Help Racers Pages Serving Nebraska anil Iowa Since 1920 18 Shan 5753, Fridiy. Jut 4,1993
Vol. LXX No^iyoimln
Federation names Schrager Humanitarian of 1993
b
Philanthropist Phillip G. Schrager will be honored aa Humanitarian of the Year at the Jewish Federation of Omaha's annual meeting at the JCC thea^r on June 13 at 7:30 p.m. Through two foundations, Mr. Schrager has contributed to education, youth groups, literacy and organizations in Omaha's Jewish community since 1988. The Phillip G. and Terri L. Schrager Foundation has funded, among ather projects, the Bureau of Jewish Education's learning disabilities program, special education fund and college scholarships; the JCC's ARTZA trip to Israel, the Klutznick/Creighton Symposium; B'nai B'rith; education on Soviet resettlement; and BBYO. The Lois Jeanne Memorial Fund has funded-schol: arships through the Bureau o( Jewish Education; the bureau's programs on special needs and learning disabilities; and the Jewish Federation of Omaha's Young Leadership Award, among other projects. Mr. Schrager, who served as general chairman of the UJA/Federation campaign this year, is former vice president of the Federation Board's ejcecutive committee. In 1992, he served as diairman of the Pacesetter Division of the United Jewish Appeal's Federation Campaign. He is also chairman of the botut] and chief executive officer at Pacesetter Corp.
r
nuDlp U. BeBragm*
•
th St. at Community Playhouse FVesh oil the heek of wlnitlng the Jewlah Federation of Omaha's Conumuiity Service award for. iU North 24th Street exhibit, the fhsbnuka Jewish lUatortcal Society took its show on the road — this tilne to the Omaha Conununiiy Playhouae where fhe exldbit win be on display during the run of Fiddler on the Roof." At left is Mary Fellman, a founder of tlie NJHS and at ri|^t, Susan Sihrer. atchlvlst . '
Reform Jews urge right to marriage
Polish anti-Semitism sfe/7 by fiim crew
NASHVILLE — The Union of American Hebrew Congregations, central body of Reform Judaism, urged that the government of Israel "remove the barriers" Uiat deny an estimated 160,000.immigrants the right to marry in Israel. The UAHC, headed by Rabbi Alexander M. Schindler, is composed of 856 Reform synagogues in the United States and Canada,with a membership of 1.3 million. In a resolution, the UAHC's policy-making board of trustees — holding its semi-annual meeting in the Vanderbilt Plaza'Hotel — said: "In Israel individuals can be married as Jews only if they can prove they are descended from a Jewish mother or if they have undergone Orthodox conversion. "There are an estimated 160,000 Soviet and Ethiopian immigrants who cannot provide such proof, aa well as many 'Jews-by-choice' who have found their way to Judaism through conversion performed by nonOrthodox rabbis. "All of these immigrants are denied access to religious marriage to another Jew, and there is no civil maniage in Israel to which they can turn. Thus, they must undergo unwanted Orthodox conversion or leave the countt7 to be married civilly." In Its resolution, the UAHC called on the Jewish Agency, which is responsible for bringing immigrants to Israel, to take action through its chairman by urging the Israeli government and Knesset (parliament) "to resohra problems of psnonal status faced by tbs new immigrants and removs the barriers that deny them to raamags raarriags m in larael.' aooassI lo israei.
By Tom Tugend LOS ANGELES (JTA) — The cast and crew of "Schindler's List," the Steven Spielberg film about the German businessman who saved more than a thousand Jews in Poland during the Holocaust, have been shocked by the overt anti-Semitism they have encountered while on location in Krakow. In an article in the Los Angeles Times, journalist David Gritten reports tha^ one of the cast's Israeli actors was approached at a hotel bar by an elderly Polish man and asked if he was Jewish. When answered yes, the old man insultingly drew his flnger across his throat, then pulled his fist up behind his neck to indicate a noose. , British actor Ben Kingsley, who stood nearby, leaped at the man, and a scufTle ensued. "We've seen anti-Semitism at firsthand, and it fills me with despair," said Kingsley afterward. In another incident, actor Ralph Fiennes, dressed for his role in an SS uniform, was approached by a woman. "She told me in Polish that the Germans were wonderful people and that they didn't kill anyone who didn't deserve it," he said. The crew was also shaken b^ a wdman who started walking across the set during shooting and was gently stopped by crew members. "Who cares about the (expletive) Jews?" she shouted. Some Poles confiected with the film have been deeply disturlMd by the incidents. Cinenatographer Janusz Kaminski, who immigrated to the United States in 1980, said flatly that he now dislikes his native country, uy, which wnicn he m Ihinlcs "hss an inferiority complex.'
Omahan flies military planes
Omaha native David Cohsn, a pitot in the United States Air Fofte, helped dellvsr food and msdidns to Samalla this spring. His rola was to bring gatoliBe to airtMrns ptaaas alraady en rmto to AMca. *We make wm any military plans that needs gu grtsH.'saldCaptCabsn. 97, a gradusU of Borke Higli Mwol and Boston IWNkaMar. AM«r4lBg to Oapt. GahM, liilltary planes Ita^catly load up on
gasoline in the air. 'It's much nors eftlcisnt to rsftialoa the way than to land,* ha said. Iliat fhrwi us global rsaeb, so we can put airplanes snywbsre in the world any time ws want* A Ijiilsal rdhaltog missioa woold be «B fly above
inte a receptacle on th* othar piaaa,' Capt Cshen llirea^Mmt the rdbeltng prnnssi, ha said, both planes travel at 400 to 500 miles per hour, and at IMM aO/WO tot la tbs air. 'It Uada U be real
eed, Calif., and Enid, Okla. None of thsas oaaununltlss lias a larga Jewish ooaunknity, Capt Cohen said. Through the military. Capt Cobsa and his wife, Theresa, a flight attaodant, have ealebrated Jiewish hoUdaya with 'aems of the amallest Jewlab papalatioM in the wona, aaaawi *W« ha4 Paaaovar laat ria
Baaad at Uriag Air fimodland. whsi% his HCIMR airplane woald Force Base la Malae, mast op wHh a gna^Mui- Capt. Cohan will be gry Mnrwi. ~gavi*pat' tmafbrrad latar this tli« t»» aInteM *ip<l>- mmA la AMM Air I^Na er, abowt N fbat a|Mrt. BHS la AMM, OUa. IM dayawMk ibaaaala llaa at tba Iban/Wgiii^wMiwtBp 9f n>Mii MM^ on M, ni «• fly tba Hv* •iiV-t^Jfil
Capa^Oaban. llBlUliillBMOriClabigh •dMal aad aaOafB, la UM late •aa af Omkaaa Jaanaa IAwl4 la
Pa«e2
Jewish Press
June 4,1993
Deaths
