Vol. LXXXIV No. 17 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 84 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
19 Tevet, 5765 December 31, 2004
Super Sunday Chairmen Build a Life in Jewish Omaha
Event to Celebrate Rabbi Myer S. Kripke and Jewish-Catholic Relations
Brett and Stacey Atlas to Lead 2005 Super Sunday
by LEONARD GREENSPOON Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization at Creighton University Next month will see the dedication of a Creighton University Center in honor of Myer and Dorothy Kripke and a discussion of Nostra Aetate, the Vatican document that decisively altered formal relations between Roman Catholics and Jews. All members of the community are invited to participate in these activities, which will be held at the Jewish Community Center on Sunday, Jan. 23, 7 p.m. Rabbi Kripke’s decades of dedicated service to the Jewish community and to the Omaha community at large are well known. For many years he s e r v e d Creighton Rabbi Myer S. and Dorothy Kripke University in a special way, as adjunct professor in the Department of Theology, teaching courses in Judaism and Hebrew Bible. At its commencement exercises in May 2000, the University awarded Rabbi Kripke the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters. As one of Rabbi Kripke’s philanthropic endeavors, he and his wife, Dorothy, endowed Creighton’s Center for the Study of Religion and Society, founded in 1988. As part of the events of Jan. 23, Creighton will officially and formally rename the center as the “Rabbi Myer and Dorothy Kripke Center for the Study of Religion and Society.” According to Center Director Dr. Ronald A. Simkins, the Kripkes’ generous gift will allow the Center “to increase and enhance its support of projects in research, education, and service.” Among the centerpieces of Rev. John T. Pawlikowski these efforts is the new Kripke Interfaith Project. At its first event, two leading figures will talk about “Successes and Challenges of Jewish-Christian Relations: 40 Years After Nostra Aetate.” The first of these speakers is Rev. John T. Pawlikowski, a priest of the Servite Order. The author or editor of more than 15 books, Father Pawlikowski has participated in worldwide interfaith activities at the highest level. Among his honors has been service on the US Holocaust Memorial Council, memberRabbi Leon Klenicki ship on a number of Vatican delegations related to Jewish-Catholic dialogue, and top leadership posts in the International Council of Christians and Jews. The second speaker, Rabbi Leon Klenicki, is widely known as the former interfaith affairs director of ADL. A pioneer in Catholic Jewish relations, Rabbi Klenicki was one of several major leaders asked to implement the vision of Vatican II as it related to improved relations between Catholics and Jews. A native of Argentina, Rabbi Klenicki has written or authored numerous works, including a Passover Haggadah for use in interfaith services. Continued on page 2
by PAM MONSKY committees attracting Federation dozens of moms and babies Communications Director from all aspects of the comAs recent newcomers, munity. It was the first vol2005 Super Sunday Counteer project for the Atlas’s Chairmen Stacey and Brett in the Omaha Jewish comAtlas didn’t waste any time munity and they’ve been getting involved in the picking up steam ever since! Federation. Although Last summer, Stacey was Stacey, the daughter of Zoë invited to join the Steering and Carl Riekes, was raised Committee to plan events in Omaha, she’s been gone and programs for the since leaving for Federation’s Young Jewish Northwestern University in Omaha (YJO) group. Less 1992. She was living in than a month later, General Brett and Stacey Atlas Chicago after college and Campaign Chairs Joe and married her husband Brett, a Chicago native, in 1998. Maxine Kirshenbaum asked Stacey and Brett to chair Last year, expecting their first child, Stacey and Brett Super Sunday for the 2005 Annual Campaign. came home to Omaha. When asked what motivates them in their volunteer “We wanted the best for our family, and we decided work, Stacey replied without hesitation, “Since moving to Omaha was where we wanted to be,” said Stacey. Omaha a year ago, we’ve been quite simply overwhelmed Immediately upon arriving in September 2003, Stacey by the kindness, generosity and unity of this incredible and Brett began looking for ways to connect with other Jewish community. Brett and I both feel adamantly that it’s young families in the Omaha Jewish community. They our responsibility to ensure that the Jewish community in attended the Newcomers Brunch, hosted by the Omaha will continue to flourish, along with Jewish comFederation last November, and have become good munities everywhere else in the world.” friends with many of the young couples they met there. Brett agreed with Stacey and went on to explain what After their son Zachary was born in January, 2004, appealed to them about becoming the Co-Chairmen Stacey banded with other young mothers who wanted Super Sunday. “Super Sunday is when the community to form a Jewish playgroup for babies two-years-old works together towards a common goal. It’s about and younger. Working through the Federation’s Jews helping Jews. The theme we chose for Super Community Development Department, they formed Continued on page 4
Hungarian Survivors Reach Deal with Government over ‘Gold Train’ by RON KAMPEAS for transport to Germany. WASHINGTON (JTA)-U.S. forces seized the train Hungarian Holocaust surin October 1945, but almost vivors who sued the U.S. none of the property was government are prepared to returned to its owners. Some settle for a fraction of the went to governments, some worth of looted property apparently went to the wrong they say U.S. troops mishanindividuals and some was dled after the war. requisitioned by high-ranking Survivors were not “overU.S. troops entranced by art joyed” by the Dec. 20 deal masterpieces and expensive in the “Gold Train” case, house wares. said one of the lead plainThe fate of the Gold Train tiffs, Alex Moskovic, of property was uncovered in Hobe Sound, FL. Still, they Jews being deported from Koszeq, Hungary, 1944. a 1999 report issued by the Credit: Yad Vashem Magazine, Spring 2004 Presidential Advisory Comwere glad to bring an end to a chapter of Holocaust history that stained the U.S. rep- mission on Holocaust Assets in the United States. utation as a rescuer and not an exploiter. Plaintiffs who sued in 2001 sought $300 million: “We spent quite a few years on this and I feel we need- $10,000 each for what they estimated to be 30,000 viced a closure on this,” said Moskovic, who in 1945, at age tims who had property aboard the Gold Train. The 14, returned to his hometown of Sobrance, the sole sur- $10,000 figure is the maximum compensation allowed vivor of a wealthy family. His house was trashed, and he under U.S. law. had no idea what had happened to its belongings. One of several possibilities now under discussion is Plaintiffs and negotiators were proscribed from dis- that the $25 million will go to the 50,000 survivors cussing the settlement until it is finalized within the worldwide, whether or not they had Gold Train claims. next 60 days, but three people at the negotiating table That would break it down to $500 a survivor, before confirmed a report in Israel’s Ha’aretz newspaper that any legal or other costs. Only living survivors will be the amount was $25 million. How that will be distrib- eligible--not heirs. uted has yet to be negotiated, but there are an estimatFiled in a federal court in Miami--a high concentraed 50,000 Hungarian Holocaust survivors still living tion of Hungarian Holocaust survivors live in south worldwide. Florida--the suit reached a stalemate and threatened to That’s substantially less than $200 million or so in devolve into the kind of ugly assessments of how much 1945 dollars--or some $2 billion in today’s reckoning-- Jews were worth during the Holocaust that have charoriginally estimated to have been looted from acterized similar cases in Europe. Hungarian Jews by the Nazis and placed on 24 boxcars Continued on page 4
Inside Opinion Page see page 8
This Week: Interview with Sen. Ben Nelson: Page 3 Shabbat Dinner Aimed at Singles: Page 2
Reform Regional Director Speaks in Omaha, Lincoln: Page 5
Next Month: Guide to Tax and Financial Planning: Jan. 14 Monthly Calendar for January, 2005 Pages 6-7
Comfort and Conversation at Beth El: Page 11
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 31, 2004
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Adults To Go Beyond Aleph Bet in New Hebrew Class at Temple by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Temple Israel’s Hebrew for Beginners class was so well received that instructor Colleen Kennealy will teach Beyond the Aleph Bet beginning Sunday, Jan. 9. Those who wish to continue as well as others who would like to expand their knowledge of Hebrew are welcome to enroll in the popular class which meets from 10:15 a.m.-noon at Temple. Kennealy, a trained foreign language teacher, said she will focus on reading prayers and blessings from the Siddur in Beyond the Aleph Bet. She plans to make it “a multi-media” experience by suggesting to her students to practice during the week on-line at Temple’s website: www.templeisrael-ne.org and clicking on to the Cantor’s classroom where they’ll hear Cantor Wendy Shermet read or chant the blessings. Lori Miller, who took Hebrew for Beginners and has signed up for Beyond the Aleph Bet, said, Colleen “is a fabulous teacher. She encourages you to expand your Hebrew alphabet and vocabulary. She starts with the basics, and you feel like you’re really learning something. In six weeks,” Miller was happy to report, “I can really help my third grader with her Hebrew homework.” Class fee is $18 for Temple members; $25 for non-members. To register, call Rosie Zweiback, program director, at 556.6536 or e-mail: rzweiback@templeisraelomaha. com.
