the amount of love for their spouse. It’s like time spent at the Blumkin living history. Home when she became “It’s so heartwarming to hear how they help build this chair of the Temple Caring Committee in 2005. “It’s a Jewish community,” Epstein priority with them and they continued. “I feel honored to have an amazing ability to have gotten to know each resconnect with some resiident. We have so much to learn from them. As the long- Lisa Epstein, left, has a friendly chat with Blumkin Home res- dents,” Fox said. “They time residents of Jewish ident Dave Dvorkin who also enjoys weekly visits with Bonnie don’t make any distinction Omaha, they are the ones Pfrenger and Judy Josephson. The women are members of between Temple members and others especially those that ensured we have this Temple Israel’s Caring Committee. who don’t have family here. It isn’t about what the great Jewish Omaha we do today.” Josephson said she first became involved in going to women bring. It’s about the visits. They never seem to the Blumkin Home after being invited by Epstein to help be in a rush or get distracted. They’re here for hours on Temple’s Caring Committee. “We work with the sometimes. Bonnie has even brought her kids.” As Pfrenger suggested, some residents were unsure of Blumkin staff to learn about residents’ food needs. We usually either bake softer type baked goods or sometimes, the visitors at first. “But after a few weeks,” Fox noted, we buy baked goods. Occasionally, we might bring a res- “you should have seen the smiles! People look forward ident (something) they request. We have brought library to them.” “There hasn’t been a week when at least one of the books, CDs, ice cream shakes, even a corned beef sandCaring Committee members isn’t here,” Fox said. wich if it would make a resident happy!” Like Epstein, Josephson is touched by the residents’ “They made a commitment and they’re sticking to it.” “It’s not a short-term thing,” noted Pfrenger. loving natures. “The residents’ reactions are so warm “The residents are generally excited to see us,” reportand welcoming. Many look forward to our visits as much as we look forward to being there. We have devel- ed Epstein. “We have become part of their Friday rouoped many wonderful friendships over the months. tine. If one of us is out of town, we just make sure at Many of the residents really enjoy the Shabbat goodies, least one of us is there. We haven’t skipped a week yet!” “I think they’re super,” confirmed Barbara Mulloy, a but even more, they seem to enjoy a weekly visit. We look forward to hearing about their week, how they are Blumkin Home resident. “They’re happy and exuberfeeling, how their families are doing, what their holiday ant. They make me happy, like someone cares for me.” plans might be, even what’s for lunch or dinner on that Simply “the best!” is how Eli Stone described the trio day. We talk about books they’re reading, committees when they visited him. Before they moved on to the they are on events in the news, happenings in the Jewish next room, all three of the women gave him a hug. community,” Josephson explained. Fox said there are other volunteers, including Sheila Epstein added that sometimes residents ask “us to Tomps, also a member of Temple Israel, who visit resicome watch them paint in the ceramics room. One resi- dents on a frequent basis. “And the Temple clergy make dent said she would love to have a fountain soda, so we it a point to visit.” She would welcome others from the brought her a soda. It had been so long for her since she community to make regular visits to the Home. Those had had a fountain soda. She was very excited! It’s these interested can contact Epstein or call Lois Wine, Shane small things that take very little time that can make a res- Kotok, or Fox at the Blumkin Home, 330.4272. ident’s day a good day.” “No matter how much time and effort, you can’t care “While this began for me as a way to help Lisa with about someone too much. There can’t be too much love something new for Temple,” Josephson mentioned, “it has and attention,” Fox insisted. developed into a personal connection that adds a wonderAs for the Temple Caring Committees members, ful new dimension to my life. I feel so lucky to have many Epstein said, “We hope that what we have started of the residents as my friends. They have given me so much becomes a part of Temple always. It’s such a wonderfulmore than I can possibly give to them. They are so grate- way to say we care.”

Periodontal Disease is Second Only to the Common Cold by CHRISTOPHER STANOSHECK, DDS Dental diseases (cavities and gum disease) are the most common diseases affecting people besides the common cold. With the addition of fluoride to the water and fluoride toothpaste, cavities, for the most part, have become a problem of the past. Unfortunately, gum disease or periodontal disease, continues to affect 75% of the population. Gingivitis is a bacterial infection of the gums that is reversible. However, periodontal disease is a gum and bone disease that can cause permanent damage. There are several stages of the disease and early detection is the key to controlling it. Periodontal disease is a serious infection. Recent studies show individuals with periodontal disease are more likely to suf-

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You Can’t Predict, But You Can Prepare by KATE FRIEDMAN Swartzbaugh-Farber & Associates, Inc. As Mort Sahl so accurately put it, “The future lies ahead.” Not surprisingly, preparing for it can be complicated and confusing. It’s difficult to know how to plan when there are so many factors to take into account. How do you prepare? A 50-year-old today can join AARP, but that doesn’t make him or her a senior citizen. Most people that age have decades of productive liv-

ing ahead. There are children and grandchildren to nurture, mortgages to pay off, and as much as 20 years of retirement to prepare for. In your 20s, 30s and 40s you save, raise children, and buy life insurance to protect your family in the event of your premature death during your family’s dependent years. In your 50s, priorities change. If your health becomes an issue as you wind down your working years, who will take care of you and how will you pay for it? If you are in good health and

have 20 or more years to enjoy retirement, how will you pay for it? If you own a business that you want to leave to your children at your death and provide your spouse with a lifetime income based on the sale of the business, how will the children pay for it? The answers to these questions, in order, are: 1) retirement and savings plans; 2) medical and long-term care insurance; and 3) life insurance.

These concerns can be solved, or at least eased, by preplanning. Seek out competent advisors who can guide you through these issues and suggest solutions. Planning of this type requires action before the need arises, and even before you can identify the form your need will take. In other words, “You can’t predict…but you can prepare.”

Follow These Tips to Ensure Retirement Dream Comes True by CHERYL A. CLAUSEN President of Measured Success Inc. Frequently business owners fail to make the necessary plans for transitioning out of their business. If you are like most business owners your business is your largest investment and the most important contributing factor for your retirement. It can take 3-7 years of planning and preparation to make your business salable for

the highest return and/or profitable for the next generation. Will you be ready when it is time to make this transition? Putting together your exit strategy is the first step in the process of making this transition out of your business. Your plan must address the steps that will enable this business to function without your involvement and decision making. Usually that entails developing key

staff or family members that are prepared to run the operation and make the necessary decisions. You will want to look at your efficiencies and effectiveness and discover opportunities for increasing your net profit in the interim years between now and your transition out of the business. The business must have strong cash flow after debt service whether the business will be sold to outside parties or to

future generations. Either way you will want the financial security of knowing the funds will be in your account as planned so you can live the lifestyle you plan to lead. Those business owners that enlist the help of outside professionals including a business consultant enjoy higher net returns than those who don’t. Call me at: 402.926.1134 or visit www.measuredsuccessinc.com

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December 22, 2006

Customer First Philosophy Continued from page 6 Instead of extra inventory taking up space at each location, one central supply site contains medical supplies, which makes it easier to track what’s in stock and to send supplies out as needed. Being able to respond to many different needs is what Kohll’s does best, Justin and David say. “Knowing you have something for the patient, knowing that you’ll do a good job, knowing that you’ll get it there in a timely fashion,” said Justin, adding that in most cases patients only think about health care aids when a crisis occurs. “You don’t know unless you need it,” he said. “If you need something, hopefully the physician will send it through here because normally we’ll have it. And, right up front as customers come in they see all the products and maybe that gets them to thinking, ‘Hey, I saw walkers at Kohll’s. My mom needs a walker.’ That’s what we try to do.” “We try to educate people,” David said. Part of that education, he explained, is providing timely, state-of-the-art answers for people as their health care needs progress. A wheelchair patient may be upgraded to a power chair. If a patient can’t move his or her arms any longer, a lift may be in order. Kohll’s visiting homecare professionals are trained to recognize when a client’s declining health dictates action in the absence of a regular caregiver or adult children. Its future orders callers and delivery drivers are trained to ask questions that reveal the kinds of changes that indicate problems. This way, unhappy outcomes can be avoided. “A person may be doing pretty good but they may get to the point where they can’t walk very well and instead of somebody recognizing that they just stay in their apartment more and then they can’t walk at all and instead of being in a wheelchair they’re just in bed all the time. And the next thing you know the senior develops a bed sore. It causes the progressive deterioration to go faster,” David said. “What we try to do is ask questions every month, like--Do you have trouble getting up from a chair? If they answer yes to that we ask more questions and begin coming up with solutions. It might be a raised toilet seat or bath bars or a lift.” It’s also about anticipating future needs. “Somebody getting their prescriptions and adult diapers from us now are more than likely within a year going to need a walker. We try to be aware of that,” David said. The goal is helping patients maintain independence in their own homes. “It could be something as simple as a reacher. Maybe it’s become hard for somebody to bend over and stand up. It can be just basic things to keep people doing what they were doing for as long as possible. To make it so they don’t go into that nursing home or that assisted liv-

