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Slusky proposes Synagogue/Federation cabinet
Among the honorees at Sunday night's annual meeting were from left, Edith Rogert, Harry Alloy, Eadie F. Tsbari, Justin Cooper, Carol Katzman, Joel Alperson, Bert Lewis, Lydia Linde, Paul Cohen, Silvia Roffman. In center aT« Vicki and Mark Sanford, program chairmen; At iril^t, are Karen Sokolof Javitch and Jeff Taxman who sang 'Tell Our Children Now." The president of the Jewish Federation of Omaha has proposed the formation of a Synagogue/Federation Cabinet to provide a team that can truly address the community's needs. Jerry Slusky told about 300 attending the Federation's annual meeting Sunday night at the Jewish Community center said the Cabinet will "allow us to further strengthen and build our Jewish community." Mr. Slusky said he would propose the Cabinet to the Federation's Board of Directors at the group's August meeting. He said Cabinet members would include: Lany Elaful, chairman, Federation; Rick Katzman, Beth Israel; Jon Meyers, Temple Israel; Sandy Friedman, Beth El; Joel Alperson, Federation; and Rick Salmi, B'nai Israel. The miuor address of the evening was delivered jy Howard Bloom, executive director of the Federation, who spoke on re-defining the IsraeVDiaspora relationship. His remarks appear on pages 7-8. In addition to the awarding of honors and the election of officers and directors, the meeting also recognized Jewish Family Service Russian resettlement volunteers. They were listed as follows: ) Edith Abrams, Pete Brodkey, Helena and [••ac Davidson, MoUie Delman, Helen Bpitflin, Lois Epstein, EUie Feldman, Tom Pelbnan, Bob Gerelick, Shirley and Leonard Soldftein, Diane Graul, Phyllis and David ioffman, Toby Kagan, Gloria Kaalow, Bert Lewis, SUnley Mitchell, Mark Pilley, Ruth ind Merle Potaah, Ruth and Bemie Raskin, Jheila Roaen, Norm Sheldon, Miriam and Irv linon, Stuart Simon, Judy Tully, Jim Wax, lad staff: Natalie Rubin, JFS resettlement •irector, and Glen Fineman, JFS executive Urector. The slate, recommended by the nominating comnittee and approved by acclimation is as follows:
1994 Slate of Officers and Board Members Nominees as presented by the Federation • Agency Nominating Committees: JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA Officers: Jerry Slusky , president; Tom Fellman, vice president; Forrest Krutter, vice president; Bobbie Epstein, secretary; Howard Kooper, Treasurer; Donald Yale, past president. Elected Directors (Terms ending 1996): Joel Alperson, Jill Belmont, Don Greenberg, Jan Schneiderman, Marty Shukert, Arnold Weitz. ADL/CRC OfBcers: Mark Belmont, president; Lany Raful, vice president; Larry Gendler, vice president. Elected Board Members (Terms ending 1997): Anne Broder, David Gilinsky, Gary Javitch, Laurie Remer-Phifer, Bunny Rothenberg. BUREAU FOR THE AGING Ofncers: Robert Lepp, president; Jerry Kohll, vice president; Silvia Roffman, vice president; Yale Richards, treasurer; Norman Smeerin, secretary; Jerold A Dann, past president. Elected Board Members (Terms ending 1997): Joanie Bernstein, Dean Frankel, Kevee Kirshenbaum, Norman Veitzer. BUREAU OF JEWISH EDUCATION Officers: Michael linn, president; Steve Evans, vice president; Rosalie Saltzman, immediate past president. Elected Board Members (Terms ending 1996): Spencer Brookstein, Mitzie Delman, Pam DePorte, Maggie Gerber; Shirley Goodman, Mary Grossman, Susan Shyken, Steven Wees. (Terms ending 1995): Ellen Fennick, Gloria Kaslow, Steven Riekes, Phyllis Silberstein. JEWISH PRESS Officers: Ben Wiesman, president; Sylvia Wagner, vice president; Cynthia Epstein, secretary; Steve Levinger, treasurer. Elected Board Members (Terms ending 1997): Marci Gallner, Ben Wiesman, Cynthia Epstein, Leo Meyerson, Robert Eisenberg.
JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER Officers: Paul Cohen, president; Richard Jacobson, vice president; Judy Josephson, vice president; David Jacobson, vice president; Bruce Shackman, vice president; Margo Riekes, immediate past president Elected Board members (Terms ending 1996): Alan Biniamow, Judy Epstein, Joel Schlessinger, Carol Parsow, Diane Malashock, Marcia Pitlor. (Terms ending 1997): Larry Herman, Richard Jacobson, Bruce Shackman, Bob Belgrade. JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE OfHcers: Julie Frank, president; Debbi Brown, vice president; Rick Fox, treasurer; Bert Lewis, secretary. Elected Board Members (Terms ending 1996): Al Crbunse, Julie Frank, Sam Fried, Amy Friedman, Joe Ginsberg, Bert Lewis, Steve Levinger, Linda Novak, Joel Schlessinger. (Terms ending 1995): Helen Davidson, Gloria Kaslow. JEWISH FEDERATION LIBRARY Officers: Joyce Cohen, president; Nancy Rips, vice president. Elected Board Members (Terms ending 1997): Joanne Freeman, Linda Gordman, Susan Kenik. Marsha Kleinberg, Jean Ann Krupinsky, Sandra Passer. (Terms ending 1996): Sheri Abramson, Frances Gottlieb. (Term ending 1995): Rebecca Bloom. Among those preoenting awards were: Zoe Riekes, Tom Fellman, Debbie Friedman, Norman Veitzer, Lindsey Taxman, Gary Shyken, Henry Greenberg, Rick Schrager, and Rick Fox. Rabbi Paul Drazen gave the invocation; Carol Katzman, the 1994 Women's Campaign report; Howard Kooper, the Men's Campaign report; Forrest Krutter recognized outgoing Federation agency presidents and the election of ageniy officers and board members. Vicki and Mark Sanford were general chairmen for the meeting.