Achtenberg charges anti-Semitism by Garth Wolkoff Jewish Bulletin of Northern California SAN FRANCISCO — Roberta Achtenberg has charged that her Senate confirmation hearings were pepitered with anti- Semitism. Achtenl>erg, who was confirmed by the Senate for the top job in the Housing and Urban Development Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, noted that one of the conservative lawmakers who assailed her for being a lesbian also evoked traditional antiSemitic stereotypes. "There was no question it was anti-Semitic, and there was misogyny as well," Acerg said of the censure by Sen. Jesse Helms, the Republican from North Carolina who led'the assault against her nomination. "Every chance, they got, they called me pushy. I don't think I'm the only Jewish person who has thought it (is anti- Semitic) when someone says 'pushy.' Jewish people-know what that means," she said by telephone after arriving in San Francisco, the day after her oonfirmation. At least two other senators, Trent Lott of Mississippi and Malcolm Wallop of Wyoming, argued against herbecause of hei- lesbianism. Helms' chief of staff, Darryl Nirenberg, denied the charges of anti-Semitism. Tm not sure the senator even knows she's Jewish. I was on the floor and her religion never was mentioned," said Nirenberg, who identified himself as Jewish. "Of course (Helms) is not anti-Semitic. Her statements are simply preposterous." . The Clinton administration nominated Achtenberg earlier this year to head th^HUD office responsible for administering laws that prohibit discrimination in public and private housing, community development and employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, nationtd origin, handicap or familial status. Ironically, Helms' Senate floor arguments against Achtenberg's confirmation were full of bias. During the hearings, Uie four-term lawmaker called her a "damn lesbian" and "Godless" and admitted he is a bigot when it comes to homosexuals. Helms ripped Achtenberg not only for her sexual orientation but for voting to cut off finding for the Boy Scouts when she served on the board of the Bay Area United Way. The Boy Scouts do not allow open homosexuals into their ranks. Helms reportedly called her "a pushy, demeaning, demanding person... a mean person." CLIP & SAVE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS SATURDAY, JUNE 5 Becky Goldberg, Bat Mitzvah, 11:15 a.m., Temple Israel
S A V E
SUNDAY, JUNE 6 Mamaloshen Society, 2 p.m. Artza Program, 1:30 p.m. Temple Israel Congregational Dinner, 6 p.m., Temple Israel Beth El (jongregational Annual Meeting, 7 p.m.. Beth El
8 A V E
SYLVAN BLOCK
Services were held June 1 at Beth El Cemetery for Sylvan Block. He was 80. Mr. Block was preceded in death by his brother, Irving. Survivors include his son, Alvin G. of Sacramento, Calif, a niece and two aunts. Memorials may be sent to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home; '
Vaad l-ialcashrut appoints new supervisor Paul Tranisi as Tevye
Fiddler cast dined in Jewish tradition By Morris Mallne Members of the Jewish community expressed delight at the Jewish flavor' of Fiddler on the Roof now on the main stage at the Omaha Playhouse. How does a largely non-Jewish cast go about showing the life of Jews in a place called Anatevka sharing the anguish and humor of family life along with the fii^tening terror of the Cossacks? Part of the answer is the behind-the-scenes activity of Ethel Goldston, Shelia Polikov, Patty Nogg, Susie Drazen. Although others may have contributed Jewish knowledge and experience to the performers, these names surfaced publicly following the Sunday evening performance. Ms. Drazen, executive director. Bureau of Jewish Education, had consulted with Charles Jones, the director, and had coached Paul Tranisi who played Tevye (with great delicacy and skill, 1 might add). Mm. Goldston also provided input as a consultant to the production while Ms. Nogg and Ms. Polikov arranged a cast dinner in which the customs of the Jewish Sabbath were explained. There were little challas, glasses of grape juice to symbolize the wine, a candleli^^ting ceremony, and a festive meal — all arranged to explain the Sabbath meal," Ms. Polikov said. "In all the years that Patty and I hosted cast dinners, this was the first time that we received a standing ovation from the oast." ' Standing ovations were the norm on opening ni^t and the first weekend of production as Fiddler maintained its worldwide reputation as one of the great works of the American musical theater. The Fiddler cast is a dedicated troupe and theatergoers can gain real insight into the Jewish experience by attending the show which runs through July 2. A unique Jewish connection to the show is the exhibit in the theater lobby provided by the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. TluB exhibit of photos and copy describe Jewish life in the thriving business cUmate of North 24th street in the early 1900s. Many theatergoers looked closely at the exhibit gaining some appreciation of Jewish community life in Omaha as they walked into the world of Anatevka.
See Larry Kirke
MONDAY, JUNE 7 YES, 10 a.m.
For New and Used Cars
TUESDAY, JUNES Friedel Academy 6th grade Graduatk)n, 6:30 p.m. j WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9 Braadbreakers, Noon, Regency West Best Western C Boy Scouts, Court ol Honor 7 p.m. L Temple Israel Board, 7:30 p.m., Temple Israel i Friedel Academy "Last day of schoor p THURSDAY, JUNE 10 Walk-in Drop-in,, 10:30 a.m. NCJW Board, Noon Federation Budget and Alk>c0ons, 7:30 p.m.
y
Oeilvery Service 50th & Dodge 563-8900 CUP A SAVE
Corrections The biographical information used in an article on Debbie Friedman last week was outdated. The current information is as follows: President, National Council of Jewish Women, Omaha Section; Jewish Federation of Omaha Women's Campaign Cabinet; Women's American ORT, JFS tzedakah driver and gift wrap; Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Omaha participant; active in Junior League of Omaha; Camp Fire fundraiser committee and Temple Israel Sisteriiood. The Jewish Press mistakenly identified Lincoln Attorney Herbert Freidman as the new president of the Lincoln Jewish Welfare Federation in last week's paper. Tlie election is scheduled to take place June 14.
Take Stocic . ^ •n America
UasoNDS Puhrerente
Nursing Hoiiiu Insutnnce Av.i •.,'..<: tonqe 100
MONaMENT CO. Frank L. Ciciuita, Jr. t
1-800-279-8712 402-978-8712
60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials
1439 So. 13th
341-2452 IF YOU COULD REFINANCE YOUR HOME MORTGAGE FOR ONLY
$100 WOULD YOU DO'IT?
NO POINTS! NO FEES! (No arl|inttk>ii ft, BO diKounI polnls. Typical clodng cMb limited lo $1001 Some r«strlcth>iis may apply.)
WE BELIEVE WE HAVE THE
s A V
LOWEST RATES
•All twiili hfM •! iw JCC MriMt MNnrtM MM rn» JwM AtM tt not mpMMMf Ibr 0M locumcy ot ttn tbOM mmt$ Ti kMf ctltfltftf NGwili tf liv ^Mtlltai M iil MM itMWtm FMTIII •! tM-OM, fd. m.
J cms REXALL DRUG STORE
Cantor Leo Fettman will serve as interim Rav Hamachshir for the Vaad Hakashrut of Omaha, according to Dr. Paul Shyken, chairman of the Vaad. The following business establishments remain under the supervision of the Vaad: Kosher Pickle, Bagel Bin, Village Bakery, Herman Nuts, and Golden Waves of Grain. The Vaad Hakashrut also supervises the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and all events at the JCC.
CALL FOR DETAILyrODAYI
OPANIEL MOTOR CENTER
OUM • HONOA • MfltUMH • UAIMO 7801 Oody 8t >e».7101 iai&EMt,^t utr
GARY NACHMAN •'kirr^ ItNldflntial Mortg«g« Bmr^on, Inc. 12111 Pacific 8L
333-7900
Jewish Press
June 4,1993
Temple Israel
Synagogue Activities Tj
^K
^ Candlellghting for Friday, June 4: 8:24 p.m.
