Vol. LXIV No. 34 Omaha, Nebr.
SERVING NEBRASKA AND IOWA SINCE 1920 23 lyw, 5747 Friday, May 22, 1987
NJHS mounts political exhibit The newest exhibit of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society includes photographs and memorabilia of Jewish political figures in the state of Nebraska for almost one hundred years. The exhibit can be viewed in the "Corridor of Jewish History" at the Jewish Community Center during the hours the JCC is open. In addition to the display in the museum there is a collection of photographs on the display wall next to the Harry Trustin is pictured above during his tenure as city office of the Nebraska Jew- commissioner, 1933-1949. He also served on the City Counish Historical Society at the cil, 1956-1965, and was president of that body, 1961-1965. JCC, Photographs and memorabilia highlight- University of Nebraska Regent, Dr. Ben ing the display honor the memory of the late Greenberg; District 66 School Board PresiSmator Edward Zoriiraky to whom the dis- dent, Irv Yaffe; Adams County Supervisor, play is dedicated. Also on exhibit are pho- Fred Teller of Hastings; former State Legistographs of former Federal Housing Com- lator, Richard Fellman. missioner and Secretary of Commerce Both John Rosenblatt, former mayor of Philip Klutznick; former president of the Omaha, and his son, Steve Rosenblatt, Omaha City Council, Harry Trustin; acting former city councilman, are included in the mayor, Harry B. Zimman; District Court exhibit as are photographs of coundlwoman Judge, Irvin Stalmaster; Chief Justice Su- Sylvia Wagner. preme Court, Norman Krivosha. Council Bluffs men in political life who are Included in the display are photographs of University of Nebraska Regent, Mar- included are former mayor Maynard Telpgaret Robinson; Douglas County Commis- ner; councilman, Joe Kat^lman; and candisioner and Chairman, Michael Albert; date Reuben Brown. Douglas County Judge, Sam Cooper; PrePersons having photographs of other siding District Judge, Jerry Gitnick, former Jews who were involved in Nebraska politSupreme Court Judge, Donald Brodkey. ical life are asked to contact the Nebraska Within the museum and oil the extended Jewish Historical Society office at 334-8200, display area are photographs of former Lin- Ext. 277, or bring their photographs to the coln councilman Bill Davidson; former NJHS office.
Creighton honors Joseph Soshnik Joseph Soshnik, M.S., Ph.D., was awarded the Alumni pf Achievement Citation by Creighton Univwsity at commencement ezerdaes last week. This award is presented once a year to a g^raduate who has brought distinction to the University. Jo8«P»> Sodmik His credentials for the Citation were published as follows: "Doctor Joseph Soshnik has distinguished himself and his Alma Mater through his outstanding careers as an educator, financial administrator, and, most recently, as an investment banker. Few individuals distinguish themselves in a single career; Doctor Soshnick has excelled in three. "Doctor Soshnik is considered by colleagues to be one of the most intellectually gifted graduates of Creighton's College of Business Administration. In addition, he has a reputation for integrity and service to his fdlow man that is in the 'gbest Judeo<%riBtian tradition. He truly exemplifies the Jesuit emphasis on an education that develops the whole person. Doctor Soshnik began his career as an educator at Credg^ton University, where for eleven years he was a member of the teaching faculty, and served as both University auditor and budget consultant. He then took his talents to the University of NeIn'aaka at Lincofai, where he was particularly adept in the financing of student housing and university facilities. The University of ^JMebraska chose Joseph Soshnik to be its * President during the ]ate 1960s, when campus unrest and discord peaked. "In the fan of 1971, he joined Kiriqiatrick, Pettis, Smith, Polian, Inc., investment bankera, where he was admired for his financial acumen and marketing etpertise. He quickly gained a reputation as an innovative financier. Today, he is executive
vice president and a member of the firm's Board of Directors. "Throughout his career, he has never hesitated to offer his time and expertise for community improvement. He is cturently vice president of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and a vice i»esident of the Omaha Industrial Foundaticm. His concern for people is seat in his serving as a trustee of Father Flanagan's Boys' Home and the National Conference of Christians and Jews. "Twice before. Doctor Soshnik has been honored by Creighton. In 1972, he was presented with the College of Business Administration Ahunni Merit Award, and in 1984, he was the recipient of the John P. Begiey Distinguished Service Award. He is a member of the President's Council of Creighton University. "In recognition of his leadership as a citizen, educator and businessman, Creighton University and her Alumni Association are pleased to confer the Alumni Achievement Citation on Doctor Joseph Soshnik."