Theater endowment fund established By Diane Axler Baum launch its initial fund drive, aimed at raising Theater Committee publicity $50,000 or more within the next two years. The establishment of the JCC Theater A minimun of $50,000, she said, will assure the dowment Fund under auspices of the Federation Theater Committee's ability to pay for royalties, undation has guaranteed the survival of the sets, props, costumes, professional personnel, and eater at the J." other costs associated with numerous future proannouncement was made by Marcia ductions. n, longtime Chairman of the JCC Theater "Our endowment fund gives our theater a legitiimmittee, who signed the agreement establishing macy we never have had before," she said. "Now le fund in the presence of Endowment Director we possess the necessary channel for future growth leldon A Bernstein and JCC Executive Director and development, and, equally significant, our ifflrey Aizenberg. stage will now be taken seriously within the theThe check she presented to the Foundation for ater community." Charter members of the endowment fund will be Itablishmtnt of the fund retpresented contribu»ns by a fsw key donors, she said. acknowledged in all future program books, have "WeVt hare to stay!,' exclaimed Mrs. lipsman. their names inscribed on a plaque which eventually he immsdiatsly made known that the JCC will be placed in the JCC, and will receive lifetime italer Fund is ofTaring opportunitlts for charter free admiuion to Thsater at the J" productions, •mberthip, and that the Theater Committee will Mrs. Lipsman said. She urged anyone who desires
more information to call her at 556-0482. Another avenue for contributing to the fund is the purchase of donation cards, either as memorials or as good wishes for birthdays, anniversaries, and other happy occasions. In addition, arrangments can be made to contribute to the fund through a will, which may entitle the donor to a tiix deduction, according to Mr. Bernstein. For information, call the Federation Foundation, 334-8200. Dan P. Hays, director of the JCC Theater, said the new endowment fUnd "is proof that our patrons s))are our dedication to a unique mission. "Our mission," he continued, "is the \> 'vctio. of theatrical works which not only are e..we,. - and provide entertainment and enrichment for t' '• entire community - but which also embrace Jewish content and/or represent the sccomplishmenti of Jewish playwrights." (See related picture on page 6)
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Jewish Preaa
Jona 17,1904
Rabbi Schneerson dies By Susan Bimbaum
NEW YORK (JTA) — Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, who died early Sunday morning at a New York hospital, has been described by many as the foremost Jewish personality of moderntimes. Rabbi Schneerson was the seventh in the dynastic line of leaders of the Lubavitch movement, which was founded in the 18th century by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi. The rebbe, as he was known to his followers, was bom in 1902 on the 11th day of Nisan, in the Ukrainian city of Nikolaev. He was the son of a renowned kabbalist and Talmudic scholar, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson. His mother, Ghana, was herself from a prestigious rabbinic family. His great-grandfather and namesake. Rabbi Menachem Mendel, was the third Lubavitcher rebbe. When he was 5, Rabbi Schneerson and his family moved to the Ukrainian city of Yekaterinaslav. As a child, he showed prodigious mental acuity and had to leave the cheder, or religious school, because he had overtaken the other students in his studies and abilities. His father engaged private tutors for him and then taught his son himself. By the time he reached his bar mitzvah, Rabbi Schneerson was already considered an "illui," or Torah prodigy. In 1929, he married Chaya Moussia Schneersohn, the second daughter of the Lubavitcher rebbe at the time. Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, who was Menachem Schneerson's distant cousin. Breaking the mold of Chasidic, non-worldly scholars, Menachem Schneerson pursued secular studies at the University of Berlin, and graduate studies in engineering at the Sorbonne in Paris.
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They offered the opportunity to do "mitzvahs on the spot," such as putting on teflllin or taking home candles to light on Shabbat. The rebbe advocated outreach to Jewish children deprived of Jewish education, and to Jews on school campuses, in isolated communities or under repressive governmental regimes. He oversaw and constantly expanded a far-flung network of Lubavitch communities -^ from the Pacific Rim to the American Midwest, from Australia to the former Soviet Union — where shlichim, or emissaries, created Chabad houses to welcome all Jews, regardless of their background or level of religious observance. The rebbe's words were frequently broadcast to Lubavitch centers worldwide by satellite or telephone hookup. Those living in Brooklyn or visiting would attend his teaching gatherings, known as "fahrbregens," with a special devotion.
ANN STERN Services for Ann Stern were held June 10 at Beth El Cemetery. She was ,74. ' Survivors include her husband, Henry; a daughter, Nancy Laub of San Ramon, Calif.; a son, Joel of Los Angeles; four grandchildren; and nieces, nephews and cousins. Mrs. Stem was very active in the community for many years. She was a leader- in Hadassah, Sisterhood and other organizations. Memorials may be made to Beth El Synagogue. ' NORMAN ROSENTHAL Word has been received of the June 5 death of Norman Rosenthal of Boca Raton, Fla., formerly of Omaha. Services were held June 7 in Boca Raton. Burial was June 8 in St. Louis, Mo. Survivors include his wife, Helen; a son, Steve; a daughter, Sharlene Wasserman; a brother, Herbert Rosenthal of St. Petersburg, Fla.; eight grandchildren, and many relatives in Omaha. Mr. Rosenthal was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs and an Air Force veteran of World War II. He was vice president of Edison Brothers, Inc., and lived in St. Louis prior to his retirement to Florida.
