November 15, 1996

ilewish Press CeMmtIng Mon Than 75 /M/V of SBTVICB

Vol. LXXIV No. 10 Omaha, NE

Schulweis calls n U.S. Jewry to launch proselytizing effort by Tom Tui^end LOS ANGELES, (JTA) - A leading Conservative rabbi has challenged American Jews to embark on a mission to convert unafflliated Christians to Judaism. The time has come, says Rabbi Harold Schulweis, for Jews to emulate the missionary practice of their : ancient forebears through "a national or international Jewish movement to educate, invite and embrace non-Jews into the fold." The message is not new. Alexander Schindler, President Emeritus of the Reform movement, advoI cated to offering Judaism to unchurched Christians three years ago. But the stature of the new messenger has engendered renewed debate among Jewish and Christian theologians. It also comes amid controversy over a Southern Baptist Convention resolution encouraging evangelizing of Jews. In a sermon to his Valley Beth Shalom congregation in Encino, CA, Rabbi Schulweis highlighted •some of his key arguments for conversionary outreach to unafflliated gentiles. He cited the attraction of Judaism as a world religion, its ancient tradition of proselytizing and the argument that conversion of non-Jewish spouses in mixed marriages is the surest guarantor of producing children and grandchildren with Strong Jewish identities. Many non-Jews "hunger for an authentic, moving and relevant faith," Schulweis said. "One would expect that a community that is so concerned with its own perpetuity would reach out actively to (Continued on page 2)

Lincolnite oh mission to Bosnia Editor's note: Gary Hill recently met with government officials and visited prisons in Bosnia to examine the needs of the correctional system. Ms a United Nations expert consultant, his assignment was also to identify existing laws and procedures to Incorporate them Into training materials. Mr. Hill's major function Is to help the new government of Bosnia develop their own training material and operational procedures in line with good correctional practice and international standards and norms. He will return to Bosnia in December to help install those programs. Mr. Hill has provided similar help to nations in Africa, South and Central America, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. His training manual has thus far been translated from English into Somali, Portuguese, Spanish and Arabic. Currently, the Canadian government is translating it into French for use in Western Africa early next year and the United Nations is translating it into Russian for use in the Central Asian Republics this month. Soon after his return to Lincoln, Mr. Hill gave Chuck Kuba, correspondent from Lincoln, the following retrospective of his trip:

"I was in Bosnia in mid-October for the United Nations, helping to re-establish the prison system for the various entities after the war. While I was there, I had the opportunity to visit (all too briefly) the Jewish Community of Sar^evo. 1 had been told they had done some very good things during the civil war, Jews and non-Jews alike. "What I did not know was how welli they had really done their job and how much they continue to do. Thus, as a fellow Jew and fellow contributor to UJA, I must share with you a bit about where some of our money goes. "At a later time, or in person perhaps, 1 will share my personal experience and tell you about

Talk 'round the world' courtesy of ham radio by Morris Maline, Editor enteritua world of ham radio-and nerhaps even to talk to someone in distant countries-now's your chance. There's no charge for this opportunity, and here's how to go about getting on this unique air wave. Just call the Members Services desk at the Jewish Community Center at 334-6426 and tell the host that you want to leave youc name and telephone number for the ham radio club. Then, but not immediately, anticipate a call from Hugh Tinley, Leo Meyerson, Leo Sivin or Roger Sullivan.' This group mans and operates the radio room, located on an upper and relatively hidden spot, in the JCC. One of the group will call and make it possible for you to listen as they contact fellow ham operators around the world. And if it's a lucky time and they reach a country where you have a friend, they may be able to patch your telephone to your friend's so that you can carry on a convemation. The four members of the radio club are encouragine members of the Jewish community to contact them because they appreciate the generosity of the JCC in making facilities available to them. I The radio club i* an evolutionary outgrowth of the ham station that Mr. Meyerson started many yean ago. Three antennas were set up on the north and eaat side of the JCC and Mr. Meyerson provided the necessary equipment for the station. For a while, the station, located in a small room next to the JewUh Prei$ ofTice, was used at a back-up for the Red Cross disaster communications network. The station was moved to its new location

From left: Ilui^h linli y, Ix-u MpyerHon, Leo Sivin and Roger Sullivan, bam radio operators ready to share their hobby with the Jewish community. when the JCC's Child Development Center required more space for daycare. The four amateur radio operators have some 175 years of experience among them. During his working years, Mr. Meyerson headed companies involved in amateur radio equipment and has maintained his interest into retirement. Before Mr. Sivin retired and came to Omaha, he was a radio engineer in Chicago with the CBS Radio Network. Mr. Sullivan currently is an eiecutive on the communications side of Union Pacific Railroad and Mr. Tinley has a record of service in the military. "We are most grateful to the Jewish Community Center and now we'd like to give something back by making worldwide radio contact available to shut-ina or otliers with an interest in ham radio," Mr. Tinley added.

the old Synagogue at the Jewish cemetery that was used as a bunker and was completely destroyed, though the cemetery was apparently left in fairly good shdpe. Rather, with one very minor exception, what follows is directly from Jacob Finci, President of the Jewish Community of Sar^evo. Most information comes from his February, 1996 Annual Report and some comes from conversation with him. "First, the 'minor exception.' While talking with one of our translator/assistants in the UN office, before visiting the Central Prison of Sarajevo, I asked if she knew where the Jewish Community was located. Before I could give her his name, she blurted out'Jacob Finci.' "1 asked if she was Jewish. She said no, but wanted to tell me about the 'Jewish Community.' She was another religion in a nation torn apart by different religions. She said that her husband and two children were'one religion and she was another. When, during the worst of the siege, food was scarce, they were visited by her husband's religious leader who was in charge of giving aid. The leader said, "We can give food for the three in your family of our religion, but not tlie fourth.' "She and her family then went to the Jewish Community Center. She told me no one asked her religion or that of her husband and children, they merely gave her what they could. That was my real introduction to the Jewish Community of Sarajevo. "Now for the story, I quote Jacob Finci, 'There is a year behind us full of troubles and full of hope. The same way as the evening crowns the day, the peace, initialed at the end of the year in Dayton and signed after that in Paris, has brought us a lot of hope. The peace has been gained through much blood and destruction but. at the same time, a lot of lives survived, a lot of new friendships made, even marriages and newborns. 'For many Sarajevo citizens, the year of 1995 has been an epithet of the most difficult war year. Whether because of shelling which was more brutal than before, because of darkness which lasted for months, or lack of water (for which people usually went at night), or because of the general blockade and/or exhaustion caused by war-it is difficult to say. For death became an everyday event which everybody got used to and nobody could see any salvation or a way out from the hell called Sar^evo. 'However, even in such a hell, the Jewish Cultural, Educational and Humanitarian Society La Benevolencya succeeded in keeping its activity without changing ita segments of work, trying and succeeding in raising the quality of aid given to the highest level possible in those conditions. 'Thanks to that fact, donations came regularly. That way the Distributive Center never lacked food necessary for the Soup Kitchen and for the distribution of food to citizens of Sarajevo, Mostar, Zenica, Tuzia, and afler Dayton even to Gorazde. The Health Service's activity increased, and the Pharmacy had never been better supplied. 'The children, the attendants of the Sunday School, last year received presents, and about 600 elderly had never been better taken care of by the ladies than this year. If we add to that the Soup Kitchen, which never stopped working through the whole war, the picture is complete.' (Continued on page 10)

YJO Wine and Dine Young Jewish Omaha will host Its Wine and Dine event Tuesday, Nov. 19, 7-10 p.m., In the JCC Auditorium. For more Information, contact Sharon KIrshenbaum, Fedoratlon Young Adult Outreach Coordinator, 334-6435.

Page a

November 15, 1996

Jewish Press, Omaha, NK

I YJO Holiday Project X attracting area retailers

Sparks from The Word

^^P by Pam Monsky ^1^ Federation Communications Director Several Omaha retailers are making donations to the Young Jewish Omaha Holiday Project: The Joy of Giving. On Dec. 15, YJO members will be at the Boys' and Girls' Club of Omaha in Carter Lake to help children select and wrap gifts for their families. Young Jewish Omaha, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Omaha, provides individuals, single and married, age 20-40, with new and exciting ways to expand personal and professional contacts while learning about contemporary Jewish issues and community involvpniont. Katherine Finnegan of Bergman's Jewelry, said they have donated gift accessories for the project, and said, "I think it's great when the Jewish community reaches out to people that need help. I'm pleased that Bergman's could help this great cau.se. VJO made an excellent choice in the Boys'and Oirls' Club of Omaha for this project." "The 1/2 Price Stores has donated an assortnu'nt of men'.s and young men's clothing for the event, said Jeff GordnuiM. The 1/2 Price Stores believes that it has an obligation to bo responsible corporate citizens by giving l)Mck to the comnuinilies in which it operates. We ajjplaud the efforts of Young Jewish Omaha in supirorting the Buys' and Girls' Club of Omaha, and are happy to assist in this wortbwliile endeavor." . Charlie Sullivan, Tikkun Olani committee menil)pr explained, "It's important for the Jewish conuuunity to be visible and lend a hand." He added, "I worked on a similar project in Dallas, and when you see a child's face light up because they can give a gift, no matter what it is or what the value of the gift is, it makes it worthwhile." Additional donations are still coming in from local businesses. To donate or for more information about the YJO Holiday I'roject, please contact Sharon Kirshenbaum, Federation Young Adult Outreach Coordinator, .334-G48,'j. CUP & SAVE