Beth El hints at ''good news" By Morris Maline A major announcement regarding new building plans for Beth El Synagogue is expected in the next several weeks. Indications given at the congregation's annual meeting Sunday night point to a forthcoming announcement that will favor full speed ahead for the new building. Kenneth Sacks, co^;hairman with Morley Zipursky of the New Building Study Committee, said "The climate is right... we are at the threshold of making the new building a reality." More than 150 attended the annual meeting and applauded the presentation of two major awards: the President's award to Jerold Rosen and the Volunteer of the Year award to Toby Kagan. In addition, the congregation thanked those "who fulfill a dramatic and important service to Beth El through their dedication to the congregation." They are: Jeanette Ban, Lillie Becker, Allen Chandler, Susie Drazen, Sam Eisenman. Dave Estrada, Charles Fellman, Mary Fellman, Rose Fine, Abe B. Gendler, Joseph Ginsberg, Sherman Golbitz, Raymond Goldstein, Lee Greenberg, Sam Greenberg, Fannie Gummers, George Kagan, Toby Kagan, Fedora Kahn, Gloria Kaslow, Maurice
Consen^ative Movement response to Reform's patrilineal descent Franklin D^ Kreutzer, president of the United Synagogue of America, the association of Conservative synagogues, numbering over 850 synagogues with 1.5 million members, called for "an aggressive and active conversion policy for the Conservative Movement" in response to the Reform Movement's concqit of Patrilineal Descent. Historically, Judaism has accepted Matrilineal Descent and determined Jewishness by virtue of birth through the mother, which is the accepted procedure of both the Orthodox and Conservative Movements today. Recently the Reform Movement has adopted Patrilineal Descent as an acceptable basis of "Jewishness," whereby a child of any Jewish parent is considered "Jewish." "Stemming the tide of intermarriage as we enter the 21st century is a major priority of the United Synagogue of America and Conservative Jews," Mr. Kreutzer stated. "Only through a caring, OHicemed, committed conversion poUcy which is aggressively and actively pursued and compassionate in nature can we meet head-on the Reform Movement's abrogation of Jewish history and Jewish law." Mr. Kreutzer, representing the lay leadership of the Conservative Movement, has written to Rabbi Kassel Abelson, president of the 1,100 member RabbinicalAssodation
'Platoon' producer plans Holocaust film By Herbert G. Luft (Copyright 1M7, Jawlsk Tek^rflpklc Agancy, inc.)
HOLLYWOOD - Arnold Kopelson, producer of the Oscar-winning motion picture "Platoon," is next working on "Day by Day." The movie will be a factual portrayal of Salamon Arouch, who had been groomed to become a European boxisng champion before he was taken by the Germans in 1942 to the extermination centers of Auschwitz and Birkenau. Surviving by sheer miracle, he lives m Israel and will participate in the movie as a consultant. Kopelson feels assured by the success of "Platoon" that audiences more than ever want to view the naked facts about war and the horrors of the recent past. He has committed $10 million to "Day by Day," to be
Katz, Seymour Katz, Manuel Mackay, Sandra Mackay, Anne Margolin, Al Oruch, Reva Oruch. Lola Reinglas, Margo Riekes, Jerold Rosen, Sheila Rosen, Howard Ruback, Diane Rubin, Sara Saltzman, Martin Shukert, Earl Siegel, Ruth Turner, Sally Venger and Julia Zucker. In his committee report, Ray Goldstein, chairman, Youth Commission, announced that the local USY chapter will host the 1988 Kinnus and that Joe Ginsberg will be the adult chairman for the event. Mr. Sacks, in his committee report, said that the time appears to be right for the campaign to create the new home for Beth El Synagogue. He said the majority of the members live outside the present Beth El area, the physical plant no longer can minister to the needs of the congregation, the physical facility makes it difficult or impossible for use by the handicapped, and the present building requires a capital expenditure of about $1 million for maintenance. Beth El currently owns land on Dodge street west of 132nd and north of Boys Town. New officers of the congregation will be elected at the next meeting of the Board of Directors.
photographed on actual locations from Greece to Poland and finally in Israel. The Polish government has given its consent for filming within Auschwitz. Until now, the government allowed only one motion picture production crew to photograph at the camp—for Jack Eisner's'The Children's War." The barracks and crematoria have never been seen on the screen, except in documentaries. Kopelson hopes to make the definitive film on the Holocaust, reflecting man's inhumanity to man, without pulling any punches. "It will be as truthful as 'Platoon' and just as painful to the survivors. It will ^ tough to watch; it cuts through to the essence of life behind the barbed wire in (Continued on Page 2)
and Dr. Ismar Schotsch, chanrellor of .the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, requesting their active participation in an ongoing campaign for such an aggressive conversion policy. The United Synagogue of America has offered its international, national, and regional structure and resources to help Conservative rabbis accomplish this objective. In calling for the aggressive conversion policy to be implemented and executed by Rabbinical Assembly Rabbis on a regional and local level, Mr. Kreutzer indicated that Halakhah has always been interpreted and implemented for the Jewish people by their sages, scholars, and rabbis. Individual S3magogue rabbis, and others who are members of the Rabbinical Assembly, have the authority, and ability to participate in the valid conversion process.
Sun/ivors to be honored at New Life dinner Cantor Leo Fettman, chairman of the 1987 State of Israel Bonds New Life dinner, announced that every Holocaust survivor in our community will be honored at this year's New Life diniier on June 14, at Beth Israel Synagogue. Cantor Fettman continued, "In recognizing every survivor we show that each one has started a new life, and that Omaha is where we chose to start it. This dinner will honor each and every one of us, and the State of Israel Bonds is the first Jewish organization to do this." Every survivor will receive a specially prepared certificate by the State of Israel that will be presented to them that night. "The dinner is open to the entire community, and the support from the Omaha community will show the solidarity that exists between the community and the survivors." . Cantor Fettman added, "one must not forget the Holocaust and these dinners are just one more way of doing this. Each year almost half of the people attending are nonsurvivors, and I know the Jewish community will continue to support this event." Invitations have been mailed, and if you do not receive one, telephone the Israel Bond office at 341-1177 for a reservation.