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Jewish Press
See USY story on page 8.
Serving Nebraska and Iowa Since 1920
Vol. LXX No, 28 Omaha
25 NISSAN, 5753 Friday, Aprir 16,1993
The Warsaw Ghetto — Why America watched in silence By Dr. Rafael Medoff special correspondent, The Miami Jewish Tribune Shortly before Passover, 1940, Jews.serving in foreedlabor battalions in Nazi-occupied Warsaw were suddenly ordered to begin a new task: lugging sacks of bricks to construction sites around the city where they would begin erecting giant walls to border the planned Jewish ghetto. Like their ancestors in Egypt, who were ordered to supply the bricks to use in their slave labor, the Jews in Warsaw were compelled to provide the bricks with which the walls of the Warsaw Ghetto would be built. In a macabre parody of the Jewish experience in ancient Egypt, Passover in Warsaw marked tJhe beginning of an important new phase in the Nazis' enslavement of the Jews. Unlike the original Passover saga, in which slavery was followed by freedom, the enslavement of Warsaw Jewry was to be a prelude to their annihilation. When the Nazis occupied Warsaw in September, 1939, Hitler had not yet formulated his genocidal plans for the Jews. Options Uien under consideration by the Nazi hierarchy included the deportation of European Jews to the African island of Madagascar or, alternatively, the concentration of all captured Jews on a vast reservation in Poland's Lublin region. In the meantime, the German occupation authorities exploited the Jews in occupied Poland, stripping them of I their possessions, conscripting them into forced-labor j^^rigades, and using them as convenient targets for Ger^^pian soldiers who wanted a "Romp" — that is, an evening ^^of plunder, torture and rape. V Building the Ghetto By the spring of 1940, the Nazis decided that the task of controlling Warsaw's Jews would be made easier if the Jews were i:onfmed to a walledin ghetto. It was the beginning of the end for Warsaw Jewry. The city's Jewish community of 300,000, which had swelled to nearly 400,000 as refugees poured in ftxTm other parts of Poland, was soon ravaged by hunger, disease, and Nazi atrocities. The German occupation rulers imposed strict limits on the amount of food that could enter the ghetto, resultiiig in mass starvation (some 11,000 Warsaw Jews starved to death in 1941, according to one estimate). Extreme overcrowding in the ghetto (one doctor described the average dwelling as being "narrow as the grave") encourage the spread of deadly diseases such as typhus, which killed tens of thousands of Jews. Many more Jews were murdered in random Nazi pogroms or were literally worked to death in forced-labor groups. In early 1941, Hitler decided that genocide was the appropriate Tinal solution" to the "Jewish problem." It wastried ou^ first in tJie Nazi-occupied Ukraine" in the summer and autumn of 1941, where mobile Nazi killing units I machine-gunned hundreds of thousands of Jews into : ditches that the victims themselves were forced to dig moments before being murdered. During the winter of 1941-liM2, the first death camps, . equipped with gas chambers, were established in occunipd Poland In Januarv. 1942. the Nazi nffirsni in rhanre
of implementing the Holocaust met in the Berlin suburb of Wannsee to coordinate their strategy: the Jews -would be shipped by train to the camps in Poland. Those Jews who were already confined to ghettoes would be the simplest to apprehend. In less than eight weeks during the summer of 1942, from July 22 through Sept. 13, more than 300,000 Jews were rounded up in Warsaw. Lured to the train stations by the offer of a few scraps of food, the starving, demoralized Jewish masses could not know that their destination was the Treblinka death camp. By early 1943, only 35,000 Jews remained alive in Warsaw. Birthday Present • As Hitler's birthday, April 20, neared. Gen. Stroop imagined that the Fuhrer would like nothing better than to be presented with the charred rubble of the once-thriving center of Polish Jewry, so on April 19, 1943, Stroop ordered his troops to march into the heart of the ghetto. Stroop expected that one day would suffice to level the battered remnants of Warsaw Jewry. He was sorely mistaken. For the past nine months, young Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto had been constructing underground bunkers, stockpiling the guns and hand grenades they were able to obtain from the Polish underground, and manufacturing crude homemade weapons from the sparse materials available. (Jewish fighters in the Vilna ghetto, lacking sand to fill the sandbags needed for their battle against the Nazis, instead used the large, leather bound Talmudic volumes from the cit/s famous yeshivas — a dramatic, if unconventional, confuination of the Talmud's role as "the central pillar of Jewish life," as it has been called.) "Not Like Sheep' The Warsaw Ghetto rebels were, because of personal and political differences, divided into two factions: the Jewish Fighting Organization (known by its Polish initiils ZOfl), led by Mordechai Anielewicz, and Betar (the youth wing of the Revisionist ZioniiU), led by Paul Frenkel. ^Dn|>ite their dififerehces, the two groupatcooperated closely as they planned the armed revolt tnat they intended to launch the next time the Germans tried to round up Jews for deportation. The fateful moment arrived on Jan. 18, 1943, eariier than they had expected and before they were fully prepared. Nonetheless the Jewish flghters fought valiantly, engaging the startled Nazi troops in four days of street batr ties. The Germans regarded Jews as racial weaklings, and had become accustomed to tlie sight of Jews passively going to their deaths. Now they encountered Jews who fought back; the shocked Nazis suspended the round up and hastily withdrew from the ghetto. When Gen. Stroop decided to try again, on April 19, he came with tanks and artillery. But even the appearance of such weapons could >iot deter tiie Jewish resistance fighters. The initial German penetration was repelled'by Jewish guns, as were subsequent Nazi assaults. German tanks were hit bv molotov mrk
A Jewish Agency rescue I naoMd by the Jcwiih Aftncy from dvil war in Duchanbi. TiOiUaUn (a Motima RapubUc at UM for•=a'-.*tj-^ia!a
nwr Sovtot Union), arrivt In IVMI thanka to OporaUon Eiodua ftindt. Photo by UJA/DR GuUirW