Jewish Literature for Omaha public schools A cooperative project of the Anti-Defamation League and the Jewish Federation Library has provided over 400 books for Omaha Public elementary schools. Each library media center has received seven new books reflecting Jewish belief and culture, enabling students to become more familiar with who the Jewish people are. "This cooperative effort with the Federation Library and ADL is part of the continuing work to reduce prejudice and promote acceptance of the diversity of our community," according to I. Robert Wolfson, ADL Director. A grant from the Jule M. Newman Estate provided the funds. The ADL office. Dr. Nina Little, O.P.S. Supervisor of Library Media Services, and Pam Friedlander, Library Specialist, Jewish Federation Library, worked together to research, coordinate and implement the special project. The books include: All the Colors of the Race; The Store That Mama Built; How Many Spots Does a Leopard Have?; Annie's Promise; Tails of the Bronx; Mrs. Katz and Tush; When Grandpa Came To Stay; A Picture Book of Anne Frank; Waiting for Anya; Chicken Sunday; and The Big Lie. Numerous letters of thanks have been received from the liberians for providing books that would not have been available due to budget constraints.
Summisr storytelling
It was not only Lubavitchers who waited for a chance to meet with the rebbe. Jewish organizational leaders, many of them not religious, would ask his advice and blessing for given projects. Even non-Jewish leaders from around the world sought out his counsel, waiting willingly to have even the briefest audience with the rebbe.
THURSDAY. JUNE 23 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m.
'AM twnK h«ld M Ih* JCC unkM olhM«<M indiciUd TfwJtwithPnuiinolnifKnithhrlhi icaincy ol lt» dicvuifult To kH(i ctltndar tctuni* or tor qtiMllont on KtivMtM, ctl jMMtto Fwifci M1IU200, Ell. 271.
From full-time yeshivas for Jewish men and women with little or no background in Torah study to literally tens of thousands of classes at ChabadLubavitch centers and synagogues around the world, the rebbe was the vital life force behind an outreach process that has aiTected the entire spectrum of Jewish life. He came up with the idea for the Lubavitch "mitzvah mobiles," or "Jewish tanks to combat assimilation," as the rebbe referred to them.
Every Sunday, at the World Lubavitch Headquarters located at 770 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, huge crowds of men, women and children would line up and wait their turn to meet the rebbe face to face and receive his blessing. Each person who met with him would receive a crisp new dollar bill that was to be given to the charity of his or her choice.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22 Breadbreakers, Noon, Regency West Best Western Teen Connection Program, 6 p.m.
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Fleeing the Nazis, Rabbi Schneerson emigrated and settled in the United States in 1941, where he worked for the Brooklyn Navy Yard as an engineer. He soon became an intrinsic part of the Lubavitch movement, serving as head of Merkos rinyonei Chinuch, the movement's educational branch; Machne Israel, the movement's social service organization; and Kehot Publication Society, the Lubavitch publishing department In 1950, upon the death of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, Menachem Mendel Schneerson became the seventh Lubavitcher rebbe. With his piercing blue eyes and magnetic personality, he easily caught the undivided attention, and devotion, of thousands, perhaps millions, of followers. Throughout his leadership of the Lubavitch movement. Rabbi Schneerson always remained loyal to the cause of education. He often was heard saying, "We dare not rest until every Jewish child receives an education." Lubavitch schools prospered during his long tenure. An estimated half-million Jewish children, many of them not Lubavitch, learn in Lubavitch-sponsored schools worldwide. The rebbe continually emphasized the need to reach out to alienated Jewish youth and young adults, to bring them back to their Jewish roots. He saw to the establishment of special educational facilities for them.
Deaths
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Every day the rebbe was inundated with mail, consisting largely of letters asking advice from his followers, many of whom would not wed, move or take a new job without asking the rebbe first. The rebbe's picture was placed on the walls of his followers' homes, and even in their ofTices. CORRECTION An article in last week's "In the Newt" should have read as follows: Janies 8. Silverman has announced hii retirement ai partner from Silverman k Lee Law Offlcei, efTective Aug. 1. The firm name will be changed to Silverman, Lee & Bucchino and Mr. Silverman will be of couniel to the new nrm. He will continue his private law practice at hit present addraii but plans to limit it to only local clienta.
Innovative ttorytelling for three to six year olds will start June 21 from 4 to 4:46 p.m. in the Children's Library at the Jewish Community Center. Storytellers are Nancy Rips (pictured), Joanie Jacobson, Eunice Denenborg and Dan Hayes. Additional sessions are scheduled for July fi, July 19 and Aug. 2. The progmrn is co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation Library and the JCC Childhood Development Center.
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Synagogues Candlfilli^tiiig: 8>il pjn. *BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 1502 No. 52nd Street Omaha, NE 68104 566-6288 OfHce hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; FViday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Services are conducted by Rabbi Joseph Friedman. FRTOAY: Kabbalat Shabbat services at 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services are at 8:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary and Goldstein Chapel. Rabbi Meir Rosenberg, who is a candidate for the position of assistant Rabbi/Cantor, will serve as Cantor at the morning service. He will be accompanied by his wife, Chaya. A Kiddush luncheon will follow services. Babysitting service provided by Sisterhood. Study Talmud with Rabbi Friedman at 7:45 p.m. Mincha is at 8:45 p.m. Shalosh Seudot, Ma'Ariv and Havdalah conclude the services. SUNDAY: Morning.service at 9 a.m. Breakfast and a study session with Rabbi Friedman and Rabbi Gonsher in the Beit Ha Midrash follow the services. Evening service at 8:45 p.m. WEEKDAYS: ^^Services at 7 am. and 8:45 p.m.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE . 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154 492-8550 Office Hours: Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and Cantor Emil Berkovita. . FRIDAY: Services are at 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Services are at 9:30 a.m. Kiddush following services. Sitter service starts at 10 a.m. :> Shabbat story time is the first and third Saturday at 11 a.m. Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services at 8:55 p.m. Weekly Torah study, an English discussion of the Torah portion with modern commentaries, meets 30 minutes after services. SUNDAY: Services are at 9 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services are at 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Judaica Shop Open Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to noon; and by appointment.
