m
^
^^
f>i-n.fi^i^ ^••-np>*BLr> AK.in l/-kUIA ClUr^C IQIfl SERVING NEBRASKA AND IOWA SINCE 1920
Vol. LXV No. 19 Omaha, Nebr.
Catholic, Jewish professors reunited at Creighton Univ.
^"^
3 Shevat, 5748 Friday, Jan. 22, 1988
FUTURE HOME OF HFTH EL SYNAGOGUE
food," Dr. Mor told the Jew- Omaha Jewish community," said Dr. Mor. ish Press in an interview. He pointed out also that "Bruce and his wife, Diane, not only took care of Mary Fellman, one of his everything, finding the neighbors, is "just a wonhouse, furnishing it, but derful neighbor who has they took us under their gone out of her way to make wing, helping the children us feel at home." Before applying for the with English, literally being our family outside of Israel. Klutznick Chair, Dr. Mor "This kind of loving, fam- had been to Omaha twice ily treatment, is what we before at the invitation of have experienced through- Dr. Malina. During these out the Creighton environ- visits. Dr. Mor had an op' (Continued on Page 2) ment and also within the
By MorriB Maline About 12 years ago, Dr. Menacbem Mor, a citizen of Israel, read a research paper that interested him and wrote to the author, Dr. Bruce Malina of Creighton University for more information. Their continuing correspondence coupled with visits between the twjo in both Israel and Omaha blossomed into full-fledged friendships between the two families.
New Creighton dean a Conservative Jew
Dr. Menachem Mor And the friendship is continuing: Dr. Mor is the first scholar to occupy the recently endowed Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization at Creighton, and Dr. Malina still teaches at Creighton in the Department of Theology. Dr. Malina is Catholic and Dr. Mor is Jewish. "When we arrived' in Omaha Aug. 9, 198,7 after 24 hours of continuous travel, we were taken to a furnished home complete to the point where the refrigerator was stocked with
I
By Morris Maline The Creighton University School of Law has named a sefond Jewish dean to lead the law school. He is Lawrence Raful, associate dean at the University of Southern California Law Center in Los Angeles. Dean Raful will succeed Rodney Shkohiick, who is stepping down after 10 years as dean to return to full-time teaching at the law school. In a telephone interview this week, Dean Raful said that he has heard many good things about the active Jewish community in Omaha, and that he end his family are looking forward to participating in Jewish life here. Dean Raful is affiliated with Congregation Beth Am, a Conservative synagogue in Los Angeles, and participates in a "Library Minyon", which is a group of young professionals who meet regularly and participate in a variety of learning activities. His major community activity has been in serving as a member, treasurer and vice president of the Los Angeles Hillel Council which is sponsored by the Los Angeles Federation to provide services throughout Southern California. Dean Raful said he hopes to visit Omaha in March and will plan to attend services and visit the Jewish Community Center at that time. Dean Raful and his wife, Dinah, have three daughters: Sarah, 10, Anna, seven, and Leah, almost four.
Federation Foundation to seel( unrestricted endowments in '88 By Joanie jMobaon Federation public relations director
David L. Frierflanrf assumed his duties as chairman of the Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha at the Foundation's first board meeting of the year, held on Tuesday, Jan. 12. Upon receiving the gavel from Murray H. Newman, outgoing chairman, Mr. Friedland cited Mr. Newman for his pxcellant record and ability to "make decisions with both his head and his heart." iit. Friedland, also chairman of United Distillers Products Company, has been a leader in the Omaha Jewish community for over 20 years; he has been involved with the Federation's endowment program since the 1970's and has officially served on the Foundation Board since its establishment In 1983. "It's a small, cohesive board," explained Mr. Friedland, "and we work very wdl together. Under
From one generation to another, four generations of Beth El members stand in front of the "new Beth El"—represented by the announcement sign in the background—at 144 and California Streets. Looking into the future as their Jewish heritage is passed on, symbolized by the coming new synagogue are, from left, Mrs. Lena Grossman; her daughter and son-in-law, Betty and Stuart Musldn; Linda and Alan Muskin, Mi-s. Grossman's grandson and his wife; great-grandson, Scott Muskin.