CALENDAR OF EVENTS C L I P

« S A V E

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Vi.sinns Mpml>prship Lunchiim Meeting. 12: .11) p III , at Venice Inn Uelh.KI l.mich & Learn. 12 1,1 p m . iit Uelli Kl SATURDAY, NOVKMBER IC Temple l.^rael .SisterhiHHl New Meinlier ll.ivilalati & Dinner, iml nniie liuildinK SUNDAY. NOVEMB ER 17 Temple Isr.iel Oulreacli l'n:(;r,im. 10 a ni, at Temple Israel MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18 YE.SMeetint!, 10 a in ('ub Scuuts/Hiiy Scouts, (i p ru tyL Classes. 7 p m ' TUESDAY, NOVEMBEK 19 llclirew .Speaking l.'lass, noun BBYO Night, 6 1.') pin Young .lewifili Onialia Kick cilT Kvenl. 7 p m Temple Isr.iei "(•'IMKI fur Thuught," 11 :I0 .i in.. at Temple Isr.iel Temple l.srael lliianl .Meelmg. T.W p iii. ,il Tein|)le .I(;AC

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2(1 TIGCiS, 111)1111. at Tem|>le Isr.u'l Temple Israel I )lT(i Dinner. H p m , at Teni|ili' lletli Kl Hoard Mii'lirig, 7 llll p ni. at Belli Kl. "Kililiil?.. Kvellaiiil('iilTei'."7:i(l p m .ii ilir Immenrt'.'iriil and Alan I'arsiiw THURSDAY, NOVEMIIER 21 Walk-in Dnip-in. 10.i ni .lewish I'resB Itu.inl Meeting, IIIHIII l.ilirary Wmik Discussiiiii tiriuip. 1 p ni IllK Bnarij Meelaig. 7 .1(1 p m Klllll Family Nighl Dinner, (i p in Temple Israel .Sislerliimil Adult Krlii.', n !i:Hla m , at Temple Israel KuKsian Club. 10 a m Beth Kl New .MemlHT Dinner, 6:10 p.nij, Beth Kl All avtHti h*ld al Itia JCC unl«>( olhtrwii* indlulwt Tlw Jomnh Pfp!^ is mA ips|»»is<ile lor HIP XAMlacy ol Ihf (ibcivs cvenlil tu iH-p <:nl»r»|-1 .irruinli" of (of que&lKjns.cjill Maftpfif Hprt .11 334 64.17

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by Rabbi.Myer S. Kripke Panwhat Toledo! Still Veiled From Our Scrutiny Our Sidrah is rich in story, and Genesis Rabbah gives full play to the fertile imagination of the ancient rabbis on most of them. I haye long been intrigued by a comment on Isaac's instructions to Esau to bring him some of his wonderful food from the hunt. Isaac remarks that he would like to give Esau his blessing before be dies, but "I know not the day of my death." Genesis Rabbah, quoting an earlier text, comments that there are seven things concealed, veiled, from mankind: the day of death; the day of consolation (for exiled Zion); the depth of judg-. ment; how wealth is distributed, vhat is in the heart of one's fellow; the mystery of gestation and birth; and when this "evil empire" (Rome) will fall. For each of the seven the Midrash offers a "prooftext," three, interestingly enough, from Ecclesiastes, two from Isaiah, and one each from .Jeremiah and Deuteronomy. (^onsider these seven with the ancient rabbis! How murli more we know now about .some things than they did - and yet how stubborn and impenetrable the wall that bides the seven! Medical science has pierced the ignorance of earlier centuries about conception and gestation and birth; but it has been only recently that the effects of smoking and alcohol on the fetus have become well known. And still - what will be the nature of the child that is born? The day of consolation and the time of the fall of Rome are not the same. Rome fell - but Israel was widely scattered by that time, to the point that erosion of Roman power meant little to the scattered remnants of Israel. The day of consolation: has it come yet, or is it sill in the future? Judging by the formidable problems that still face the Jewish people. I'm afraid it is still'far off. As you no doubt understxiod, the Midrash, especially by its proof-texts, makes it clear that all these seven !ire still God's alone. Some of us may think that we could have done a belter job on at least one of these: the distribution of wealth. Why to those Asian moguls? and why such revolting poverty in Asia and Africa? We think we know what is in the heart of our friends ... and of our enemies. But the human heart is pretty complicated, as Jeremiah once remarked ( not in the proof-text from Jeremiah!). The depth of judgment? Here we readily acknowledge that the final judgment is God's alone. The day of one's death? We would be shaken to our toes if we were not able to shrug off the accidental deaths that appear daily in the minor headlines of our newspapers. Old people, young people, just people. "I know not the day of my death," Isaac said. Nor do we. One wit said,"I don't have to know the day of my death, just the place. If I knew that I just wouldn't go there!" But the place is the world. Given time, we will all be found, somewhere in the world.

BJE offers information on teen trips to Israel by Susan Drazen, BJE Director "This past summer I journeyed to the land my ancestors only dreamed of reaching. My experience provoked many thoughts in my mind, and changed the course of my life . .. the presence of a wall possesses the power to jar my eyes open to my responsibility as a modern day Jew .. ." So wrote Stephen Kotok, Central High School senior. Steve spent last summer in Israel as a participant on the Ramah Israel Seminar. He and 40 other teens from Omaha spent the summer of 1996 in Israel on a variety of teen programs. It's not loo early for you or your teenager to begin thinking about Israel for the summer of 1997. Many options are available. Each of the national Jewish youth organizations sponsors trips, all incorporating elements of touring, travel, learning and fun. Applications for Israel Experience Grants and additional financial aid are available from the Bureau of Jewish Education. Please call 334-6445 for more information. SeiHlfiiiKlEfe/j^iSSftSLfei; '^.-_" JrJ. •

Deaths A.M. (BUD) BERNSTEIN ' Services for A.M. (Bud) Bernstein were held Nov. 13 at (jolden Hill Cemetery. He died Nov. 11 at the age of 65. Survivors include his wife, Joan; two daughters, Julie Duhnaskim and Deborah Bernstein; and two grandchildren, i Memorials to Jewish Family Services. MARTHA COHEN CHERNISS Services for Martha Cherniss were held Nov. 11 at Fisher Farm Cemetery. She died Nov. 10. She was preceded in death by her husband, William. Survivors include a daughter, Leta Rae; and a brother, Nate Cohen of Des Moines. PEARL SIMON HOLLANDER Pearl Simon Hollander of Santa Ana, CA, formerly of Omaha, died Nov. 5. • Survivors include her husband, David of Santa Ana; two daughters, Laura, also of Santa Ana, and Linda of Palo Alta, CA; a brother, Manny Simon of Omaha; and three grandchildren.

JEWISH BOOK FAIR AND SALE Sunday, Nov. 17 to Tuesday, Dec. 10 Calendar of Events (all held at the JCC) Thursday, Nov. 21, 1 p.m.-Book Di.scussinn: Tesnie and Venrlie: A Cniiuldaiifihirr's Sinn' by .Joy Horowitz. Sunday, Nov. 24, 2-3:30 p.m. -Storyliilling Festival for ages .'t-H. Wednesday, Dec. 4, noon-Coniniunity Luncheon highligbting Joy Horowitz, author of 'A'.s.s/r and I'l-arlii': A (irandduuiihtvr's Story.

Tuesday, Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m.-lyecture/receplion fealunng Rabbi Alan Silverstein, author of ll All lie);ins with a Date: Jpwinh Concern.^ about Intermarriane and I'renen'in^ Jewishness in Your Family after an Intermarriage has Occurred.

SchulweiS (Continued from page 1) embrace these people, who quite seriously enjoy and are sustained by Jewish wisdom and faith." Orthodox and Conservative rabbis took issue with Schulweis, saying that the Jews must first focuuon the indifferent and unafllliated in their own rSnks b^jpre Ir^i^g to A^act non-Jews. 'Millions of Jews would r^iond to an aggressive outreach campaign, while proselytizing non-Jews would be seen as a sign of weakness," said Rabbi Raphael Butler, national executive vice-president of the Orthodox Union, '^hy should anyone want to join a group that can't hold on to its own members?" Noting that Ruth is often cited as one of the Bible's most famous converts, Butler responded dryly that Naomi, Ruth's mother-in-law, 'didn't conduct a marketing campaign." Rabbi Nachum Sauer, head of graduate Judaic studies at the Yeshiva of Los Angeles, said Jewish law requires that would-be converts be discouraged and 'pushed away," rather than courted. Sauer said Conservative and Reform leaders sought converts mainly to make up for former congregants lost to secularism. Conservative Rabbi William Lebeau, dean of the Rabbinical School of the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, termed an active conversion outreach a complicated issue, widely discussed in Conservative circles. Lebeau said most Conservative leaders would favor meeting the religious and spiritual needs within the Jewish community first. Among those supporting Schulweis is Rabbi David Wolpe, assistant to the chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary.

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SYNAGOGUES TEMPLE ISRAEL

BEYT SHALOM AnAflUiateofthe Jewish R««onstj:uctioniat Federation ^.O. Box 241130, Omaha, NE 681344190 76a-a233 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m., at 3012 S. 119th St., Omaha SATURDAY: Torah service/discussion, i9:30 a.m., with Rabbi Sachs. Adult study session, 4:30 p.m., also with Rabbi jSachs; Havdalah and a dairy-vegetarian potluck dinner, 6 p.m., both held at 824 Parkwood Lane, Omaha. Religious School: Classes are held every Sunday at 10 a.m. at Westside Community Education Center, 108th and Grover. Call Dr. Marty Rosenberg, 390-9062. for placement. Please check the Beyt Shalom information line Bt 758-92.33 for last minute weather-related schedule changes.