Beth Israel Synagogue
Beth El Synagogue
1602 No. 52nd Street Omaha, NE 68104 556^288 OfiTce hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday (when school is in session), 9 to 11 a.m. Services are conducted by Cantor LeO Fettman and Cantor David Taub. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat service is at 7 p.m. ^TURDAY: Morning service is at 8:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary and Goldstein Chapel. Beginners' Minyan, Junior Congregation and Shabbat Juniors meet at 10 a.m. Babysitter service is provided by Sisterhood. A Kiddush, sponsored by Mrs. Albert B. Newman in commemoration of the Yahrtzeit of her husband, follows services. Mincha at 8:30 p.m. Shalosh Seudos, Ma'ariv and Havdalah conclude services. SUNDAY: • Service is at 9 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services are at 7 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.^ aUiARA Cantor David Taub leads a study session between Mincha and Mannv'on weekdays and, on Shabbat, at Shalosh Seudos.
14606 California Omaha, NE 681S4 492-8560
^H ^•^
JEWISH LIFE AND LIVINO
Cantor Leo Fettman will discuss "Shabbat" on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the school wing of the synagogue. Discussion continues June 16 on "Medical Halacha."
JUDAKA SHOP
Open Tuesday through lliursday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and by appointment. The shop will have a sale during June and July. Many prices are reduced by up to 50 percent. B'NAIMITZVAH
Rachel Katskee, daughter of Sindie and Jerry Katskee, will become a Bat Mitz^7Ml on June 4 and 5. Justin Spi^gal, son of Devra and Jeffrey Spiegel, will become a Bar Mitzvah on June 11 and 12.
STUDENT AWARDS
ANNUAL MEETINO
NCSY SHABBAT
The annual meeting of Beth El Synagogue is Sunday at 7 p.m. and wrill include election of members and officers of the Board of Trustees and awards to volunteers. Entertainment and a reception will follow.
Members of Jr. and Sr. NCSY will lead services on June 12. A traditional Shabbat dinner will be served on Friday and a luncheon will be served Saturday after services. For information on cost, call the synagogue office (558-6288).
Lunch 'N Learn with the Rabbi meets Thursday at noon at Beth El. For reservations, call the office (4928550).
Chabad Heuse I
" OfTice Hours: Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and Cantor Emil Berkovits. FRIDAY: Services at 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Services at 9:30 a.m. Kiddush follows services. TSS (Torah Siddur Skills) begins at 10:15 a.m. Shabbat Stpry Time for children 2 to 6 is at 11 a.m. Sitter service starts at 10 a.m. Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services are at 8:50 p.m. SUNDAY: Services are at 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services are at 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
At Shabbat services tomorrow, awards will be given to children whose attendance at UTTO and services Eire outstanding.
'
Page 3
1322 So. 119th Street
^m. Omaha, NE 68144 ^F 697-1124 ' SATURDAY: Davening is at 9:30 a.m., followed by Kiddush. SUNDAY: Davening is at 9:30 a.m. TALMUD CLASSES Talmud class, 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. Advanced
Talmud, 12 p.m. Thursdays' CHUMASH CLASS Chumash class for adults, 7 p.m. Tuesdays. YIDDISH "Hooked on Yiddiah" lessons, Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at Chabad House. ENCLISH CLASS
"Think Jewish and speak English" classes on Jewish topics for new Americans, TVieedays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. at Chabad House.
Play portrays Jews w in stereotypes ^|p By Debra Nuasbaum Cohen fNEW YORK (JTA) — A play about the life of Jesus currently touring North America portrays the Jews of his time in antl-Semoitic sterotypes, according to Jews and Christians who have seen the production. In the $24 million French production of "Jesus Was His Name," the problem is more with the visual presentation than with the script, say those who have seen It. "The most negative anti-Jewish elements of 'Jesus Was His Name' are visual, not berbal," according to Rabbi A. James Rudin, national Interreligious affairs director at the American Jewish Committee, who saw the play with Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish clergy when it was performed in Cincinnati. "The priests wear large ominous black turbans Uiat are without historical basis. Giant grotesque death masks, accompanied by a frightening death rattle, are projected on the enormous screen, easily identifying the 'bad guys' of the play: the ghoulish and wicked Jewish priests," Rudin said in a statement he prepared about the play. "The followers of Jesus weir vIewer-fHendly pastel 'humble tunic*' while 'the powerful, Insolent and violent' Jewish religious leaders are monncingly portrayed in color* of black and gold replete with volvel, satin and luih Jewelry," he wrote In the statement,
LUNCH 'N LEARN
B'nal Israel 618 Mynater street Cotincil BlulCs, Iowa 61603 322-4706
Services are held by congregants. For general information, leave i message on the synagogue answering machine (322-4705). FRIDAY: Services are at 7:30 p.m.
Blumkln Home SATURDAY: Services are held in the Goldsten Chapel at 9 a.m. Members of the community are invited to join residents for the service and the kiddush following. Special memorial services are held on the last Saturday of each month.
Offfutt Capehart Chapel
7023 Caas Street Omaha, NE 68132 666-6636 FRIDAY: Shabbat service is at 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Daniel Fink and Cantor Karen Webber-Gilat will ofTiciate. Cantor Webber-Gilat will welcome guests Dorot (Temple's intergenerational choir) to the bilnah. Torah Reader will be Josh Zweiback. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by Temple Sisterhood. SATURDAY: Shabbat service is at 11:15 a.m. in the sanctuary, Simcah B'Shabbat/an alternative Torah-study service, will be held in the chapel. SITTER SERVICE
Sitter service is available each Shabbat evening service. Sitter service is available for Saturday morning service when there is a bar/bat mitzvah. Please make a reservation so we may plan accordingly, lliere are no facilities for infants. B'NAIMITZVAH
Rebecca Michelle Goldberg, dau^ter of Jennine and Marvin Gpldberg, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah at the Shabbat Morning Service on June 5. Alan Josephson, son of Debbi and Larry Josephson, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah at the Shabbat Morning Service on June 12. TOW Torah on Wheels will meet Tuesday at noon at Mammel, Schropp, Swartzbough, Engler & Jones, Inc. (175 Embassy Plaza), at the northwest comer of 90th and Dodge streets. For reservations, call the Temple office (556-6536). COLLEOE STUDENTS
Temple Israel college students will meet at the Scorecard June 15 at 7 p.m. For more information or reservations, caU the Temple Office (566-6536). PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE
Parents of preschool-aged children can meet the school's new director, Stacie Chesen, at an open house on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Temple. Children are welcome. •
Tlfereth Israel 3219 Sheridan Blvd. Lincoln, NE 68602 423-8669
Services are officiated by Rabbi Elihu Milder. FRIDAY: Services begin at 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Services are at 9:30 a.m.
B'nal Jeshurun 20th and South Streets Lincoln, NE 68602 435-«004 Services are ofTiciated by Cantor Michael Weisser. FRIDAY: Sabbath evening service at 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service at 10 a.m.
Balebutla of me Month
26th Street and Capehart Omaha, NE 68123 294.4061 FRIDAY: Services are at 8 p.m.