Shabbat Dinner Aimed at Jewish SIngles by JILL BELMONT Forget JDate. Meet your match the old fashioned way: at a Shabbat dinner! Singles between the ages of 45 and 65 are invited to a Shabbat dinner on Friday, Jan. 14, 7 p.m. at the One Pacific Place Clubhouse (101st and Pacific), planned by Nancy Rips and Steve Skulsky. “This special evening will be an opportunity for Jewish adults to meet in a pleasant, casual atmosphere and celebrate Shabbat,” Rips said, recalling that “Steve and I met at a similar Shabbat dinner that Mary Fellman organized and hosted. If it hadn’t been for that event, our paths probably would have never crossed because Steve belonged to Temple Israel and I was at Beth El. This is a way for us to thank Mary and honor her, plus show our appreciation by continuing the tradition.” Dr. Skulsky added, “Doing something known but untried delightfully changed my life. Come join us. You might be delightfully surprised as well.” E-mail your reservation to nrips@cox.net or call 397.7977. The event is free because of the generosity of private donors. “It’s going to be a great evening of Shabbat spirit and getting to know new people,” Rips said. “And who knows? It could also be the start of an exciting new adventure in the new year.”
Spin a Colorful Yarn or Two at Beth El’s January Rosh Hodesh Meeting by JILL BELMONT Inspire us and rekindle Beth El Publicity Coordinator fond memories for yourTo honor the month of self.” Shevat, the co-hosts of Novices will be introBeth El Synagogue’s duced to the art of knitting, January Rosh Hodesh Wasserman noted, adding meeting are encouraging that “those who already the women of Beth El to knit can help teach; those “PLANT a new skill which who want to learn will will BLOSSOM into a knithave lots of teachers to ted scarf, hat, purse or instruct them.” shawl,” and to “BRANCH All attendees are asked out to friends, family and to bring #11 knitting neetzedakah!” dles to the meeting; yarn Attendees will join From left, co-chairmen Phyllis Wasserman, Ruth Potash, Evie will be provided for together at Beth El on Mitchell and Helen Epstein recently met at Potash’s home to tzedakah projects only, Tuesday, Jan. 11, 7 p.m., inventory their knitting paraphernalia to be used during Beth and any contribution of to share their creative tal- El’s Jan. 11 Rosh Hodesh get-together. extra yarn will be welents and to knit tzedakah projects to be donated to the come, she said. Those knitting personal items will Stephen Center, said Ruthie Potash, who is co-hosting need to supply their own materials, and all four cothe get-together along with Helen Epstein, Phyllis hosts have offered to arrange for “yarn-shopping expeWasserman and Evie Mitchell. riences” with those unsure of what to buy for the “Share your creative talents with us, whatever they evening. may be,” Potash said. “Bring a “creation” story, telling Reservations are needed, and may be made by conus about the way in which you learned a craft, or share tacting Potash at 571.5006 or via e-mail at a handmade project that has special meaning to you. rsvp55@cox.net.
Super Sunday 2005 Continued from page 1 Sunday 2005, ‘Shape the Future,’ really focuses on the heart of the matter. Whether we realize it or not, we all have the ability to ‘Shape the Future’ for not only ourselves, but for Jews in need halfway around the world. We’ll probably never meet him or know his name, but there’s an elderly Holocaust survivor in the former Soviet Union who is getting a hot meal delivered to his apartment for the first time today because you or I raised our gift to the Campaign by $20. That may not seem like enough to change the world, but it’s just enough to prevent one more person from going hungry. To me, that’s changing the world.” Stacey concluded by saying, “Without a doubt, your increased gift on Super Sunday to the Annual Campaign, has a powerful effect on the lives of Jews in need locally and globally. When you really grasp the fact that you have the ability to change someone’s life for the better, it’s an incredibly profound experience.” It shouldn’t be surprising that Stacey and Brett have made involvement in the Jewish community a high priority. Stacey learned the art of tzedakah from one of Omaha's best teachers: the Riekes family. As a member of the family, Stacey says she just accepted the Jewish principles of giving back and volunteerism as a big part of their everyday life, something that has been carried on and embraced by each generation. That Stacey and Brett are leading Super Sunday at the same time that Stacey’s mom, Zoë Riekes, is in the first year of her two-year term as President of the Jewish Federation's
seen as a wonderful and happy coincidence by both mother and daughter! This year, Super Sunday is Jan. 30 and volunteers from the community will once again be calling from the Omaha Steaks International telemarketing facility. This is the ninth year in a row that Omaha Steaks, and the Simon family have donated their state-of-the-art facility and equipment for Super Sunday. All donors will have the option of being listed and recognized as a valued donor to the Annual Campaign in the final donor ad scheduled for publication in the Jewish Press on Feb. 18, 2005. The money raised through the Federation’s Annual Campaign funds Jewish causes locally and overseas. In Omaha, Campaign dollars support the Anti-Defamation League/Community Relations Council (ADL/CRC), the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service and Jewish Senior Services as well as Federation programs such as Jewish Experience Scholarships, missions to Israel, birthright Israel, Leadership Development, Children’s Needs Scholarships and Bar/Bat Mitzvah Camp Grants, and the Jewish Press. Volunteers for Super Sunday are still needed from 8:30 a.m. until noon. Callers receive a hearty breakfast, plenty of snacks and great company. Volunteers can also win prizes donated by area business. For more information and to volunteer, please contact Lana Reichardt at the Federation office at 334.6430 or e-mail lreichardt@jewishomaha.org.