Beth El plans new synagogue building By Gene Rich Beth El Synagogue In the beginning, Sept. 13, 1929, some 75 families became members of the newly-organized Beth El Synagogue. They attended services at the old 20th and Dodge Jewish Community Center auditorium. In this Shevat 5748 (January 1988) two generations later and over 750 families strong, Beth El begins a new campaign to construct its new house of worship at 144th and California Streets. Ozzie Nogg, Beth El president, this week officially announced that the synagogue board of trustees has named Phil Schrager, chairman of The Pacesetter Corporation, as general chairman of the Capital Building Campaign. "The planning for this drive has been in the works
for over two years," said Mrs. Nogg. "The board and congregation of Beth El are firm in their commitment to this facility. We all realize the enormity of this project, and are excited by the prospect of worshiping in a new synagogue." In agreeing to head the building committee, Mr. Schrager commented, "I feel proud and honored to lead Beth El in the construction of a new synagogue. Building a house of worship is an exciting and challenging opportunity for all of us and I look forward to working with the congregation in an effort to succeed." Beth El is entering the 59th year from its initial Friday evening service. Even though there were just 75 member families, over 1,000 attended that first Friday night service. For some years services
were held at the Community Center and the Old Knights of Columbus building. Rabbi David A. Goldstein became spiritual leader in November 1930. The structure now used by Beth El became a reality in December 1941. Cantor Aaron I. Edgar came to Beth El in 1936, Rabbi Alexander Katz in 1943, and when Rabbi Goldstein left for Philadelphia in 1946 Rabbi Myer S. Kripke assumed the religious leadership of Beth El. With continued growth, Beth El added a new wing in 1952 which provided a chapel and synagogue annex, nine new school classrooms, executive offices, rabbi's-study, increased social hall capacity and a new kitchen. "Like many of the congregation, I grew up at Beth El," Mr. Schrager said. "As (Continued on Page 2)
Former special investigator to speak at Grand Gifts dinner
Murray H. Newmui, left, accepts the outgoing president's award from David L. Friedland, 1988 diainnan of the Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. , the leadership of Mort the benefit of the Omaha Trachtenbarg and Murray Jewish conununity. Funds Newman, past chairmen, help'to ensure the continuits' progress has been excep- ation of a strong and vitional. We're very proud of brant Jewish community our financial growth and while making possible creaplan to bi'oaden our base tive programming for today. even more in 1988." ^ "We have a current need The Foundation is a separate division of the Feder- for unrestricted endowment ation established to ad- funds," stated Mr. Fried(Continued on Page 71 minister endowed funds for
John Loftus, a former trial attorney for the United States Justice Department's Office of Special Investigations will be the featured speaker at the 1988 Grand Gifts Division dinner on Feb. 4. The dinner, to be held at the Blue Fox Restaurant, will begin with cocktails at 6 p.m. "The dinner is being held to recognize the contribution of the men in this division to the success of the Federation Campaign," said Bob Gordman, Grand Gifts Division chairman. "The Grand' Gifts Cabinet believes that it is time for the Jewish community to show its. appreciation to these men for their continuing financial commitment.
Boston Latin School and Boston Collego. In 1979, he coordinated a top secret investigation into Nazi recruitment by United States intelligence agencies. Mr. Loftus is the author of a book, "The Belarus Secret," which was the basis for the 1985 CBS movie. "The Belarus File." "It is important to note that there will be absolutely John Loftus no solicitation at this din"I'm looking forward to a ner," emphasized Paul Epspecial evening that should stein, dinner chairman. be both informative and en- "This is simply an opportutertaining. John Loftus is a nity for these men to meet dynamic, upbeat speaker John Loftus, who has been who has had a long involve- a good friend of the Jewish ment in prosecuting Nazi community, and to participate in an enjoyable evewar criminals." Mr. Loftus was bom in ning." For further information, 1950 to an Irish Catholic family. He is a graduate of call Steven Rod, 334-8200.