The Face of

ing facility. To keep them in their own home with their regular neighbors. That’s what we want to do,” David said. The ongoing education Kohll’s does with clients includes getting folks to see that a homecare product like a stair glide is not a step back but a step forward. “A lot of times seniors have the mind set--‘I don’t want a glider to help me get up the stairs because I want my independence.’ They don’t understand that by risking a fall where they fracture a pelvis or an ankle, they’re actually saying, ‘Make me dependent’,” David said. “We’re trying to do all we can to show that you can have a much better life if you get one of these things. But don’t get the hospital-looking one, get the red one so people don’t feel sorry for you.” He said the public should shop around when buying home medical equipment, such as power chairs. It pays to go where there’s good selection and price as well as proven expertise. A Kohll’s advantage is that it knows and stands behind the items, even doing repairs. He said too many people just go where it’s convenient. “If you all of a sudden end up in the hospital after a fall, you’ve got to get a chair now. You’re more reliant on professionals to get you through it. You don’t have time to do any preparation. The sad part about that is that you might make a mistake and go to a place that doesn’t really know anything about it and get something wrong for you,” David said. All the emphasis on home health supports doesn’t mean Kohll’s has left behind the core or traditional pharmacy service of filling prescriptions. “We’d like to be filling prescriptions for everybody in Omaha or anywhere around,” David said. “We don’t want them to go elsewhere because if they get their prescriptions from us then they’ll have more of an awareness of the other things that might benefit them. I don’t want to get away from our base of prescriptions. All three of us (himself, Justin and their father, Marvin) were trained as pharmacists. We think it all starts with prescriptions because we’re trusted more than any other profession. The patients know us or they see us or they talk to us the most often. It all starts there and then we can bring them into all these other things.” The family’s arrived at a democratic way of setting policy and managing operations. “My father has a say in things if he chooses, but there isn't and hasn't been a dictatorship or hierarchy or veto power by any of us,” David said. “Each of us would explore an idea and if it looked successful, it would be presented to each other. We then give suggestions and implement it. We’ve had our disagreements, but we’re so concerned and busy with providing our customers/patients with the best care possible that the disagreements are taken care of within 24 hours,” David said.

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“We really don't have time for disagreements. I don't believe the staff’s felt pulled in different directions by each of us, so it’s not an issue.” Marvin Kohll said the family avoids internal strife as each member involved in the business establishes “responsibilities” distinct and apart from the others’. Besides, he said, “I was never a real taskmaster to them. I let them pretty well do as they pleased and they responded.” David said that’s still the case. While David monitors the retail end, Justin runs the compounding side. Marvin’s watched over the money in recent years, taking a less and less active role. Still, David said, his presence is felt. “We always feel he’s working with us.” And if dad sees something amiss, David said, “He’ll rip us about something we can do better.” He added, “Towards Louis's last years he mainly oversaw the employer pharmacy benefits area and pharmacy mail order division. Since his passing we have continued where he left off. He did a phenomenal job educating the staff...making it easier for us to carry on. It is difficult because we worked so closely together.” Marvin’s boys weren’t pushed to go into the family business, but each came to it on his own. From the time they were young they hung around their dad at work after school or on vacation. “We probably first came down to the pharmacies when we were about four or five-years-old. My brothers and I were only three years apart, so we played pretty rough and I think my mother would ship us to the pharmacy when she had enough of us,” David recalled. “At first my father would just try to get us out of his way and assign us to one of the staff. They would usually have us break up empty boxes. Over time we became more useful as clerks, stockers, drivers and then pharmacy helpers. We begin working full-time summers when we were 16 or 17.” Besides David, Justin and Louis, some other Kohlls have contributed to running and growing the family company. “Two of Jerry Kohll’s kids, Cindy and Alan, joined the company in the early ’90s. They contributed significantly, but not as pharmacists,” David said. What the next generation holds as far as new Kohll blood entering the business, no one knows. Since David and his wife Janet are the parents of five young children the odds are at least one will follow David’s path. Marvin Kohll said one grandchild has expressed interest to him in studying pharmacy, which if it comes to pass would mean a fourth generation of pharmacists in the family. But more than family legacy keeps the company strong 58 years after its start--its single-minded focus. “We don't feel a responsibility to the next generation to carry on the family business. The responsibility we have is to our customers/patients to provide excellent care to them,” David said.

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by MELISSA WHITTLE Care Consultants for the Aging As the average lifespan increases, people often need assistance for day to day living beyond what they or their family can provide. Sometimes this help can best be found by moving into a nursing home or similar facility. Other times, people prefer to have someone come into their home to provide the needed assistance. If this person decides they would like caregivers to come into their home, they may hire someone privately or enlist the help of a home health company. There are three different types of home health companies: non-medical companion services, home health agencies, and home health registries. Each person must decide for themselves which model best suits their needs. Non-medical companion services hire their caregivers. The client pays the agency and the agency pays the caregivers. These services can include companionship, meal preparation, and light housekeeping but do not involve any nursing levels of care.

Home health agencies also hire their caregivers. As with non-medical companion services, the client pays the agency and the agency pays the caregivers. These services sometimes include companionship but can also include case management or physical therapy as well as nurse and nurse aide levels of care. Home health registries screen and schedule caregivers that work directly for the clients. The client pays the caregivers directly. In addition, the client is able to manage their own care. These caregivers offer a variety of services ranging from companionship services, including meal preparation and light housekeeping, up to nurse and nurse aide levels of care. There are many considerations to take into account when determining which home health company to use and the solution will vary from person to person. By deciding the level of care needed, the amount of involvement preferred, and a price range that is affordable, every person can find a home health company that best suits their unique situation.

Healthy Smile, Gorgeous Face by AMANDA VISTY Everyone wants to look and feel their best. It starts with a beautiful, healthy smile. But for those with missing teeth, wanting a beautiful, confident smile is just the beginning; they also want to be able to enjoy foods they love without worrying about dentures slipping or clicking. Not only can dentures be awkward and clumsy, they do not stop the loss of jaw bone that may result with a missing tooth, which could lead to greater health risks later. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 69% of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth to an accident, gum disease, a failed root canal or tooth decay. Furthermore by age 74, 26% of adults have lost all their permanent teeth. Today there is a solution for missing teeth --permanent and secure dental implants. These man-made replacements for the tooth and root are changing patients’ lives by giving them back their smiles, confidence and favorite foods! Permanent dental implants are strong, stable, and secure. They look and function like

natural teeth and are now considered the standard of care in dentistry for missing teeth The surgeons of Oral & Facial Plastic Surgery specialize in dental implants. They work with your dentist to replace your missing tooth or teeth with custom designed titanium dental implants that perfectly match your natural teeth. The simple surgery is usually quick and easy with almost no discomfort. Your dentist and oral surgeon can make it possible to have new, fully working teeth in as little as one or two visits. There are 15 surgeons who make up Oral & Facial Plastic Surgery in Nebraska and Iowa, making it one of the most comprehensive practices of its kind in the United States. Oral and Facial Plastic Surgery has three Omaha offices, as well as in Council Bluffs, Fremont and Norfolk, with satellite offices throughout southwest Iowa. For information, call 1.800.341.1837, or for 144th & West Center, call 330.8460; for 132nd & West Maple, call 397.1205; for 90th & W. Center, call 393.4433; or in Council Bluffs, call 328.8892.