TIFERETH ISRAEL 3219 Sheridan Blvd. Lincoln, NE 68502 423-8569 Services are officiated by Rabbi Elihu Milder. ^^^_ TEMPLE ISRAEL Minyans every Monday and Thursday at 7:15 ^^^K 7023 Cass Street a.m. ^^^^ Omaha, NE 68132 FRIDAY: ^B 556-6536 Light candles no later than 8:42 p.m. ^FRIDAY: Services start at 8 p.m. F Shabbat evening service is at 8:15 p.m. SATURDAY: Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Fink and Cantor Michael Services start at 9:30 a.m. Yablonski will officiate. Rabbi Azriel will speak. SUNDAY: The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by Hilde Hadassah artist display. Gottlieb in honor of the marriage of her daughter, Ellen Gottlieb, to Craig Saylan. B'NAI JESHURUN SATURDAY: 20th and South Streets Shabbat morning service is at 11:15 a.m. Lincoln, NE 68502 Simcha B'Shabbat, an alternative Torah study 435-8004 service, will be in the Chapel. The regular Shabbat Services are officiated by Cantor Michael service will be in the sanctuary. Weisser. B'nai Mitzvah FRIDAY: Jennie Lynn Gates, daughter of Linda and Shabbat evening service at 7:45 p.m. H^rry Gates, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah at the SATURDAY: Shabbat morning service Saturday. Torah study and service at 10 a.m. Paige Anna Roberts, daughter of Michaela SUNDAY: Getz and Denis Roberts, will celebrate her Bat Hebrew school at 9 a.m.; Religious school at 10 Mitzvah at the Shabbat morning service Saturday, a.m. June 25. TUESDAY: Sitter Service Adult education classes at 7:30 p.m. Sitter service is available each Shabbat evening THURSDAY: service and the Saturday morning Shabbat service Choir practice at 7:30 p.m. when there is a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Please make a reservation. There are no facilities for infants. "Food For Thought" CHABAD HOUSE A luncheon session will be held Tuesday from 1322 Sa 119th Street 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rabbi Azriel will lead the disOmaha, NE 68144 cussion. Bring a brown bag lunch and Temple will 697-1124 provide the drinks. SATURDAY: Davening is at 9:30 a.m., followed by Kiddush. k^ B?4AI ISRAEL SUNDAY: B 618 Mynster Street Davening is at 9:30 a.m. Council Bluffs, Iowa 61503 Talmud Classes 322-4705 Talmud class, 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. Advanced abbi Sheryl Shulewitz is the spiritual leader, or information on any synagogue activities, call Talmud, 12 p.m. Thursday. Chumash Class 322-4705. Chumash class for adults, 7 p.m. Tuesdays. FRIDAY: Yiddish Rabbi Shulewitz will conduct Shabbat services at "Hooked on Yiddish' lessons, Wednesdays at 7 7:30 p.m. Special events include a naming ceremony for Michael Wolbcrger, son of Karen and Lionel p.m. at Chabad House. English Class Wolberger, as well as the dedication of two memoriThink Jewish and speak English' classes on al plaques. Jewish topics for new Americans, Tuesdays and SATURDAY, JUNE 18: Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. at Chabad House. 6:30 p.m. — Potluck dairy vegetarian dinner and Havdalah service in honor of the marriage of Jonni Schlossman and Jeff Ferber, at the home of Dan ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME Marcus and Philene Wangemann, 824 Parkwood SATURDAY: Lane, Omaha, 553-5928. Services arc held in ths Ooldsten Chapel at 9 FRIDAY, June S4: a.m. Shabbat ssrvioss at 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Ruth Members of the community ars invited to Join Ehrenstein will visit. rssidenU for the servict and the kiddush following. SUNDAY, June 28: Special memorial services are held on the last Board and long-range planning meeting at 9:16 Saturday of each month •^•^
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Jewish PMM OFFUTT Capehart Chapel 25th Street and Capehart Omaha, NE 68123 294-6061
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FRIDAY: Services start at 8 p.m.
Beth El to honor Stanley Mitchell Beth El Synagogue will honor Stanley J. Mitchell during Shabbat morning services June 25. After 20 years of service to the children and families of Beth El Synagogue and UTTO, he will retire as Director of Education. UTTO teachers who are members of Beth El will also be honored for their commitment and dedication to Jewish education. The community is invited. A Kiddush luncheon will follow.
Bat Mitzvah Paige Anna Roberts, daughter of Denis Roberts and Michaela Getz, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah Saturday, June 25, at Temple Israel. An eighth-grade student at Beverage Junior High, she enjoys spending time with her friends, talking on the phone, and swimming. She is also looking forward to the family mission trip to Israel. Paige has a brother, Jacob. Grandparents are Charles and Harriett Phillips ofLincoln.
Joint services scheduled
Beth El Synagogue and Temple Israel will host a series of alternative Friday night services for college students and young adults starting June 24. The service will take place at dam site 16 (Standing Bear Lake) at 8:15 p.m. Included will be both Hebrew and English prayers as well as songs and short discussions. For information, call Dan Fellman at Beth El, 492-8550; or at home, 333-1519.