CHABAD HOUSE 1322 So. 119th St, Omaha, NE 68154 S97-1124 WEB~www.metawire.com/chabad neb E-MAIL~Shliach9aol.com SATURDAY: Davening is at 9:30 a.m., followed )y Kiddish. SUNDAY: Davening is at 9:30 a.m. Talmud Classes Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. Advanced Talmud, Thursdays at noon. Yiddish "Hooked on Yiddish lessons, Wednesdays, 7 p.m. MOMMY AND ME Fun and learning for me... and Iny mom . (A project of Torah Tots preschool) Nov. 20: Hanukkah story, olive oil, latkes, onuts.

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ctndlelighting: 4:47 p.fn. .

Member of the Union of American Bebrew Consvei^tionB 7023 Cau Street, Omaha, NE 68182 586-«536 FRIDAY: Shabbat evening service, 8:15 p.m.; Rabbi Azriel wilLspeak. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by Dory and Marvin Gerber and Dora and Bill Feigin in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of their granddaughter, Lauren Feigin. Sitter Service Sitter service is available each Shabbat evening service and the Saturday morning Shabbat service when there is a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Please make a reservation. There are no facilities for infants, SATURDAY: Shabbat service, 11:15 a.m. Sinicha B'shabbat-An alternative Torah study service will lake place in the Chapel. The regular Shabbat service will be held in the sanctuary. ' liBuren Elise Fei^n, daughter of Juditli Feigin and Philip Feigin, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. Outreach Sundpy, 10 a.m.-noon, "December Dilemma." The Outreach committee will facilitate the program, a discussion on the upcoming holiday season. The program is open to the community. Adult Education Nov. 21: Sisterhood Adult Education. 9:3011 a.m.-Rabbi Azriel will continue teaching from the Pulitzer prize winning book God, A Biography. •Beyond Midrash," 7:30-8:30 p.m., led by Don Schwartz. "Food For Thought" Tuesday, Nov. 19, 11:30 a.m.-l p.m. Rabbi Azriel will lead the discussion. Bring a brown bag lunch; Temple will provide the drinks. TIGGS (Temple Israel Go-Getters) Meet for lunch at noon at Temple. Cost is $4. Dr. Richard Shagrue, Professor of Law at Creighton, will speak. Make reservations with Mary Lou. Goodman at 553-6634, or Libby Kaplan, 551-6202. Pancake Breakfast [.. Sunday, Nov. 24, 8:30-10:30 a.m. An all-youcan-eat breakfast sponsored by Sisterliood will feature the "Pancake Person." Cost is $4 for adults, and $3;25 for children age 12 and under.

i Jewiah Preu , Omaha, NK

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE ^

BETH ISRAEL SYNAQOQUE

Member of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 1602 No. 62nd St., Omaha, NE 68104 SS64288 Services are conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. OfTice hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. ' FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat service, 5 p.m. , SATURftAY: Services, 8:45 a.m.; .Ir. Congregation, 10:30 a.m. Kiddish is sponsored by Sisterhood. i "Parsha of the Week," a course led by Yakova Hcrzig, 4 p.m., at the home of the Herzigs; Chumash class with Rabbi Kutner, 4:05 p.m., at the synagogue; Mincha, 4:.'15 p.m., fnilowpd by Shalosh .Seudot, Ma'ariv and Havdalah. SUNDAY: Morning .service, 9 a.m., followed by breakfast and a class with Rabbi Kutner, 10:10 a.m., on "The Siddur: A study of the background and meaning of the Priiyer Book." Mincha, 4:45 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services at 7 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. TUESDAY: Rebbetzin Nndine Kutner continues ii class on "The Muitifaceted Uses of the Mikvnh," 7:30 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center, WEDNESDAY: 7:30 p.m.-"Basic Jewish Thoughts," a class with Rabbi Kutner: explore the moral, ethical and philosophical issues facing Jews today; 8:30 p.m.-Synagogue Skills I, Torah reading: Rabbi Kutner will teach how to read the Torah with traditional trope.

B'NAIISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618MynsterSL Council Blufb, Iowa S1503 322-4706 Services are conducted every Friday Shabbat Eve at 7:30 p.m. Sermonette presented by a guest speaker, followed by an Oneg Shabbat Kiddish. Friday, Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m.: Steve Marsden, a librarian and philosophy m^or, will speak about Baruch Spinoza, a philosopher/lens grinder from Holland who was excommunicated.

CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURUN SOUTH STREET TEMPLE Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregatians 2061 a. 20(h St., Uncoln. NE 68502-2707 Services are officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. FRIDAY; Shabbat services at 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Torah study and service at 10 a.m. SUNDAY: Hebrew school, 9 a.m., Religious school, 10 a.m.

OFFUTT Ci^pehart Chapel, 25th and Capehart Omaha, NE FRIDAY: Services start at 8 p.m.

Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 14M6 California, Omaha, NE 68154 492-8560 WEBj»ht^>://omahafreenet.org/bethel Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. tp 5 p.m.: Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m, Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and Cantor Emil Berkovils. FRIDAY: Services start at 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Services start at 9:30 a.m. Kiddish following; Sitter service starts at 10 a.m. TSS (Torah Siddur Skills), 10 am. Shabbat story time, first and third Saturday, 11 a.m.; K'tantan, sproiid and fourth S.Tturday at 11 a.m. Minlia-Ma'ariv and llnvdnlali services, 4:50 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.. WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 ii.m, and 5:30 p,m SATURDAY, Nov. 2.3: New Member Shabbnt-Ncw uiembers of Beth ' Kl will be honored iit .senirc,'^ Kiddish luncheon will follow

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, led by Yale Halperin and assisted by Albert Friedman, start at 9 a.m. Members of the community are invited to join residents for the service and the Kiddish following.

B'nai Mitzvah Lauren Elise Feigin, daughter of Juditli Feigin and Philip Feigin, will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah Nov. 16 at Temple Israel. A seventh-grade superior honor roll student at Millard North Middle School, slie was selected to participate in the Duke University Talent IdentiTication Program. She enjoys dance, softball, tennis, reading and friends. Grandparents are Dory and Marvin Gerber of Omaha and Dora and Bill Feigin of Levittown, N.Y. Nicholas Evan Jacobson, son of Sheila ^^^^^^ Jacobson and Mark Ja^^^^^^^^k cobson, will become a

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Services are conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyans on Mondays and Thursdays, 7:15 a.m. FRIDAY: Early Kabbalat Shabbat services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: .Services, 9:30 a.m. Lunch and L/carn with Juliana Reno, attorney at law, "Equality Under The Law." Former Lincolnite discusses Judaic Law pert.iining In miisciilinc and feminine roles.

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Temple Israel. A seventh-grade stu''*"' "* Beveridge Junior High, he enjoys playing hockey, baseball and playing the drums in the V-/, school band. Nicholas has a brother, Zachary. Grandparents are Wanda and Don I.K>seke of St. Edward, NE, and Eileen and Leonard Jacobson and the late Esther Jacobson.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502 423-8568

Bar Mitzvah Nov.

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PERSONALS My surgery is over and it wasn't tun; I want to thank all my friends (or what they've done. The tributes, flowers, cards and all of their wishes; the food I didn't have to cook and She! did the dishes Abl geiundt, Lorrie Bernstein A special thanks to my loving family and friends lor all their help and good wishes during my rocent surgery. Your thoughtfulness Is greatly appreciated, Laurie Remer-Phifer I want to Ihank my relatives and friends lor making my esth birthday such a beautiful day. The cards, gifts and contributions were greatly appreciated. Ida ZoorwIII

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Jewish Pre§s, Omaha, NE

November 15, 1996

Editorial Who ever said being Jewisli was dull? In tliis issue of Uie Jewish Press alone, readers will find stories on the Swiss mishandling of funds belonging to survivors of the Holocnust, charges of misappropriations of funds by the Jewish National Fund and its reply, and a controversial story about actively seeking non-Jews as converts and its proponent. West-coast Rabbi Harold Schulweis. It's not easy walking the fine line between being a cheerleader for the Jewish community and its organizations and informing readers about controversy in its ranks. For many of our readers, the iJewish Pressi is the only extensive soiree of news about the Jewish people, in Omaha, in the United Stales, in Israel and the rest of the world. The leadership of this newspaper has stated publicly that this information, good or bad, deserves publication. It's up to each render, to decide for himself, what to do with the stories presented here.

Letter to the editor To the editor: Some dear friends of ours from Florida come up every summer to the wonderful adult courses that the Cluilauqun offers in the Finger Lakes area of New '^'ork. My own relation with Jewish Chatauqua is douDle; Dorothy and 1 once spent a few days at a college not far from hero to talk about Judaisni. That IS what Jewish Chatauqua does; it supplies qualified speakers, usually rabbis, to teach Judaism in Single lectures pr one-shot unit courses at colleges and universities throughout the country. Usually inly expenses are paid, and the rabbis give their ;ime and expertise without remuneration. lewish Chatauqua is doing remarkably good vork. It is supported, for the main part, by the Men's Clubs of Reform congregations. It deserves fveryone's support. My second relation with Jewish Chatauqua is not 3f niy doing. 1 have only now, after many years, become annoyed enough to write the following. Some of you may recall an announcement in the /lU'i.s.'i Prvas that I am giving a Chalauqua-sponlored course at Creighton. It was accompanied by in egrcgiously trivial bio, for which 1 admit 1 am Jartially responsible. But, (Mialauqvia does not ;sponsor'' any course a( Creighton, and I do not •pach for Chatauqua. My contract is with 'reighton, not with Cliatauciua. I have been giving regular ('reighton courses in he tleparlmenl of Theology, College of Arts and Sciences for 21 years. I have the rank of Adjunct Associate Professor. Vdjuncls nuisl have similar academic standing to he standing of full-tinu' mend)ers of the Faculty. Ju1, as my late brother la law professor at an eastrn university I once told me, "Adjuncts get >orsclit." It is true. Universities far and wide save Money by using ailjuncis, carefully and judiciously, iut widely. Creighton's Theology Department (hair cjuir leard of Chatauqua's policy of supporting courses aught by rabbis at universities and latched on to a ittle of the money. It pays for a little of the borschl receive. It is paid to Creighton, not to me. hatauqua is right in subsidizing ('reighton. I am lappy that Creighton gets some of this nioney. As you know, Creighton has just been judged to e the best private education buy in our part of the buntry. 1 am proud to be part of it. But I teach Bgular three-point courses, which the Theology >epartment wants to be able to offer, Chatauqua r no. Rabbi Myer Kripke