Prescription For Recovery VNA Home Care Assists You In Many Ways by LIZ STIENBLOCK Envoy, Inc. It is not uncommon for a patient to leave the hospital before they are fully recovered. Someone who is suffering from acute or chronic illnesses or recovering from surgery may not be ready to function independently at home. Situations like this often require a home healthcare plan prescribed by your doctor. Registered nurses, therapists, social workers and home health aides from the Visiting Nurse Association work with patients to optimize their physical and emotional health in order to gain functional independence and quality of life in the home setting. Home healthcare patients can range from seniors who require assistance with daily activities to new mothers with infants. Other services of home healthcare include: physical, occupational or speech therapy, mental health services, asthma management, nutritional services and assistance for people suffering from

Alzheimer’s or dementia. Regardless of the situation, VNA is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The focus of physician-ordered home healthcare is to provide assistance and support to individuals who want to maintain their independence in the comfort of their own surroundings. VNA’s personalized home health care plan is a close collaboration between the physician, patient and family or caregiver. A clinician visits the patient to evaluate needs and recommend any adjustments to the overall care strategy, if necessary. Each care plan is coordinated and supervised by a registered nurse or therapist. If you are interested in learning more about VNA’s home care programs and services, call 402.342.5566 or 800.456.8869. If you would like to make a donation to the VNA Foundation, call 402.930.4022. Your financial contribution helps secure the resources VNA needs to provide quality health care services to those in need within our community.

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Are You Prepared for the Retirement Red Zone?

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by JOSEPH JOHN, CLU, CHFC, RHU, REBC Retirement planning is an emotional subject. Many people fear they are not saving enough. Others are confused about their investment options or unsure if their savings are invested aggressively enough. Still others may be saving and investing wisely, but are concerned they simply started too late. But for everyone, there is a 10-year period of time--the five years before and the five years after retirement--that is especially critical. Prudential Financial has dubbed this time period the Retirement Red Zone, and has issued a recent research study bearing the same name. Retirement planning is all about managing risks—such as the risk of inflation eroding retirement savings, the risk of a market downturn depleting needed assets, the risk of a major illness or disability, or longevity risk—the risk of outliving your retirement assets. It’s also especially significant for women, who tend to have fewer retirement resources of their own, and who are more likely to be on their own at some point in their retirement years. Seek advice. Whether you are just starting out in the work force or halfway to retirement, the most productive thing you can do is seek professional advice. Consider long-term care needs. Inevitably, many of us will need some type of long-term health care as we approach our

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retirement years. The right plan can help you protect your retirement funds and give you the flexibility to be involved in decisions about your future care. Consider life insurance. Life insurance can help ensure your family will be taken care of and continue to let you be part of their future if you were no longer around. Create a cash reserve. Cash reserves are sometimes an overlooked component in the retirement plan. It’s a good idea to set aside cash that can carry you for several years, while investing the remainder in your growth portfolio. Investigate Annuities. An annuity with a guaranteed lifetime annual payout can help insure you against poor returns on other investments, and help protect you against the risk of outliving your assets. Consider a Reverse Mortgage. Reverse mortgages pay a monthly income out of your equity and the money does not have to be repaid while you are living in the home. Upon death, the loan is paid out of the proceeds from the sale of your home. Meeting with a qualified financial professional now can help you map out your intentions and safely navigate the “Retirement Red Zone” when the time comes. For more information, visit www.prudential.com or call me at 402.926.2850. Many adults feel extremely self-conscious about their smile if they have experienced tooth loss. This can be reason enough to consider tooth replacement options. What many people are not aware of, is the impact that missing teeth may have on your health as well. Oral & Facial Plastic Surgery can create a healthy, attractive permanent solution to teeth loss. Call today to set up a consultation at one of our six convenient offices.

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Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 22, 2006

One Last Risk to Our Finances

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by BILL NEUMAN Most people insure themselves against large financial losses that could negatively impact or even ruin their finances. We insure our cars and homes. We make sure we have health insurance. We buy life insurance to protect our loved ones and dependants. Often, as the years pass, we are fortunate enough to build up a nest egg to draw on in our later years. We may even have enough to pass on to our heirs. For many people there is only one area left unprotected that could be a large financial drain at this stage of their life. That area is long term care expenses. Traditionally, long term care insurance brings to mind a health insurance based product that pays a set benefit based on the amount of time the insured needs long term care.

Alternative long term care plans are now based on a defined long term care benefit that is funded by life insurance, annuities or a combination of both. These products still retain the tax benefits of traditional long term care insurance. Important differences with these alternative products are that they are easier to get underwritten and, if you don't need long term care, you still have the death benefit and/or cash values of the underlying products. No matter what type of product fits your needs, it is important to work with an independent agent who can offer different types of plans from different companies. One size never fits all when it comes to insurance products. For more information, contact me at: Neuman Financial at 991.2894.

A New Year’s Resolution

Find a Caregiver You Can Trust

by BETH HURD Hey, ladies, with New Year’s just around the corner, try something that will enhance your diet and exercise goals... Endermologie, a deep tissue lymphatic massage treatment that contours your body and reduces cellulite! Endermologie is a healthy, cosmetic procedure. The treatment head produces a combination of suction and skin rolling, squeezing the superficial fat cells causing them to “decongest,” releasing fats, waters and toxins into the lymphatic system. With increased water intake, which is key to success, these unwanted particles are eliminated. At the same time, skin rolling increase the collagen and elastin production which tightens the skin. Endermologie treatments are not only for those seeking to make skin tighter and hip and waist measurements smaller. Endermologie is great for those who suffer from poor circulation. Patients with fibromialsia, MS, bursitis, and diabetes have all claimed varying amounts of relief from Endermologie treatments. For cellulite reduction and body contouring, an average number of treatments that a client can expect to initially commit to is 15. However, that number varies depending on many factors - one which is - the type of cellulite that a woman has. There are different types and some respond quicker than others. Once desired results are achieved, they are maintained with a once a month treatment. Whether you are a soon to be bride wanting to look good for your honeymoon or a menopausal woman struggling with weight gain, Endermologie may be something you can add to your lifestyle to help you achieve your goals quicker and easier. Beth Hurd is the owner of Beth’s Body Shop, in the Rick Billings building. See if Endermologie is right for you. Call 679.2977 today.

by BROOKE CHANEY Have you ever worried about living a safe and independent life in your own home? Maybe you’ve thought that you or a loved one could use a little help bathing, preparing meals, getting in and out of bed, or keeping up with household duties. But the news is full of stories about strangers taking advantage of older people--and it’s scary. However, there’s good news. There are common-sense steps you can take to find a reliable and competent caregiver to help you or your loved one live safely and independently at home. Your first decision is whether to take on hiring and managing a caregiver on your own. Are you prepared to interview and investigate candidates? Will you be able to administer your caregiver’s wages, payroll taxes and worker’s compensation insurance? Can you handle the stress of firing or having to find an emergency substitute? Not surprisingly, many people prefer to avoid the legal and financial liabilities of hiring their own employee. They find that hiring a reputable home care company is both safe and convenient. Based on a checklist from the National Association of Home Care, look for: Provides a written document that states the rights of the client, privacy policy and code of ethics; Furnishes written statements describing all services and costs; Does not require up-front deposits and offers a fair policy concerning cancellations; Background checks its employees carefully; Administers insurance coverage, payroll taxes and bonding for its employees. At Homewatch CareGivers, we recognize the need to provide compassionate and professional home care to clients whose loved ones can’t always be there. Visit www.homewatchcaregivers.com or call 1.866.760.CARE for more information.

Long-Term Care: Don’t Underestimate Your Need for Coverage by GARY KATELMAN Aging baby boomers and new medical technology prolonging life have increased the need for long-term care. It’s something Americans of any age should be thinking about, but most people are not aware of or prepared for the cost. Long-term care refers to a wide range of medical and nonmedical services including custodial help with daily activities, nursing care and skilled nursing services for people who are physically or mentally unable to care for themselves. Home health care, adult day care, respite care, assisted living and nursing home care all fall into the category of long-term care. An individual long-term care insurance policy is critical for a person of any age and it can be more economical to purchase such coverage when younger. People mistakenly assume that long-term care coverage is only for the elderly, but anything can happen to anyone at any age resulting in the need for some sort of care. It is not uncommon to find people in their 30s at a nursing home because of a debilitating accident. Health insurance policies typically do not cover long-term

care costs such as nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Also, most policies don’t pay for adaptive equipment, special transportation needs or home modifications either. Many Americans assume that Medicare will cover these costs. However, coverage is limited and may still require large out-of-pocket expenses. Medicare pays for skilled nursing facility care only after a discharge from a three-night hospital stay and upon a doctor’s referral to a skilled nursing facility. It does not pay for custodial or intermediate care and the majority of care provided in nursing homes is custodial, which includes assistance with dressing, eating and moving around. An individual long-term care policy may save you from having to deplete your assets for care. In some sense long-term care insurance is lifestyle preservation to help ensure you have a choice in your care. At the same time, it’s asset preservation. It helps allow you to still pass on something to your heirs. If you have questions, contact me at Senior Market Sales: 397-3311, ext.3635 or 3637.