tails and exploded in flames. Defeated in street fighting, Gen. Stroop completely shifted his strategy, and began systematically setting fire to every building in the ghetto. Fighters and civilians alike were gunned down as they fled from the flames. Gas and hand grenades were used to flush out underground bunkers. Yet it was not until.. May 8 that the main headquarters of the Jewish fighters was captured and destroyed. On May 16, (5en. Stroojp reported to his superiors that the ghetto had been liquidated, but he spoke too soon; sporadic fighting continued untU well into June. Estimates of the number of casualties inflicted upon the Nazis by the Jewish rebels range fitim several hundred to more than two thousand. Whatever the final numbers, one fact would always be remembered, wrote William Zuckerman in the N.Y. Yiddish daily Morgen Zhumal: "Jews died fighting, rather than like sheep led to the slaughter." What Americans Knew What did Americans know about the Warsaw Ghetto .revolt? How did they respond? News of the Jewish rebellion, while fragmentary, reached the U.S. press within days of the start of the uprising. 'TVarsaw's Ghetto Fights Deportation," a page 9 dateline in the New York Times declared on April 23. The Nazis were reported to be employing "armored cars and tanks" against the Jews, who were said to have been supplied with unspecified "arms" and even "trained commanders" by Polish underground. The fighting, according to the Times, was 'said to be costing the Germans many lives." Two weeks later, a small item in the Times reported that Jewish fighters hid been mounting a "furious resistance" to the Nazis, with the battle having been "raging for 17 days." Wliile information about the revolt was sketchy, there was much more information available than the Times saw fit to print; during the period from late April until late May, when tlie Times ran just one story about the Warsaw rebellion, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency published seven separate stories about tlie fighting, Throughout the Holocaust years, the editors of the Times consistently gave more attention to the casualties suffered by non-Jewish partisan fighters than they did to either JJewish fighters or to the mass murder of the Jews. On Jiine 27, 1942, for example, the Times ran a headline about the deeds of the Czech partisans; that story was followed by tfiree short news items from Europe — the very last of which announced (ip two brief paragraphs) that 700,000 Polish Jews had been anniliilated by the Nazis. Under tlie leadership of tlie assimilated and self-conscious Sulzberger family, the Times constiously sought to avoid giving the impression thaU it was paying ton inurli attention to Jewish suffering. The "Show Me" Syndrome Not many Americans were partiLumnj uucrcsu-d i[i , the Warsaw Ghetto events, or in the Holocaust in general. Part of the reason was tliat reports about the slaughter of hundreds of civilians were difficult to believe; many Americans remembered World War One atrocity stories ttiat later turned out to be false. ^ Deborah LipsUdt (author of Beyoftd Belief, a study of ! the American media's coverage of the Holocaust) has characterized such skepticism as the " 'show me' syndronte" — unless actual physical evidence of the atrocities could be produced, the reports of what had happened were ri'ot believed. There were other reasons for Airierica's apathy, too.' Naturally tlie public was abaorbed with n«ws of the war effort, and regarded the suffeHng of the Jews aa one small part of a much bigger ordeal. The prevalenc* of . ' anti-Semitism in wartime America also helped blunt public interest in the fate of European Jewry. "Rescue llirouKh Victory* Feeling no public prai' sure to take action, Presi d«nt Franklin Roosevelt lell it to the SUta Department to explain to American Jews Uutii Is of Aiaiatant Adolph Berle) 'Notluii^ can ba dona to aava thsaa halpless unfortunates t'\ through the lnvaak>n ropa, the defeat ofthc Uer man army, and the breaking Of the German powtr Thm ia no other way* Conlmtmi On pa^ 4
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April 16,1993
Jewish Press
Russian Orthodox leader Deaths MARY BELMONT again stirs controversy Services were held April 4 at Fisher Farm Cemetery
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By Deborah Kalb in Danish homes and States News Service smuggling most of the WASHINGTON (JTA) 'Jewish community to the — In a year commemorat- nearby neutral country of ing tlie 50th anniversary Sweden. of many grim events reAmong the speakers at lating to the Nazi Holo- the commemoration, held caust, Jews gathered here at a synagogue in Washto celebrate one bright ington, was Attorney Genspot of 1943: the rescue of eral Janet Reno, who is of the Jews of Denmark. Danish ancestry. The Danish people, unReno called the event's like so many others in Eu- symbol that each of usrope, protected their Jew- has to rededicate ourish citizens from Nazi selves to stand up against d^ath camps, hiding Jews evil."
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By Deborah Kalb States News Service WASHINGTON (JTA) — An 83-year-old Holocaust survivor has won a battle with the U.S. government over whether her reparatioii payments from the German government should count as income. The Department of Housing and Urban Development decided that reparation payments should not be considered part of a survivor's income. The decision, which brings HUD's policy into line with that of other government agencies,
Attorney General joins event thanking Danes
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Saturday, APRIL 17 Kail tpsiein, Bat Mitzvah, 11:15 a.m., Temple Israel Sunday, APRIL 18 Artza Program, 1:30 p.m., (place TBA) Halikvah/Amil Women, 5;30p.m , Beth Israel YomHaShoati, 7 p.m., Bath Israel • Monday. APRIL 1« YES, 10:30 a.m. XC Executive Committee, 7 p.m. Tucaday, APRIL 20 Old Timers, 11 a.m. Beth Israel Ststertiood Open Board meeting, and Luncheon, 12:30 p.m., Betti Israel NCJW General Mealing, 7:30 p.m. Uno Board, 7:30 p.m., Beth El WadnMday, APRIL 21 Breadbreakers, Noon, Regency West Best Western TIGGS, Noon, Temple Israel JCC Buildings ft Grounds CommMee, 4 p.m. Boy Scouts, 7 p.m. Cub Scouts, 7 p.m. Siddur Hebrew, 7 p.m Beginning Hebrew, 8 p.m. Hebrew High. 7:30 p.m. Continuing Convarulional Hebrew. 6 p.m B'nai B'nth Monsky B«nqua< Bath El Bqard, 7:30 p.m., Btth El Thwraday, APRIL 22 Waik'in Drop-in, 10 a.m.° Lunch ft Learn, Noon. Beth f BJE Board, 7:30 p.m Federation Newoomeis Tea, 10 a4n. B'nai B'rtth Womaris League Tea 1:30 p.m. Roaa Blumkiri Home Dr. Ted and Paggy Myers, MaimonMaa Sooaty Event,8p.m. Highland
The "Protocols" were actually a fabrication writMOSCOW (JTA) — ten for the czarist secret Metropolitan Johann of police. St. Petersburg, the secJohann raised the ques-. ond-highest-ranking cler- tion in a lengthy article tigyman in the Russian Or- tled "The Struggle for thodox Church, has once Russia," published in late again stirred controversy February in the notoriby issuing new anti-Se- ously anti-Semitic and mitic statements. hard-line communist The 62-year-old church paper Sovietskaya Rosfigure has posed the ques- siya. tion of whether the 'ProIn the article, Johann tocols of the Elders of said a smart man will Zion" were authentic, re- draw his own conclusions ferring to the infamous about the "Protocols," and 19th-century tract that he juxtaposed excerpts purported to expose a from the "Protocols" with Jewish conspiracy to take dire descriptions of the over the world. state of Russia today.
Survivor's reparations don't count as income
Lois Milder lOIAL DISU.N CONSULTATION
By Alexander Lesser
HHS scraps plan for reduping aid
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S A V E
By Deborah Kalb State* News Service WASHINGTON (JTA) — Refugees, including Jews front the former Soviet Uniqp, can breathe a little eaaier now that the U.S. government has puUerf back from plans to reduce their flnancial and medical aiaiatance.