^ cup btittar 1 cop Migtr Itgg 1 tsaipoon ranllli 2 ouncti poppy (Mis 2!4cup«llwir Mlcatpoon cinnamon MIsnpoonun
8S1-B111 • Piity OtconUng ProtonlixKit • Btlloon BouquMi • ImtliUom int Amounctnwnli Fw M OocMlMia
BB1-S111
CARLJARL LOCKSMITHS •
I I Dodtio • 3'.l I ZHOU
Please worship with us when our son
Alan Louis becomes a Bar Mitzvah Saturday, lunc 12, II !•= * " Temple Lsricl
Luncheon following strvua Debbi 8c Larry Josephson
Preheat oven to 325 degrees In a large mixing liowl. cream butter artd sugar at medium spe^d Beat in egg and vanilla until light and tlutty In another bowl, combini poppy (teds. Hour, cinnamon and salt Gradually idd pcppyM«3^|{^re to the creamed mixture and tieat lust until Ml bKnded, OlvMe dough m halt On waxed paper, form Mch haX Mo i tx2-lnch rol Wrap wd rttttgiftli SUM 2 houn or owmlgM. SIci X mch ttilck lilctt. PlM on gnnsd cooHt shMtt Bikt It 32S digrtei lor 12 to 14 minutes Yields 3 donn
-^l*.Lr-f>:- 7- -af-
'T* r^^^^^^^pr-
Jewish Press
Page4
Jui|ie4,1993
m ex-Ru^sian speaks out: Let our people come By Leah Koainovsky I am a Jewish American appealing to my fellow American Jews about the plight of our people in Russia. The subject is more personal to me because I used to be one of them. I came to this country 13 years ago, having lived in Russia all my life. I came here from a totally different world full of fear and prejudices that are difficult even for me to understand as I Joseph and Leah Kosinlvsky j^j,^ back. All I n^l]\ their daughter Zavina^^^ j^ ^^^^ I ,^^ 1*HL r~^ and son, Greg.
•"*
• ^""'""'the «• country j e that ^ offered no future to my children. I was hoping that there would be a future for them here (and God willing for me and my husband also). • Well, we had to go through many difTiculties, and still do at times. This country gave more to my family than we dared hope for at the time of our arrival, and in large measure, our good fortune is due to the generosity of the Omaha Jewish community. Now, as fully adjusted American citizens, we try as much as possible to help those who have recently arrived from the former Soviet Union. Their situation is even more desperate than it was for those who came in our time. The official anti-JewiSh policies have been replaced by the rising tide of the age-old popular anti-Semitism. Attacks on Jewish individuals have become commonplace, and while the authorities have prevented mass pogroms so far, there has not been a single statement from the leaders of any of-the mEyor former U.S.S.R. republics reassuring their Jewish citizens or asking them to stay. In essence, the ex-U.S.S.R. governments have opened the gates and said to the Jewish citizens, Tou are free to go.If you decide to stay, you have no one to blame for whatever may be." Russian Jews got the message and most want to leave, but where are they to go? Israel has been flooded by Russian Jews in the past several years. Despite the help from American Jewry, Israel is clearly overwhelmed in its struggle to absorb so many people at once. The government of the United States is still allowing a significant number of Jewish refugees per year from the ex-U.S.S.R., but their arrival is critically dependent on the willingness and ability of American Jewish communities to help in absorbing them. My friends, for many years we have been appealing to the U.S.S.R government to let our people go. Well, they've been let go. In fact, they have all but been thrown out the door. Let not our compassion and fraternity fail them now. Remember, they have nowhere elae togo.
Writers wanted The Jewlah Preaa is seeking part-time writer* to work on the upcoming New Year's iaaue. According to Morris Maline, editor, the work Involves interviewing subject* aasociated with the Jewiah Community Center and inputting the atorie* onto a computer dlak. * Work is available immediately for individuals with some experience. For Information, call Mr. Maline at 334-8200 est. 338.
By Rabbi Myer S. Kripke Paraahat Bahaiplotokha S«H4iirti«d as UbjNVllsm
Our Sidrah opens with directions for the Menorah (lamp) of the Sanctuary. It was to have seven branches, consisting of a center shapft'and sue branches, threte on each side. Ttie Torah orders that the "seven lamps give li^t at the fit)nt of the lampstead." lUs is the new JFS translation. But the frunous Rashi understood the Hebrew differently. He understood it to mean that the six branches should turn their light toward the center shaft, so that the light would be concentrated, all of it, toward one point. ' '~' ^ It would be stretching the point more than a little to say that Rashi's understanding of the Torah text was mean to make the point I have in mind. But permit me, if not Rashi, to stretch the point to shed light on this 20th-century Jewish problem. Jews have been liberals, humanitarians, from of old, because of their religious insights and their religious traditions. They have had a predilection for the just and for the humane, often to their own political or economic hurt. But there is an excess to this, where moral blindness shuts out all light. There have been, and there still are, those Jews who find it necessary in their flaming liberalism to conclude that everyone who proclaims Tm b^ing persecuted" is right. Even more, if such a person indulges in terrorism, kills people without regard for any reason except to call attention to himself, he proves him-
Torah for Teens By Lauren Paley Many things happen in Behalotecha, this week's parsha. But there is one thing we can all relate to: speaking lashon hora (gossip). Miriam, a great tzaddekes, and Aharon, a great tzaddik, have gossiped. About whoin? Moses. One day Miriam said to Aharon, "Why ^doesn't Moses live with "Tzippora? He shouldn't be separated from her. We, too, are prophets and we are still married!" Aharon agreed with his sister. It wasn't bad enough that they spoke lashon hora about their brother, Moses, but it was right in front of him! Moses did not reply, for he was very humble. Hashem heard this and called all three of the prophets into the Mishkan. When they arrived, Hashem told Aharon and Miriam to go outside. He did not want Moses to hear his siblings being scolded and punished. Hashem told Aharon and Miriam that thinking Moses was a prophet similar to themselves was wrong. Hashem speaks to other prophets when they are asleep. His words aren't clear to them, because they're in a riddle or a story. But to Moaes he speaks directly, while he's awake. Hashem also informed Aharon and Miriam that He told Moaes to separate from Tzippora. As in moet situations like this, Miriam and Aharon were punished. Soon after their scolding, Miriam's skin was covered with leprosy. Usually a speaker o^<iaahon hora is strickej^with leprosy in his or her home or on clothing. But fpuhem was stricter with Miriam. She was puniahed mora than Aharon, for she was the one who started speaking the lashon hora fuit When Aharon and Moaea saw Miriam, they felt wy bad for her. Moaea cried to Haahem to heal Miriam ri^t away, even though (he apoke laahon hora about him. He did this because this would spare her the (ham* and humility of being sent outalde the camp. Although in toda/a Umea we don't get lepro*y fc •peaking laahon bora, it'a not like we can ththk that n one haaiii ua. Haahem hears everything that avety on ofuaaay*. Have a nice Shabboal
The Jewish Press (FoundMl 16 1020) The role of the Jewlah Federatkm ol Omaha la to Invotva Jews in meeting Jewlah communal needs kxsally, nationally and In Israel. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relallon*, Jewish Community Center, JewW) EduoaHort, Jewish Press, Jewtsh FarnHy Ssrvloe, Ubfwy artd Bureau (or the Aging. TM J««Mi fiM (UM tnnO) li MMwi •MM> Ml Mto kr 04 r olmdv iw U S, U7 lonlgn. ky DM JMM> • dw ptMai MU M Orala. Nf KWTIUS' tMOMlli,WI**«llMlMM,(>Mki.Ni lilM ' TtH lin4aMfM(<wSNl«T)HJnMPfM,MI««)1IMMMl.OmM,WNIM.TaM»«40IIM't^ 1111.1 1 .1 • I i
•1
Sparks from The Word
llowird Kaplan Pretldeni, BoirdofDlr«clon Morris MallBc tiJilorln-Chicr Sbcryl Frtadman Huilncti Miiuger Dcborak Fftlman AuiMiH EUlllor Caarfi Sdisplro Office Volumeer
self right. The more people he kills, obviously, the greater his plight and the greater his claim to the help bf other people. Do you hear echoes of the A^b-Israeli situation here? There is another aspect to aflTSf this, the problem of -the blindness of the flaming liberal. He is often opposed to nationalism and to religious particularism — that is to say, nationalism and religious particularism among Jews. He does not see why Jews should want to be part of a Jewish subgroup, when there is a humanity to be part of. He does not see why Jews should want Jewish religion, when all the world would be better off (in his opinion) without oi^nized religion. Chances are very great that he has a towering ignorance of Judaism and of Jewish history. But, praising himself for his liberalism, he denies rights to Jews that he denies no one else. He says he hasn't got around to that yet. He is not really a liberal or a humanitarian. He is one of the worst victims of anti-Semitism. He has learned to hate Judaism and Jews, himself among them. And he gives comfort and strength to anti-Semitism. If he were a genuine liberal, if he were really a humanitarian, would he not recognize that the light is strongest if all the branches turned their light to the center of it all, to Jewish tradition, to the whole Jewish enterprise? Where does he think humanitarianism came from?