December 31, 2004
Community Bids Farewell to Jane Brooks
Jane Brooks was honored at Shabbat worship services and an Oneg at Temple Israel. After five decades, the wife of Temple’s late Rabbi Sidney Brooks is moving to be near her daughter and son-in-law in Massachusetts. Former presidents, including current President Gary Kaplan, were among those who recognized Jane Brooks’ contributions to the community. She was thanked and bid Shalom by Rabbi Craig Marantz, photos from top, Rabbi Myer Kripke, who served Beth El and was one of Rabbi Brooks’ colleagues, as well as friends Lois Friedman, John Lehr and Ducky and Photos by Marcus of Omaha. Mike Milder.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
Sen. Ben Nelson Speaks Out on Iraq by JOAN K. MARCUS When United States Senator Ben Nelson decided not to pursue being Secretary of Agriculture, he had several agendas in mind. Nelson told of his thoughts at a recent meeting of the B’nai Brith Breadbreakers. “The Democratic-Republican numbers were definitely a factor in my decision,” he explained. “However, a bigger factor was my commitment to the people of Nebraska because they had committed themselves to me for six years. It is a great thing to go to ‘the cabinet,’ but it’s difficult to leave your job undone before the end of your term. “By sitting on the Senate Agriculture Committee,” he added, “I can still do as much as I might be able to do as Secretary of Agriculture.” During his political career, Nelson admitted he hasn’t always been this much in demand. In 1990, he decided to run for governor of Nebraska. In a very contentious primary, he won by just a few votes and was then nicknamed, “Landslide Ben!” He served two terms as governor and then, in 2000, he was elected to the Senate. Although he enjoys his time in Washington, D.C., he says that he loves Nebraska “because it’s home,” adding, “It’s important to be there during the week because that is where the job is. However, it’s also important to be here.” Nelson sits on the Agriculture, Senate Arms Services, Commerce and Rules Committees. He jokes that he “didn’t know we had rules until I was appointed to the committee and found out everybody wanted to change them!” The senator says it is important for him to travel around the world in order to understand challenges to other countries. He recently went to Jordan where he visited a training camp set up to “stand up to military and security forces” of Iraq. He explained that “they are trying to find out how fast they’re doing it and if it can be done faster. “We started off with 18-day wonders and we put uniforms on people and gave them weapons and said they were out there and they weren’t,” he asserted. “Now, we need to do it another way because people need the training to withstand the challenges.” While in Iraq, Nelson went to watch military training exercises and see for himself how forces conduct themselves under the eyes of our Marine forces. “Now,” he says, “They understand what they’re doing and that training and discipline are important. I believe we’re going to make great progress there and that’s important.” During his tour, the senator spent time
in Pakistan, getting a better understand- briefings.” ing of what is going on in the search for Nelson says it is clear our troops will Osama bin Laden. “There was a mixed be in this area for some period of time. communication to the media right after He doesn’t think that it will be 50 yearswe were there that implied we were -as in the case with Korea, Germany or pulling back. In fact,” he added, “we Japan. were told in a more secure setting they “Since there will be a presence for a were not pulling back; they were actual- considerable period of time, there will ly moving forward. I’m hopeful that on be a question if we are liberators or one of these occasions, we’ll find they occupiers,” he admitted. “We want to have captured--or terminated bin Laden and/or his other al-Qaeda forces.” Nelson also spent time with troops in Iraq and Kuwait. “We got a little different prospective when we were in Kuwait that the Secretary of Defense got when he was there,” he explained. “Our troops told us they felt the armored vehicles were coming along at a pretty good rate and the body armor was much improved and readily availSenator Ben Nelson and Rabbi Jonathon Gross able. “They are still concerned they are leave when these people are ready to do ‘hand-me-downs’ from the active duty things on their own. If we leave premaforces to the guard and reserve units. turely, the whole thing might collapse.” We’re making sure that they have the top When Nelson spoke of our national equipment. There is much to be done in security, he said, “As a member of the terms of protecting the troops. Armed Services Committee, I can try to be proactive when it comes to national security and what we can do to pursue it. A resolution in the Middle East is a big piece of our security. On a note closer to home, I have urged for a special session of the United Nations General Assembly to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps.” Kevee Kirshenbaum and Senator Ben Nelson Although he doesn’t “Units from the Columbus and Norfolk claim to be an expert on the Middle East, area are in transportation so they are Nelson says the death of Yasser Arafat going down those dangerous highways,” offers an opportunity. It looks as if there he added. “We want those vehicles is some support for the new Palestinian armored. However, the troop morale leader. “If the overall support continues, was high and the spirit was good. our hope level might rise. It is a very dif“These young men and women are an ficult situation that is made worse in part inspiration to all of us. Regardless if peo- by the nature of the Middle East. Until ple think we should be there or not, we get the problems resolved between there is support for our troops--every- the Palestinians and other Arab groups-where!” and Israel--it’s going to continue to be a In Baghdad, Nelson had a meeting cauldron.” with some of the Iraqi Nationals. “One of One year ago, Nelson went to Israel the things I insist upon is that we try to and Jordan. He says “we have to rememtalk to some of the people on the street. ber our friends there and we have to be I want to talk to people who aren’t in the able to work together. People in that government or military. I want their per- area are destined to live together, I pray spective other than the military or CIA they can live in peace.”
Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 31, 2004
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celebrated lifecycle events in Judaism. Now the Jewish Federation of Omaha will join in welcoming new babies born in the Omaha Jewish community with “Shalom Baby!” “Shalom Baby” welcomes newborns to our community with a unique collection of Jewish-themed gifts and essential resources for Jewish parents. “Shalom Baby” is the result of a collaborative community effort spearheaded by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Everything included in the “Shalom Baby” welcome basket is provided courtesy of the Jewish Federation and its affiliated agencies (the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, the Kripke Federation Library and Jewish Family Service), the congregations of Beth El , Beth Israel and Temple Israel, Friedel Jewish Academy and Chabad House. Included in the “Shalom Baby” welcome basket are colorful and sturdy Jewish-themed board books, baby’s first tzedakah box, a CD featuring children’s
music in English and Hebrew, a cuddly plush Torah, aleph-bet building blocks, Let’s Talk About God by the late Dorothy Kripke, Omaha’s well known children’s book author, Jewish parenting resource guides and much more. The Federation especially thanks Eadie Tsabari, owner of Omaha E-Gifts, for her contribution in the creation, design and delivery of the “Shalom Baby” welcome baskets. All babies born after Sept. 1, 2004, in the Omaha Jewish community are eligible. The first baskets are scheduled for delivery now. “Shalom Baby” is made possible by a grant from an anonymous donor advised fund through the Federation Foundation. If you know of a baby born after Sept. 1 in the Omaha Jewish community, contact Community Development Director Janie Murow at jmurow@jewishomaha.org or call 334.6566.
Event to Celebrate Rabbi Kripke Continued from page 1 There will be a dessert reception following this joint presentation. For further information, please contact Professor Simkins at 280.2504. There are also two other activities associated with this inaugural event of the Kripke Center on Jan. 23, also at the J. From 4-5 p.m., Jewish and Christian clergy are
being invited to a forum led by Pawlikowski and Klenicki. Within this informal setting, interfaith relations will be discussed. On Monday, Jan. 24, 10a.m.1 p.m., there will be an academic seminar on JewishChristian relations at Creighton’s Student Center. This will provide scholars with the opportunity to interact with Klenicki and Pawlikowski.
Gold Train Continued from page 1 A few months ago, Judge Patricia Seitz referred the case for mediation to Fred Fielding, a prominent Washington lawyer who helped negotiate compensation after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Negotiators said several factors played into the decision to accept the settlement: Virtually no one could prove that his or her property was actually on the Gold Train, which some said represented just a fraction of all the property Nazis stole from Hungarian Jews. Others said it represented a substantial portion of Hungarian Jewish wealth. “I have no proof,” said Moskovic, who now lives in Hobe Sound, FL. “I couldn’t recognize the property now; it’s not even there to remember, and after 60 years, who remembers?” Additionally, there are conflicting claims as to how much was “requisitioned” by U.S. troops. As for the remainder, while its handling--it was given to governments for a redistribution that never took place--was hugely misguided, it was done in good faith. All parties said the real significance of the settlement was the acknowledgment of responsibility--though not guilt--that the U.S. government will undertake in letters to survivors. “Any monetary settlement is symbolic,” said Sam Dubbin, a lawyer for the plaintiffs. “The case had much more to do with historical reckoning.” The plaintiffs argued that the United States could hardly deny such claims, considering the U.S. role in recent years in forcing other governments to live up to their moral responsibility to Holocaust survivors. “This settlement is not about restituting money, it’s about restituting history,” said Gideon Taylor, Executive Vice-president of the Claims Conference, which was involved in the negotiations. “This is a moral step by the U.S. to acknowledge the past.” Another figure involved in the negotiations, Rabbi Israel Singer, emphasized that the United States was not on the same moral plane as European nations that were complicit in the Holocaust, such as Germany, or those dealing with the legacy of collaborationist governments, like the Dutch or French, or that played a role in keeping Jewish survivors from their rightful property, like the Swiss. “The United States saved these people’s lives. The war ended sooner because of U.S. intervention,” said Singer, who is chairman of the governing board of the World Jewish Congress. “We have to take notice of this.” In Holocaust-era compensation issues, he said, “The United States can’t be compared to any other entity
except Israel, where we’re trying to get Holocaust-era money from banks.” The government decision to settle a case that the Justice Department always saw as weak was spurred by intense congressional activism. The politicians who made the case for the survivors applauded the deal. U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen “Holocaust survivors (R-FL) have achieved the justice so long denied them,” said U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), who wrote Karl Rove, President Bush’s top political adviser, just before the November election, urging him to help bring the matter to a close. “It is only right that after a decade of pushing Europeans to provide restitution to survivors, the United States will do so as well,” said Ros-Lehtinen, who was at the Miami courthouse when the decision was announced. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) also applauded the deal but said it should never have made its way through the courts. “The Department of Justice had no business contesting this case, let alone letting it drag on for three years,” he said. David Mermelstein, a plaintiff who had vivid memories of the heirlooms--including four silver Shabbat candelabras--seized from his home in Kivjagd recalled speaking soon after the war to the slave laborers who loaded the booty onto the Nazi train for its journey. The boxes were labeled with names and hometowns, he said, yet that didn’t prevent its disappearance after American troops seized the train. “The United States was criticizing France, Austria, Europe, and then we said what about the United States?” said Mermelstein, now of Miami and one of 30 survivors who originally sued the government. Moskovic said he had nothing against the United States and was grateful for the life it had given him-- two sons, three grandchildren and an Emmy Award for post-production editing at ABC Sports. What concerned him, he said, were those who were not so lucky--the destitute among the survivors. “My main concern is the needy survivors from Hungary. They need the help,” he said. “Most of the people at the courthouse feel the same way.”