Time to Relax! by ERIC CATLIN I know the holiday season is busy and sometimes chaotic, but KM Landscaping wants you to enjoy this time of year and with our professional landscape management programs and our creative landscape designers, we are focused on your satisfaction and happiness. We invite you to contact KM Landscaping and see how we can help you relax. During the winter months, imagine the effects a spring cleanup and yearly maintenance plan could do for your property. From small scale condos to large scale acreages, each project is treated with care. By incorporating a program that implements yard maintenance, pruning techniques, and fertilizing/pre-emergent applications, your property will develop into a truly remarkable space. A property management program will promote plant care, health, and weed management. You can also walk around your property and make note of new projects and areas to landscape. Areas include: steep inclines, large turf areas, wet areas, drainage problems, screening needs, shade needs, as well as entertaining, intimate, and high traffic areas. Get involved with your landscape and explore

the possibilities. We can supply you with experienced advice and creative suggestions. For professional landscape management programs or our creative design staff, give us a call at 402.359.2898 or look us up at www.KMLandscaping.com. Remember your dreams and needs begin with a plan. Matt Keiser, President of KM Landscaping, has announced an expansion of his services. Matt’s experience and knowledge of home construction and professional networking, creates an opportunity to service all of our clients needs. Keiser Contracting is a general contracting and remodeling business designed to expand KM Landscaping talents and customer service. When you are in need of remodeling and repairs, count on Keiser Contracting for the best service and results. Explore our specialties including; laminate flooring, painting, drywall work, gutter cleaning, dirt work, property clean-up, carpentry work, concrete, electrical, plumbing, roofing, lawn maintenance, power washing, and deck restoration. For contracting and remodeling services, please contact Matt at 402.480.1863 or e-mail him at keiser001@aol.com.

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Strategies of Wealth Building… Is this Self-Directed IRA for Me? by MARY LUETH Security Trust Company Regional Manager This is a question that requires a little investigating. The Self-directed IRA was created within the ERISA act in 1974 which allows you, the account owner--not your financial planner, to make your own investment decisions and hold non-traditional assets inside your IRA. What’s right for you? Determine your investment interests. Is it gold, silver, notes, mortgages, real estate, stock and bonds? Do you have a particular passion or emotion about any of these investment vehicles? When you focus on your interests and develop a strategy for wealth building, you will become actively involved and passionate about your future. Focus on your dreams—this is the initial step in starting a wealth-building strategy. When you know what you want, you can implement a plan to get you there. Do you want to create passive income streams, make a large

purchase or do something for your family or charity? Find what interests you and start investing. Is your interest in real estate? Use this as a means to fund your dreams and create passive income. Fund the investment—possibly with a Selfdirected IRA and purchase alternative investments. This could be a single/multi-family dwelling, commercial property, vacant land or building lots. You could use cash, obtain a loan, or use a home equity line of credit to fund your deal as well. If your IRA is not working hard enough for you, the Self-directed IRA could get your retirement moving in the right direction! For more information, go to www.securitytrustcompany. com or contact me at mary.lueth@securitytrustcompany. com or 712.490.3657.

All Things Bow Wow by KATHERINE BARTLING Camp Director For those of you who have a dog and have come to know the wonderful companionship they bring to our lives, you may also know how difficult it can be to find a place for your pup to stay while you are away. Maybe you are traveling or just need someone to watch your dog during the day for whatever reason. If so, Camp Bow Wow is here to save the day. Camp Bow Wow Omaha is a premier doggy day and overnight camp. It’s called “camp” because that is just what it is like. Camp for dogs. Camp Bow Wow is located at 11819 Stonegate Circle, Omaha, south of 120th and Maple. With its lodge style decor you walk into a cozy, warm atmosphere designed to make you feel less stressed with leaving your family member for a period of time.

As for your pup, he/she will play all day with other dogs of the same size and temperament in large indoor/outdoor play areas. Certified Camp Counselors (our friendly, dog-loving employees) are always watching your companion in its play environment. Campers staying overnight in our cabins will have comfy camp cots with fluffy bedding so they snooze the night away and wake up refreshed and ready to play with the daycampers all day. We also have doggy cams so you can watch your doggy on-line and make sure he/she is having a great time and we are doing our job. We hope to open the doors to our camp later this winter, 2007. Give us a call at 402.991.PAWS (7297) to find out more or visit us on our web site: www/mycbw.com/omaha.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 15

Retired or Retiring Soon? by ROB A. RANDELS Have you done a good job of saving and investing? For those few that can say yes, congratulations! Saving and investing is only one piece of the retirement puzzle. Interesting enough you are probably among a segment of the population living with a false sense of security. A false sense of security, that is, unless you have implemented a long term care program. No, I did not say a nursing home policy. Modern long term care programs include inhome coverage, assisted living facilities and nursing home coverage. Ask yourself, if I was in need of care; where would I like to receive this care? If you are among the majority, you would like to receive your care in your own home. I often hear the statistic quoted that the average nursing home stay is about three years. While this may be true, remember these statistics include the individual that enters a nursing home for one week or less and dies. This dramatically affects the statistics. Also, what about the people receiving care at home, then go to an assisted living facility, then enter a nursing home? More than 50% of all care is provided in-home or in assisted living facilities,

more than doubling the time actual care and COST is needed. One response I hear is to self-insure. For most individuals that have done a good job of saving or investing the only event that can disrupt what a appears to be a solid financial position is an extended health care need. For a small percentage of one’s net worth (do the math) it makes good financial sense to protect not only yourself and your spouse, but most likely your children or grandchildren. For those who have not done a good job of saving and investing, a long term care program may be the only solution. You may not have the time to make-up to save enough money to protect against this potentially devastating financial event. People continue to live longer, unfortunately, not always with a better quality of life. Best of luck, with your retirement planning. Rob A. Randels, CFP®, MBA, ChFC, is a Wealth Management Advisor with the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network; please call 402.390.8271, e-mail him at rob.randels@ nmfn.com or visit www.nmfn.com/robrandels.

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05-2261 © 2004 Northwestern Mutual. Northwestern Mutual Financial Network is the marketing name for the sales and distribution arm of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM) and its subsidiaries and affiliates, including the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network of Nebraska. Financial Representative is an agent of NM (life insurance, annuities and disability income insurance.) Securities are offered through Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS), which is wholly owned by NM and a member of the NASD and SIPC. Frank Russell Company is a subsidiary of NM. NM and the Northestern Mutual Financial Network of Nebraska are not registered broker-dealers. CFP Board owns the certification marks CFP® and federally registered CFP (with flame logo), which it awards to individuals who successfully complete initial and ongoing certification requirements. 4044-187