Because of budget cuts, the government^ had planned to shorten ^^^ time during which refugees who had come to the United SUtei were eligible for aaaittance^ The time period for eligibility would have been reduced from eight montha to Ave.
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for Mary Belmont. She was 87. Mrs. Belmont was preceded in death by her husband, Harry, and by two sons, Joseph and Bei\jamin. Survivors include a son. Jack; a brother, Dorothy Levitsky; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to L.O.V.E. through the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or to the Nebraska chapter of the American Parkinson's Disease Association, Box 241237, Omaha, 68124. MARJORIE AVNER Services were held April 4 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery for Marjorie Avner. She was 81. Preceded in death by her husband, Irving, Mrs. Avner is survived by sisters, Gussie Zweiback.of Omaha; Mary Geller of Oklahoma City; nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to a favorite charity.
Fern absorbs radioactivity By Hugh Orgel TEL AVIV (JTA) — A scientist at Hebrew University has reportedly discovered a fast-growing fern that absorbs radioactive waste and prevents the loss of gold in jewelry nianufacturing. The plant, called the azolla, lives among blue-green algae, which bind carbon monoxide. Professor Motti Sela of the Jerusalem-based university's agriculture faculty says that the fern grows very quickly, doubling its mass every three days. It does not require fertilizer and can flourish not only in potable water but also in partially treated sewage water.
The fern can absorb a number of poisonous heavy metals through its roots According to Sela, who discovered thp azolla's uncanny qualities, the fern grows naturally in Southeast Asia, North and South America and Egypt. It was brought to Israel for research. After being cultivated initially in the Hebrew University's Abu Kebir botanical garden in Tel Aviv, it was brought to the university's agriculture faculty in Rehovot. Sela found that the fern can absorb a number of poisonous heavy metals through its roots, including lead, cadmium, tiickel, zinc, mercury and chromium — all polluting metals which are byproducts of many industrial processes. Not only does'the living azolla absorb them, but dried azolla has also been found to absorb these metals in up to 6 percent of the plant's weight. Further research by Sela and his colleagues showed that the fern can also absorb uranium, which constitutes problematic radioac^ve waste from nuclear reactors, whether in the fern's dry or wpt state. - Azolla was also fotind to be useful in the absorption of precious metal auch as gold, palladium and platinuth, released in the jewelry manufacturing and electronics industries. lite Hebrew University researchers have also developed a special filter for working with azolla tliat will be used to study the engineering aspecU of using the; process on an industrial scale.
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April 16,19?3
Synagogue Activities
Jewish Press
Page 3
Beth Israel Synagogue
1502 No. 52nd Street Omaha, NE 68104 Temple Israel • 556-6288 Beth El Synagogue 7023 Cass Street Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 14506 California Omaha, NE 68132 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Omaha, NE 68154 556-6536 Sunday (when school is in session), 9 to 11 a.m. 492-8550 FRIDAY: Office Hours: Services are conducted by Rabbi Mark Urkowitz and Shabbat service is at 8:15 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday: Cantor David Taub. FRIDAY: Rabbi Daniel Fink and Cantor Karen Webber-Gilat 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. will officiate. Rabbi Fink will speak on "The Sound of Kabbalat Shabbat service is at 7 p.m. Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and SATURDAY: Silence." The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by Cantor Emil Berkovits. FRIDAY: Rocky and Marshall Lewis in honor of the Bat Mitzvah Morning service is at 8:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary and of their niece, Kari Epstein, Services at 6 p.m. Goldstein Chapel. Junior Congregation, Shabbat JuSATURDAY: SATURDAY: niors and beginners Minyan meet at 10 a.m. A kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood will follow. Shabbat service is at 11:15 a.m. in the sanctuary. Services at 9:30 a.m. Kiddush follows services. TSS Simcah B'Shabbat, an alternative Torah-study service, (Torah Siddur Skills) begins at 10:15 a.m. SST (Shab- Babysitter service is provided courtesy of Sisterhood, Talmud class with the Rabbi is at 7 p.m., followed by will be held in the chapel. The regular Shabbat service bat Story Time) for children ages two to six at 11 a.m. Sitter service at 10 a.nv. Mincha at 7:45 p.m. Shalosh Seudos, Ma'ariv and Havwill be held in the sanctuary. dalah conclude services. Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services at 8 p.m B'NAI MITZVAH SUNDAY: SUNDAY: Kari Allison Epstein, daughter of Sandy and Paul Services at 9 a.m.and 5:30 p.m. Service is at 9 a.m. Yom Hashoah observance al 2 Epstein, will celebrate her Bat MiUvah at the Shabbat p.m. WEEKDAYS: Morning Service on April 17. WEEKDAYS: Services at 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Ali Jennifer Lerner, daughter of Martha and Dick Morning services at 7 a.m., evening service at 7:45 JUDAICA SHOP Lerner, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah at the Shabbat Open Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 pjn., p.m. Each weekday evening between Mincha and Morning Service on April 24. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to noon. Ma'ariv, Rabbi Urkowitz leads studies in Humash SITTER SERVICE MONDAY: ADULT EDUCATION Sitter service is available each Shabbat evening serCantor David Taub leads a Gemara study session at Beth El Women's League Tuesday morning classes vice. Sitter service is available for Saturday morning 4:30 p.m. in the Goldsten Chapel at the Rose Blumkin meet at 9 a.m. Women's League and the adult Edudcaservice when there is a Bar/Bat mitzvah. Please make Jewish Home. a reservation so we may plan accordingly. There are tion Committee Monday night classes are on hiatus TUESDAY: during the JCAC season. no facilities for infants. Cantor Taub teaches the Haftorah Trope to post Bar LUNCH 'N LEARN TOT SHABBAT Lunch 'n learn with the rabbi continues Thursday, Mitzvah age students at 6 p.m. in the JCC. A short service of song and prayer, followed by cookWEDNESDAY: April 22, noon at Beth El. ies and juice, will be held for toddlers, preschoolers, Supplementary classes in Jewish studies for stuand kindergartners and their parents and grandpardents are held at the JCC with supper and Mishna Tifereth Israel ents. studies from 6 to 7:20 p.m. Instructor is Rabbi 3219 Sheridan Blvd. ADULT EDUCATION Urkowitz. Lincoln, NE 68502 Introduction to Judaism class, Monday at 7:30 p.m. TOPICS OF INTEREST 423-8569 Adult B'nai Mitzvah class, Tuesday at 7 p.m. On Sunday, April 18 and April 25, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Services are officiated by Rabbi Elihu Milder. "Jewish in Hollywood," led by Rabbi Azriel, ThursFRIDAY: the JCC, Topics of Interest for Growing Young Jewish day at 9:30 a.m. Ladies. Devora