December 31, 2004
Reform Union’s Regional Director to Speak on Movement’s Impact by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Rabbi Lane Steinger, regional director of the Midwest Council of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) since 1996, will speak at Shabbat worship services next Friday, Jan. 7, 7:30 p.m., at Temple Israel. He will explore the impact of the Reform Movement’s growth on American Jewish life in his topic, “350 Years of American Jewry and 180 Years of American Reform Judaism: Glories of the Past and Prospects for the Future.” “The Reform Movement has been very influential in various ways on American Jews as a synagogue model and at an ideological level,” Rabbi Steinger said. “I will talk about the interplay between American Judaism and Reform Judaism and vice versa.” A native of St. Louis, MO, Rabbi Steinger was an active member of his Temple’s youth group and of the regional arm of the youth group organization. He graduated cum laude from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA, and was ordained from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in Cincinnati, OH, in 1973. Following his rabbinic ordination, Rabbi Steinger served as spiritual leader of Temple Emanuel of Greensburg, PA. In 1976, he was called to serve as associate rabbi of Temple Emanuel in Oak Park, MI. In 1981, he became the senior rabbi there. In all, he was a congregational rabbi for 20 years. Active on numerous boards in the Jewish and general communities on the local, state, and national levels, Rabbi Steinger served for six years on the Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism; was involved with
Upcoming Selections Entice Kripke Library Book Discussion Group by GARY KATZ Library Administrator The Kripke Library Book Discussion Group will be reading and discussing Tova Mirvis’ new book The Outside World on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 1 p.m. If you enjoyed Mirvis’ presentation, please plan to attend this stimulating afternoon. Everyone is always welcome The book’s basic plot follows the courtship, wedding and marriage of two Orthodox Jews in their early twenties. Their match also sparks the renewed friendship of their mothers, college friends who drifted apart, and their respective families. Mirvis relates familiar everyday events within a brilliant evocation of Orthodox life in all its variety, complexity and internal flux. One clan lives in the ultraOrthodox and less affluent confines of Brooklyn, while the other lives prosperously in a modern Orthodox suburb probably modeled after Teaneck, NJ. If you have an extra copy of the book and you’re willing to lend it to our readers, drop it by the Kripke Library. The upcoming schedule for the Book Discussion Group and the books we’ll be discussing are: Feb. 17, 1 p.m.: Murder is No Mitzvah; and March 17, 1 p.m.: Enemies: A Love Story, with a movie at noon. For more information, call me at the Kripke Library: 334.6462.
BIRTH Joel and Mindy Forbes of Milwaukee, WI, announce the Dec. 16 birth of a daughter, Sora Raizel. Grandparents are former Omahans Toby and Marshall Forbes and Melvin and Barbara Bensman, all of Milwaukee.
the Christian, Muslim, Jewish Leadership Forum (in Detroit) from its inception in 1985; and was a faculty member of Olin-SangRuby Union Institute in Wisconsin for 10 years. He was also a chaplain at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, MI. Rabbi Steinger is an officer of both the St. Louis Rabbi Lane Steinger Rabbinical Association and the Association of Reform Rabbis of Greater St. Louis where he and his wife Linda live. He serves on the board of the St. Louis Reform Jewish Academy, the only Reform Day School in the Regional Midwest Council of URJ which includes 12 states. In 1998, Rabbi Steiner was awarded the Doctor of Divinity Degree, honoris causa by HUC-JIR. An author, Rabbi Steinger has written several articles and essays including “Mutter” published in the anthology First Harvest, about his memories of his greatgrandmother, Anna Rodenberg. Another article entitled, “Honor Humanity and Honor the Holy One,” was written for URJ’s Torat Chayim-Living Torah series. As director of URJ’s Midwest Council, Rabbi Steinger has been to Omaha several times. This visit is sponsored by the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning. The community is welcome to attend. On Saturday, Jan. 8, join Rabbi Steinger at the South Street Temple in Lincoln for a potluck Lunch and Learn at 11:30 a.m.
ORGANIZATIONS YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS: Join us on Monday at the JCC, as Derek Ventura, The One Man Band, performs classic standards following lunch at noon. Cost is $6 for lunch. Bingo will begin at 10 a.m., exercise at 10:30 a.m., and the discussion group at 11 a.m. For transportation call Dee Dee at 330-4272. Make reservations with Maggie Conti at 3346521 for Bluffs Run Casino on Jan 27. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. It’s guaranteed to enhance your Yiddish! Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638. VISIONS Reminders: The show at the IMAX--Alaska: Spirit of the World--is Tuesday, Jan. 4. Meet in the lobby of the IMAX at the Henry Doorly Zoo at 10:30 a.m. Board Meeting is Friday, Jan. 7, 9:30 a.m., in the conference room of the Blumkin Home. Visions Luncheon Meeting is Jan. 21 at the Venice Inn. Cost is $9.50 per person. Celebrate the Installation of new officers. Musical entertainment by Jon Rathsam with Esther Wax as accompanist. Send reservations to Mickey and Tootie Simon, 8725 Izard, Omaha, NE 68114 by Jan. 14. For questions, call Harry Alloy at 697.8709. Membership dues to Visions for 2005 are now due. Please mail your check for $5 per person, payable to Visions, to: Visions, c/o Beverly Gilinsky, 1406 No. 126 St., Omaha, NE 68154. B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Bob Wolfson, Executive Director of the Great Plains Region of the Anti-Defamation League, will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Jan. 5, noon, at the Park Inn Regency, according to Gary Javitch, chairman. Cost is $10 for lunch; $2 for beverage service only. The program is open to the community.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 31, 2004
December 31, 2004
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 2 Beyt Shalom Sunday School Class, 3-5 p.m. MONDAY, JANUARY 3 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. “Kosher Kitchen”, 7:30 p.m. at the Home of Rabbi & Ariella Hoffman TLC “Crash Course in Hebrew Reading”, 7:30 p.m. TUESDAY, JANUARY 4 Visions at the IMAX and Lunch, 11 a.m. “The Guy and Bob Show”, noon BBYO Nigh, 6 p.m. “Growth Through Torah”, 7:30 p.m., at a private residence WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5 HAZAK Meeting, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El Patter, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Beth Israel Business Ethics Lunch & Learn, noon, at the Office of Joe Kirshenbaum THURSDAY, JANUARY 6 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Adult Education 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Levin’s Class “Most Important People of the Bible”, noon, at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1-3 p.m. TLC “Meaning of Life” Class, 1 p.m. Rick Katzman Art Reception, 7 p.m. FRIDAY, JANUARY 7 Temple Israel Grade-12 Trip to Washington, D.C., Jan. 7-10 Tri-Faith Dialogue, 8:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Lane Steinger, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 14 Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m., at Beth El Shabbat Dinner, 7 p.m. at Beth El Singles Shabbat Dinner, 7 p.m., at One Pacific Place Clubhouse