In the news
.
Michelle Lee, Brian Siff and Josh Klein, eighth graders at Peter Kiewit Middle School, were recognized by the Rotary Club of Omaha at their annual, honor roll luncheon on May 5. The students were selected on the basis of leadership, character, appearance and outstanding academic achievement. Julian Wakefield Adair, the JCC's former performing arts associate, will play "Dream Laurie" in the Bluffs Arts Council's upcoming production of "Oklahoma" at the Chanticleer Theatre. Mrs. Adair has recently left the JCC to direct the dance program at Mercy High School.
ELECTION 1993 INFORMATION for Ibe icwiik fWemiOB of Onuju t^ lu afencKi
JOIIfT ANNUAL UEBTING
Suoday, June U, 1993
7:30 pjn.
Jiwldi CenniuiMjr CtiUir, 33] Soalli l31iHl Sirat NOTE. NomlnutoMofiddtlioMlCMdMMMrwafflamMrfboudpotllJoMrivllwlWcfMiMmM be hudlBd br »Ti iKa petiUm ligmd by MIMM13 IWmtiw MMifecn Md nw Witt UM PedcnUoa SecnuO'(l«T]r5i«ak7)aotal(rikuMb]r3l.l993. Dm umdUam mm mdont Itm fmiAim.
rilliijiiiB »I tMncaMlt
I bf >• riiUmiM iM ktK^ wiiinii^riiirtin^ Mwm COMMWITY CXNTU
VHaftiilliiilM •I-
UmtmCmmk .Zwill OITICSRSi UNtbrtMH
aawo—.fcMfcTOll li^MMiliiliilb 4 JKmUl VAMILT navKi
LML«WM
-•nVilli
Board of Directors Jick E, Cohen, vice prcildenii Sylvli Wagner, ireiiutcr, Koic Schupsck, lecrctiry: Sieve Dtnon. ScMl Priedmtn, Mircl Oillner, Debbie Jouphion. Shcr>l \jet. Sieve l.cvln|er, Etihcr Melchei, Jane Rlp<, .Sieve Skk) and Hen WIcAnan. Editoriali etpreti ihr view* or llic writer and are mx neceiiariiy illve of the viewi of the Jewl«h Prrsi Board Ihf Irwith rYdenukm of Oiii^ or ihe Omaha the Icwith rVex li nd reip<iniihlc i or etiabllihmenl. 11 a a I a fciAjXA^^^
June 4,1993
Bar Mitzvah
In the news
A^an Louis Josephson will become a Bar Mitzvah .on.June 12 at Temple Israel. He is the son of Debbi and Larry Josephson. A seventh-grade honor student at Weatside Middle School, Alan plays in the school's band and jazz band. He played second saxophone in the Intergeneration Orchestra of Omaha this year. He also enjoys golf, basketball and computers. Alan Josephson Alan has a sister, Melissa. He is the grandson of June Goodbinder of Omaha, the late Harry Goodbinder, Harold Becker ^f Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the late Arlene Becker. He is the great-grandson of Flora Gabert of Oklahoma City.
Lauren Brown of' Columbian Elementary School was one of, 15 fourth graders statewide honored for their winning entrants in the Mari Sandoz Essay Contest. Her essay, "The Missing Kitten," was published in the Omaha World-Herald on May 23. She also was given a copy of "Old Jules," Ms. Sandoz' first published book. Lauren is a daughter of Debbi and Jonathan, Brown.
Old Timers Review By Henry Stern At the May 19 Earlybirds, Sam Rosenstein read from one of Mike Royko's columns. It was funny. Sam reported on 100 years of UNL football and read from the Nebraska Athletic Journal, and it gave special attention to our own Elmer Greenberg, who also contributed anecdotes. Elmer is one of our most faithful attendees, despite his handicap. Elmer was All-State guard on Central High's football team in the 1920s, and he made Ail-American several times while at UNL. If Elmer can make it to our get-togethers, so can you, guys. In as much as we have lost so many comrades in the past year, bring a friend. President Sam Kaplan read a letter from Bob Wolfson, director of the Anti-Defamation League. Dave Dvorkin spoke on an article he wrote and the prejudiced phone calls and mail he received, and Doc Margolin spoke on how the Bosnian situation could result in a Viet Nam situation. Norm Komey spoke on State Auditor John Breslow and the personal phone' calls made by our state legislators. Sam Kaplan talked about overdrawn accounts by congressmen, and Harry Lobel spoke on bounced checks. Jacque Dolgoff spoke on sending supplies to the Bosnians. At Amy's famous deli, Motzi was by your stringer and Benschen by Bemie Weiss. We stood in memoriam for Alick Altman. Norm Wohlner told us that Keith Peltz, Ernie Priesman, Ben Molnick and Herman Mannheimer are hospitalized. Treasurer Les Waxman gave us a financial report, and our guest speaker, Dave Webber, sports announcer on WOWTV, was very entertaining, just like he is on TV.
Jewish Press
Pages
D'Amato and Kemp sign ad warning about U.S. support , Byljury Yudelson NEW YORK (JTA) — Two of Isl-ael's staunchest Republican supporters have warned Israel: Don't count on us. That is not a position usually taken by Senator Alfonse D'Amato (R-N.Y.) and Jack Kemp, former secretary of housing and urban development under President Bush. But in an advertisement that appeared in two Israeli newspapers, they warned against Israeli reliance on U.S. security gutuTintees. The advertisement was placed by Americaps for a Safe Israel, a group that opposes territorial concessions ,by Israel. Any American promise to intervene in the face of Arab aggression after such concessions were made would be inherently futile, according to the ad. "It's not hard to imagine what Arab armies could do to Israel while congressmen were debating whether or not to authorize U.S. intervention," said the ad. At a recent conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, Kemp expressed his support for the policy of the previous Israeli government, which opposed territorial compromise. D'Amato has also expressed his preference for Likud pohcies and has been a supporter of Ateret Cohanim, which encourages Jewish settlement in the Moslem quarter of Jerusalem.