Urkowitz is the instructor. Services begin at 8 p.m. "The Matriarchs and Their Legacy," led by Rabbi SATURDAY: JEWISH LIFE Fink, Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Jewish Life and Jewish living classes with Cantor Services are at 9:30 a.m. Junior Congregation begins MEN'S CLUB at 10:15 a.m. Feltman on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the school On Sunday at 10 a.m,, Bob Wolfson will speak about wing of tlie synagogue. anti-Semitism in Omaha, in Nebraska and in America. Unit I - Belief in G-d, April 28; prayer, May 5 and B'nai Jeshurun He serves as director of the Anti-Defamation League of 12; Shabbat, May 19 and June 9; Unit 2 - Medical Ha20th and South Streets the Midwest. Lox and bagels will be served. Cost to lacha, June 16 and 23; Contemporary Halachic probLincoln, NE 68502 non-members is $3. lems, June 30 and July 7, Minhagim-Origins, July 14 435-8004 FOOD FOR THOUGHT and 21; Unit 3 - Preparation for marriage and/or make Services are officiated by Cantor Michael Weisaer. Cantor Karen WebberGllat will lead discussion on our marriage better. The Jewish woman's guide to FRIDAY: Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Temple provides "happiness realizing potential as a homemaker, July 28, Sabbath evening service at 7:45 p.m. -drinks; participants should bring a brown-bag lunch. Aug. 4, ll, and 18; Who is a Jew, Aug. 25 and Sept.l. SATURDAY: Tiaos SISTERHOOD Morning service at 10 a.m. Temple I^srael Go-Getlers will meet for lunch Luncheon, 'IHiesday, april 20 at 12:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Wednesday at noon at Temple Israel. Cost is $3.50. BAT MITZVAH Hebrew Clasijes for children at 9 a.m.; religious Make reservations by calling Mary Lou Goodman school at 10 a.m. On Friday, April 23 at 8:15 p.m., Amanda Mack, ^(553-6634) or Libby Kaplan (551-6202). . daughter of Jerry and Candee Mack and granddaughv TUESDAY: SHABBAT COMES TO YOU ter of Jean and Morris Bresel, will celebrate her Bat Adult Education class, 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Fink, Cantor Webber-Gilat and Mitzvah at the Family Services. An oneg.Shabbat THURSDAY: the Omaha Temple Youth Group will- lead Shabbat sponsored by the family will follow services. Choir rehearsal at 7:30 p.m Services at the Livingston Plaza next Friday at .3:45 i.m. Offutt
Candlelighting for Friday, April 16:6:46 p.m.
Cap^hart Chapel
B'nai Israel 618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 322-4705 Service! are conducted by congregaui^ . .„ ...lurumtion, leave a mewiaKC on tlie synagogue answering machine (322-4705). FRIDAY: Serviced are at 7:30 p.m.
Blumkin Home SATURDAY: I'l in the Ooldnti-n Chapel at 9 a.m. ' coininuiiity are invited to join residi-niB tor ihejk'rvjce and tlie kiddush following. Special memorirti •-•-x,,-.... .,r.. i,„i.i,.., n... i..... ^. day of each mnnth
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Holocaust to be remembered Sunday at Beth Israel Professor Michael Berfcowiti will discuss Jews' experisnces in the Warsaw Ghetto at a Holocaust-memorial service at Bctlj Israel Synagogue on Sunday at 2 p.m Sponsored by the Jewish Cultural Arts Council, auceremony Is open to the community and will feature o( I H and a recitation of names of people who dii' iolocaust/ Prof. Berkowilz, whose new book is tilled "Zionist Culture and West B^aropean Jewry before the First' Worid War," teaches Jewish Studios at the Ohio State University.
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April 16,1993
Jewish Press
Page 4
The Warsaw Ghetto Continued from page 1 The truth was that there were other ways, and the State Department knew it. There were Nazi officials who could be bribed, there were refugees who could be removed to the safety of neutral countries, there were railways to death camps that could be bombed. Yet FDR refused to budge from the "rescue through victory" theory — even if it was likely that there would be no Jews left to save by the time the Allied victory was achieved. Roosevelt was unwilling to let more refugees enter the U.S., nor would he press the British to let Jews enter Palestine. Crude anti-Semitic attitudes among some State Department officials further diminished the administration's interest in rescue. The president and his aides were so worried about being accused of fighting Hitler for the sake of the Jews, that they deliberately downplayed the Jewish identity of the Holocaust victims; the statement that the White House issued to commemorate the first anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto revolt did not even mention that the rebels were Jews. As Arthur Szyk, the Jewish artist and activist, complained: They treat us as a pornographical subject. You cannot discuss it in polite society;" Meanwhile, in Bermuda Thousands of miles away, on the very day that the Warsaw Ghetto revolt erupted, the Allies were meeting to reaffirm their refusal to assist Europe's Jews. Hoping to head off the possibility of public or Congressional criticism of its attitude toward the refugees, the American and British governments convened a special refiigee conference in Bermuda. The U.S. delegates in Bermuda reiterated America's refusal to take in more refugees, the other nations in attendance echoed that stance, and the English refused to even discuss Palestine. The Warsaw Ghetto revolt likewise aroused no interest among the delegates in Bermuda. The idea of diverting any Allied military energies to assist Jewish rebels was never ponsidered. But the Allies responded very differently 16 months later, when the Polish Home Army staged a revolt against the Nazis in Warsaw. Despite warnings by senior air force officials that the airdropping of supplies to Warsaw would entail a "prohibitive rate of loss" and "Could not possibly affect Uie issue of the war one way or. another," the British sent 22 night flights from Italy to Warsaw to drop weapons and other goods., Roosevelt joined in, ordering U.S. bombers to take part in the dropping of more than 1,200 containers of arms and supplies on Warsaw in mid-September, 1944. Summing up the results of the mission, the director of intelligence for the U.S. Strategic Air Forces reported to FDR that "Despite the tahgible cost which far outweighed the tangible results, achieved, it is concluded that this mission was amply justified;- America kept faith with its ally." American Jewry's Response Although American Jewish leaders were aware of the Warsaw revolt while it,was still in progress, they refrained from asking the Roosevelt administration to aid the rebels, just as they refrained in general frpm pres-
(Founded in 1920) . Howard Kaplan President, Jewish Press BuarJ of Dircciurs Board Members: Jack E. Cohen, vice prcsidcni: Sylvia Wagner, Ifcasufer; Rose Sthupack, secretary; Steve Dantm, Scoll Friedman. Marci Gallner, Debbie Joscphson, Sheryl Ixc. Steve Lcvingcr. Bthcr Mqichcs, Jane Rips. Steve Skid and Ben Wiesman. Deborah Fclltnan Assislunl Editor
Sheryl Friedman Business Manager
George Schapiro Office Volunteer
Dr. Rafael Medoff is visiting scholar at the Melton Center for Jewish Studies, of Ohio State University, and assistant professor of Jewish Studies at Denison University. He is author of The Deafening Silence: .American Jewish Leaders and the Holocaujjt (New York: 1987).