MONDAY, JANUARY 10 “Kosher Kitchen”, 7:30 p.m. at the Home of Rabbi & Ariella Hoffman TLC “Crash Course in Hebrew Reading,” 7:30 p.m.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 16 Religious School Steering Committee Meeting, 8:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Jewish Potpouri, 10 a.m. at Beth El Sisterhood Meeting, 10 a.m. at Beth El Bible Study Class, 11 a.m. at Beth El Hebrew Crash Course, 11 a.m. at Beth El ADL’s Manhigim Institute, 12:30 p.m. Bridal Pageant, 1 p.m., at Chabad House MONDAY, JANUARY 17 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. Hadassah Board Meeting, 1 p.m. BEA.M. Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El Jewish Press Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 21 Men’s Spirituality Group, 7:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Library Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m., Kripke Library Walk-in Drop-in, 10:a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Levin’s Class “Most Important People of the Bible,” noon at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1-3 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26 Patter, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers, noon, Park Inn Regency BESTT Tu B’Shevat Activities, 4 p.m. at Beth El Religious School Grades 7-12 Dinner, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at Friedel Commons Shabbat Music Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel
FRIDAY, JANUARY 21 Jr. NCSY 6-8th Grade Shabbaton, Jan 21-23, at Beth Israel BBYO Kallah Weekend, Jan. 21-23 Shabbat Dinner, 7 p.m. at Chabad House Seventh Grade Shabbat, 7 p.m., at Beth El
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Levin’s Class “Most Important People of the Bible,” noon Yiddish Group, 1-3 p.m. L.O.V.E Auxiliary Board Meeting, 7 p.m.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 18 “The Guy and Bob Show,” noon Adult Education, noon, at Temple Israel BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Adult Education, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel Board of Trustees Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel
THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Levin’s Class “Most Important People of the Bible,” noon at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1-3 p.m. TLC “Meaning of Life” Class, 1 p.m. Friedel Jewish Academy Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19 Patter, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Adult Education, noon at Temple Israel Social Justice Club (Gr. 7-12), 5:30 p.m., at Temple Israel
FRIDAY, JANUARY 28 Kadima Shabbaton, 4 p.m. at Beth El Musical Kabbalat Shabbat & Dinner, 5:30 p.m. at Beth Israel
SUNDAY, JANUARY 23 Jewish Potpouri, 10 a.m. at Beth El Adult Education, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Bible Study Class, 11 a.m. at Beth El Hebrew Crash Course, 11 a.m. at Beth El “40th Anniversary Commemoration of Nostra Aetate,” 4-5 p.m. and 7 p.m. TUESDAY, JANUARY 25 Tu B’Shevat “The Guy and Bob Show,” noon Adult Education, noon at Temple Israel BESTT Tu B’Shevat Activities, 4 p.m. at Beth El JIsrael Information Night, 6 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Adult Education, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel
SATURDAY, JANUARY 29 Hazak Shabbat and Lunch and Learn, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El Special Musical Kiddush, 11:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Festive Music Party, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel SUNDAY, JANUARY 30 SUPER SUNDAY, 8 a.m.-noon at Omaha Steaks Jewish Potpouri, 10 a.m. at Beth El Bible Study Class, 11 a.m. at Beth El Hebrew Crash Course, 11 a.m. at Beth El Fourth Grade Consecration, 11 a.m. at Beth El Visions at the Orpheum to see The Producers, 2 p.m. JELS Jews of the South Tour Dinner, 5:30 p.m. MONDAY, JANUARY 31 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. NCJW Book Club, 7 p.m.
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 22 Sisterhood Shabbat, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12 “Spice and Spirit of Jewish Cooking Club,” 9 a.m. at the Chabad House Patter, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Rabbis & Presidents Meeting, noon High School Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Beth Israel
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 11 “The Guy and Bob Show,” noon Adult Education, noon, at Temple Israel ADL’s Manhigim Institute, 4:30-6 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Adult Education, 6 p.m., at Temple Israel ADL/CRC Executive Committee Meeting, 7:30 p.m. TLC “Growth Through Torah”, 7:30 p.m., at private residence
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All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the below events.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 31, 2004
Opinion Keep in Touch It’s hard to believe that five years ago, worries abounded about Y2K. Nothing happened then (though apparently Osama bin Ladin hoped it would) and it’s the year 2005 tomorrow! Time flies when you’re busy publishing a newspaper every week, 52 weeks a year. This is your newspaper, folks; the Jewish Press is not privately owned, it’s been under the umbrella of the Jewish Federation of Omaha since 1920. That means if there’s an editorial with which you do not agree, or an op-ed that makes you frown or a cartoon that has you seeing red, we want to hear from you. We’re happy to print your point of view (as long as it’s not slanderous or libelous!) on our op-ed pages--that’s what they’re there for! The Press strives to present a variety of perspectives on the issues of the day. That includes politics (here, in Israel and elsewhere that affects the Jewish community), religion (obviously), relationships among religious groups and leaders, as well as relationships between the Jewish community and the governments of both the United States and Israel. Of course, we Jews have something to say about nearly everything, so if it concerns us as Jews, we’ll probably print it! Don’t be shy; don’t think we won’t print your opinion. The Press isn’t published each week just to be a cheerleader for the Omaha Jewish community (though if we don’t encourage ourselves, who will?). Our purpose is also to print provocative pieces from various sources to make our readers think. There are a multitude of issues which face us: anti-Semitism, assimilation, apathy, lack of resources (both financial and qualified personnel) in the areas of Jewish education and Jewish communal services, communal discord in some communities here and in Israel. And of course, there are still places in this world where the lives of Jews are in danger.
(Founded in 1920)
We also want to hear from you when we call for submissions for special issues. We’re currently working on our Passover issue, to be published April 15, 2005. We’re in the process of interviewing men and women who were not only not born in Omaha--they weren’t born in the U.S. So far, we have compiled a list of potential interviewees from Israel, the former Soviet Union, South America, Cuba, England and Scotland, Mexico, and other “exotic” locales. If you are someone who fits this profile or know someone else who does, please drop us a line, so we can attempt to get the story written in time for publication. If we don’t know about people who fit our Passover or New Year’s themes, we can’t publish their stories...so please help us out and don’t assume we already have a complete list of names. (By that way, we need names, phone numbers and a bit of background by Jan. 14, so send the information right away to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.) As to 2005--the Jewish Press looks forward to bolstering our relationships with institutions that have hired new professionals in the past year. As always, we will do our best to accommodate the needs of all our Jewish organizations, synagogues, Centers of Excellence and the Federation, as well as national organizations which have a relationship with our community. We hope readers understand that we are limited by space availability and the size of our staff. While we’d like to be able to cover every event, speaker and program in Jewish Omaha, we do not have the financial or human resources to do just that. However, we are more than happy to
work with your publicity staff or volunteers in showing your organization how you can get your information into the Press. Just call us at 334.6448 to set up a meeting. If enough organizations are interested, we’ll even schedule a publicity seminar for multiple groups at once. We’re happy to serve you as your home town Jewish newspaper. So don’t hesitate in making suggestions, offering story ideas, or even submitting an opinion piece to counter one with which you’ve disagreed. We won’t be insulted--quite the contrary, we’ll be happy to know you’re actually reading the Jewish Press! Happy 2005!
Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org.
A New Year: Why Not a New Holiday?