News Analysis Five years after Madrid, hopes for peace displaced by tension by David Landau JERUSALEM (JTA) - Five years ago, the Bush life-preten^iing to lead, but in fact looking to Tunis administration cooled Arab and Israeli leaders to for instructions-made serious progress impossible. participate in a landmark Middle East peace-con- The Israelis, for their part, maintained their ference, i implacable resistance to having any direct dealings The 1991 gathering in Madrid opened the way to with the PLO. a direct Israeh dialogue with Syria, Jordan and the Israel maintained this position until almost a Palestinians that led to a changed Middle East. year into the Labor-led government of Yitzhak The evolution of these talks during the past five Rabin, which took office in the summer of 1992. years brought about Israeli-Palestinian mutual It was Rabin's readiness to break with this longrecognition, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from held policy that represented the most momentous nearly all of the Gaza Strip and most Palestinian shift, and paved the way to the 1993 Israelipopulation centers in the West Bank, and set a Palestinian accord hammered out in Norway. framework for negotiating a permament settleFor months, in fact, Ttabin insisted that the Oslo ment of the conflict. channel must eventually merge with the ongoing, Israel and Jordan embarked on a path of normal- basically barren, "Madrid negotiations" that were izing ties after signing a peace treaty, and other taking place sporadically in Washington. Arab countries moved toward establishing economEventually, however, Rabin dropped this posiic ties with the Jewish state. tion, and a historic deal was struck in the But the gains in Arab-Israeli reconciliation stimNorwegian capital without the Madrid-Washington ulated by the Madrid Peace Conference now negotiators even knowing that they had been renappear to be endangered by a shifting atmosphere dered wholly anachronistie. that barkens back to the period before late 1991. Was Oslo, then, a consequence of Madrid? The fifth anniversary of the Madrid conference Can Yitzhak Sharnir, who agreed to go to was marked last week by talks of possible war Madrid, share in the credit for Oslo? Shamir himl)etween Israel and Syria, paralysis of the Israeli- .self, now out of active politics, insists that he canPalestinian peace process and ttuision in the Israeli not-and sees Oslo as no credit at all to any Israeli Jordanian relationship. leader. Ila.s the Middle East come full circle? But other observers, especially on the Labor side, In 1991. Israel was led, as it is now, by a conserv- claim that this is disingenuous-lhat Shamir knew ative Likud government tliat refused to accept lanall along that the Palestinians at Madrid were guage indicating that the basis of the peacemaking Arafat's surrogates, yet he nevertheless agreed to would be land for peace. negotiate with them. In the end. a way around the problem was found, There is a sense among some obser\'ers here that by recourse to the constructively ambiguous U.N. the Likud-led government of Benjamin Netanyahu Security Council Ite.solutions 242 and .3.'i8. looks back at Madrid with a certain longing, The issue then was that the Israeli government, almost as though it wishes it could turn the clock under Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir, flatly back to that event five years ago. refijsed to negotiate with Yasser Arafat's Palestine After all, Israel, under Shamir, succeeded at Liberation Orgiinizalion, then headquartered in Madrid in acceding to the fervent international Tunisia. desire that a negotiating process be set in motion, Then, loo, a way was found to proceed: The while not actually making tangible concessions. Palestinian delegation was led by Dr. Haidar In government circles today, the feeling is that Abdel-Shafi, a respected doctor from the Gaza the Israeli-PLO accord destroyed Israel's ability to Strip, and was composed of distinguished persons maintain that posture; hence, Netanyahu's curliving in Gazti and the West Bank. rent, reluctant negotiation with Arafat's The Palestinian delegation took its orders from Palestinian Authority on the redeployment of the PLO in Tunis, and made no secret of doing so. Israeli forces in Hebron. But Shamir resolved to turn a blind eye to this. Among the opposition, Madrid is seen as a piece As a result, the conmiitlee-level negotiations that of history that is gone forever, overtaken and left followed the formal conference.opening were able far behind by the breakthrough in Oslo, which to continue, sporadically, for several months. brought the PLO into the heart of the process But the negotiations, both on the Palestinian both here in Israel and at the negotiating table. track and on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks, went This is the reality, which cannot be turned back nowhere. On the Palestinian front, Shafi's double five years.

THE JEWISH PRESS

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(Founded in 1920)

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thv roll' of till' .lewiHh hViliTiiUon of OmHhs It U> involve Jews in meeting Jewish rommunal leedx locully, niitionRlly anil in Isruel. kgenciei of the Federation are: Community Kelntionn, JewlHh (''ommunily ('enter, Jewinh Education, Jcwiith I'rewi. Jewinh Family .Service. I jliniry and Bureau for the \ipng rhe Jewish Preu (U.SPS 27S6:^0) is published weekly on Friday (f *26 per calendar year II S ; 130 foreiKn. Iiy the Jewish Federation of Umaha. 333 So. I.'i2nd St., Omaha, NK fiHir>4 •eriodical pontage paid at Omaha, NG. POSTMASTKH: Send addreae change* to The Jewish ^esB, 333 .So 132nd St, Omaha, NK 68104; Telephone 402-334-6448; FAX 402-334-S422; E-mail <jshpres89aol.com> ' _I&J<Si^3,DSBiai&.-.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS .Steve Levinger. Vice Prrsidenl. Lloyd Roitstein, Treanurer; .lane Ripn, Sccreljiry, ("ynthiii Kpstein; Steve Danun, Marci (lallner, Ji>anip Jacul).Hiin; .Shcryl Lee; Fri'd Mm'iil (iiMvrri' .Ki li;n>irii. Kn-il Tiihiimr; Sylvia Wat;nii Kdiliirials iJi)ri'8.i Itit vn'w of Uie writer and are not nece^ snriiy reprenentalive of the views uf the Jewish Presa Hoard, the Ji'wmh Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Ji'winh t'ommimity as a whole The J*wiih Press reserves thti right to edit letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashruth of any product or esubliahment.

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Novelnber 15,1969

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE.

Paffe 5

Election '96

H With much at stake, U.S. Jews H vow compromise and moderation r^

T>

Clinton and Israel: Does a second term bode change? by Cynthia Mann , peace process is highly volatile: * Wrangling continues over Israeli redeployment from most of Hebron as Palestinian Authority leader Yasser Arafat is reported to have made yet another call at a refugee camp for }ihad, or holy war; •Israeli Infrastructure Minister Ariel Sharon has just announced plans to build settlements in the West Bank for 100,000 Jews; *Sharon and some other ministers are boycotting an important economic summit in Cairo because of Egypt's anti-Israel atmosphere; and *Israeli-Syrian tensions are rife. For his part, Netanyahu was reported to have said on the United States' Election Day that there is a clear understanding that the one who has to decide on the fateful steps of the State of Israel is the Stete of Israel. Others believe that it is hard to call exactly how Clinton will operate. Theysay much depends on how he fills the appointment for secretary of state after Warren Christopher's expected departure as well as on what postures the Palestinians and Israelis adopt at the negotiating table. But most observers dispute a hardline scenario, underscoring Clinton's solid record of support for Israel. They agree that advancing the peace process is a cornerstone of Clinton's foreign policy and of U.S. interests.

by Matthe^ Dorf

I

WASHINGTON (JTA) -- When President Clinton and the Republican Congress Hnish riding the wave of victpry, how they govern will Strike the very core of American Jewish life. The White House and Congress have promised to save Medicare and ' Medicaid from going broke; Jewish social service agencies depend heavi: ly on those entitlement funds, taking in more than $2 billion last year alone. Clinton and GOP leaders have pledged to enact campaign finance reform; Jews gave more than $25 million to fund this year's election, sparking concerns of diminished influence under a changed system . The president and Democratic ; leaders have vowed to revisit welfare reform; Jewish charities fear that the recently enacted welfare legislation will force them to step in to fill the void for the needy kicked off the 'rolls. With so much at stake, Jewish activists are asking which Clinton will emerge: the centrist one who signed welfare reform that ended the federal guarantee of benefits for poor Americans or the more liberal Clinton who fought to his near-political death for sweeping health-care ; reform? Overwhelmingly, they believe that Clinton the centrist is here to stay. "President Clinton is going to have to govern from the center," said Ira Forman, executive director of the National Jewish Democratic Council. "He, like all other presidents, is going to want to make history. That means governing to get things done." The larger questions loom over tlie direction of Congress, where on some issues, such as welfare and immigration reform, the Jewish community