To the Editon I have an idea. It's just ari idea; I haven't done any research yet. But hiere's tiiy idea: We should not work toward paying studentib to go to Israel for a summer or a year unless they agree to serve in the Israeli Army before entering «pllege. What led to my idea? 1. The dire predications about the future of American Jewry; 2. The expressed need for a reason to remain Jewish that ifl related to an Amerii^n's life; 3. The latest wave of the'lntifi^da;
Saici Rcprescntalives: Diane Bauni, MolliiK Cassman, Madeline Fircsione. Barbara 1-rankcl, Rcncc Kazor, Dora Shefrcn and Rocky Stern. BJitoriali express the views of the writer and are not ncvetMriiy reprticnialivc of the views of the Jewiih Piicsi Boaid, the Jewiih FedonitiiKi of Omaha or the Omaha Jevvijh Community u I whole The Jewiih Preu i> mn rcipiHuible rur IIK KMhroUi "I any imnhici i» Cilabliihnicnl. Reprint ri|hu arc rcMrvtd ami advct1iiiA| ram arc available upim ccqucX.
4. The rise in fundamentaJist Muslim attacks geared to sabotage efforU at any kind of peace agreement whidi includa the existence of Israel as a Jewish state; 6. The notion thikt political cipinions formed in the absence of meaningful datli are meaningless, I would hope that serving in the Israall Army will; 1. Increaae the likelihood of ah individual's identifying as a Jew;
The role of the Jewish Pcdcratkm of Omaha is to Involve Jews In mtctiiu Jewish communal needs locally, natkHully and in Israel.
2. Enable the movers and shakers of the f\ttur( to Identify and understand lihoM who have fought for our home;
A(?eiLi ii-s <ir ill.- IVilri.iiidii .lie Ciininiiinitv Rclatiotis. Jcx I.
3. Add to the effectiveness or our light against the anti-Israel propaganda pitimulgated by various Arab factions;
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By Rabbi Myer S. Kripke
In the Presence off the Elders Our Sidrah begins with installation ceremonies as the Kohanim enter their offices, priests of Israel. Moses called for Aaron and his sons to approach; and he called for the Elders of Israel at the same time, to serve as witnesses and co-ofTiciants as the priests were consecrated to their duties. In my own experience, I came across a definition of old age which I have relished ever since I came upon it. I was peacefully driving, at legal speed, with the green light, on a mtgor trafficartery. Without warning, my car was hit almost broadside, by a car which had entered the stream of traffic by turning right on a red light, into the stream of traffic proceeding on the green. 1 was almost, but fortunately not quite, pushed into the opposing traffic on the other side of the major street. Both drivers got out, and found that neither was hurt. But when the police finally arrived, the first officer who took a look said that each of us had about $2,000 in damage. He was within $50 on my car. The other driver was ticketed, and her insurance company paid for my damage, including the rental of a substitute car. My amazement was that the young driver was in her first year at the wheel and that her father, who was waiting till the police finished with us, was a "very young" man. I realized that her father was younger than my children; so I had a definition of my "old age." The Midrash points out that many times. Biblically, the Elders of Israel are called upon, and it quotes chapter and verse. Rabbi Akiba avers that Israel can get along without elder^ no better than a bird can get along without wings. A colleague of his said that youth is of minor value, compared with the special regard that the Lord has for the aged. The Midrashic comments make me feel better! I don't wish to make too much of the text or the Midrashic comments. But they ought at least to be considered alongside the current craze for youth, for the young body, for new, young ideas, for youthful outlook, etc., etc., We sometimes applaud energy and activity without regard to direction and purpose. There was the pilot whose instruments were defective, and who told his passengers so. Then he added,' "I don't know where we.'re going, but we're making good time." Moses did well to call the elders. TTieir experience, encompassing many years of observation and activity, may have been important in determining what the priestly ministrations were meant to accomplish.
tetters to the Editor
The Jewish Press
Morris Malinc lidilorinChicI
suring FDR to take special action to rescue Jews from Hitler. Worried that they would be accused of putting Jewish interests before the American war effort, Jewish leaders wete easily intimidated by the State Department and the anti-immigration crowd. During the Bermuda conference, Sen. Scott Lucas had warned Jewish leaders that diverting U.S. ships to carry refugees to safety would "prolong this war to the end that we might lose 100,000 boys." In fact, plenty of shipping was available, but American Jewish leaders were not willing to risk facing such accusations in public. They preferred to cling to the hope that, as American Jewish Congress president Stephen Wise put it, "Our govenunent will do what it can. A Suicide in Lcindon The most dramatic response by Jews abroad to the Warsaw Ghetto revolt was the suicide, on May 12, of Shmuel Zygielbojm, a Polish Ji'wish leader living in exile in London, When the New York daily P.M. and tlie Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported the suicide on May 19, they described the contents of a message that had recently been brought by a courier to Zygielbojm from Jewish leaders in the Warsaw Ghetto. Referring to the deportations of Polish Jews to the death camps, the Warsaw leaders had told the courier: "Jewish leaders abroad won't be interested. At 11 in the morning you will begin telling them about the anguish of the Jews in Poland, but at 1 p.m. they v*ill ask you \o halt the narrative so they can have lunch. This is a difference that can't be bridged. They will go on lunching at the regulair hours at their favorite restaurant." The Warsaw Ghetto message pleaded with Western Jewish leaders to "shake the world" by staging dramatic hunger strikes outside "all the important English and American offices and agencies" until 'a way has been decided upon to save the Jews." Years later, Nahum Goldmann, chairman of the World Jewish Congress, acknowledged receiving the Warsaw plea, but explained that he and his colleagues decided against dramatic demonstrations for fear that they would be accused of "Disturbing the war effort of the free worid against Nazism by stormy protests." The destruction of European Jewry, the indifference of the Allies, and the timidity of many Jewish leaders in the Free Worid, was all too painful for Zygielbojm to bear. In retrospect it might seem that there were less drastic steps he might have taken to call attention to the plight of the Jews, but in the lornjly darkness of his London apartment, as he watched Ijie Jewish world going up in flames, Shumel Zygielbojm could think of no other way to protest than to take his own life. Like his comrades in the Warsaw Ghetto, whose brave rebellion he deeply regretted not being able to join, Zygielbojm believed that his death might help save the lives of others.