Lauren Brown
A book published by the Omaha Magic llieatre has been nominated for the 1993 Barnard Hewitt Award for "outstanding research in theatre history." The book, titled "Right Brain Vacation Photos" is available for purchase at the Theatre, 1417 Famam St., at Joslyn Art Museum and at Jackson Street Booksellers. Jo Ann Schmidman is artistic director of the theater. Dan Fellman will serve as an intern this summer at the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, D.C. A jiipior at Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary, he is a son of Bev and Dick Fellman.
Peres pleased with trip
nease tell our advertisers you saw their ad in the Jewish Ftess.
By Hugh Orgel trip and his reception TEL AVIV (JT4) - here. Foreign Minister Shimon Peres said at the end of Spirited, cnsual ^, his visit to the Far East dininc] in a that he was pleased with magnidccnlly the results of his political unique and economic talks with mm suttounding 1 leaders in China and India. LUNCH & DINNER « • Speaking at a press con-jr- EVERYDAY ference in Beijing, Peres SUNDAY BRUNCH said Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen told 107th and him that "China does not 7 vL^®^ Pacific intend to sell missiles to in Shakot Place the Middle East countries ^^^''(JMmWSf 0 & s P 1 R 1 T that are at war and that 393 1421 China will be very, very careful not to sell weapons that would endanger the security of our country." In his three-hour meeting with Qian, Peres 'Walk In Comfort" received assurances that 5008 South 108th Street China "does not sell missiles to Iran and Syria," 331-3397 according to an Israeli Alan 'Hifly, Certiried Pedorthist, Over 20 Years of Service to Omaha diplomat. Special Care for Sensitive Feet ^ The two ministers also disciused a wide Yange of , Custom Supports • i'rescriptions Filled bilateral issues, including 15% OFF In-Stock Shoes James and Peggy McShea of Prescott, Ariz., economic cooperation, announce the birth of a daughter, Claire Marie, on joint scientific research 10% OFF Special Orders ^^ May 16. and cultural exchanges. 10% OFF Custom Inlays Grandparents are Sid and Barbara Goldberg of Peres also briefed his Save $15 to $40 with this ad (good thru June) Sarasota, Fla. counterpart on the recentHours: 9:00-5:30 Monday-Friday, 9:00-5:00 Saturday Great-grandmother is Diana Goldberg of Omaha. ly concluded ^inth round Open Thursday nites 'till 8 of Middle East peace Ulks. Qian, who recently visited Israel, told Peres he had fond memories of his
'<4 '- ^-il
L
5'*
TUFLY'S SHOE CENTER
Births
^g^-
^Ae ^^ia€i4x/Uu/in
TODD MICIIAI-l, (iKKMrSAri
irm:«K)i<s
Announcing l^n Specialists, PC ^^ Jod ScMesstnger MD
tMHcMi CUrkion West Medical Ccntet 14505 W. Center Road (402) 334-1243 r«-,ii nhMM 715 Harmony (712)322-7123
Q Skin DitctMt of Adults and Children U Sl(in Cancer Surttry D Acne Treatment U Wart and Moie Removal Li Hair and Nail Disorders U Sclerotherapy LI laser Surgery
2.150 N, Clarkion (402) 7271228 Ml
||M)liwUi72a<lSl Nortk onto Bull
CtUm4T77
Board Certified In Ocrnutolofty >nd Kcdlatrict Fellow In the American Sodcty (or Moh'i Surflrry
"^•-VK:,' '^"T-.;*--^^"
Jewish Press
June 4,1993
L Israel to invest millions H for jobs in territories r^ '
r--
-
By Cynthia Mann
JERUSALEM (JTA) — The government will invest roughly $tl milhon to create 20,000 jobs in the administered territories in an effort to curb massive unemployment there. The decision followed hours of debate over what to do in response to reports that the economic situation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip has continued to worsen since the closure of the territories two months ago. Security experts have also warned that the economic situation will inevitably lead to further frustration among Palestinians and, in the end, increased attacks against soldiers and Jewish settlers.
Mt^:'^.
^
Wi
as
il "jij• ••; •^
i
ifla Humane Society offers free pets
CHEVALIER'S JSTOM CLUBS • CuMom <jott Clubs for th* antlra famiry • CompKta rapair Ruhafwtg
^ClJrrwi Se-rvlces "Chi* SKOIMJCU:
CARLJARL SECURITY SYSTEMS
• AflordiMs PflCM
895-6184
7511 Dodge • 391-5700
Foo - Foos for You Weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, and Special Occasions Satin, Silk and Dried Flowers CherGoodoien , Lynn Casey 334-2494 330-0486 L'Chaim ^.
Hava Naglla
Halikvah
€^
Graduation Gifts Starting at MS"'
RocMxookVilage IBth Variallon
10914 Elm
391-6659
Pachebel Canon
\
Families can adopt pets from the Nebraska Humane Society at Omaha-area Baker's Supermarkets this summer. Upcoming adoption dates: June 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 50th and G streets; June 19, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 136th and Q streets. Pet licenses and pet-care information will also be available.
Newman's Own donates to Organizations Jewish hospital •' The City of Hope Medical Center in Los Angeles has received a donation of $220,000 from Newman's Own food products. The medical center, founded under Jewish auspices, will use the donation in its pediatric cancer-treatment program.
I"
^
ADULT SERVICES The JCC Adult Services department will meet for dinner and the musical "Fiddler on the RooP at the Omaha Playhouse on Jupe 27. Cocktails begin at 4:45 in the Playhouse's boardroom. Dinner follows at 5:15 p.m., and the show begins at 6:30 p.m. Cost varies, depending on memberships. The following prices are for group-purchased adult tickets only. For members of both the JCC and the Playhouse: $10 per person; For JCC members of the JCC who are not Playhouse members: $26; For Playhouse members who are not JCC members: $14; For non-members: $31.95. Group-rate tickets to the show only are $17 for aduUs; $11 for students. For more information, call Aimee Kirby at the JCC (334;8200, ext. 232). Reservations must be made by June 10.
J0wish leaders hail pressure on Syria NEW YORK —The chairman of the National Task Force on Syrian Jewry has hailed the action of a bipartisan group of 73 members of the Senate who wrote to President Clinton urging that the United States "press Syria to honor its commitment to allow Jews the right to travel freely." Seymour D. Reich praised Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) and Charles E. Grassley (R-IO) for taking the lead in circulating the letter, which, condemned "Syria's failure to abide by its promised change in visa policy for its Jewish community." The National Task Force on Syrian Jewry, which Mr. Reich heads, was convened by the Conference of Presidents of M^or American Jewish Organizations with the National Jewish Community Relations Advisory Council.