NEW YORK (JTA) - Those waiUng appears ready to cooperate. eagerly for the curtain to rise on the On other issues, however, such as diplomatic dance between a secondschool prayer, a balanced budget term President Clinton aiid Israel's amendment and the foreign aid proprime minister may have to wait a gram, Jews are preparing to dig in ' little while. their heels. Bervjamin Netanyahu has no curClinton moved to the political cenrent plans to visit Washington after ter after the 1994 Democratic elecSeattle this week where he addresses tion debacle that gave the the Council of Jewish Federations, Republicans control of Congress, a according to Israeli officials. position thM cemented in the elecIt is risky to read too much into tion. this. But bypassing the White House But in 80 doing, the president drew a week after the U.S. election at the the, wrath of many of his loudest supvery least begs the questionsof porters in the Jewish community and whether and how relations between faced off against many Jewish the U.S. administration and Israel activists who remain bitter that he will be transformed. signed welfare reform legislation. Conventional wisdom holds that "The compromises he's made on the the importance of the president's economic and social justice issues are Jewish constituency to his re-election going to result in hardships and an bid has inhibited him from applying increased burden on the Jewish compressure on Netanyahu to make conmunity to fill the tears in the safety cessions in the peace process with net," said Rabbi David Saperstein, the Palestinians. Director of the Religious Action A classic example Was Clinton's Center of Reform Judaism. public restraint during the recent criThe level of support for Clinton sis over Israel's opening of a new matches his showing in the 1992 entrance to the Jerusalem tunnel, in election, reaffirming a long-standing spite of his personal frustration and pattern that American Jews vote sense of betrayal. overwhelmingly-and disproportionBut recent weeks have spawned a ately-Democratic. wide range of speculation about how When voters swept Republican Middle East diplomacy may change. majorities into the House and Senate All agree, however, that the presitwo years ago, the political upheaval dent's re-election comes as the landturned Jewish Washington on its scape of the Middle East and of the head. But many of the activists who failed to stop legislation they opposed before say they have learned their lessons and are ready to work with former foes in shaping legislation they once sought to scuttle. For the representatives of Jewish groups who work day in and day out in the nation's capital, this means a new approach: starting some legislative fires instead of focusing on putting so many out.

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November 15,1896

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Michael Markey will be the guest speaker Wednesday, Nov. 13„ according to Ed Joseph, chairman for the month of November. Mr. Markey is the Director of the Nebraska Shakespearean Festival. Breadbrcakers meets every Wednesday at noon at Highland Country Club. Cost is $7.75 and the program is open to the community.

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YES/OLDTIMERS YES and Oldtiniers will meet Monday at the JCC. English class starts at 10 a.m. for all new Americans; bingo and exercise both starty at 10:30 a.m. The Earlybird. Discussion Group and "\'ES Talk" start at 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome to join the YES choral group at rehearsal at 11 a.m. Following lunch at noon, Lucille Mittmus will perform. For transportation, call 330-4272. Deadline is Nov. 18 for reservations for the Thanksgiving Day parly on Monday, Nov. 25. Make reservations with Reva Oruch, 391-8344. Deadline is Nov. 25 to see "It's a Wonderful Life" at the Rose Blumkin Theatre for Performing Arts Sunday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m. Make reservations with Margaret at 334-6521. Reminder: YES choral group will perform at BrownellTalbot School Tuesday, Nov. 19. WALK-IN, DROP-LN Walk-in, Drop-in will meet Thursday at the JCC. Exercise and English class are offered at 10 a.m., and bingo at 10:30 a.m. Bring a dairy sack lunch to eat at 11:45 a.m. "The Andy Rooney Television Collection" video will bo shown at 12:15 p.m. in Room 10.

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In tiie News Former Omahan SallyFox of Essex, VT, was reelected to a fourth term in the Vermont State Legislature. She is the daughter of Dee Fox of Omaha and" the late Philip Fox. Ms. Fox and her husband, Michael Sirotkin, have two sons, Jacob and Jesse. UNMC's College of Medicine Alumni Association recently honored Dr. Harold A. Oberman, Ann Arbor, MI, with the Distinguished Alumni Award. Dr. Oberman is a full professor at the University of Michigan and helped develop the Breast Care Clinic there. He is the author of 131 articles and 27 book chapters and is an authority in the areas of transfusion medicine, blood banking practices and surgical treatment of hemophiliacs.

RUSSIANCLUB The Russian Club will meet Friday, Nov. 22, at the JCC and will celebrate Thanksgiving a week early. Exercise starts at 10.a.m.; a traditional Thanksgiving meal will be served at U a.m.; and a Russian movie will be shown at noon. For transportation, call Lydia Linde at 697-9169. Vli,i fiy icM ii(«i.i.iii(iii;in, Jciii, li.iani.iii|«iimi ua IIIMC.IKI |)iii.iiif. Me ii|K)p.V(:rnir IIKJCIIIJH OTM'IA Hii.icuKa Ka|M'(Hti('.ij.. iKii.iiiiiKa It K.iKikm'iiiiuit coyt; (iiuiiiui ii iiacKimniui iiM|xir ii.i IMMIIJ (llaMiiKiiii \];M). 1():(X(

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34th BOMB GROUP ASSOCIATION The Bomb Group Association is looking for men who served in the 34th BG during the period between January 1941 and September 1945. The 34th was part of the U.S. Army 8th Air Force during WWII, stationed in Mendlesham, Suffolk, England, and will celebrate its reunion in Omaha Sept. 26-29, 1997, at the Red Lion Hotel. For more information, call Hal Province at l-601-798-2059.or e-mail: <provih@Datastar.net>.

Community wish list Young Jewish Omaha (YJO) is looking for volunteers to help with its project "Tlie Joy of Giving" Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Roys' and Girl.s' Club of Omaha. Also needed are unwrapped presents for children or adults or cash or gift certificates. For more information, call Sharon Kirshenbauni, 334-6485. Volunteers are needed for the UJA/Federation Campaign "Super Sunday" telethon Sunday, Jan, 12, at Omaha Steaks. For more information, call Lana Reichart, 3346430.

SNOWBIRDSI ku* Ul lh« JawUh Prau know io idvanc* whin you r» laavini «ad when you mn cominf btck. Soniatim>i *«r«I papari m Mnt Ui your "old" iMnu bofora m an Wiod by th* W)il orriM. Ev.ry Unu Ihey r»Uim a papn ua, you miu tha Jawiih Pnii and wa ara chargad fiO«l » Iha rorm on pa(a 8 or E Mad ua at Jahpraiaaaol.con

Dr. and Mrs. James Steinberg of Atlanta, GA, announce the Oct. 21 birth of their son, Jonathan Alexander. Tj'hey are also the pbrents of a dafighter, Eva Rose. i Grai^dparents are Rabbi and Mrs. Max Wasser of Macungie, PA, and Drs. Maurice and Muriel Steinberg of Omaha.

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SIMON/MYERS Leslie Simon and Curt IVlyer^, both of New York, were married Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Equitable Center in New York City. Rabbi Joel Goor officiated. The bride, daughter of Kathy and Steve Simon, is a graduate df the University' of \ Pennsylvania and y'' received her master's degree from Northwestern University. She works for Kaplan Educational Centers. She is the granddaughter of the late Lester and Gertrude Simon. The groom, son of Martha and Gerry Myers of New London, CT, is a graduate of Williams College and Duke University Law School. He is an associate lawyer with Davis and Gilbert. Following a wedding trip to Australia and New Zealand, the newlyweds will live in New York.

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Congregation li'nui Jcshurun in Lincoln needs the following: lawn and garden equipment, a CD player, tablecloths to fit six-foot tables, High Holy Day prayerbooks, and gift subscriptions to Jewish magazines. For more information, contact the South Street Temple at 435-8004. 'iiA^'^fOJi^TL',:,

rai3HK.iaifli^3S

November IS, 1996

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE.

Page 7

Report clears JNF of fraud, but suggests donors were misled

JNF responds to critical claims ^~fn o report released last week, Milton S. Shapiro, President of the Jewish National Fund, nutde this statement: "It is clear that if JNF is to grow ai^d'remain vital, then a new cadre of leaders and donors must be cultivated and educated (about) the story of modern Israel and JNF...Fun(|is spent in this regard are spent furthering the JNF mission... "The author of recent critical articles (Yosef Abramowitz) is incorrect in discounting these funds from those spent on behalf of Keren Kayemeth LYisrael. They are spent on behalf of Israel... ' "In his last article, the author in question claims that Dr. Samual I. Cohen (JNF Executive Vice-presient), Jack Grunspan (JNF controller) and Benny Mushkin (KKL Director of communications and information) gave conflicting answers regarding funds sent to KKL...The statement by Mr. Mushkin was subsequently verified by the Deloitte & Touche accounting firm in its independent audit..namely, that there was an additional $4.5 million spent on U.S. programs for a total of $12$13 million. These programs are investments to insure a future commitment by Jews. "The author in question shows that he does not know what he is talking about when he writes about JNF mcyor gifts. As he acknowledges, in the last two years, JNF raised over $6.5 million in major gifts. JNF defines any major gift as $5000 or more. Gifts under $100,000 do not require designated transfers, and the author indicates that for the two years mentioned, more than $10.5 million was transferred to Israel, far in excess of the $6.5 million raised in mtyor gifts. He asks about "missing millions." There are none. Every penny raised is accounted for... "He is also incorrect in the figures he cites for the Hadassah project at Beersheba. Future maintenance is included in the cost of every project... "Regarding business expenses, submitted by management, this was not a specific procedure performed by Deloitte & Touche. However, during the course of their audit report, (they) did select a number of management employee expense items, all of which were found to be appropriately documented and appeared in the normal course of JNF activities. "For JNF, 'Israel is our only priority.' Am Yisrael is not housed only in Israel...Am Yisrael lived dispersed among the nations for two thousand years before the creation of the state of Israel...Wherever we live, in Israel or in the Diaspora, we are part of the nation of Israel. Every penny raised by JNF is spent in or on behalf of Israel... "Many board members and donors have issued ; statements of support. A decision was made not to respond to false charges and misleading statements, but it is time to say: 'Enough.""