BEHIND THE HEADLINES by RABBI JEROME M. EPSTEIN As we begin to count down to the secular New Year--and with Hanukkah just behind us and Tu B’Shevat not too far in the distance-it is a good time to take stock of the Jewish holidays we celebrate each year. Some holidays are commanded in the Torah itself. Thus, we are told to observe the three Pilgrimage Festivals (Pesah, Shavuot and Sukkot). Other holidays are post-Torah and derive from our historical experience as a people. Hanukkah, for example, commemorates an incident that occurred in 165 BCE, while Purim, though historically less certain, is said to recount a remarkable story of salvation that occurred in Persia in the fourth or fifth century B.C.E. Two of our most recently created commemorations, Yom HaShoah and Yom Ha’atzmaut, were established by legislation to memorialize significant events in our collective history. In 1949, the Israeli Knesset (Parliament) created Yom Ha’Atzmaut to celebrate the founding of the State of Israel in our time. In 1955, the same body established a permanent day for commemorating the Holocaust that befell our people in the first half of the twentieth century. (In fact, the Knesset has the ability to change the days on which these holidays are observed--as they did last year with Yom Ha’atzmaut.) It may be that today--a time of insecurity, violence, and frustration--we need a new holiday. Perhaps it is time to institute a new structure through which we can express our
collective feelings of unease and meld our voices together in a plea for a more secure future. I would, therefore, like to suggest that we institute a holiday of peace--Yom HaShalom, a day on which all Jews will be encouraged to recite selections from the very many prayers, psalms, and blessings through which the Jewish people have for millennia implored God to grant peace to us and to all humankind. While it is true that we already recite prayers for peace during both weekday and Shabbat davening, many of us rush through these daily recitations, giving little thought to what we are saying. Nothing focuses the mind as wonderfully as a holiday with its own ritual, foods, melodies, and liturgy. If that’s what it will take to focus our minds on peace, it’s well worth the effort.
...let each of us reach out to at least one person with whom we currently experience some tension or enmity and make a good-faith effort to improve relations. We wouldn’t have far to look for liturgy: We are told in the Bible to seek peace and pursue it; prayers for peace abound in the siddur, and we greet each other with the word shalom. It is a key concept, a primary value, in our tradition. Each of the Jewish streams could provide its members with a collection of readings to recite while sitting at work, attending to various errands, or during a meditative lunch hour. Chances are, many of us
Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Timothy J. Ketelsen Bookkeeper Lori Kooper-Schwarz Production Assistant Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; and Melany Weinstein. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press and the Foundation are constitutional committees of the Jewish Federation.
already say brief, private prayers for peace when we hear of the latest terrorist bombings or military campaigns. As part of this new observance, we might commit ourselves to see a movie or read a book about efforts to achieve peace. We might also attend lectures and participate in gatherings that pay tribute to seekers of peace in our time, with attendees encouraged to bring in the names of people they feel are worthy of emulation. Still, real peace requires concrete initiatives. It is too easy for any one person to regard a contribution to peace-making as being beyond his or her grasp. On Yom HaShalom, each Jew should feel inspired to make a meaningful contribution to one of the many organizations that work to foster peace. Of equal importance must be the realization that universal peace can only evolve from small-and sometimes seemingly insignificant--peace initiatives. Harmony between individuals becomes the foundation for peace between civilizations. To truly actualize Yom HaShalom, let each of us reach out to at least one person with whom we currently experience some tension or enmity and make a good-faith effort to improve relations. If the holiday catches on, we can share it with our neighbors, inviting others to join us in affirming the value of peace. In this way, we will truly serve as an or l’goyim, a light unto the nations. Rabbi Epstein is the Executive Vicepresident of The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the organization of Conservative congregations in North America.
Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $35 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 9
Comments on Jews and Christmas Seen as Shot in Post-election Battle
BEHIND THE HEADLINES by MATTHEW E. BERGER WASHINGTON (JTA)--One of the nation’s most-watched television hosts has run afoul of the American Jewish community and launched a debate over whether pervasive Christmas celebrations may offend Jews. Bill O’Reilly, host of “The O'Reilly Factor” on Fox News Channel and a national radio program, angered some Jewish lawmakers and organizational leaders earlier this month when he suggested that a Jewish radio caller angry that Christmas is celebrated in public schools should “go to Israel.” The Anti-Defamation League, among others, demanded that O’Reilly apologize. The pugnacious host responded by calling the ADL’s national director, Abraham Foxman, “a nut.” O’Reilly is no stranger to controversy; in fact, he practically has built his audience around it. Despite allegations of O'Reilly’s private pecadilloes, his radio and television shows are wildly popular with Christian conservatives, and the latest controversy highlights a growing divergence between the Jewish community and conservatives, who are buoyed by November’s presidential election results that suggested increasing numbers of Americans support conservative values. One of the first post-election faith battles surrounds the celebration of Christmas, with conservative Christians angered that the holiday has been secu-
larized, in their view, as a response to complaints from Jews and other nonChristians. O’Reilly was discussing the secularization of Christmas on his Dec. 3 radio show when a Jewish man called to complain that he felt Christians were trying to covert him in school when he was growing up. He said the gift and card exchanges in public schools suggest inappropriate state support for Christmas. O’Reilly told the caller, identified only as “Joel,” that he was taking things too seriously. “You have a predominantly Christian nation,” O’Reilly said. “You have a federal holiday based on the philosopher Jesus and you don’t want to hear about it? Come on, Joel. If you’re really offended, you’ve got to go to Israel then.” O’Reilly’s comments angered several U.S. Jewish officials, and their responses started a heated exchange between Jewish and conservative Christian leaders. Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY) sent a letter to congressional colleagues, asking them to demand an apology from O’Reilly. “Your remarks show an utter disregard for the diversity of religious belief in this country, and a fundamental insensitivity toward Jews and other non-Christians,” Lowey said in a letter to O’Reilly. “By suggesting that Jews do not have a place in American society unless they accept without comment its ‘predominantly Christian’ nature, you are brushing aside the basic freedoms guaranteed to all by our Constitution.” The Jewish Council for Public Affairs also asked O’Reilly to apologize. But it
was ADL’s letter that got the host’s attention. O’Reilly has talked about Foxman in the past, even praising Mel Gibson’s controversial film, The Passion of the Christ, by noting that Foxman said it wasn’t antiSemitic per se. Now, however, he apparently sees Foxman as “a nut” for saying O’Reilly’s recent remarks to Joel crossed the line. O’Reilly last week described the ADL as an “extremist group that finds offense in pretty much everything.” ADL spokeswoman Myrna Shinbaum said it was important to take O’Reilly to task.
O’Reilly has asked Foxman to appear on his show, but Foxman is in Turkey. Calls to the radio program’s office were not returned. The controversy is part of a larger trend of backlash among Christian conservatives against decisions they see as anti-Christian. Conservative commentators Pat Buchanan and Rev. Jerry Falwell wrote columns Abraham H. Foxman, recently expressing anger at national director of the decisions to minimize Anti-Defamation League, at Christmas celebrations in the ADL’s 90th Anniversary favor of more generic seaNational Commission sonal and inclusive greetings. Meeting, Nov. 6, 2003, in For instance, Federated New York. Credit: David Karp Department Stores no longer use “Merry Christmas” in their signage, the columnists said. And Target stores do not allow Salvation Army volunteers to seek donations in front of their stores because the Salvation Army is a Christian organization, the commentators say. After November’s election showed greater support for traditional family values, Christian conservatives are perceived to be seeking more Bill O’Reilly influence over public policy, Credit: Deborah Feingold which could set the stage for “Millions of people heard it. He’s a battles with liberal Jewish groups. celebrity,” she said. “To let the comments “ADL is being accused of trying to ban go unchallenged is wrong.” Christmas,” Shinbaum said. “We’re not.”
A New Holiday on the Calendar?
OUR MAN IN ISRAEL by CARL ALPERT Haifa--Last year Hanukkah and Christmas overlapped, and it was relatively easy to justify the merry holiday spirit which permeated Israel. This year, however, the two holidays are separated by a two week interval, and the observance of the Christian fete is more conspicuous than ever. With the passage of years it has become more and more obvious that not only local Christians observe the holiday here. Christmas is finding a fixed place in the schedules of many Jewish Israelis as well. The point is made that the celebration has nothing to do with Christianity or any other religion. Rather, the day is seen as an international holiday, secular in nature, as Thanksgiving is regarded in America. If Buddhists can mark it in Hong Kong, and Hindus wherever they are located, why not Jews in Israel? Impetus to this characterization is given by the Russian immigrants who brought the tradition with them from the former Soviet Union where Christmas was a purely secular holiday. Holiday symbols like Santa Claus and decorations for trees have accompanied the observance here. Appropriate greeting cards are available almost everywhere. We have seen a card showing angels hovering over a Christmas tree and bearing the traditional Sephardi good luck symbol, the Hamsa, fingers of a hand. In almost every major town in Israel plastic trees and Santa figures are openly offered for sale and are used to decorate some stores and restaurants.