Sparks From the Word
•'
4. Decrease the hatred and importance many people feel upon hearing of yet aiiother innocent person murdered or seriously hunt; 6. Add to and help verify th« bonds between Israeli Jaws and Diaspora Jaws
When anyone hears that their parents are mortally wounded, they rush to their side, wondering what could have been done to prevent the accident. I^et's hot wait that long for our mother country, Israel. Let's »do what we can to be certain that we have done all we could to keep her safe and healthy. L4u-ry Moldo
To the Editor: _ From March 21 to 23 we had the pleasure of attending the annual conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee in Washington, D.C. Of the 2,500 attendees, 1,200 fvere college students from across thct United States. Needleas to say, the atmosphere was highly charged. Activities included an address by Yitzhak Rabin (where he went, unexpectedly, after cutting short his trip to the U.S.) and Secretary of SUte Warren Chiiatopher. Everyone is talking about the peace process and how it is beginning to seem attainable. On March 23 we, along with two college students tnm Nebraska, lobbied our two senators and Rap. Peter Hoagland for their support of the (fiscal year) 1994 Pon-li^n Aid Dill which include* $3 billion in aid for ! icl. At a time in our history when f< ni((iii not seam so popular, it was rafruhi U) find complete support for this packaK' -ctad rsprtsenCatives. We til needs to know the degree of support that these three have for Issues which are of importance to ua In the Omaha Jewish ^^ •na<jewisn community. Harlan J. Noddl* uul Robnt L Kutly
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x^mi^!<^^'9i.'!n,rrr.'i~K,'«<-'.~r;r^April 16,1993
Jewish Press
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Omaha-Israel Spectacular 45 Some of the cast preparing for the community's Yom Ha'Atzmaut theater production on April 25 at 1 and 2:30 p.m. in the Jewish Community Center theater. Top left, Shirley Schwartz at the piano with Karen Javitch (left) and Nancy Rips; top right, from left, Elaine Jabenis, Dr. Michael Yablonsky, Amnon DoUn; bottom left (from left, Carrie Jacobson, Danny Friedlander, Rebecca Wolfson; lower right, Aveva and Marty Shukert with their daughters, ^chel and Ariel.
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"Faith and Survival" A narrative and slide presentation by Dr. Ted and Peggy Myers about Ethiopian Jewish life 1983-1992
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Amanda Mack Ali Lerner Amanda Michelle Mack Ali Jennifer Lcrncr will become a Bat Mitzvuh on will become a Bat Mitzvah April 24 at Temple Israel. on April 23 at Beth Israel She is the daughter of Synagogue. She is the Martha and Dick Lerner. daughter of Candee and An honor student at An- Jerry Mack. dersen Middle School, she A seventh-grade honor enjoys basketball, soflball, student at Peter Kiewit dance and sewing. She is a recipient of the Sadie Ku- Middle School, Amanda enlakovsky Most-Outstanding joys basketball, Softball and rollerskating. She is a Female Athlete award. Ali has two brothers, member of National Conference of Synagogue Bradley and Jon. She is the granddaughter Youth. of Ruth Goldenbcrg of LinAmanda is the grandcoln, the late Arthur E. daughter of Morris and Hill, the late Joseph Lerner Jean Bresel. and the late Helen Lerner Frcnkcl.
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Love Notes
Organizations YES
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April 16,1993
Jewish Press
Page 6
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Next YES meeting will be Monday at the JCC. "YES Talk," Bingo and English class all begin at 10:30 a.m. Following lunch, Sharon Hanson of USWest will speak about devices for people with communication challenges. Afterwards, at about 1 p.m., the newlyformed choral group will rehearse. Anyone who enjoys singing is welcome to join; for more information, call Amy Potash at 330-4272. Reservations are due Thursday for a day trip to Lincoln on April 28. The trip will include a guided tour of the Nebraska Historical Museum, lunch, a tour of the UNL dairy store, and a program with Lincoln's "Young at Heart" group for Jewish seniors. Cost is $17.50 and includes bus transportation. The bus leaves the JCC at 9:15 a.m. and returns at 4:30 p.m. For reservations, call Evelyn , Epstein at 390-0748. OLDTIMERS Oldtimers meet Tuesday at the JCC. Earlybird discussion is at 10:30 .a.m.; lunch is at noon. After lunch, a video taken at the officers' installation will be shown. WALK-IN DROP-IN Next meeting is Thursday at the JCC. Exercise class and Bingo begin at 10:30 a.m. Bring a sack dairy lunch to eat at noon. Following lunch the video "Groucho Uncensorcd" will be shown. For tl'ansportation, call 3304272.
BREADBREAKERS Speaker on Wednesday is John Stewart, an employee of Body Wise International. He will speak
about the company's nutriti^, anti-aging and weight-control programs. B'nai B'rith Breadbreakers meets each Wednesday at noon at the Regency West Best Western at 107th and Pacific streets. Cost for lunch is $7.50; the program is open to the community.
In tlie News Randi Turkel Katelman, who teaches in the Work Experience Program at Omaha Public Schools, and six other teachers from the program together won the 1993 Marc Gold Award .for teachers of moderately- to severely-disabled students. Thp program was selected from a pool of 93 nationwide for the award. Ms. Katelman, who has worked in the program since 1989, earned a master's degree in Mild/Moderate Mental Retardation in 1991 from University of Nebraska at Omaha. She is a former recipient of the Ruth Sokolof Memorial Fellowship. Beth Brpdkey, owner of Bags and Baggage, a specialty luggage store, was named retailer of the year by Tumi Luggage, Inc., a manufacturer of luggage and business cases. Rick Fox, owner of Julio's restaurants in Omha,- will coor4inate "Taste of the nation," a fundraiser for the 6maha Food Bank. The food-tasting party will be held at Regency Fashion-Court on May 2 at 6:30 p.m.
By Sadye Newman Second-graders from Temple Israel and the singing group "The Temple Tones," led by Cantor Karen Webber-Gilat, brought much joy to the residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. They sang Purim and Passover songs." Also, kindergartners and first-graders from the Friedel Jewish Academy entertained us with a dramatization of a lovely story. They were led by teacher Lucille Saunders. Come again children; you are always welcome. The Oneg Shabbat
sponsored by Hadassah was most eiyoyable, with a program of piano and songs by Jimmie Friedlander and Mike Zailer, students at Burke High School. We welcomed Passover with two seders, both conducted by Joseph Roth, a rabbinic scholar from Chicago. The services made the holiday more meaningful for us. The annual banquet for LOVE volunteers and residents of the Blumkin Home will be April 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the JCC.
Jewish community expands By Gil Kezwer TORONTO (JTA) — Cuba's tiny community of 1,000 Jews is experiencing a "renaissance" as the Communist regime wanes, according to a frequent visitor to the island. "There is a miracle happening there. Jews are coming back to Judaism," said Edmond Lipsitz, formerly executive director of the Canadian Jewish Congress, Ontario region, who recently returned from an eightday trip, his nilh visit to the community since 1983.