by Cynthia Mann JNF's universal appeal is reflected in its conNEW YORK (JtA) A fiscal firestorm has stituent organizations, which support and conshaken the roots of the tribute to its work. Those groups include B'nai Jewish National Fund B'rith, Hadassah, Na'amat USA, Amit and Religious Zionists of America. of America. JNF has employed ""The committee has determined that there is no sloppy accounting pro- evidence of fraud, misconduct or malfeasance by cedures that have mis- JNF personnel, nor is there evidence of misapprorepresented how much priation of JNF funds," wrote the panel, chaired by of its money is sent to lITarianne Bretton-Granatoor, in-house counsel for Israel, according to the Merrill Lynch. results of an investigaHowever, the report continues, a number of mantion. agement, accounting and fund-raising inefficiencies A panel appointed by JNF to probe the organiza- "are in large part, responsible for the atmosphere tion's financial practices has found it innocent of of suspicion which has provided a catalyst for many allegations of fraud, malfeasance and misappropri- of the recent accusations leveled at JNF." The investigation included an independent audit ation of funds. But the panel found that the charity, which by the accounting firm Deloitte & Touche, which raised roughly $30 million last year, engages in was requested by the four member panel appointed accounting "inefficiencies" that make it hard to in April by JNF President Shapiro. determine exactly how the money is spent. The probe was triggered in the spring after The findings have rocked the organization, long Stephen Breslauer and Bien Guefen, two activists' viewed as one of the jewels of Jewish philanthropy. from Houston, began raising questions about what It has shaken the confidence of some of its support- they perceived as discrepancies in JNF's accounters and was expected to lead to at least one high ing. They did so after having been invited in midlevel resignation. 1995 to take the top lay positions in their regional One of the most potentially damaging findings is organization. that so little money gets to Israel when JNF's hisIn letters to JNF lay and professional leadership toric mission is popularly understood as planting across the nation and in interviews, Breslauer trees and developing the land. repeatedly said that he had no interest in hurting . While some promotional JNF material suggests JNF's enterprise. He said he only wanted clarificathat nearly 70 percent of its budget goes to Israel, tion about JNF spending practices after being only 21 percent of the agency's total expenditures named the head of a foundation whose primary actually find their way to the the Jewish state. beneficiary was JNF. Nearly twice as much money stays in the United His concern was also piqued aft«r a disturbing States for what JNF calls Zionist education and personal discovery. "Israel-based programs." After the Breslauers' son died, the couple desigFor their part, JNF officials have responded to nated in January 1995 a $10,000 gift for a woodthe report with pledges to overhaul the organiza- land in the JNF AIDS forest near Beersheva. When tion's accounting and fiscal operation, to reduce they went to Israel the next spring, they found that administrative and fund-raising costs and to revise no trees had been planted for their son. JNF's method of reporting allocations to Israel, "The funds were absorbed totally in JNF operaJNF Executive Vice President Samuel Cohen tions and in purchasing a plaque," he wrote in a refused repeated requests for an interview about letter to Bretton-Granatoor. "Is it not a misreprethe investigation, which was initiated in the spring sentation to describe that donations are made to after donors raised questions about JNF spending. reforest Israel (whether one tree or 1,000) when litThe JNF mission to make the deserts of Israel tle if any of those funds is used for that purpose?" bloom is sacrosanct. For decades, children have The auditors, for their part, concluded that there placed coins in JNF's signature blue boxes with were no missing millions. visions of planted saplings destined to mature into Some of the discrepancies they found, often reported only in the fine print of footnotes to their sturdy trees. The vision, inseparable from JNF itself, was report, were due to inconsistent financial reporting always an emblem of the fledgling state defying practices, they said. Nonetheless, some of those disnature by putting down roots in a region that was . crepancies resulted in clouding the true spending not a naturally hospitable one. practices of the charity.

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P«C«8 November 15,1988 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE. For Safelv s Saki

Nebraska Jewish Historical Society scheduling tours of museum

Ch^utauqua Society ctpnates books to Crelghton

Howard Kaslow, left, discusses the exhibit's photographs, the timeline and the display of memorabilia with Mary Fellman, co-founder of the NJHS, and Karen Pollak, treasurer. An endowment from the Herbert Goldsten Trust, represented |l}y Mr. Kaslow, made the creation of the Wall possible.

Rabbi Debbie Steil of Temple Israel and Rabbi Myer S. Kripke, Rabbi Emeritus of Beth El Synagogue, who also is a Professor at Creighton University, make a presentation of Jewish books on behalf of the Jewish Chautauqua Society to Michael J. LaCroix, director of Creighton's Reinart Alumni Memorial Library.

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Tours of the Henry and Dorothy Riekes Museum in the Gordman Center are now being scheduled by the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. Tours can be arranged by a phone call or lettet^ to the NJHS for groups or individuals on Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. There is no charge for tours for groups or individuals. The tours take approximately one hour. Included in the tour is an opp6rtunif.y to view the new Herbert Goldsten Wall of Synagogue History exhibit recently completed by Bob Bodnar and company. Also available for viewing is the newly enlarged Carl Frohm Archival Center in the Jewish Community Center. ' Any adults wishing to serve as tour guides are aske-d to call Barbara Bresler, NJHS archivist/liistorian, 334-6442, to arrange for an interview and a training period.

RBJH residents tour Omaha

JCC gallery features artist Diane Degan A reception for local artist Diane Degan will be held at the JCC Sunday, Nov. 24, from 1-4 p.m. Her works will be shown in the gallery through Dec. 1. Entitled Diane Degan-Draivings and Photograplis, the exhibit will feature line drawing from her Musician series, photography and other works. Ms. Degan's works have been exhibited in the Joslyn, Nelson Atkins Museum of ICansas City, and in Dallas, New York City and San Fransisco. Gallery hours are Monday-Thurday, 8 a.m.10 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 1-7 p.m.; and Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, contact Gloriann Levy, JCAC Director, 334-6403.

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Ten Residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, who are members of "Remember When," took a tour of the city and reminisced about the "good old days." The group was overwhelmed by the changes that have taken place. Shelley Price, driver, and this wrilor as tour guide, accompanied the residents. Highlights of the lour included: Beth El Synagogue-MoUic Franklin was impressed with all of the building in progress. Peony Park-Residents could not believe what they were seeing! There was no amusement park. Royal Grove or swimming area. The group was .saddened to see commercial buildings instead. Memorial Park-Bill Lohrman explained that in earlier days Dundee or Happy Hollow Golf ('oiirse had been where this landmark is. Hamilton Street-Phil Ringle's Drug Store and Bennett Radiziner's Country Club are no more. Nor is there a kosher butcher or a Rose Bowl. Nor is there a Jewish "section" of Omaha anymore. Seward'-Residents loved seeing the Kellom School and said it looked good. There was an animated discussion about the night school for refugees to learn English so they could become citizens. Some of the residents and their families had assisted the new Americans. Further into the trip. Bill Lohrnmn commented that the Ford Assembly Plant was near the old Tip Top Product Building. We drove by the old Potato Market on 16th and Burt and up to Central High School, where some of the residents, their children and grandchildren had attended. The residents told about sleeping on the front lawn of the school on hot summer nights. Other stops included: Rosin Novak Car Dealership, ConAgra Campus, Butternut Coffee, Union Station (Western Heritage Museum), Riverview Park (Henry Doorly Zoo), Rosenblatt Stadium, President Ford's Birth Place. The trip ended with ice cream cones at Richie's and it was a unanimous decision that this was the best ice cream they could reipember eating since trips to the Evans Ice Cream Drive In!

Oldtimers Review by Art Grbssman At the YES/Oldtimers Nov. 4 powwow, the Earlybirds conducted a secret straw vote as to choices for political office in the general election . In the past, we seem to put a curse on our selectees. They usually lose. This time our percentwas better. Elections, selections, aA hegesiindl. Prior to lunch, Oldtimer volunteers met and distributed UJA/Federation Campaign pledge cards. Paul Epstein, 1997 Co-General Campaign Chairman, addressed the volunteers. For years the Oldtimers Division is the first to complete the task albeit it is one with the most pledge cards. A lovely birthday cake honoring YES and O.T birthday celebrants added a fitting touch to a delightful lunch. Phyllis D. Cheat, Assistant Director of the Nebraska Affiliate of the National Society to Prevent Blindness, spoke about various diseases that affect one's eyes. Accordionist Lucille Mittmus will play at the joint meeting Nov. 18, and Monday, Nov. 25, is the Thanksgiving Party featuring Country Dancers.

'

Jewish Press , Omaha, NE

November IS, ld96

Page 9

PORTRAIT OF AN AUTHOR

Orthodox woman's first novel centers on Middle East terror JERUSALEM, (JTA) - Where does an Americanborn Orthodox Jewish mother of five get the knowledge needed to write a fast-moving, rather sexy Israeli spy thriller? < ' ' If you're Barbara Sofer, you do your hbmework. A longtime journalist, Ms, Sofer, 47, employed her talents as a reporter during the three years it took to write her furst novel, The Thirteenth Hour, which was just released by Dutton Books. In the process of writing the book, which follows the lives of two women - one an American Jewish immigrant to Israel, the other an American-educated Palestinian - as they are recruited by the Israeli and Palestinian intelligence forces respectively, Ms. Sofer says she asked herself one question: "What would I do if I was recruited?" In the Jerusalem home she shares with her husband, physicist-writer Gerald Schroeder, and their children, Ms. Sofer says the idea for the novel evolved from an actual terrorist attack. "About five years ago, four women were stabbed to death at a park where I often took my children to play. Afterward, I was tormented by the question of what I would have done if I'd been there with the terrorist," she said. "I felt overwhelmed by helplessness, so I took a self-defense class. Then the question became, 'How can I use these skills?' Of course, I never wanted to have to use them, but I imagined what it would be like. And then I just started writing." To imbue the book with realism, Ms. Sofer embarked on a personal odyssey that led her to a Muslim cleric, an expert on explosives and a martial arts master. Stressing that nothing in the novel is based on classified information, she says that her characters and their actions did not evolve in a vacuum. "I needed to learn about explosives, so the first thing I did was read up on them," she says. "Then I went to my cousin, a sapper in the IDP, who gave me a lesson." Smiling broadly, Ms. Sofer recounts how, during this lesson, one of her cousin's fellow kibbutzniks overheard the conversation. "I said something like, 'I want to blow up a bus but not kill anybody,' and my cousin told mc how ' this might be done. He noticed that this man, a carpenter who was there to finish a closet, wasn't finishing the closet. BERGMAN'S PAINTING i DECORATING Inlcriof / exlGrior painting, woodwork rolinishing. enamel'ng. wallPaper removal, drywal) repair, rce Esllmates, Insurance, 20 years experience, reterences.