Rabin backs concessions within context of peace
By Cynthia Mann JERUSALEM (JTA) — Prime Minuter Yitzhak Rabin said he backs the idea of territorial concessions, but only within the context of negotiated peace agreements. He therefore opposes a unilateral withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, an option that has recently gained popularity among many Israelis. Rabin made these comments during a meeting at the Knesset with members of the international Jewish press, most of whom were visiting Israel for the Prime Minister's Conference on Jerusalem in honor of Jerusalem Day. Rabin said withdrawing from Gaza because of frustration over the violence and terrorism there would set a bad precedent, perhaps leading Palestinians to believe th^t continued violence elsewhere would bring BAKU, Azerbaijan (JTA) — The president of about further territorial concessions. Azerbaijan told a visiting American Jewish delegation that the mainly Moslem republic guaranteed freedom of worship to all of the more than 30 ethnic groups in the country." *^ Tor us, the Christian church, the Jewish synagogue and the Moslem mosque are all sacred because they are houses of God," said President Abulfez Elchibey. By Deborah Kalb, Statea News Service llie president m^e the remark in a meeting with a WASHINGTON (JTA) — The prime minister of the 40-member United Jewish Appeal delegation — the Slovak Republic, in a meeting here with American largest U.S. delegation to visit his country since it Jewish leaders, vowed that his new country would declared its independence from the Soviet Union in have "nothing in common" with the World War Il-era 1990. Slovakian state, which was a Nazi ally. llie leader of the UJA delegation, Carole Solomon of Vladimir Meciar, whose country split from the Czech Philadelphia, noted the republic's move toward a demo- Republic on Jan. 1, said through an interpreter that cratic government and guarantees of human rights. his government is "doing all we can" to create "a However, the delegation reported that the president rebirth of the Jewish religion, and freedom to those was unclear on the question of the freedom of Jews of who practice it." draft age to emigrate from his country. The meeting, organized by the American Jewish Committee, came just weeks after an emotional meeting between the Slovak president, Michal Kovac, and a number of the same Jewish leaders. By Hugh Orgel In the April meeting, Kovac, who had been in town TEL AVIV 23 (JTA) — Likud Knesset Member Ronni Milo, the former police minister, has announced for the opening of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial he is running for mayor of Tel Aviv as an independent Museum, broke down in tears when recalling the fate of Jews in his village during the Nazi Holocaust, and candidate. "nie only other contender to announce hia candidacy pledged to ensure that young Slovaks learned about is the Labor Party's Avigdor Kahalani, a hawkish the tragic events of the World War II erg. Knesset member and national war hero. T Milo, a Tel Aviv resident, stressed he would not be Thanks to you . running as a candidate of the Likud party, which denounced his announcement. it works ... Milo claimed that Likud party chairman Bei\jamin for ALL OF US Unit4MlWay Netanyahu supported his candidacy, but local party officials denied it.
Azerbaijani leader speaks on freedom of worship
Slovak leader disavows Interest In Nazi state
Milo runs for mayor
Classifieds NOTICE TO ADVERTISCRS Please check your advertisements. Errors must-tM reported to the Jfwlih Pratt by Monday noon following tha tirtt Insertion
SERVICES QUALITY MAINTENANCE AND repair Interior, etterior. com(TMrclal, residential E>perlgnc«d handyman and Mr Fi« It Reltrinctt CaN Al at Maintenance Inc. lor dtptmlable ?4-hr t«rvlci. 809-SU9 13-23
FOR SALE-
•FV«r« •BooUctt •Stattonety •Ncwdcttcn •Brochum ® RECYCLED PAPERS, SPY BASED INKS QwilHy & Sovlea 3706 S 132nd. Omah*, FE Mt44i (40Z)33&50S0 • FAX (402) 33&07a9
COMDO
CORONADO BY OWN^R. Luxurious living Penthouse view. 2 bed . 2 bath Marble entry/vanltles, prolesslonally decoraitd, custom cabinets, whirlpool, txtra storage, underground parking, outdoor pool 391-0150 22-23 WAIfftD USED BOOKS TEMPLE ISRAEL Sisterhood needs your used books No maga/lnts, condtnttd books, or tncycloptdlts plttM Call 330-4289 or 493-0817. Donations are tax dedudlMt 2723
®^
The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection
LEXUS OF OMAHA 13025 W. Dodge Rd. Omaha, NE 681S4
Onice (402) 333-6400 Fax (402) 333-B643
JACK J. SHERMAN \Y;»\
OVl \
"Peace of Mind is Part of the Deal"
I \i IS ^()l Ks .. ill I Idim Koii^ ( .ill Excellent ChlrtcK iptclill/ing in Szechtttn and Camoncte. pvcr $0 itcmi un tiur menu from Appellicn lo unique lloute Spcclilllei. Imllvlduil DInnen Include Crab Rangoon IUMI rice which Man al $).6S. ,S«rv(n|| Wine and H«*r WK CATKR • IIOMK DKI.IVKRY AVAILABLE
HONO KONO CAFe
ASK FOR... TONI ROSEN Mi/i r/MuKw mxtxn CAAccA sues OVEH TCN Vt4BS f JtPf «/f AKE
To Buy or Build Your Dream. Home
nilNKSK (IILSINK
/•N 6*4 N. I I4lh 11^ < "•• "•"'•' 4W-«.»3 4950 S. lOllth ib.i.Mni.a ui J39-J8M
#
RM: 334-7257 Bus: 330-3000
June 4,1993
Page?
Jewlrih
^SmSSmSS^ Recalling the tornado of 1975 By Da«ma L. Robertaon The spiritual tornado is assimilation and the high There's hardly a time when the post office isn't hearIn Hebrew, the number 18 carries a dual meaning, rat^-of interfaith marriage," Rabbi Azriel said. HHiere's ing criticism — usually for poor service, to say nothing "chai" or life. Eighteen years ago, on May 6, 1975, the a gap and it's widening between our lives as of constatitly escalating prices. survival and life of Temple Israel in Omaha was Americans and a spiritual side, the Jewish component. And, they're often guilty of such outlandish service abruptly placed in doubt when a tornado virtually gut- ... If we don't pay attention to our sacred times, why incidents, they deserve the bum rap. I personally can't ted the synagogue's interior. should we expect others to care? This is a tornado! I'm complain too much, except if I'm sending (or receiving) Trapped in the temple at the time of the storm were worried about the natural disasters that take place in mail from the Southwest or West >Coast. Those loca- , the temple staff and youth rehearsing for confirmation the fabric of who we are!" tions seem to take forever. ceremonies. Now-retired Rabbi Sidney H. Brooks Rabbi Azriel observed that the mtuority of Jews in On the other hand, mail from the eastern seaboard described his handling of the crucial moments before America have stopped practicing Judaism sinco emiusually arrives here within two days...almost without being lambasted by the tornado. "No child sustained grating to this country. exception. I said "almost." There are always excep- eye or facial iryuries," he recalled. "They based their identity on lots of feelings. But tions. For example, my good buddy, Morris Maline, "I had everyone create a body mound with the small- those feelings are not penetrating today on the next recently greeted me with look at this." est kids toward the bottom. I told them, 'Have a good generation," he said. This" was a letter, addressed to somebody named time under temple auspices but hang on to everybody!'" Rabbi Azriel claims that modern American Jews Malino, Patrick Air Force Base, (no city), 32925. The Rabbi Brooks said he Vfas told later by visiting psy- have assimilated too well. letter was delivered to Morris Maline, 323 So. 132nd chiatrists that, "Hhe sound of his voice Ma& what most "Feelings are here today and gone tomorrow. What St., Omaha, Neb., 68154. reassured the kids." sustains in the long run will be observance, knowledge, How? Who knows, except the person or machine in In the aftermath of the tornado's direct hit iipon the 'ceI(^'pration8—things that are meaningful," he said. charge of sorting. The return address was Indian temple, Temple Israel was faced with financial aiid Head, Md., blowing my theory about good service from emotional hardships associated with the task of the northeast! ' rebuilding. And, to add 9 little interest to theSnystery, the "My problem was keeping a congregation together Check Our Great Summer Prices stamp was a special Christmas-time issue. 