The spirit can not be missed. In cities like Jerusalem there are about 14,000 resident Christians, most of them Arabs. To this figure should be added church personalities representing the various denominations as well as members of the international press and the many foreign workers who openly celebrate the day. In Tel Aviv, where most of the foreign diplomatic missions are located, the commercial appeal of the holiday is obvious. Restaurants advertise special Christmas dinners, and often add “Happy Hanukkah” as a footnote. Israel radio and television play occasional carols. One street salesman, clearly wearing a black kipa, justified his selling of tree decorations on the grounds that there was nothing religious about them. Besides, he added, his customers could save the items to decorate their succahs next year. Much of the religious aspects of the holiday are obvious in Bethlehem, where special church services are openly held. Since the beginning of the Intifada, however, overseas Christian participation has been reduced. Christian officials are also disturbed by the Muslim attempts to commercialize on the holiday. Haifa has found its own solution by transforming conflict into co-existence. Thousands of Israelis, of all faiths, this year attended the mid-December
“Holiday of Holidays” festival centered around Hanukkah, Christmas and Ramadan. Held in the Arab section of the city, Wadi Nisnas, and stretched out over several weeks, the program, as reported in the press, consisted of concerts, street performances, exhibits by dozens of Jewish and Arab artists, children’s workshops, poetry and literature events, and not least, public meetings at which coexistence was openly discussed. The Jewish National Fund has found a way to enter into the spirit of the season. At this time of year it trims its forests and makes the young trees available free to members of the diplomatic corps, foreign journalists and others who take them home and dress them up in traditional style.
...the day is seen as an international holiday, secular in nature, as Thanksgiving is regarded in America. If Buddhists can mark it in Hong Kong, and Hindus wherever they are located, why not Jews in Israel?
The Dec. 25 date is observed by the Roman Catholics and the various Protestant denominations. The Greek Orthodox, of whom there are large numbers in the Middle East, mark their Christmas early in January. Prolonging the holiday spirit is the fact that New Year’s eve, known here as Sylvester (as in many European countries), is widely recognized and marked without any religious connotations. Aside from the fact that it marks the beginning of a new civil year, are many Christians aware that it also marks the day of the circumcision of Jesus? Last year Jerusalem mayor Uri Lupolianski, himself strictly Orthodox, was criticized in Jewish religious circles when he sponsored a municipal reception for all citizens on the first day of the civil year. But back to the day.... Matt Nesvisky has suggested that Jewish observance of Dec. 25 by Jews can be made kosher by taking the Christ out of Christmas and spelling it Krissmiss. Carl ALpert can be reached at: alpert@techunix.technion.ac.il.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 jewishnebraska.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
The Neighborhood Minyan Torah Learning Center 1313 No. 58 St. Omaha, NE 68132 553.5397
December 31, 2004
Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Julianna and Russell Reno in honor of their son, Jesse becoming a Bar Mitzvah; Evening Service, 4:50 p.m.; Note: Junior Congregation and K’tantan will resume on Jan. 8, following winter break. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Weekdays, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sitter Service is available during Friday night and Saturday morning services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge. SUNDAY: There wil be no Jewish Pot Pourri, or Hebrew Crash Course on Jan. 2; Classes resume on Jan. 9. Bible Study Class, 11 a.m. PATTER: PATTER class will resume on Jan. 5. Rabbi Levin’s class, “The Most Important People and Ideas of the Hebrew Bible” will resume on Jan. 5. BESTT RECESS: BESTT classes are on winter break; classes will resume Jan. 5. WOMEN'S ROSH HODESH GROUP Meet at Beth El at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 11, to learn the art of knitting. Reservations are needed, and may be made by contacting Potash at 571.5006 or via e-mail at rsvp55@cox.net. See full article on page 2. TOT SHABBAT: Join us Jan. 14, 6 p.m. for our Tot Shabbat service. Grandparents, parents and kids of all ages, Beth El is the place to be for this fun and joyous service! SEVENTH-GRADE PROGRAM Sunday, Jan. 9, 10 a.m., seventh graders and their parents will participate in a special program discussing what it means to grow up Jewishly. Families are encouraged to complete and bring along their “Belonging”
worksheet, which was mailed last month. Please contact the BESTT office at 498.0904 or eddir@bethel-omaha.org, to let us know if you'll be coming. COMFORT AND CONVERSATION On Wednesday, Jan. 12, 6 p.m., Beth El offers a special gettogether for anyone mourning the recent or past loss of a loved one. See full article on page 11.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: MondayThursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Ma’ariv and Kabbalat Shabbat, 5:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free Babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Mincha, 12:45 p.m.; Rabbi’s class, 5 p.m. followed by Ma’ariv; Havdalah, 5:53 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 6:45 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 6:45 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Business Ethics Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Gross, noon, at the office of Joe Kirshenbaum, at One Pacific Place. Bagel Bin Lunch available for $5; please make your lunch reservation with the office.
BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m.; Dinner at Chabad House for “Jacob and the 12 Tribes” in story and song. Please join us for a moving and inspiring Shabbat celebration. Kabbalat Shabbat, 5:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Mamarim class, 9 a.m.; Services, 9:30 a.m. followed by a Kiddush luncheon. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. Mishneh class, 9:30 a.m.; Aleph Champion and Little Scholars Programs. Innovative, interactive learning for kids, 10 a.m.-noon. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. TUESDAY: “W.O.W: Women of Redemption--Revisiting the Book
of Exodus, with Shani Katzman, 9 a.m. Women only; babysitting available on request. WEDNESDAY: Kabbalistic Journeys, 7 p.m. Programs are open to the community. For information or to register, call 330.1800.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in Lincoln two weekends a month. Please call her at 402.416.2321 or e-mail: dstiel@everestkc.net to set up appointments. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Barb Straus, with sermon by Alicia Chapelle, and with an Oneg following. (Note: No sitter service will be available) SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. led by Deb Swearingen. SUNDAY: No Classes--Lincoln Public Schools break. LUNCH AND LEARN: Rabbi Lane Steinger, Midwest Regional Director of the Union for Reform Judaism, will be our guest scholar in residence at a potluck “Lunch and Learn” Jan. 8, 11:30 a.m-1 p.m. at the South Street Temple. His topic will be “350 Years of American Jewry & 180 Years of American Reform Judaism: Glories of the Past & Prospects for the Future.” Please RSVP to the Temple office 435.8004 or stemple@neb.rr.com. TEMPLE ANNUAL MEETING Annual Congregational Meeting is Sunday, Jan. 23, 2005. Refreshments and babysitting will be provided. Everyone is encouraged to attend. More information will be sent as the date gets closer.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Jeffrey Taxman.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 6 p.m., Cantor Wendy
Candlelighting Friday, December 31, 4:47 p.m.
Shermet will officiate and give the D’var Torah. SATURDAY: No Bagels and Sacred Books; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. SITTER SERVICE: There will be no Sitter Service available on Dec. 31. ADULT EDUCATION THURSDAY, Jan. 6: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Rabbi Marantz, 10-11:30 a.m. TOT SHABBAT FRIDAY, JAN. 7, 6 P.M.: Join us for our regular Tot Shabbat Service in the chapel and stay afterward to celebrate Shabbat with old and new friends, and a child-friendly dinner. Please RSVP to the Temple office, tisrael@templeisraelomaha.co m or 556.6536. GUEST SPEAKER RABBI LANE STEINGER FRIDAY, JAN. 7, 7:30 P.M.: Rabbi Lane Steinger will discuss “350 Years of American Jewry and 180 Years of American Reform Judaism: Glories of the Past and Prospects for the Future” at the Shabbat Evening Service. See full article on page 5.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN AT TLC FRIDAY: Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; followed by Kiddush Luncheon and Mincha, 12:51 p.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, MONDAY & THURSDAY, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Early Services, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066. ADULT EDUCATION MONDAYS: Introduction to Judaism with Rabbi Stanley Rosenbaum, 7:30-9 p.m. SUNDAYS: (during Hebrew School days): Jewish Law through the Ages with Rabbi Rosenbaum, 10-11:45 a.m. Next Mindstrectcher Series will be held on Thursday, Jan. 6.