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by Michele Chabin "My cousin had to tell the guy not to report us." To flesh out the Palestinian Side of the story, Sofer consulted fk ^uslim religious leader. "I've interviewed Palestinian^, have been in Palestinian homes in professional circumstances and I drew on this information. In addition, I went to an Imam because I wanted to make sure I had the right details about Muslim worship." Indeed, if there is one thing that Ms. Sofer, a Connecticut native whq immigrated to Israel more than 20 years ago, has no tolerance for, it is stereotypes. Noting that Orthodox Jews in Israel are invariably labeled right-wingers, she sees herself as "an observant person who fully supports the peace process. I think, as Shimon Peres thinks, that there are hundreds of thousands of religious Jews who support the peace process, who would vote for the peace process, but too often feel left out."

In writing a novel that takes place just before the September 1993 signing of the Israeli-Palestinian peace accord on the White House lawn, Ms. Sofer says she strived to make her characters as multidimensional as the Israelis and Palestinians she meets every day. "I, for one, was tired of hearipg only men's voices" in spy novels, she isays. "As a feminist, I wanted the women's characters to stand out. A lot of people haye responded to this." Despite the present slow pace of the IsraeliPalestinian peace track, Ms. Sofer remains hopeful. "I'm a great optimist and hope the peace process will continue and that things will improve. It's unrealistic to think there won't be terrorism, but Israelis can't live their lives indoors. The best defense is being prepared." This book is available at the Jewish Federation Library.

Storytelling Festival to offer 'drama, action, fun!' by Diane Axler Baum, Book Fair Publicist Jewish folk tales and Hanukkah stories will come According to Mrs. to life at the second annual Storytelling Festival Friedlander, storytellers Sunday, Nov. 24, 2 to 3:30 p.m., at the JCC. will capture "the mysNancy Rips, President of the Federation Library tery, humor and fantasy Board and a participating storyteller, said dramat- of Jewish folk tales, both ic techniques and props will enhance the selected classic and contempostories, which will be told every half hour. Each rary, and the heart half-hour time slot will include one presentation for warming joy of such children three to five years of age and another for superb holiday stories as children six to eight. Eric A. Kimmel's The "Last year's festival, a m^jor Jewish Book Month Chanukkah Guest." program, provided a great afternoon for kids, par"The Book Fair's' Storytelling Festival is a P"• Friedlander ents and grandparents," Mrs. Rips said. "This delightful means of recreating important aspects of year we'll have even our Jewish heritage," Mrs. Friedlander said. more drama, action and "There is no better way to foster a love of books fun," she prohiised, "and and learning in our children than by making use of it's still free of charge!" Jewish books." Starring in the cast of Mrs. Friedman, catling the festival "an event not storytellers are Marcie to be missed," said, "This is an opportunity for chilCotton, Joanie Jacobson, dren to thoroughly enjoy stories-to hear them, see Nadine Kutner, Mark them and experience them with all their senses." Levy and Dr. Maurice Storytellers will perform in different rooms to Schwartz, in addition to promote "a cozy, intimate environment for storyDebbie Friedman Mrs. Rips. telling," according to Hollie Fineman, director of Pam Friedlander and Debbie Friedman, festival the Parent Connection Book Club, which co-sponco-chairmen, said refreshments will be served at a sors the festival. The club is a cooperative effort of reception following the performances. the library and the Bureau of Jewish Education.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 15,1996

Lincoln Center LJncolnite in Bosnia

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CAMP SABRA Special Open House Sunday, November 24 4 to5 p.m-OpenHouse 5 to 6 p.m.-Reun/'on Jewish Community Center 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha • Mountain Biking • Blobbing • Horseback Biding • Sailing • Tennis • Climbing Tower • Waterskiing • Physician on Site • Entering 28lh Season • Accredited American Camping Association Camp Sabra. located on 960 actes, and 3'i miles ol private shoreline on magnificent Lake ol the Ozarks, MO. IS Ihe resident co ed summer camping program ol the St l.oiiis Jewish Community Centers Association serving children and teens entering grades 3-10

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(continued from page 1) "The Jewish Cultural, Educational and Humanitarian Society, La B^nevolencija, was established in 1892. It was established by the well -situated Jews of Sarajevo who wanted to support the schooling of young and talented students who were not able to afford it. In the spring of 1992, at the beginning of the war, La Benevolencija celebrated a hundredth anniversary by changing the nature of its efforts to mostly Jiumanitarian work to help the citizens (Jews and non-Jews) from Bosnia and Herzegovina overcome problems of the war. "Two million medical drugs were distributed to the citizens of Sarajevo, in only one year. Three huiidred sixty.tons of food were distributed in a year. Three hundred fifty citizen; a day, of all nationalities, were fed in the Soup Kitchen. The Hadio Station, operated by the Jewish Community of Sar^evo, and the distribution of mail, were two important services provided to help establish and keep alive the severed connecliohs to and from the people of Sarajevo and the rest of the world. "A final note from Jacob Kiiici, 'The international forces which take care of the implementation of the agreement fulfill their duty diligently and devotedly and we cooperate with them very successfully. However, the other part of the work, a much more difficult part, lies on us because the mutual tolerance, respect and common life is something that the international community cannot bring to us. Our task is to work hard on such a reconciliation, and for that a lot of good will is necessary, and La Benevolencija means good will.'" Gary Hill is president of CEGA Services, a Lincoln-based multi-divisional company working in telemarketing, publishing, printing, and scrap metal recycling. CEGA serves as the secretariat to the non-profit Contact Center and New York City-based UN Alliance of Non-governmental Organizations on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. Much of the work of CEGA in international criminal justice is conducted in conjunction with the United Nations Italy-based International Scientific Professional and Advisory Council and UN Institutes housed in Saudi Arabia, Finland, Italy and Costa Rica.

Special Hanul<kah concert sponsored by Federation The Jewish Federation of Lincoln will sponsor a special Hanukkah concert for all members of the Jewish Community. The event will be Sunday, Dec. 8 beginning at 4 p.m. at Tifereth Israel Synagogue and features folk singer Robyn Helzer. Ms. Helzer has traveled throughout the United States and the world, from her home in Washington, D.C., with a distinctive and inspiring program of Jewish folk songs sung in English, Hebrew, Yiddish and Ladino. Her stage presence and artistry delights children and adults, and her latest recording, "A Kire Burns," featuring the Robyn Helzer Trio, and her two cassette tapes for children, "Clap Your Hands" and "I Live in the City," have all received nationwide acclaim. In addition to this exceptional musical offering, the evening will also'feature a Hanukkah lighting ceremony and all planning to attend are urged to bring menorahs and candles. Orgnnizers promise food and refreshments as well.

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Jewish story series to air around IHanukkah Thanks to the sponsorship of the Jewish Federation of Lincoln and the Harris Center for Judaic Studies at UNL, Nebraska Public Radio station KUCV 90.9FM will broadcast a Jewish Radio Series from December 9-13, according to Steve Robinson, general manager. The prograins can be. heard in Lincoln at 9:11 p.m. each evening! For other statipn information, call NPR. December 9th's offering includes My First Goose by laaac Babel (read by Alan Rosenberg) in which a Jewish soldier, assigned to a Cossack regiment, harasses a peasant woman in order to prove himself to the Cossacks. In A Stranger by I.B.Singer (read by Elliot Gould), a Jewish miller must leave his family home in a non-Jewish village when his friends and neighbors turn on him. And, in The Loudest Voke by Grace Paley (read by Rhea Pearlmanj, A Jewish girl with a big voice is given the lead in the grade-school Christmas play. Her inmiigranl pareiils and their neighbors, whose children are also in the play, try to make sense of this new challenge of becoming American. On Dec.10, four stories will be read including Three Gifts by I.L.Peretz (read by Joanna Gleason) in which a soul cannot be admitted to heaven until it has brought the angels three unusual- gifts from earth. Next, in The Shawl by Cynthia Ozick (read by Claire Bloom), a Jewish woman in a concentration camp tries to keep her children alive. Then, in The Fable of the Goat by S.Y.Agnon (read by Joseph Gordon Levitt), a man tries to dis-. cover the source of his goat's plentiful milk supply. His son discovers the goat's secret but when the father slaughters the animal, father and son are separated forever. Finally, in The Golem by I.L.Peretz (read by Carol Kane), Peretz retells a traditional story of the inanimate creature brought to life to protect the Jews during a time of violence. The Dec. 11 programs include The Place by Edith Konecky (read by Julie Kavner). The teenager grows more and more frustrated as everyone in the shop heaps advice and criticism on her along with the dresses. In Back from the Draft by Sholom Aleichem (read by Jerry Stiller), dodging the draft, Russian-style; this story presents the humorous and tortuous attempts of a father to navigate the military bureaucracy in order to prevent his only living son, who already has two (or is it three?) military exemptions, from being drafted into the Czar's army. And in The Rabbi's Son by Isaac Babel (read by Ron Riikin), a rabbi's son joins the Communist Party fo fight for the Revolution, but the break from his past is tortured and incomplete. On Dec. 12, Walter Mattliau will read Chave by Sholom Aleichem, one of his Tevye the Dairyman stories upon which Fiddler on the Roof is based. With a great deal of pain, Tevye and his wife Golde disown their daughter Chava when she marries a non-Jew. Tlien, in The Man Who Slept Through the End of the World by Moishe Nadir (read by Mayim Bialik) a Jew sleeps through the end of the world. And finally, on Dec. 13, Isiah Sheffer will read // not Higher by I.L.Peretz about a skeptic. Concluding the series, David Margulies reads The Cafeteria by Isaac Bashevis Singer. A Yiddish writer in New York strikes up a friendship with a survivor from Stalin's Siberian camps. Can he possibly believe her fantastic stories?