Symbolizing the broad interest in JudEusm, 22 men, 11 women and 11 children were converted according to halacha in Havana recently by Rabbi Bariy Zeilicovich of Bogota, Columbia, and Rabbi lejezkel Szteinhendler of Guadalajara, Mexico.
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Tom Fellman (left). Operation Exodus Chairman, and Eugene 'Speedy' Zweiback, MaimonideB Society Chairman, are co-chairing the April 22, 8 p.m. program on Ethiopian Jewry at the Highland Country Club. For information call 334-8200 ext. 247.
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April 16,1993
New books The'Jewish Federation Library has many new non-fiction books. They include: "Horowitz: His Life and Music," by Harold C. Schonberg; "The Path of the Righteous: Crentile Rescuers of Jews During the Holocaust," by Mordecai Paldiel; "Stella," by Peter Wyden; "The Expulsion of the Jews: Five Hundred Years of Exodus," by Yale Strom; "With Friends Like You: What Israelis Really Think of American Jews," by Matti Golan; "Soviet Policy Toward Israel Under Gorbachev," by Robert O, Freedman; "Labour and-the Political Economy in Israel," by Michael Shalev; "Calling the Equality Bluff: Women in Israel," by Michael Shalev; "Saigon to Jerusalem: Conversations with U.S. Veterans
Torah for Teens
of the Vietnam War who Emigrated to Israel," by Eric Lee; "The New Israelis: an Intimate View of a Changing People," by Yossi Melman; "Sleeping on a Wire: Conversations with Palestinians in Israel," by David Grossman; "Surviving Salvation: the Ethiopian Jewish family in Transition," by Ruth Westheimer; "Resisting Reform: a Policy Analysis of the Israeli Heedth Care Delivery System," by Gerald Steinberg; "Passion and Politics: the Turbulent World of tlie Arabs," by Sandra Mackey; "Power Privilege and the Post: the Katharine Graham Story," by Carol FeTsenthal; "Politics, Religion and Love: the Story of H.H. Asquith," by Venetia Stanley, and "Edwin ' Montagu," by Naomi B. Levine.'
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Jewish Press
School dean resigns
By Jeff Shyken
By Debra Nussbaun Coheii NEW YORK (JTA) — Rabbi Joel Roth, dean of the Moses had gone to Pharaoh on five different occasions. Each time, Moses asked Pharaoh to allow the Jewish Jewish Theological Seminary's rabbinical school, has repeople to leave Egypt, and each time Pharaoh refused. signed in the wake of a scandal that has derailed the caOn each time, G-d sent a plague upon the Egyptian peo- reer of the Conservative movement's most prominent interpreter of Jewish law and tradition. ple. Roth resigned from, the position March 29, several The sixtl> plague to strike the Egyptians happened after Moses sprinkled ashes toward the heavens. The days after making a statement with sexual overtones to ashes turned to dust, and a painful epidemic of boils oc- ' a student at the seminary's West Coast afTiliate, the Los curred. But Pharaoh did not change his mind, and he Angeles-based University of Judaism. still refiised to let the Jewish people leave. Roth was one of six members of a committee interNext, G-d sent a plague of hail upon the Egyptians. viewing a candidate for admission to the rabbinical The hail came and it was very severe. It raged over school. According to an eyewitness, he made sexually Egypt and killed man and beast and destroyed crops, suggestive remarks in the context of a role-playing exerbut Pharaoh still would not allow the Jewish people to cise that left the other committee members stunned and leave. angry. G-d next sent a plague of locusts on the Egyptians. "He said inappropriate things to the student," said This was because Pharaoh again refused to let the Jew- Rabbi Eliot Dorff, the university provost and a member ish people leave Egypt. Pharaoh begged Moses to ask Gd to stop the plague because he would let the people of the committee conducting the interview. Roth has "some deep-seated problems for which he needs help," leave. After the plague ended, thbugh, Pharaoh again re- Dorff said. Roth did not return phone calls, and a family rjiemfused to let the Jewish people leave. Because of this, Moses brings the next plague, that of darkness that last- ber, reached at home, said he was unavailable for comed for sue days. Three of these days were so dark and ment. But Rabbi Ismar Schorsch, the seminary's chancellor, heavy tliat tlie Egyptians could not move. Only the Jewsaid Roth resigned "because he felt he was becoming ish people had light in their homes during this time. Pharaoh became so upset that this time he told Moses increasingly ineffective in his post as dean and was conthat tlie Jews could leave, but they could not take their cerned it would impair the school, as well as the semiflocks and herds. nary." Moses said no to Pharaoh. He could not accept The incident is significant in part because Roth has Pharaoh's offer. Pharaoh became so angry that he told been a leading opponent of the Conservative movement Moses never to appear in the palace again. taking a more liberalized approach on mdtters of sexuMoses told Pharaoh that there would be one more ality. plague — a very horrible one that would kill all the He recently led a campaign in the movement's ComEgyptian firstborn males. • mittee on Jewish Law and Standards to prohibit the orG-d told Moses that the redemption was near, that the year would begin with the montli of the Exodus, Nissan. dination of gay and lesbian rabbis. On the tenth day of Nissan each Jewish ma)e Was to take a male lamb to be kept until the 14th of Nissan, HOME APPLIANCE when it was to be sacrificed. Some of the blood was to be SERVICE smeared on the doorpost of the house as a sign that this "Serving Omaha Since 1946" was a Jewish home. This night was the night that the Egyptian fu^tbom SERVICE PARTS males were killed. PROMPT AND DEPENDABLE The Egyptians asked the Israelites to leave. The Jews left in such a hurry that their dough for making bread ONE COMPANY REPAIRS ALL YOUR did not have time to rise; that is why we eat matzo on MAJOR APPLIANCES Pesach.