1 can't without a building," recalled Rabbi Brooks. Before You Buy! prove it (since the postmark was almost non-^xiistant) A congregation member at the time, Dorothy We Also Servicie And Repair but I'd bet anything that piece of mail h^s been drift- Spizman remembered: • RUDD • GE • TRANE • RHEEM • LENNOX • BRYANT ing around for months. "We had to be out of the building for a long time. The • REDDER • WHIRLPOOL • CARRIER • LUXAIRE • JANITROL So it really isn't any wonder somebody is always office was moved to the Overland-Wolf Centre on Call For Service or FREE Estimates talking about the 90-year-old in Yahupitz, N.D., who Pacific Street. The High Holidays were held at Boys just received a birthday card mailed for hec sweet six- Town and Sabbath services were at the Jewish PARKER HEATING teen celebration. Community Center." COOLING, INC. Or that we hear of the couple ready to observe their "a spiritual tornado... poses a greater threat golden anniversary who receive a juat-delivered "congratulations on your wedding." to Tempie Israei today." In light of all that kind of stuff, it probably isn't so odd for our local Maline to get Molina's mail. Even A full year would pass before the congregation could WINE considering the difTerences in ZIP codes. It's just more return to the synagogue at 7023 Cass Street. BEER grist for the mill maiiied Weird Mail Stories. Aerial photos taken by the Air Force showed that the Besides, think of it as a laugh in your otherwise bor- temple roof had been torn off. Inside the building, doors ing mall. Right, Morris? had been ripped away. The disheveled interior was MNE-IN strewn with shattered glass intermingled with sheet TOGO rock, broken ftimiture and torn papers. "But there was a reverse side," Mrs. Spizman said. The United Talmud Torah of Omaha will begin "Everyone pulled togeth^, and not just those in the w%a ^a ^ classes on Sunday, Aug. 29, the board recently decid- Jewish community helped. People came out of the ed. woodwork . . . The other wonderful thing was the On Sundays grades K, 1, 2 and 3 will meet at Beth Torahs were not damaged!" , Israel Synagogue from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Grades l^ti of the five Torah scrolls at TempW Israel each 4 fhrou^ 7 will meet at Beth El Synagogue from 10 carry their own legends from prior escapes, as 17924 Dodge Street a.m. ttfnoon. 391-1881 described in "Consider the Years" by Suzanne Richards On weekdays, grades 3, 4 and 7 meet from 4:15 to 6 Somberg and Silvia Greene RofTman. 13463 W. Center p.m. on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. Grades 5 The Ashkenasic scroll was spirited out of Nazi 330-1444 and 6 meet on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Germany in 1938. TTje 18th century Sephardic scroll Grade 8 meets on Monday afternoon and on Thursday was smuggled from Cairo, Egypt, in 1963. evening. llie Torah scrolls "symbolize both the amazing vitality and variety of Jewish life, as well as our solidarity The Kosher Pickle J? and eternity," wrote Somberg and RofTman. Somberg and RofTman note that the design of the Meats & Deli, Inc. Holy Ark, which houses the scrolls, artistically compleYES ments the symbolism of the Torah scrolls. Tlie bronze Next YES meeting is Friday at the JCC. YES board grills, fashioned in a tree motif, represent "the eternal will meet at 9:46 a.m. Bingo and "YES Talk" discus- vitality of the traditions of Judaism carried on by the sion group will begin at 10:30 a.m. English Class for eternal People of Israel." older new Americans is at 10:30 a.m. Following lunch The themes for the scrolls and ark, Somberg and ' at noon, Melody Malec will play the harp. For trans- RofTman said, are tied to the biblical quote, "And the Steabs • HotHDogs • Hamburgers porUtion, call 330-4272. surviving remnant which is escaped of the House of •Chicben • Potato Salad • Coleslaw Judah shall again take root downward and bear fruit •Potato Salad • Picbles WALK-IN DROP-IN upward." (Isaiah 37:31) Next Walk-In Drop-In program will be Thursday. Rebuilding of the temple has not been limited to the Ehcercise class and bingo begin at 10:30 a.m. English physical structures of the synagogue, llie current rabbi CALL697-980S class at 11:15 a.m. *^ovies and Popcorn" program will at Temple Israel, Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, warned of a feature. "Crossing Oelanoy" at 12:1S p.m. Trans- "spiritual tornado' that poses a greater threat to 11167 WatCenitrRd. M«(rfckirShoppiMCeniBr portation is available; call 330-4272. Temple Israel today. Man. -Thura. IM; M. a^; San. g-S
AIR CONDITIONING
&
9>.
The Best "New York Style"
UTTO classes start Aug. 29
I'S
_r
Organizations
Picnic Time Is Here!
BtBiBiBiBfBiBfaBgMBjaBMaiaaaaBflB
THE OREEK ISLANDS 'For Exceptional Dining" Expanded Menu - Private Dining Room Available
LOW PRICE GUARANTEE V*i Aiil ticnt youi bcM pfic P on any ".et ot tUjbs '.toch or givp you Ihe snt Ab]»otu(«'y FR£-(
324 North 76th Street
391-GOLF
Qntk Srtciali Oally Homtmada Patlrlat Sptclalliing In Baklava
Graak Baar« WIna OIna liVCarry OHI Wa Calar. Tool
Thuo 11 im - 9pm fn -Sn. Htm TOpm iWLIIIJII -rpm
34B-1S26 3S15 Cantar
A;^;
Fire your imagination with sizzling Chinese Food
MBMBIBIB
^Mediterranean Joods QrMk, Italian A Labanaa* Importad Qrooarlaa OHves & Olive Oil. F«li A Kwurl CfiMw: PtU 4 FUt Briid; Fililsl mix & Tlhlnl; OrMk A TurUtli CoffMr, Hilvi. Jimi a Molittn: Couscous, Lenilhi, WIMHU. ntrti, uads Abovs III. a Lirgt Variety of Frnh Splcn.
(402) 390-0120 Open: MonSat 10:00 AM - BOO PM 3025 South 83rd Plaza, Omaha. NE 68124 orr oamncATW AV/Muau
liolian Deli ond Marketplace Mod* lo Odar Cakn & DetMrtt * Lundi * Dinner • Cotwing 1317Soul«il3lhS(r««t Omaha. Nsbrotkd Town»i»w Plaza
341 9010
Open 10am • 9pm AAonda)r-Soluniay
GRwr \NA\L
K
Pages
Jewish Press
^une4,1993
Keep Professhrud Baskedfoll in Omaha... <v
f
And Help Support Your Jewish Press! The 1992-93 CBA Champion Omaha Racers are asking for your support to help keep Pro Basketball in Omaha. When you support their drive to sell 3,500 season tickets by June 15 by becoming a Racers season ticket owner, you'll also be helping to continue the good works of the Jewish Press. For every season ticket purchased by our readers by June 15, the Racers will donate 10% of the season ticket money to the Jewish Press. •
We support the efforts of Racers owners Steve and Sheri Idelman to keep the Racers in Omaha, and thank them for their support of the Jewish Press. Please review the season ticket form included with this edition of the Jewish Press and join us in this most worthwhile effort.