Page 16

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 22, 2006

Much Ado About Nothing in Conservative Movement Ruling For weeks, the ruling on gays in the Conservative Movement was hyped. But when it arrived, it was a confusing mix. While the University of Judaism in Los Angeles will now admit gays into its rabbinic program, the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City has yet to decide. The three decisions also allow individual rabbis to determine whether or not they will officiate at commitment ceremonies. So we applaud Rabbi Mordechai Levin’s stance in last week’s Jewish Press article about the ruling, announcing that “halachic standards at Beth El Synagogue have not changed.” And this week, Rabbi Royi Shaffin of Lincoln’s Tifereth Israel, also weighed in on the same side. But we also commend Rabbi Aryeh Azriel who not only permits commitment ceremonies at Temple Israel, but has officiated at two, one of them just last month. We do not see this as a contradiction in terms. Rabbis Levin and Shaffin take the position that the Conservative Movement is a halachic one (which is probably why three members of its Law Committee resigned after last week’s announcement). Halacha does not allow for commitment ceremonies--neither are they legal as of yet under United States civil law or state law. So--since this ceremony is not technically legal, let it proceed. Remember Bat Mitzvah wasn’t a legal ceremony either until early last century when the daughter of Rabbi Mordechai Kaplan, founder of Reconstruc-

tionist Judaism celebrated the first one--and like Bat Mitzvah--the Reconstructionists were ahead of Reform on this issue as well. Having said that, the Reform Movement has never laid claim to following halacha, so they should permit commitment ceremonies--and the ordination of gay men and women, and they do. In Omaha, at least, gay men and women have a choice when it comes to having a rabbi perform this ceremony. As to ordination of gay men and women, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that there already are gay rabbis--in every movement, including the Orthodox. While only a few Conservative and Orthodox rabbis have announced their sexual orientation, we see it, frankly, as old news. So, why the fuss? Is this really the biggest issue facing the Jewish community today? Jewish population in America has fallen from a post World War II high of 3% to hovering around 1.7%, and the birthrate among the non-Orthodox is not even at replacement level. When you add that to the fact that of all the streams of Judaism,

the Conservative Movement is the only one with a declining population, it makes one wonder why its Law Committee chose to tackle such a divisive issue at this time. Falling Jewish birthrate/Jewish newspaper subscriptions and (some) Federation campaigns, rising costs of summer and year-long Israel experiences/day school/camp, synagogues having trouble growing financial resources/attendance/leadership, and the twin issues of intermarriage and assimilation-aren’t these the ones we should be most concerned about? At a time when the Jewish world is shrinking, we would like to see our energy directed at issues which can bring us together, not those that threaten only to divide us.

Don’t Dismiss Iran Conference as Harmless Fringe Elements

BEHIND THE H EADLINES by

MENACHEM Z. ROSENSAFT

NEW YORK (JTA) -- Even Borat, the bumblingly anti-Semitic comic character, could not have contrived a more absurd and utterly offensive assemblage: David Duke, erstwhile Imperial Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, alongside Robert Faurisson, the French pseudo-academic who argues that the Holocaust never happened, accompanied for dramatic effect by Neturi Karta--a group of fervently Orthodox Jews whose anti-Zionist fanaticism motivates them to desecrate the memory of millions of murdered Jews. Last week, they and other like-minded sociopaths “debated” at the Iranian Foreign Ministry in Tehran whether or not my grandparents and my five-and-a-half-year-old brother were gassed at Auschwitz. And the sponsors of the “International Conference on ‘Review of the Holocaust: Global Vision’” are the very folks James Baker and Lee Hamilton, authors of a recent re-evaluation of U.S. policy in Iraq, want to enlist to stabilize the Middle East. Other participants in this perversion included Australian socialite Michele Renouf, who explained that anti-Semitism is caused by “the anti-gentile nature of Judaism,” and Rabbis Moishe Arye Friedman from Austria and Ahron Cohen from England, who strutted through the conference halls and gladly posed for the cameras. Friedman told the press that he believes that only about one million Jews perished in the Holocaust, and Cohen declared that he does not consider Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who sponsored the conference and who has called frequently for the Jewish state to be destroyed, an anti-Semite. The Tehran reunion of misfits demonstrates conclusively why the Ahmadinejad government cannot be allowed anywhere near responsible political endeavors of any kind. If the international community ostracized South

Africa during apartheid and Saddam Hussein’s Iraq, it should isolate present-day Iran in the most remote diplomatic Siberia imaginable. Ahmadinejad has made it clear that his espousal of Holocaust denial is a pretext for his desire to destroy the State of Israel. In response, a group of Iranian students showed tremendous moral courage by publicly demonstrating against their president, burning his picture and protesting the “shameful conference” which, in the words of one student, “brought to our country Nazis and racists from around the world.” In contrast, the reaction of the U.S. government was surprisingly, even shockingly, subdued. Substantially after Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Tony Blair all sharply condemned the Tehran conference, the White House issued a statement calling the event an “affront to the entire civilized world” and accusing the Iranian regime of providing “a platform for hatred.” President Bush, however, has not personally spoken out on the subject, relegating his administration’s response to an institutional press release. The man who usually never misses an opportunity to bash one of the charter members of his Axis of Evil seems to have developed laryngitis. So, apparently, have Vice President Dick Cheney and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Their failure to use their bully pulpit on this occasion not only plays into Ahmadinejad’s hands but serves to empower Holocaust deniers generally. Why does the Tehran conference have ominous significance? Because Duke, who managed to get 43% of the vote in his unsuccessful 1990 U.S. Senate campaign from Louisiana, will now be able to tell students at colleges in heartland America with a straight face that his contention that there were never any gas chambers has international academic and institutional support. And because the noxious views emanating from the podium in Tehran are hardly unique. Pat Buchanan, a former adviser to Presidents

Nixon, Ford and Reagan and now a well-paid television commentator, would have fit in perfectly. He once wrote that it would have been impossible for Jews to perish in the gas chambers of Treblinka and has referred to a “socalled Holocaust-survivor syndrome” which he described as involving “group fantasies of martyrdom and heroics.” Professor Deborah Lipstadt has long maintained that while we should never engage Holocaust deniers in debate, we must nevertheless expose them at every opportunity. The Tehran conference is not just another gathering of skinheads in some obscure beer cellar; it is a government-sponsored effort to evoke and manipulate the darkest, most heinous impulses in society. Every single one of us, from the president of the United States on down, must repudiate this inexorable obscenity publicly, unambiguously and in person. Menachem Z. Rosensaft, a lawyer in New York, is founding chairman of the International Network of Children of Jewish Holocaust Survivors.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: I enjoyed your article on Agro Logic, the company in Israel recently purchased by a Warren Buffet subsidiary named CTB. I am from Omaha, growing up not far from the “Bagel” area (near Memorial Park). I was active in all the Jewish activities of the ’60s and we were members of Beth Israel. I now work for CTB in Indiana, and have been actively involved with Johanan Hershtik and Jan Lichten from Agro Logic since the purchase earlier this year. I felt you captured the spirit of their company, and the advantages of CTB and Agro Logic joining together. Thanks for the article; I just wanted you to know there was another Omaha connection to Alan Charney the story! Milford, IN.

(Founded in 1920) Howard K. Marcus Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Terri Greenwood Advertising Executive Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Anne Muskin Editorial Intern Jewish Press Committee Bobbi Leibowitz, Vice-Chairman; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Treasurer; Michael Siegel, Finance Chairman; Joanie Jacobson, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; George Quittner; Melissa Schop; Michael Sigmond; Jim Simon; Nancy Skid; and Dorothy Spizman. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a constitutional committee of the Jewish Federation. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Jewish the Committee, Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $36 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.

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Page 17

Jimmy Carter Means Well, but His Book Helps Neither Side

ANOTHER P OINT OF VIEW by ERAN LERMAN JERUSALEM, (JTA)--Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is a man of good intentions. His tireless efforts to promote world peace, deeply rooted in his interpretation of his Christian duties, need to be recognized, even when they lead him astray. Thus, there is a tragic element in his present failure to grasp the full implications of his positions and statements. His honest urge to help the Palestinians sadly translates into a onesided judgment on Israel, which breaks one of Carter’s own rules. “The United States must be...a partner with both sides and not a judge of either,” Carter writes in his new book. The problem is not the sharp criticism of specific aspects of Israeli policy. Israelis are used to having this dished out in even greater dollops by their own journalists, writers, intellectuals and politicians. However, Palestine: Peace not Apartheid will be read by the Palestinians and others not as an invitation to negotiate in good faith, but as a prelude to a “show trial” over Israeli policy based on Carter’s highly problematic reading of history and international law. Objections to his approach need to be raised, not because Israel should be above criticism, but rather because the false anticipation of such an external “verdict” is precisely what has vitiated the Palestinians’ future, and the peace process, for much too long. To begin, the title helps perpetuate a false image of the “wall” of separation. To use the loaded issue of race is to misread the very nature of the conflict between two nations that have no racial differentiation between them. Of far greater consequence is Carter’s assertion that Israel is in breach of U.N. Security Council Resolution