YES 1994-95 slate of officers Back row, from left: Lester Waxman, vice president; Doc Milton Margolin, program director; Ida and Sol Mann, hospitality; Charlotte Kaplan, historian; Bess Homstein, telephone committee; and Harry Paskowitz, past president. Front row, fk^om left: Rova Oruch, newsletter committee; Esther Waxman, courtesy; Bess Kothenberg, contributions; Ann Margolin, treasurer; Frieda Krizelman, membership; Kay Ferer, president; Pearl Kaplan, corresponding secretary; and Fanny Gummers, contributions.
PERSONAL I would like to thank all my relatives and friends for their rememberances during my recent hospitalisation. Special thanks to Rabbi Friedman and Cantor Fettman, Dav* Rlchtmui
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Panuhat Hukkat Messiah? Or Messianic Age? The death of the Rebbe a few days ago has caused me to lay aside what I had thought of for this column, and to write a few words about the idea of the Messiah in Judaism. The loci classici in the Bible, about a Messianc Age, are some passages in Isaiah (2, 9 and 11) and some in Jeremiah and Ezekiel. A cursory reading of these passages indicates that the term "Messiah" is not used. Instead, the prophets picture an ideal world, where Judah itself has become peaceful and free; all war has ended; the people will live a kind of pastoral life, "each under his vine and under his fig-tree," as Micah puts it. It is a Messianic Age, where the wolf will not be aggressive and brutal, but will live peaceably with the lamb. Even Isaiah 11, which speaks of a "shoot" and a "twig" growing out of the stock of Jesse and David, does not use the word "Messiah." (The King James Version, and other earlier translations, had a "branch" growing out of the stock of David). Did you ever wonder why the ill-fated Branch Davidians called themselves Branch Davidians? Worth noting is that nowhere in Judaism is the idea that the Messiah will be divine, something more than human. Also worth noting, is that in II Isaiah, Cyrus, a heathen king, is called the Lord's Messiah! Thus we see that Biblically, wherever we find the word Messiah, it is associated with the kingship or the priesthood. It means nothing more than "anointed," that is, formally inducted into office in a ceremony involving anointing. In the last pre-Christian centuries, in which and after which the Maccabean state had its rise and fall, we find the first glimmering of an idea of a Messiah who will be a person, chosen by God to deliver Israel from its oppressors and bring in peace and freedom, in which, eventually, all the world will share. ..»<nnimtinnn<mtn'
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And in rabbinic times, this idea grew, especially among the common people. It is thought that Rabbi Akiba (the greatest sage of the early second century) believed thie leader of the second rebellion against Rome, Bar Koc)\ba, Was the 'Messiah. Hi^_ death ended that speculation. ^| Over the centuries, Judaism has had expert-ences, some disastrous, with "false Messiahs." Disastrous especially was the excitement over Shabbatai Zevi (17th century), when Jewry, as well as Europe generally, was steeped in superstition and came to ruin over thisiJalse Messiah. Since then, Jews have been wary of the very idea, and have confined themselves to hopes, only hopes for a personal Messiah, among some, and abandonment of the idea of a personal Messiah, among some, and abandonment of the idea of a personal Messiah by others. There are some of the followers of the Rebbe, not swayed by his death, who expect that he will be resurrected and the Messianic Era will begin. My guess is that the vast majority of his followers will accept his death and join non-Hasidic Jews in turning elsewhere. Most of us expect only that as humanity learns slowly to be human, mankind will slowly build a world of peace - a Messianic Age.
Engagement BLOCH/MEYEXtSON Jennifer Bloch and Scott Meyerson will be married Sept. 4 at Beth El Synagogue. i Ms. Bloch, daughter of Steven and Carol Bloch of Omaha, is enrolled at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. She is a graduate of { Kansas University, where she was affiliated with Kappa Delta sorority, and will cpmplete her Master's Degree in Social Work at the University of Nebraska-Omaha after her marriage. Ms. Bloch was a 1988 Omaha Symphony Debutante and a 1991 Ak-Sar-Ben Princess. She is the granddaughter of Samuel and Lucille Gelenter of Miami, Fla., and the late Harold and Lottie Bloch of Omaha. Mr. Meyerson, son of Larry and Ardeen Meyerson, also of Omaha, is an associate with the Omaha law firm of Betterman, Katelman & Hotz. He is a graduate of Northwestern University, where he was affiliated with Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, and the University of Nebraska College of Law. He is the grandson of Leo and Helen Meyerson and Irving and Sonia Forbes, all of Omaha. Ms. Bloch's father is a partner in the Omaha law firm of Fraser, Stryker, Vaughn, Meusey, Olson, Boyer & Bloch. Her mother is a community volunteer. Mr. Meyerson's father is a real estate marketing consultant with Mega Corporation. His mother is also a community volunteer.
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Board of Directors SyWia Wapiar, Iraaaurvr; Roa* Schupack, aacratary SlavaH Oanon, Marti Oallnar, Dabbia Joaaphaon, ShanrI Laa SUva V Larlnisr, Eathar Malchaa, Jana Rhw, Alvln Roaa, Audray ShapiiT>,Mayn«rd IWIpnar and Ban wtaaman. Ulloiiala aipraaa tha viaw of tha wriUr and ara not aaeaaaarily rapraaanUtWa of Iba viawi of tha Jawiah Praaa Board, tha Jawiah IV^raUoo or Omaha or tha Omaha Jawiih Conurunity aaawhola. Tha Jawiah Pnas ia ael raaponiibla for tha Kaahrath or any pnrfoct oraaUbUabaaanL
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June 17,19M
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Siyyum at Friedel
Bert's Eye View
By BeA Lewis I often relate stories about grandchildren, both yours and mine. It seems to be a subject on which many of us have either information or experience or both. And, I might add, the subject can come up almost any place, under any circumstances. We were guests at a gathering recently where the topics of conversation covered many areas. All" of us present were grandparents — thiis ensuring each was a certified maven! Maybe we tend to share our stories and levelling because iSo many of us must do our grandparenting long distance. By that, I mean we're here and the children are . in distant locations. I stopped complaining (almost) about the fact that mine are on both the east and west coasts of this country when I remembered that some folks I know have them in Hong Kong, Alaska, Israel, and heaven only knows where else.