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Nolvember 18,1996 Jewish Press, Omalia, NE. Pa^e 11

Clinton broadens inquiry, names envby on Swiss assets , by Daniel Kurtzman WASHINGTON (JTA) - President Bill Cinton sai(^ the admihistration has broadened its inquiry into Switzerland's dealings with Nazi Germany and will expedite the declassification of documents to help determine how much the U.S. government knew about the disbursement of Nazi assets after World Way 11. In a letter to World Jewish Congress President ir Bronfman, Clinton said he shared the objective of advancing "an expeditious and 'thorough review of dormant accounts and other Nazi assets in Switzerland." Clinton said the administration has expanded a State Department review into the matter that was announced last month. He named Stuart Eizenstat, Undersecretary of Commerce and special envoy on property restitution, to coordinate a wide-ranging probe involving several agencies.

Swiss gold story full of holes; Ambassador's response gives survivors few answers By Jordana Willner, Staff Writer, The Washington Jewish Week WASHINGTON-Allegations that Swiss banks kept assets belonging to Jewish Holocaust victims prompted Switzerland's ambassador to the United States to hold a press conference last week. However, the session raised a(;lditional questions. Swiss banks are accused of accepting Nazi gold, presumably including the looted assets of European Jews, and providing the Third Reich with cash used to sustain World War H. Swiss banks also allegedly kept and concealed assets of German Jews who had opened accounts during pre-war Nazi rule, from 1933 to 1939. When those murdered during the Holocaust failed to retrieve their assets from the Swiss banlcs, it is alleged that those accountEi were kept from the rightful heirs and used instead by the Swiss.' Survivors and families of Holocaust victims have long pursued reparations for their suffering and loss at the hands of Nazi Germany during World War II. Now, Sen. Alfonse D'Amato (R-N.Y.), chairman of the Banking Committee, the State Department and National Archives are investigating. A $20 billion class action lawsuit has been filed against Swiss banks. One skeptical historian suggested that Switzerland's main concern is not its diplomatic image but the reputation of its lucrative banking industry: "Their clients might lose confidence and business elsewhere." Newly declassified documents of former communist nations and renewed attention to World War II after its 50th anniversary are credited with reviving the story of illicit Swiss assets. The revelations have colored perceptions of Switzerland's World War II role. Previously seen a neutral nation of value to the Allies, the Swiss now are being criticized as "bankers to the Third Reich." "Swiss hands get dirtier and dirtier," agrees Washington, D.C. lawyer William Marks, who began a Holocaust reparations practice earlier this year. Marks believes the Swiss "aided and abetted Nazi Germany in the looting and laundering of Jewish assets, and they continued to cover it up after the war."

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MEXICAN BEER Corona • XJf • Bohtmia • TKOU ' Caria Blanta ttcon Opm Fbr Lunch and Dinmr 11 a.m.-9p.m. OPKNTnAYOAWEEK 48l7Soulh MU SIntI' T31-t»a»

WBSUM

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Teen Connection goes to Skateland by Daniel Gruber, Teen Connection Director Come join us at Skateland at 132nd and B St. for the Teen Connection program. We will meet Sunday, Nov. 17, in front of Skateland at 1 p.m. The price is $4.26„ including skates.' Please bring extra money if you would like some snacks. The event will last approximately two hours.

For <nore information and reservations, or if you are not yet a member of this program and are interested, please call the Teen Connection number, 334-6470. Teen Connection is open to all Jewish teens in grades 5-8.

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Page 12

November 15, 1996

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

1997 Campaign cares for Jews overseas from the "Overseas Portfolio" , published by yjA, UIA, JAFI and JDC UJA/Federation Campaign dollars are being spent on helping real people, but we still need to reach more Jews who are asking for our help. In the Former Soviet Union, the UJA/ Federation Campaign {jdys for emergency rescue and evacuation mobilizations, transportation of immigrants to Israel, care for the elderly and poor, and Jewish education and l"adership development., The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) continue to safeguard the physical well-being and spiritual survival of JEws in 14 forenir Soviet republics. Approximately 6000 Jews from these re-

gions are immigrating to Israel each month an increasing numbers of Jews in the FSU are discovering their heritage and returning to their roots. • The needs, however, are greater that what the current funding allows. Thousands of elderly Holocaust survivors are hungry in the Ukraine and Gtforgia. Thousands of Jewish childen are turned away from Jewish summer camps in Russia; it is often their last chance to leiirn more about who they arc. The case for increased funding in the FSU grows more urgent as the forces of assimilation, poverty and political and economic uncertainty constantly threaten these Jewish communities.

RAYER AND FEAR USED TO GO HAND-IN -HAND. NOW IT'S PRAYER AND CONSTRUCTION PAPER

The faces of Federation

JeffPlatt

"With a lot of hard work and generous people, we will have a successful campaign. The UJAJFederalion Campaign brings the community together and helps important causes. Fm proud ta he a part of it and I'm looking forward to big .increases in my division."

The Circle by Jennifer Goldberg, Joint Distribution Committee Far Ihf i)(isl six yoars, llw Anifrinin Jviiisli .luitil Distribiilidii (Uiiiimillfv lias ftci'H fiislcriii); llic exiniordiiiiiry 'n'birih of .Ivwish life in the former Siiriel Union., Workinn in /xirlnershiji irilh hnal -leirs, JDC (insisls in the dereloiiiiieni of vihront -Jeirish voinniitllilien in order to fulfil the needs of their nieinher.t. Many of-IDC's field staff who liel/i hiiild eomniiiiia/ striietiires iinniigrilled to l.'iruel friini the Soviet (In ion in the niTOs and l!>»()s. l-'or some of \hem, retiiniin'n to the eoiiiitry of their Closing the circle...the Yiddish birth ax risitiii.i; experts from Israel re))teacher whom Huti Auerbaeh met yseilts a return to their routs, the elosin Nizny Novgoro awakened many [n.i; iifa eirrle. memories. One snrh jier.sim is Hull Auerbaeh, a linrse a ho eanie to Israel in the early held here, from .Jewish loiikiri),' Lo lilTHs and eiirreiitly siieiids lonn leeehs singing. Today it's Yiildisli. KIderly peotravelin,i; throanhoiit the former Soviet ple are the .students, and another little llniim. teaching; people in hnal leelfare o|(l woman is the teacher. This is her pruaniiatiims how to address the needs way of contributing to the communityof the eiinimiinities' aeaker members lielpiRK old peo|)le remember their Uiroiijih lionierare visilurs. Her memo- mother tongue. Most of them have forries of one of her recent trips are partic- gotten the language. The students are ularly poinnunl. learning a Yiddish,.song. Its words and The (liiily routine has ceased to be melody are familiar to m<', although I exciling. One city, then another, and don't know from where. Unconsciously, another. Russian, HeloruH.sian or I join in. The teacher is amazed and Ukrainian; ihey all look the .same. asks where I know the words from. I They all have the .saau' poverty, the answer by asking, "And where do you lame wretchedness, the same lack of know the words from'.'" She immediately everyday conveniences. replies, "Oh, when I w.is in tirade 6 in Only the faces are different. I cla.ssify the Jewish school in Rezekne, I had a ill' sights, the citie.s, the faces and the musi(; teacher His name was..." ixperienccs throuKh the signs so deeply "I kiiow his name," I think to myself, mpressed in my memory. Is the com- and memory and excitement well up nunity lartje or .small, slnmg or weak? within me. "And his name," she contin8 the .Jewish spirit, Yiddishkeil, barely ues, "was Yosef I'liner," (oticeable or vibrant? Is the Jewish That's it, the circle is closed. (bmeii'ry well tended or neulecled? Yo.sef riiner, my grandfather, was a Ni?.hny NovKorod. The city's name musician, a choir conductor by profeslas always sounded very Russian, very sion imd a teacher. He tjiught hundreds Slavic, U) me. When I grew up in Riga, of pupils. Some later perished in the ind after I made aliyuh, it had a for- Holocaust; others were scattered iiRn, Russian ring. And now I am in throughout the world. Most of the sur4izhny Novgorod. vivors came to Israel. I have often The people want to know cverythmg- thought about him and his life's work, iboul Judaism and about Israel, a dis- and asked myself, "What was the mam ant country which will remain an thing he left to the generations after inaltiunable dream for some of them, him?" 'or others, it is a country only recently Today, in Nizhny Novgorod. I found iscovcred and about which they are the answer. My grandfather left cry curious. Viddlshkeit to me, to the wrinkled old It's far from simple. At sub-freezing lady, and to her pupils. (m|xtralures, through streets covered Activitift oflhr JDC are funded by rilh snow and ice, some of the many the regular campaigns of the ewa who come to the center arrive United Jewish Appeal and lowly with walking slicks. "Our Federations throughout the United Ouso," they call it. Many activities are Slatti.

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