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethlincoln.org
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to reserve space, call Allan Handleman, 334-6451.
To Submit B’nai Mitzvah Announcements Announcements of children becoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah will be printed on the synagogue page of The Jewish Press one week prior to the event if submitted eight days prior to publication. The following information may be included: name, name of parents, grandparents and/or great-grandparents (including late parent[s] and/or late grandparent[s]), names of siblings, date and location of event. In addition, the school which the child attends, honors and hobbies may be included, if space permits, as well as the name of the child’s Mitzvah Project and a short description. A clearly identified photo is welcome if it is easily reproduced. Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues or by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448 or by e-mailing the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.
JEWISH PRESS NOTICE College students can enjoy a free subscription to the Press; just email your name, address at college (don’t forget dorm or suite number), city, state and zip to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.
BAR MITZVAH Alexander Michael Silver, son of Ronna and Steven Silver, celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Nov. 20, at Congregation Beth Israel, Houston, TX. A seventh-grade student at Emery/Weiner School, Alex is a member of the seventhgrade basketball team. For his mitzvah project, Alex made and delivered candy-filled decorated cups to all 450 patients at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center on Thanksgiving Day. He also is
donating a portion of any monetary gifts he receives to M.D. Anderson in honor of his mother and to the RBI Foundation, which provides uniforms and baseball equipment to underprivileged, inner-city children. Alex has two sisters, Leslie and Stacey. His grandparents are Ruth Silver of Houston, TX, and the late Melvin Silver, and Charney and Jerry Rosinsky, and the late Monte Hermann.
December 31, 2004
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
What’s in a Name?
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Shemot As the Book of Exodus (Shemot) opens, we are given the names of the Children of Israel who went down to Egypt. Looking back from our perspective, we are aware of the tensions in the text that follows: how do we get them out? For in short order (short, i.e., in the narrative), they are enslaved, enslaved as foreigners, and they cried to the Lord to help them obtain freedom. Now we are introduced to Moses, whose personality, indeed, dominates the rest of the Humash, thus dominates the rest of Judaism. Indeed, we still say, “the Halakha (law) as it derives from Moses at Sinai.” We seldom think of it, but Moses’ own sons did not follow him into leadership of Israel. Their names alone did not qualify them. It was Joshua who reached leadership after Moses. History, we have learned, makes choices we might not have made. Alexander and Napoleon and Hitler (yimah shemo) could not have been identified in their youth. Who, for example, will be America’s President in 2020? Returning now to the subject of names, we remember that the ancient rabbis said that one of the reasons that the Israelites were redeemed from Egyptian bondage was that they did not change their names. They remained B’nei Yisroel, sons of Israel; thus they merited redemption. In our own American situation, there is no reason for American Jews to bear the German and East European names that they acquired during the late Middle Ages
DEATHS ROSE SHERMAN Rose Shukert Sherman died at the age of 91. Private services were held. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gershon “Gary” Sherman. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Stuart and Marilyn Sherman; daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Gerald Newman; grandchildren, Rebecca Newman and Jonathn and Manny Newman; brother and sister-in-law, Nate and Doris Shukert. Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or charity of choice. YALE J. KAPLAN Yale J. Kaplan died at the age of 76. Services were held Dec. 29 at Mount Sinai Cemetery. A graduate of Creighton Law School, Kaplan was President of Empire Fire and Marine Insurance and cofounder of First Nebraska Title. He was preceded in death by his sister, Sandra Kaplan. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; daughters and sons-in-law, Beth J. Kaplan and Bruce Sholk of Baltimore, MD, and Lisa and Jeff Rosencranz of Chicago, IL; grandchildren, Henry and Seth Sholk of Baltimore, and Benjamin and Joshua Rosencranz of Chicago; and brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Carolyn Kaplan of Witchita, KS. Memorials to the University of Nebraska Medical Center or Beth El Synagogue.
JTA NEWS BRIEF • North American Jewish groups are gearing up to send medicine and other supplies to Asia after Sunday’s devastating earthquake and tsunami, which killed more than 23,000 people. The American Jewish World Service sent its first shipment of medicine Tuesday to Sri Lanka, Indonesia and India. Donations are being accepted at: www.ajws.org and by phone: 1.800.889.7146. The American Joint Distribution Committee is working with its office in Bombay and elsewhere to coordinate relief efforts. Credit card donations can be made at: www.jdc.org or by phone at: 1.212.687.6200, ext. 889. B’nai B’rith is also accepting donations at: www.bnaibrith.org or by mail to: B’nai B’rith Disaster Relief Fund, 2020 K’ St., NW, Seventh Fl., washington, D.C. 20006.
and modern times. Those names are now nothing less than clumsy. There is no reason not to shorten them or change them. First names, given names, are of a different order. They ought to identify their bearers by culture and group. Llewellyn (I hope I don’t insult anyone!) or Gwendolyn are nothing but sounds. But Nathan and Ruth point to a history and culture. I remember a German professor, during my college years, who was expatiating on this subject. He used me as an example and tried to say that my name was really Mayer, which derived from Major, and thus claimed some kind of superiority. He never gave me a chance to say in class what I told fellow students afterwards, that my name follows a second century rabbi, Rabbi Meir, whose name suggests that he enlightened his fellow rabbis in the intricacies of the laws. (Now don’t start in with me; I refuse to discuss it!) To repeat, parents ought to try to find euphonious names for their newborns that would indicate their Jewishness. Ismar Schorsch, Chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary, tells that “Ismar” was used by German Jews to escape the use of Isaac, which was “too Jewish.” American Jews use names like Irving for the same purposes (Surely, you’ve heard of Abraham, Irving and Jacob, our original patriarchs!) Someone ought to make himself an expert in namefinding for new parents who want to name a baby for the mother’s grandmother, Shoshi, or the father’s grandfather, Shmuel Yitzel. You probably cannot morph this skill into an income-producing profession, but you can make lots of people happy and that ain’t no small thing! Look at names again at the beginning of Shemot. Maybe you can find a winner there--even if you have to change it the least tiny little bit. Just don’t go too far!
If You’re Mourning the Loss of a Loved One, Join “Comfort and Conversation” at Beth El by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Grieving the loss of the loved one can be a heartrending, isolated process; sharing with others and feeling a sense of community can provide muchneeded comfort and support. With that in mind, Beth El Synagogue is pleased to offer "Comfort and Conversation," a new monthly get-together for anyone mourning the recent or past loss of a loved one, beginning on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 6 p.m. “The death of a loved one--family or friend--is a jolting experience,” said Beth El’s Rabbi Mordechai Levin. “Shock, grief and sadness can be overwhelming. Emotional support and a new set of resources are needed during this time. There are different ways in which people mourn. The support of friends and family and Jewish wisdom and rituals may help us to live through these challenging times.” Following a light (optional) dinner, the get-together will be facilitated by Shane Kotok, director of outreach services for Jewish Senior Services, and Shelly Fox, JSS staff social worker. “I’ve been told that the oldest support group in the world is a minyan, so we thought it would be good timing to do something directly after the 5:30 p.m. service,” Kotok said. She also stressed that “Comfort and Conversation” is not a support group. “This is not a ‘go around the room and tell us your story’ kind of thing. If anyone wants to ask us questions about grieving or is interested in educational resources, we’ll be there. If they want to tell their story, we’ll be there. And if there’s someone who isn’t comfortable talking, but just wants to come and listen, that’s fine, too.” There is no charge to attend, according to Beth El Program Director Harriet Einziger; however, she is requesting courtesy reservations at 492.8550. As a helpful supplement, Beth El now offers Lifelights: Help for Wholeness & Healing, a series of booklets which offer support and guidance to individuals struggling with grief, depression and other emotional difficulties. These inspirational, informational booklets provide a uniquely Jewish perspective, and cover a wide range of topics offering comfort, advice and additional resources for help. “Lifelights” are on display in Beth El’s community court.
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