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Whatever ... in the meantime, we eiyoy what we can get in visits as often as possible. Sometimes we can enjoy other people's little kids. . Two of my friends have recently shared their objects of pride and joy, and while it's not the same as having my own, it's nevertheless a pleasure.
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, One was a little munchkin, just past two years and almost illegally adorable. She came into the house somewhat tentatively, but seemed at ease almost immediately. We were soon good friends and as she giggled and challenged "the tickle bug" to catch her, I could see how her very presence could melt an iceberg, never mind her grandparents. In my family, we call such a child "a genuine eppess." As if to prove that if your own are far away it's OK to enjoy others, a big boy of 10 joined us on a recent holiday. Talk about kvelling! The first time I met him he was a babe in arms, so it's a special treat to watch him turn into this very nice kid. He belongs to that out-of-town group, so I don't see him often; this time I can tell that it won't be too long before he's taller than his short grandma. He reminded me that kids today seem to handle themselves more smoothly in the presence of adults than in.my day. This fine youngster only knew a few of the people in the group but he managed admirably. I couldn't help but realize that under similar circumstances, at that age, I would have been miserable. Well, no matter where they live or whose grandchildren they are, this generation provides that very special brand of naches we don't get from any other person or place. Even though it isn't all perfection and there are those who worry about various problems, it's still extra special. And it doesn't matter if the grandchild is a toddler or ready to walk toward the chuppah. Special is the definitive word.
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Students in the second through sixth grade Jewish Studies Flex class celebrated finishing a third perek (chapter) of the Torah during the last week of school. In top photo, Rabbi Friedman shows the class the scroll inside an old pair of tefillin. Bottom photo: Jack Levey, left, and Maury Katzman, right, observe students Shoshy Shrago, Ariel Shukert and Rachel Katzman reading from the Chumash.
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Jon* 17.19M
Beth El elects Bruce Friedlander By Diane Axler Baum BethElpubUci^ Bruce Friedlander 1 became the 37th presiI dent of Beth El at the congregation's Annual Meeting, June 5. Other newly-elected officers are Hollie Fineman,' Ed Fried, and Bruce Shackman, vice presidents; Michael Abramson, secretary; _ „ . .. . Howard Epstein, treaBruce Friedlander ^^^^^. ,„j gandy Friedman, immediate past president. In addition to elections, the agenda included stafTand committee reports and the presentation of awards. Dr. Peter Gordon received the "Earl Siegel Award for Outstanding Service by a Board Member' in recognition of his dedicated work as chairman of the Board of United Talmud Torah of Omaha. The "President's Award," a tribute to a congregant not on the board, was presented to Larry Hasslinger, to recognize his countless hours preparing meals for morning meetings and his involvement in the creation, design, and construction of the synagogue's sukkah. Andrea Collis was named recipient of the "Selwyn RofTman Award for Personal Religious Growth." Bruce Friedlander, an executive with Festival Foods, is an Omaha native who was raised at Beth El. He was a longtime member of the Beth El Board before assuming a vice presidency in 1992. Mr. Friedlander and his wife, Pam, have a daughter, Andee, who attends the University of Pennsylvania, and a son, Jimmy, who will be a senior at Burke High School next year. After the Annual Meeting, Women's League presented its 1994 Donor event, which featured a musical program directed by Joanie Jacobaon. Sheila Polikov, Donor Chairman, described the pro-
-NEW YOIIK-
Caren Tracy Friedman recently placed second ^n cdpy writing in the Class A State Journalism contest. She was also in the top 10 overall in Nebraska. In addition, she was a semi-finalist for the Peter Kiewit Foundation Scholarship and received Omaha World-Herald allstate academic honorable Caren Friedman mention. Caren is a daughter of Sheryl and Art Friedman.
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gram as "a celebration of the relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren." A dessert reception brought the evening to a close.
Jack Baker, president and CEO, Baker's Supermarkets, Omaha, has been reelected vice chairman of the board of Food Marketing Institute (FMI). The election was held here during the 1994 FMI Supermarket Industry Convention and Educational Exposition.
Holocaust Stamp exhibit A 48-page exhibit on the Holocaust will be one of the stamp exhibits on display at the TOPEX stamp show. The event will be held at the Holiday Inn Convention Center, 72nd St. and Grover, June 1719 (this weekend). Exhibit hours are: Friday, 12 to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The exhibit is by Dr. Murray Frost, who writes a monthly column on Judaica Philately for the Global Stamp News, and is basically the same one he had displayed at the Dutch National Museum of War and Resistance last year. Dr. Frost's esdiibit will be one of dozens of stamp exhibits on a wide variety of topics that will be displayed. The show is the annual national stamp show of the American Topical Association. The event will also feature a children's area, stamp dealers, and meetings of various topical study groups, including the Biblical Topics unit.