242. He claims that the solution lies in “withdrawal to the 1967 border as specified in U.N. Resolution 242 and as promised in the Camp David Accords and the Oslo Agreement and prescribed in the Roadmap.” Aha! The culprits are not the murderous terror attacks, not the repeated refusals of Arab negotiators to compromise, but rather the official Israeli and American interpretations of 242. Therein lies, tragically, the false hope offered to the Palestinians that the need to seek a reasonable accommodation with the mainstream of Israeli opinion can be replaced by some coercive international judgment upon Israel’s policies. But neither the specific history of 242, which Carter ignores, nor the language of Camp David, Oslo or the road map support his reading. To the contrary, the famous omission of the definite article--withdrawal from “occupied,” not “the occupied” territories, which appeared in the French translation--strongly supports the interpretation included in the exchange of letters between President Bush and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on April 14, 2004, and later endorsed by bipartisan majorities in the U.S. Congress, to the effect that the 1949 armistice lines are not sacrosanct. Overall, the tendency to rely on the United Nations is bound to be troubling to Israelis, scarred over the years by the manner in which they were treated in New York, Geneva or Durban. Moreover, Carter’s reading of the “right of return,” central to the Arab League’s March 2002 “initiative,” is colored by this peculiar interpretation of the role of the United Nations. Carter overestimates the centrality of the Palestinian issue, even in the context of the Sunni-Shi’ite divide, which has nothing to do with it. At one point Carter

seems to bemoan the lack of Arab commitment to the Palestinian cause. Ironically, Carter’s greatest achievement, the Israel-Egypt peace treaty, is rooted not in this attitude but in Sadat’s decision to focus on Egypt’s legitimate need for peace with Israel. The persistent tendency to minimize the role of terrorist attacks in destroying the peace process is another problem with Carter’s narrative. He depicts Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, who gave his life for the peace effort, as a cruel and manipulative user of the Palestinians and of the Oslo process by quoting him out of the proper context of the struggle against murderous terror attacks. Carter’s narration of the events of 2000-and his rationalization of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat’s rejection of President Clinton’s plan--are hopelessly vitiated by the unquestioning endorsement of the Palestinian official version and by a systematic downplaying of the destructive effect that the rising tide of murder--“acts of violence” is his cleansed language--had on Israeli public opinion. Indeed, when Carter addressed earlier this year the Herzliya Conference, he offered an apologetic interpretation of Hamas policies and the view that terrorism erupted only after Benjamin Netanyahu was elected prime minister in May 1996. The audience gasped in surprise. The distortion was too much for them to bear. The same may be said of his book. After all, as Carter admits, “the judgments will be made in Jerusalem, through democratic processes involving all Israelis who can express their views and elect their leaders.” His book would have been a better contribution to this debate-and perhaps of help to the Israeli political factions whose cause he seeks to promote--if Carter would have avoided the misguided, one-sided narrative he chose to espouse. In the end, Carter’s book does not help the Palestinians. It does them a disservice. Eran Lerman is director of the American Jewish Committee’s Israel and Middle East Office.

Carter Speaks the Truth, and That’s Good for the Jews

ANOTHER P OINT OF VIEW by RABBI MICHAEL LERNER SAN FRANCISCO (JTA) -- Jimmy Carter was the best friend the Jews ever had as president of the United States. He is the only president to have actually delivered for the Jewish people an agreement--the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt--that has stood the test of time. There have been bad vibes at subsequent times between Israel and Egypt, but there has never been a return to war once Israel fully withdrew from the territories it conquered in Egypt during the 1967 war. To get that agreement, Carter had to twist the arms of Menachem Begin and Anwar Sadat. Sometimes that is what real friends do--they push you into a path that is really in your best interest at times when there is an emergency and you are acting self-destructively. When the U.S. government is following a self-destructive policy, even a policy backed by people in both major political parties, its best friends are those who try to change its direction and are not afraid to hold back intense critique. That’s why a majority of Americans, and 86 percent of American Jews, voted

to reject Bush’s war in Iraq and his policies suspending habeas corpus and legitimating wire-tapping and torture. Not because we were disloyal, but precisely because we love America enough to challenge its policies even when Vice President Cheney questions our loyalty. We know that critique is often an essential part of love and caring. That is precisely what Jimmy Carter is trying to do for Israel and the Jewish people in his new book, Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid. Of course, any selection of facts is always going to be a choice, and those who buy the mainstream narrative of either the Palestinian or Israeli partisans are going to be unhappy with moments in which their narrative is not the dominant one in this book. Carter recognizes the mistakes on both sides. That is precisely what the “You are either for us or against us” crowd in both camps cannot stand. Nuance, recognition that both sides have at times been insensitive to the legitimate needs of the other, insistence that both sides need to take steps that are currently rejected--by Hamas in the Palestinian world, by the Israeli government in the Jewish world-this is what makes for rational discussion. Here’s an easy way to tell an extremist: Just ask that person if he or she can list at

least three terrible errors his/her side has made in this struggle, errors that deserve moral condemnation. If they can’t, chances are that no amount of evidence or moral reasoning is ever going to open their minds. Carter does not claim that Israel is an apartheid state. What he does claim is that the West Bank will be a de facto apartheid situation if the current dynamics represented by the construction of the wall, by the passage of discriminatory legislation, and by the inclusion of racists in the leadership--most recently that of proethnic-cleansing Israeli Cabinet member Avigdor Lieberman--continue. The only way to avoid Israel turning into an apartheid state is a genuine peace accord. In an interview that will appear in the January issue of Tikkun magazine, of which I am an editor, Carter points out that he is “not referring to racism as a basis for Israeli policy in the West Bank, but rather the desire of a minority of Israelis to occupy, confiscate and colonize Palestinian land.” To enforce that occupation of Palestinian land, Israel has built separate roads for Jewish settlers and Palestinians, built separate school systems, has totally different allocations of money, water, food and security for each population, wildly privileging the Jewish settlers and discriminating against the Palestinians whose families have lived there for cen-

turies. What Carter is arguing is that the best interests of Israel and the United States are not served by the current policies. Some still cling to the fantasy that holding on to land in the West Bank will improve Israeli security, but as the recent war with Hezbollah conclusively showed, increasing sophistication of military technologies makes holding land no serious barrier for those who wish to send rockets and bombs hundreds of miles away. The only real protection for a small country like Israel is to have good relations with its neighbors, and that is precisely what the occupation systematically undermines. Jimmy Carter is speaking the truth as he knows it. Doing so is very good for the Jews. Liberal and progressive Jews know that the mainstream Jewish community, including the Jewish press in America, has disowned them. Younger Jews cannot safely express criticisms of Israeli policy without being told that they are disloyal or self-hating. It’s time to create a new openness to criticism and a new debate. I hope that Carter’s book helps make that possible. Michael Lerner is editor of Tikkun magazine and rabbi of Beyt Tikkun synagogue, which meets in San Francisco and Berkeley, CA, and national chairman of the Network of Spiritual Progressives. He is the author of Healing Israel/Palestine.

SOKOLOF MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS for 2007 College Freshman, Music Majors and Those Seeking Careers in Health Care Scholarship criteria and applications (due by March 1, 2007) can be downloaded from the Center for Jewish Education Scholarships and Grants page on the Jewish Federation website at www.jewishomaha.org, or contact Janet Henthorn at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, 334-6551 or jhenthorn@jewishomaha.org

Page 18

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 22, 2006

Candlelighting Friday, December 22, 4:40 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Neighborhood Minyan 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609

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

If you’re looking at this space, so are others! YOUR AD CAN GO HERE...

to reserve space, call

Allan Handleman, 334.6451, or Terri Greenwood, 334.6559.

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by the Beth El; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m. Sitter Service is available during Friday night and Saturday morning services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge. W E E K D AY S E R V I C E S : Sundays, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; weekdays 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. HAZAK SHABBAT & LUNCH ‘N’ LEARN Saturday, Jan. 6, 9:30 a.m. services. Luncheon speaker will be Alan Potash, regional director of the Plains States region of the Anti-Defamation League, who will address “Extremism: What Do We Need to Know and Do?” Cost is $8.50 for adults, $5.50 for children six-12, and free for children five and younger. For reservations, call Natalie Rubin at 334.5893. BEGINNING HEBREW CLASS: led by Susi FrydmanLevin, class starts Tuesday, Jan. 9, at 7 p.m., and runs through May. Cost is $36; to register or for more information, contact Margie Gutnik in the office. BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY MINI-COURSE: Tuesdays in Jan., beginning Jan. 9, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., led by UNO Professor Dr. Rami Arav. Cost is $18. Contact the synagogue office to register.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 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: Senior NCSY

Conclave at Eaglewood Resort, through Dec. 25. Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:40 p.m. Hanukkah candles should be lit before Shabbat candles. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 10 a.m. (call the office for schedule); Kiddush in honor of Ben and Audrey Gerber’s visit to Omaha and for Audrey’s sweet 16, sponsored by their parents, Donald and Maggie Gerber; Mincha, 12:47 p.m.; Suedat Shlishit with Gemara class, 4:45 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:46 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; “Reading the Rambam” with Rabbi Nadel follows breakfast, 9:45 a.m.; Rabbi Gross’s Sunday morning class is on break unil Jan. 7; Chinese Dinner and a Movie, 5:30 p.m. Advanced orders were required for dinner; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. MONDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; The synagogue office is closed. TUESDAY: The Kosher Kitchen, 8 p.m., “Rabbi...I Accidentally” at the home of Susie Shyken. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Advanced Parsha Study, 9 p.m.

BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Living Torah, 9:30 a.m., 20minute broadcast. WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Maamar Kabbalistic Insights for Women, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m. All events and programs are open to the community. For information or to register, call 330.1800 or visit www. Ochabad.com.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg provided by Maureen and Dale Lobb. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel. SUNDAY: No Religious School Classes MONDAY: Temple Office Closed WEDNESDAY: No LJCS Hebrew classes. 2006 HABITAT FOR HUMANITY FAITH BUILD You can help Our Hanukkah mitzvah project this year in two ways: Contribute: Our goal is to raise $1,000 for house paint. A member of our congregation will provide a dollar for dollar match. Send checks payable to “Habitat for Humanity” to the Temple office. Volunteer: We will put together a team to paint the interior of the house. You must be at least 16-years-old. Contact Barb Straus for more inforation, at jebs@navix.net.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Rabbi Eric Linder and Cantor Wendy Shermet will lead the service. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. SITTER SERVICE: Available each Friday evening for the 7:30 p.m. service, Saturday mornings when there is a bar or bat mitzvah, and Sunday mornings when there is Religious School. Advance reservations and a $5 donation are appreciated. Sorry, there are no facilities for infants. SUNDAY: No Religious School. WEDNESDAY: No Religious or Family School; No Middle/High School.

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 4:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Royi Shaffin. and Minyan, MONDAY THURSDAY, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. followed by a light oneg. SATURDAY: Weekly Parashah class, 8:30 a.m.; Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Shabbat lunch and Talmud class. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group meets at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Call Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066. LINCOLN MISSION TO ISRAEL Call Marcia Kushner at 423.5959 about this trip.

FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m., led by Steve Riekes.

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press office will be closed Mondays, Dec. 25, and Jan. 1. The deadlines for all ads, photos and articles for the Jan. 5 issue is Wednesday, Dec. 27, 9 a.m. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

Seminars on Aging and Judaism Use a New Tack To Address Community and Family Issue by EILEEN FISHER Assistant Director of Public Affairs Wyncote, PA-A new approach to studying issues of aging in the Jewish community-with classes that employ literature, role-playing and discussion of innovative rituals-is attracting overflow attendance from student and professional rabbis, chaplains and cantors affiliated with every stream of Judaism. The series is particularly timely, given the demographic trend toward aging in the Jewish community. “Nearly one quarter of North American Jews are over 60, and our tradition and community life have so much to offer them,” says Rabbi Dayle A. Friedman. Friedman is the founding director of Hiddur: The Center for Aging and Judaism of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and co-teaches the series, “Shades of Gray: Exploring

Spiritual Dimensions of Aging.” “All of us who are agingwhether baby boomers caring for older parents, vital retirees who want to contribute to the community, or frail elders seeking connection, look to rabbis, cantors and chaplains for help,” she adds. The nine-part monthly seminar is offered by Hiddur in partnership with the New York Board of Rabbis. Piloted last year at RRC in Wyncote, the courses are being offered this academic year in New York City, giving a wider range of participants the opportunity to reflect on their professional work with elders and their families. “It’s phenomenally exciting to be working with students and professionals from all of the major Jewish movements,” Friedman comments. The series is co-taught by Friedman and clinical psychologist and gerontologist Carol Hausman, Ph.D., founding coor-

dinator of the Washington Jewish Healing Network. Hausman, who originally had conducted a literature-based seminar in the Washington, DC, area for geriatric psychotherapists, says participants find great value in a class where they can react on a personal level-and that those they serve benefit as well. In one recent session, she recalls, a rabbi in the class shared new information about his mother. “Then he wrote a sermon about it for his congregation, in which he revealed things to them which he had never revealed before. In psychology we know that self-disclosure leads to more self-disclosure.” Shades of Gray enrollees have included Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative and Orthodox rabbis, cantors and chaplains, as well as rabbinical and cantorial students from the Jewish Theological Seminary, Hebrew Union College-Jewish

Institute of Religion, Yeshivat Chovevei Torah and the Academy for Jewish Religion. Participant Rabbi Melvin Sachs is an Orthodox Jew who works for the New York City Department of Correction and has served various congregations. “The elderly in a congregation have very unique, specific needsinvolving their attitudes toward the community, toward their aging bodies and toward children who may not have turned out as they had hoped,” he says. “The seminar offers an understanding of elderly people and their needs.” Hiddur (on the web at: www.hiddur.org) is an academic and action center of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, established in 2003 to transform the culture of aging in the Jewish community, helping them to connect to lifelong learning and spiritual engagement.

Pulverente MONUMENT CO.

December 22, 2006

SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Mikketz The political scientist is not likely to think of the Bible when he studies the affairs of nations and civilizations. But he might do worse than study its pages, as well as the reaction of later generations of religious thinkers to particular events in history. I think of our Sidra, where we are told how Joseph, thinking in global terms, made Egypt the center of economic activity for the Southwestern Near East; Egypt had food when other countries faced famine. Where did Joseph get his knowhow? We are told only that the Lord favored him. The rest was his personal acumen and his incisive grasp of economic affairs. Thus his “seven-year plan� was born. And Egypt’s economic clout gave Egypt political hegemony over the whole area. How do nations rise to prominence? By careful consideration of their natural resources, careful husbanding of economic capabilities, and planning, planning, planning. Now this Sidra, Mikketz, is often the reading for Shabbat Hanukkah (we get two this year). Here we deal with politics, if not with statesmanship, and what is Hanukkah, but the celebration of an ancient demand for, first religious independence, and second, political independence--a demand, marvelously fulfilled by the successful Hasmonean armies? And then, also as if it were part of the planning, the Haftarah is chosen from the second chapter of Zecharia, with its electrifying (wrong word for this era) picture of the Menorah and its lessons that it is not to armies we must look, but to the spirit of the Lord: “Not by strength, nor by power, but by My spirit, declares the Lord of Hosts.� This should catch the attention of the political scientist! Really? The ethical character of a nation matters? Its human stance? Its love of humanity--which is how we translate into action the “by My spirit, declares the Lord of Hosts�? All this matters? We American Jews, whether political scientists or sim-

ply parents and children, have elevated Hanukkah into something it wasn’t--because we need a foil for Jewish children charmed by the hype of Christmas. The rabbis of the Talmud and Midrash paid scant attention to Hanukkah. They had their innings with both Greek-Syrian and Roman oppressions. They knew the lure of power and might, and they saw that the Hasmoneans had fallen prey to the same corruption that power conceals within itself. They strutted around in their little kingdom as though they were real kings in a real kingdom. The rabbis of later centuries were unimpressed. They preferred Zecharia’s dictum to the trappings of power. Their political science was more realistic because they sensed power must have a spiritual base. Without that , it is only oppression. Happy Hanukkah. (Editor’s note: This column appeared in 1988 in Rabbi Kripke’s book, Insight and Interpretation.)

DEATH TOBY KAGAN Toby Kagan died at the age of 95. Graveside services were held Dec. 17 at Beth El Cemetery. She was a devoted employee and member of Beth El Synagogue, and served on its board and the boards of Beth El Sisterhood, National Council of Jewish Women, Hadassah and Jewish Senior Services. She was preceded in death by husband, George H. Kagan. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Dr. James and Cheryl Kagan of Ft. Collins, CO; grandchildren, Marc and Kimberly Kahn, Kathryn Kagan of New York City, and Lucy A. Kagan of Ft. Collins; and two great-grandsons. Memorials may be made to Beth El Synagogue or Jewish Senior Services.