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I would have told you this before now, but I didn't want to put a damper on your Pesach. I'll be out of town for a while, so you won't be hearing from me for a couple of weeks. There, there now. Wipe your tears.. As General NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS MacArthur said, "I shall return." • Please check your advertisemenls. Errors must be reported lo In tlie meantime, have a wonderful Passover. WrWe the Jewish Press by Monday noon following the first insertion down any new§ you might have for tne when I return from Minneapolis. SERVICES SERVICES Five of our sue children, plus their spouses and chilPAINTING - residential, comdren, will be there (Nancy-and her husband are in EngCUSTOM UPHOLSTERING, mercial, inferior/exterior land on business). Jack and I are looking forward to a CC. residential, commercial and Woodwork, wallpaper, drywall "high old time" in the Twin Cities! mfedlcal lurnlture Experienced, Tomorrow, at 2 p.m., Faye Moskowilz of George Wash- quality workmanship, tree esti- repair. Free estimates, insurington University in Washington, D.C., will speak on mates, excellent retcrences ' ance. 22 year experience, refer ences Lowest rales Gregory "Thoughts and Issued of Contemprary Jewish Life, Par- Call 496-1251 15-19 ,Kogan 333-0156 ticularly Those tliat Affect Modern Jewish Women," The (English/Russian) Digital beeplecture will be at the home of Brenda Friedman, 3015 er 6330087 12-16 Kucera. All are welcome (men and women) for dessert BERGMAN'S PAINTING & OECand coffee. Ms. Moskowitz' subject sounds fascinating, orallng, Itic Interior/ extedor painting, woodwork relinlshlng. WEDDING AND RECEPTION and I'm sure we can all benefit from attending.
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Pages
April 16,1993
Jewish Press
Beth El's USYers share, work, fun
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Editor's note: This story should have been included in the recent Passover issue. By Diane Axler Baum There isn't a livelier time at Beth El than Thursdays. Every Thursday evening, members of USY's BILU Chapter meet at the synagogue to conduct business, work on projects, and socialize. This time of year is especially intense—with the annual Purim Carnival completed, USYers are getting,ready for local elections at the end of April, the final banquet in mid-May, and regional elections over Memorial Weekend. Other activities took on full speed in the fall and winter: Over Thanksgiving Weekend, USY members from across the midwest gathered in Min-' neapolis for enrichment and learning at the annual Kinnus, and in January they again traveled to Minneapolis for a regional convention which explored the theme of family violence. While events such as these are a key to L/SY,, Francee Altman believes the organization has "an equally important underlying message." Ms. Altman, who serves on Beth El's Youth Commission, has observed the value of USY through son Derek, a past BILU president, and son Andrew, a past regional president;"USY provides a total educational process for our young people," she said. "While attending &nd participating in religious services and working on projects with other Jewish ' teenagers, they strength-
and Joe Ginsberg,'who volunteers for Beth El in the role of youth director. Joe Ginsberg, now 78, has been working with USY for over 25 years. He also serves on the Beth El Youth Commission to do behind-thescenes planning for USY and for Kadimah, the recently revitalized youth group for 7th and 8th Joe Ginsberg en their Jewish identity. graders whose adviser is They develop a perspec- Sally Feidman. Modestly refusing to active about what they can cept the credit he debecome as Jewish adults within the Jewish com- serves for tireless work and dedication, he simply munity." According to current says, "Whenever you're BILU presideot Aaron with" kids, it's great." Poliak, conclaves and con- Which explains why ventions contribute to the USY's highest honor is lives of USYers. Aaron, a the permanent "Joe Ginssenior at Millard North berg Mensch Award," preSeqior High, is dedicated sented each year to "the to the USY network, teen who most clearly through which he has met demonstrates Mr. GinsJewish teenagers from all berg's qualities of 'menover the country. "Wher- shelkeit'." Andy Nathan ever I go next year to col- received the award last lege, I'll know at least spring. Mike Levine said he besome of my fellow freshcame a USY adviser to men, and we'll have at least two things in com- offer others what he mon—our Jewishness gained years ago from and our USY experience," USY. "My involvement with this terrific organihe said. Aaron said he is grate- zation made high-school ful to USY for helping the best years of my life," him develop his Jewish he said, "and I want to identity and for comple- help other young men and menting his knowledge of women have the same opJewish rituals, obser- portunity." He said he looks back vances, and law. He said that most teens join USY with warm memories on as a.social outlet, then the experiences he shared they begin to learn and with Jewish youtli in difgrow in Jewish directions. ferent settings and. situaAaron expressed his tions. He praised USY's gratitude to "the great regional conclaves for people in tlie advisory ca- "combining worship serpacity" who guide USYers vices, meaningful discuswith projects and with sions on Jewish themes, personal development. and an important emphaHe singles out Michael sis on Conservative valLevine, BILU advi.'ir. Ill's and traditions,"
Collection features fringes in fashion By DcbrH NuiHibaum Cohen • NEW YORK (JTA).Paris' latest contribution to the fashion world >s "Hasidic chic," as sdme have dubbed the new collertior of famed French.' clothing designer'Jean I'aul daullicr. 'The theme is Jewish, with peyos and rabbi robes," Gaultier said, according to the March 12th issue of the fashion bible Wuinen'b Wear Dally Menoralis lined the runway when his collection was shown in Paris on
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Sunday, and Manische- over their kappotaha to wjtz wine was served. In- separate tJte top halves of vitations were lettered in their bodies, considered Hebraic;looking script, the spiritual part, from ' But in his typically un- the bottom; which is con, orthodox style, Gaultier sidered the ''physical" put female models in the area, ritual side curls and ka'pBut Gaultier, internapotalistyle rob«s. tionally fainoiis for his His llaaidic-inspired col- originality, is not tlie first lection featured a flowing fashion deaigrtcr to be inred velvet "rabbi robe" spired by liasidim. ' worn by a model witli her A,men's-wear collection breasts pressed down by a basad on the same look cinch belt — not exactly was preaanted by the Italtlie 'garter sash lliat HQ- ian company Fabio Inghisidim sometimes wear rami StudI in Janiiary
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B'nai B'rith announces young athletes of year Michael Cooper of Westside High School and Becky Hornbacher of Ralston High School are B'nai B'rith's liletro High School Senior Athletes of 1993. Michael, who will attend Iowa State University on a football and academic scholarship, also excels in basketball. He is a National Merit Scholar and a member of National Honor Society. He was also selected Scholar Athlete of the Year (for football) by the Greater Omaha Convention and Visitor Bureau Sports Committee. Becky, also a member of National Honor Society,
will play soccer for the University of Virginia. She hopes to make the United States' national team. She has lettered in soccer, volleyball and basketball. Michael will receive the Bert Render award and Becky will receive the Earl Siegel award Wednesday at the annual sports banquet sponsored by the Henry Mpnsky Lodge. Speaker is Dick Vitale, basketball analyst of ESPN and former head basketball coach at the University of Detroit. Tickets are available *at the B'nai B'rith office (334-8200) or through Myron Kaplan (390-1112).
Anti-Semitism An in-depth analysis of anti-Semitism, "The Longest Hatred," runs on Wednesday at 8 p.m. on Nebraska Public Television's channels 12 (KUON)and26(KYNE). The show includes three segments: "From the Cross to the Swastika," a history of relations between Jews and Christians from Roman times through the present; "Enemies of the People," a study of the link between Eastern-European nationalism and anti-Semitism; and "Between Moses and Muhammad," an analysis of anti-Semitism among Muslims and the Arab-Israeli conflict.
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