Jerry Smith of Alexandria, Va., formerly of Omaha, has been appointed Administrative Patent Judge to serve on the board of Patent Appeals and Interferences of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Mr. Smith, §on of Mary Smith, now residing in Niles, 111., and the late Harry Smith, grew up in Omaha and attended Central High School. He is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis and George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Organizations "ras YES will meet Monday at the JCC. "YES Talk" discussion group, bingo and English class start at 10:30 a.m. Following lunch at noon, Stan Widman will entertain with a musical performance. For transportation, callk 330-4272. WAUK-IN DROP-IN Walk-In Drop-In will take a day trip to Casino Omaha in Onawa, Iowa, Thursday. There will be no program at the JCC. For information, call Amy Potash at 330-4272. M SOCIETY OF SURVIVORS 1 The Society of the Survivors of the Holocaust will host the annual picnic Sunday, July 24. The event will be in the community room of the Livingston Plaza Apartments, 303 So. 132nd St. Cost is $7.50 per person. Make reservations by Monday, July 18. Call Rachel Rosenberg at 393-9187 or 397-4949; or Joe Boin at 333-2311.
Marcia Lipsman, chairman of the theater committee, receives the agreement estab lishing the "JCC Theater Endowment Fund" from Endowment Director Sheldon A Bernstein (right) as Jeff Aizenberg, JCC executive director, offers congratulations.
AMEN WARDY, BENDERS, HORCHOW, NIEMANSANDETC; I'
Omaha Steaks International of Omaha, consumer cataloger and retailer, has received the annual Award for Customer Service Excellence by the Direct Marketing Association's Customer Relations Council. The award was accepted by Fred Simon, executive vice president of Omaha Steaks International, at a recent luncheon in New York.
Dr. Peter Gordon (center) receives the "Earl Siegel Award for Outstanding Service by a Board Member" from Immediate Past President Sandy Friedman (right) and Rabbi Paul Drtiien, at Beth El's Annual Meeting.
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BREADBREAKERS Deb Cfoldstein and Sarah Raful, who participated in the "March of the Living" trip, will speak to B'nai B'rith Breadbreakers Wednesday at noon at Regency West Best Western, according to Natan Schwalb, June chairman. They will discuss their trip and share their many experiences.
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Jewish Pr«M
Fta(e7,
Towards a re-definition of the Israel/diaspora relationship By Howard Bloom, executive direkstor, Jewish Federation It would not be unfair to term the relationship ederations have maintained with Israel through e UJA and the Jewish Agency as "Philanthropic Sionism.* What do we mean by this? Primarily, 'Philanthropic Zionism" is characterized by four Msic identifying factors. The historical relationship between Israel and^the Diaspora has been primarily an institutional relaaonship. While there have been personal connections between professionals in the Jewish Agency pd the Joint Distribution Committee and 'ederation directors, the connections over the years ave been institutional and organizational rather an personal. In addition, for the past forty years, Israel itself as been viewed, not inaccurately, as being in the constant throes of financial and economic crises, rherefore, the motivation of Diaspora Jews to sup^rt Israel has been based upon its perceived weakless and vulnerability. Thirdly, at its core, "Philanthropic Zionism" has )een about sending money and not people to Israel. Fourthly, Israel has seen itself as the sole haven >f at-risk Jewish populations throughout the world. These are the key elements of Philanthropic Sionism, and they have served to define the rela»onship between Israel and the Diaspora for the )a8t forty years. This relationship has concentratid the focus of Diaspora Jews on an identification md a goal outside of themselves. If the truth be known. Philanthropic Zionism became something of I surrogate religion for North American Jews. This lo-called civil religion has been based upon low but tolid ground. That is why it has been so successful. Ve now find ourselves, however, in a situation Inhere if we continue to use only money as the sole wrrency of our relationship with Israel, and if we )o not develop alternative means of relating, we Krill see the Federation movement lose stature and X>wer in North America. What Has Changed? What has changed? Why are ihe old formulas and bromides not working? What jas become problematic in the relationship }etween Israel and the Diaspora over the past forty rears which has prompted the Federation movenent to engage in what is, in effect, the largest jfTort at collective Jewish soul searching since the Second World War? There are many factors one iould mention, which impact on the need to •^define the connection between Israel and the diaspora. I would like to mention here only a few of lie most significant factors that are prompting this lea change in Israel/Diaspora relations: The Council of Jewish Federation's 1990 populaaon study has had an enormous catalytic effect on "aising the issue of the necessity of a re-definition if the relationship between Israel and the >iaBpora. The first issue, intermarriage, has been talked to leath, and I do not plan to spend any time on it low. However, I would like to suggest the foUowng hypothetical to illustrate the intensity of ^moaons that it has provoked throughout the Jewish vorld. Currently, 52% of marriages involving Jews, ire marriages where both partners are not Jewish. Vhat does this mean? If we were to look at an averIge Hebrew School graduation class with 20 chiliren, then 10 will intermarry. Of these 20 children hen, 10 families are created where one parent is ewish and because the remaining 10 children narry among themselves, they create only five idditional families. This is not a promising irospect for a Jewish future. Even more staggering is the following statistic: In Jorth America today, there are over 700,000 chilren under the age of 18 who are living in families rhere one parent is Jewish and who are being irought up in a faith other than Judaism. This has lad an extraordinary impact on Federation involveItent, Thus, we are focused on the issue of Jewish Dntinuity and the future of the Jewish Diaspora in lorth America. You add to the above two items the fact that irael's annual budget is now approximately 40.000,000,000. The Diaspora total annual JA/Fcderation campaigns are sending only about 460,000,000 a year to the Jewish Agency if you imove the Exodus campaigns. Thus, only about R) of the annual budget of Israel is contributed by \t Diaspora. In contrast, the Diaspora United •laitine Fund contributed about 20% of the annu