To Submit an Obituary Notice: Send to the Jewish Press via e-mail: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; fax: 402.334.5422; or mail, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; or log on to www.jewishomaha.org and click on ‘Jewish Press’, and then Submit announcements. Call the Press office at 402.334.6448 for more information.

Break the Fast at Beth Israel’s Game Night

by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue Beth Israel Synagogue’s Associate Rabbi Seth Nadel taught the first of three “The Kosher Kitchen� classes at the home of Liat Shyken. The very well-attended class consisted of two parts. First, Rabbi Nadel provided an

by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue Looking for a fun way to celebrate New Year’s Eve with your entire family? Perhaps you’re looking for a relaxing atmosphere where you can enjoy food and games with friends and family? Then you’ll want to attend Beth Israel’s Break-the-Fast Dinner and Game Night on Sunday, Dec. 31, 6 p.m. The community is invited. “Last year, we held a very successful Game Night on New Year’s Eve,� said Executive Director, Beth Cohen. “People played a variety of board games and cards, and stayed late in the evening. Entire families came to the Game Night, and we’ve had requests to hold it again. This is a nice way for parents to enjoy New Year’s Eve with their children. And many adults are looking for a fun, casual event to bring in the New Year. This year, since the Fast on the Tenth of Tevet happens to fall on New Year’s Eve, we decided to add a Break-the-Fast dinner.� Cost for the meal is only $5 per person, and it’s free for children ages 12 and under. Please make a reservation for dinner, but Game Night is free. Snacks will also be provided free of charge. Additionally, free babysitting will be provided from 6 p.m. (for parents staying for game night) until the evening ends. Bring your board games and cards and plan to enjoy a fun, relaxed evening. To RSVP, please call the office at 556.6288.

SEEKING MARRIED COUPLES

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that want to make a difference in the lives of youth. • Satisfaction of making a difference in the lives of REQUIREMENTS youth and their families. • Must be at least 21 years old. • Initial two-week training is • Have no more than two provided with ongoing dependent children, training and support by • Possess valid driver’s experienced youth care license with good driving professionals. record. $48,000+ annual salary per • • High school diploma or couple, housing and living GED, degree in Human expenses provided. Services preferred.

• No-wait benefits and 401K.

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The place where you belong. A place to nurture your gift of caring A place where real clinical experience begins your first year A place with a 115-year tradition in health care education A place with a NEW campus

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Nebraska Methodist College admits students of any race, color, or ethnic origin. Š2006 Nebraska Methodist College, an affiliate of Methodist Health System

First Kosher Kitchen Class Examines Rules of Kashrut

Na’ama Nadel prepares the food, assisted by Rabbi Nadel in-depth examination of some rules of kashrut, on the topic “We Are What We Eat?� The second part of the evening was spent in the kitchen, where Na’ama Nadel demonstrated a recipe for onion bread. For information about future classes, contact the office at 556.6288.

60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials

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Can Power Be Power Without Corruption?

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 22, 2006

Just Right: UNL’s Director of the Harris Center Talks About Jewish Life in Lincoln by JENNIFER ROSENBLATT for Tifereth Israel Synagogue, Lincoln I met Jean Cahan at Lincoln’s annual Jewish Federation dinner. Rabbi Royi Shaffin introduced us, and I remembered her name from last month’s synagogue bulletin. She was leading a two-part class on Maimonides’ Thirteen Principles of Faith. I had meant to attend that class but, like a lot of things I mean to do, time got the best of me and I missed it. This was my opportunity to find out more about Cahan and how she had come to lead a class on a topic usually reserved for the singing of Yigdal. When I met Cahan, she gave Dr. Jean Cahan me the impression of someone friendly but not ostentatious. She was soft spoken with a warm smile. She was dressed for the event but not overdone, simple but ust right. I asked if I might take her picture for an article I was thinking about writing and she hesitantly agreed. We arranged a time agreeable to both of us and scheduled a telephone interview. Being new to Nebraska, I find out most of my information about people and places with the help of the internet. I decided to see if Cahan was “Google-able.” There is not much out there on her. She is Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of NebraskaLincoln, and earned a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Johns Hopkins University. Cahan has been at UNL since 1987, and also chairs the Harris Center for Judaic Studies. Her UNL profile reads, “She has published on Spinoza, modern Jewish philosophy and Marx. Her research interests include philosophy of religion and philosophy of history. She is currently working on a book on Spinoza.” Cahan also heads the campus Hillel organization. This is what I found, just the facts, simple and not ostentatious. What I discovered through our conversation is that there is nothing simple about Jean at all. She adapted the Tifereth Israel course on Maimonides from a UNL course she teaches entitled, “ Literature of Judaism,” which is a survey of classic Jewish texts. I was

curious if anyone else was up to the task of taking on the great Rambam (Maimonides), especially with such pressing issues as negative wind chill factors and freezing rain. Jean informed me that the intimate group gathered was thoroughly engaged and provided a thoughtful discussion. I asked her if there is an interest for Jewish philosophy in the community. Last spring, Cahan held a survey of Jewish philosophy at the synagogue. It covered texts ranging from ancient, Hellenistic philosophers to Spinoza and other modern Jewish philosophers. The theme of the survey was the shift of primary focus from metaphysics to ethics. I was a little giddy inside listening to Jean. I felt like I was revealing a secret when I told her I, too, am a philosophy major, though with a different area of interest. Cahan explained that is “important for all Jews to reflect not only on the performance of ritual but also on the conceptual principles behind halakha.” We both agreed that Jewish philosophy was lacking from our own upbringings, and even the most observant Jews are not always familiar with it. We are called “The People of the Book,” and education is important to us. We should expand our knowledge base to include the ideas and texts that shape our thoughts and practices. Cahan is also the Director and Undergraduate Program Advisor for the Norman and Bernice Harris Center for Judaic Studies, at UNL. The Harris Center was founded in 1991, the purpose being to “educate undergraduates and the wider Nebraska public about Jews and Judaism, with the goal of reducing anti-Semitism,” Jean explained. “The exposure makes Jews and Judaism seem less strange.” Cahan explained that most of her students begin with no knowledge or experience of Judaism. “They come in total ignorance, but they are very respectful and interested in learning.” The first class Jean taught on Spinoza consisted of two students. Now her classes have more than 30. There is a Holocaust course with 100 students enrolled. Currently, the interdisciplinary center has seven full time faculty members and offers a minor in Judaic studies. The Harris Center currently offers two scholarships- the Henry and Dorothy Riekes Scholarship and the Leona and Joe Gotsdiner Scholarship--for students at

the University currently enrolled in Judaic courses. Cahan said they are very lucky to have a University administration that is extremely supportive of the Center. The Harris Center is also engaged in public programming. With the generous support of the community, the Center has several endowed lectureships including the Kripke, Krivosha, Wald, and Schlesinger annual lectures. The Annual Myer and Dorothy Kripke Lecture Series, in conjunction with the E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues, has brought such notable speakers as Amos Oz, Leon Wieseltier, and Michael Walzer. The 2007 speaker will be Sherwin B. Nuland, Clinical Professor of Surgery at the Yale University School of Medicine. The 19th Annual Klutznick-Harris Symposium was held in October, in conjunction with the Philip M. and Ethel Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization at Creighton University, held by Leonard Greenspoon. What else is there for Jewish students at UNL? Cahan is also the director of the renewed Jewish Student Association/Hillel. The website explains that, “Hillel is committed to a pluralistic vision of Judaism that embraces all movements and simply exists to maximize the number of Jews doing Jewish things with other Jews.” When I concluded my interview, I made a mental note to introduce my husband the next time we met. After services one Saturday afternoon, I spotted Cahan quietly moving volumes of the Talmud into the synagogue library in preparation for the weekly Talmud study class. When I introduced her as “Dr. Cahan” she replied, “Please, just call me Jean.” My first impression was correct. “Jean” is simply and quietly a tremendous part of the Jewish backbone in Lincoln and Nebraska as a whole. She is not ostentatious, and in fact generously acknowledges the contributions of everyone around her. She is committed to a life of Jewish education. Even though Google does not return a huge list of Cahan’s works, all you have to do is look around. Her work is everywhere. (Incidentally, if you throw “Axelrad” and “Spinoza” in to her Google search, you come out with things like “The Spinozistic Spirit in Mordecai Kaplan’s Revaluation of Judaism.” Yikes!)

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