a1 Israeli budget in 1948. This decline, in proportionality, means a decline in impact, power and relevancy. In addition, Israel is now engaged in a process whose end may mean peace, whose economy is growing at the prodigious rate of 6% or 7% a year, and whose business sector has taken a leadership role in certain high tech areas means that Israel is no longer the vulnerable, fragile state she once was. Let's face it, were we to concentrate only on the first two items describing our current condition, then it might be understandable for Israelis, not to mention Americans, to believe that the Diaspora is on the verge of a kind of spiritual and demographic cataclysm. My point is that these facts have produced, for the first time, what I would call a "bi-directional concern" about the future of continuity in Diaspora Jewish life. Bi-directionality? What do I mean by bi-directional concern? I think, for the first time that I know of, someone of the stature of Yossi Beilin, assistant foreign secretary and chief assistant to Shimon Peres, has suggested that there should be something like an Israeli Marshall Plan for the Diaspora. The purpose of the plan will be to stem the tide of assimilation in the Diaspora. This statement by Beilin has created such an intense antagonistic response both in Israel and the Diaspora because it heralds a sea change in the way in which we now view Israel/Diaspora relations. The intensity of the reaction to Mr. Beilin has been in direct proportion to the sensitivity of the nerve that he has touched. "Bi-directionality" means that we are no longer working within a paradigm that views Israel as the poor country cousin. We are now forced by means of an extraordinary transformation of vision to see that from an Israeli/Zionist perspective, the pace of Diaspora assimilation is viewed, in itself, as a vindication of the original Zionist belief that Jewish life can only survive in a Jewish state with a Jewish majority. For the Zionists, the removal of civic disabilities and the decline of anti-Semitism would ineluctably lead to assimilation and then extinction. This is an extraordinary change. We cannot stress enough that the current situation has prompted Americans to take a serious look at the whole issue of Jewish continuity. The notion that help doesn't move uni-directionally now from America to Israel, but might in the future, have to come from Israel back to America is novel. This has never been seriously contemplated by the
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model of Diaspora relations under which we have operated for the past forty years. It has provoked^ enough anxiety, however, to fuel a battleship. What do we need to do in order to rework the concept of Philanthropic Zionism and to recover our _ initiative? I We need to understand that Philanthropic Zionism is no longer enough. We must continue to provide the wherewithal for rescue and restettlement. They remain the responsibility of the state of Israel. They will continue to be problems as long as tensions in the former Soviet Union continue to heat up. We also will need to build a new bridge between Israel and the Diaspora — based more on issues of Jewish continuity, personal and economic partnership and less on politics and war. Clearly, this bridge between us and Israel, based on issues of Jewish continuity and economic partnership rather than based exclusively on political' vulnerability and war will be harder to sell, but we need to think of the opportunity we have. Even more important for us in the U.S. is the fact that We have recognized that our goal must be to get beyond anxieties of "mere" physical survival which in this century has been difficult to do. We must now turn our attention to spiritual survival. This is the deeper meaning of the Federation's desire to look for some form of partnership with synagogues. Unless there is a partnership with the synagogues, the real issue of continuity cannot be appropriately addressed. So what do we need to do? What does it come down to? It is important to realize that there are no panaceas. However we adapt and whatever replaces the older form of Philanthropic Zionism, we must still maintain support for Israel, both politically and economically. Precisely because fund-raising alone is necessary but not sufficient, there is a need to augment both personal and institutional contacts between us and Israel. There are specific Israeli spheres &f activity that do indeed require consistent help. The areas of higher education, health, the environment, social justice issues, rescue and resettlement are still issues that need a place on the collective communal Jewish agenda. Organizational and institutional frameworks are not enough. Faceless institutional contacts are insufficient, and we need to augment and personalize our relationships with the state of Israel. In addition, once Internet prices come down, inexpensive direct electronic contact and bulletin board (Continued on page 8)
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June 17, 19M
Preschool graduation
Re-defining the relationsliip (Continued from page 7) participation between Israelis and Americans will reach a pitch and intensity of dialogue not imagined even five years ago. This is also where missions are important, as well, not only because there is a return on inve^ment but, more importantly, because missions are like temporary aliyah. They expand our horizons, and they fortify theirs. After all, Israelis remain on the front lines. We need not only to send money; we need Also to send people. We need to send our children on tourses, junior years abroad,summer volunteer programs and intensive Hebrew courses. We also need tlo see Israeli youth here (bi-directionality) as summer counselors, Hebrew teachers and shlichitn. It would not be inappropriate for us to consider the purchase of a communal apartment that could be maintained and used in the community on a scheduled time sharing basis in order to have appropriate family accommodations in Israel. It might even make sense for a consortium of Federations to build and maintain a retreat center. Thus, a more ambitious center could be used by more than one community simultaneously. All of these efforts must be efforts to rely exclusively on more than an organizational basis. If we succeed in re-defining and expanding our relationship with Israel; if we can get beyond defining our relationship with Israel exclusively in terms of money; if we can feel sufficiently secure to
implement strategies of bi-directionality — where we assist Israel but where we correspondingly welcome Israeli assistance through educational and religious progrbms for our adults and youth; and if we can personalize and multiply our points of contact, we will all receive a peace dividend. Only then will we see a renewed sense of life for the Federation movement which has served us so well for the past 40 years.'
JCC camps JCC campers relax after lunch in the Carl Frohm Memorial Pavilion. Individuals who participate enjoy sports, arts and crafts, song sessions, free and instxnictional swimming, fleld trips, overnight camps and special Shabbat programs. For information, contact Beth Cohen at 334-8200, ext. 217.
TEDDY RUPS When You Use These:
551-3347 CATERER
Top photo: Students in the Child Development Center preschool eojoy tun and sun on 'Park Day*. Bottom photo: Participating in the Child Development Center preschool graduation exercises recently at the Jewish Community Center are, from left; Ron Kafri, Elizabeth Mueller, Isaac Frishman, Emily Barton and Kevin Stormberg. The graduates were in the afternoon class and each received a diploma from Dinah Raful, director.
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