December 6, 1996

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Celebrating More Than 75 Years of Service

Vol. LXXIV~T5al8"''Om3iirNE"

25 Kislev, 5757

Noted rabbi to discuss threat of intermarriage

Netanyahu's pluralism pledge leaves some at G.A. confused byCynth iaMann SEATTLE, (JTA) - Prime Minister Benjamin "There was a lot of relief among Conservative Netanyahu reaffirmed to North American Jews and Reform people, but I'm not sure they underthat he will protect the legal status in Israel of non- stood. He wasn't explicit." Orthodox conversions performed abroad. Dr. Herzl Spiro, a federation activist from That pledge prompted relief among many of the Milwaukee, said Netanyahu made clear that "the nearly 3,000 people who gathered here recently for status quo decided by the Israeli Supreme Court is the annual General Assembly of the Council of not acceptable to his coalition and that he is willJewish Federations. Religious pluralism in Israel ing to pay a political price that damages the unity appeared to be a simmering issue in the hallways of the Jewish people." as well as some of the formal sessions on Israel"I understand why he did what he did," said Dr. Diaspora relations. Spiro. At the same time, "we're in danger of blowAt the same time, however, Netanyahu said he ing apart as a people." would not fight current legislative efforts to reinA year ago, Israel's Supreme Court said there force the Orthodox's exclusive authority over con- was no legal reason why non-Orthodox conversions,, versions performed in Israel. should not be recognized in Israel. However, the "We have Orthodox conversions in Israel. That court did not explicitly recognize such conversions, won't change," he said. "We will not allow anyone saying that it would be up to the Knesset to pass to change the status quo." the appropriate legislation. The premier's reference to the "status quo" conNetanyahu's appearance via satellite came after fused people afthe G.A., lending some to believe the adoption of a resolution the day before by the that he was vowing also to protect the conversion CJF Board of Delegates. The measure called on the rights of the non-Orthodox in Israel. Israeli government not to pass or change any legis"It was a bit distorted," said Natalie Rose, a lation that "would change the current situation Jewish social services professional from Seattle. (Continued on page 10)

by Diane Azler Baum, Publicist Rabbi Alan Silverstein will tackle the threat to Jewish continuity posed by interfaith dating, intermarriage, and dualfaith parenting, in a lecture at the Jewish Community Center Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 7:30 p.m. He will focus on his newest book, It All Begins with a Date: Rabbi Silverstein Jewish Concerns about Intermarriage, and its companion volume, Preserving Jewishness in Your Family: After Intermarriage has Occurred. The lecture and a reception immediately following, which conclude the 1996 Jewish Book Fair, are free and open to the public. Co-sponsors of the event are the Jewish Federation Library, Beth El Synagogue's Project Link, Beth Israel Synagogue, B'nai B'rith Youth Organization, the Bureau of Jewish Education, the Jewish Cultural Arts Council, and Jewish Family Service. Rabbi Silverstein, a past president of the Rabbinical Assembly, was instrumental in creating the Conservative Movement's recent Statement on Intermarriage, a revolutionary joint document sponsored by every m^or Conservative organization in the country For the past 10 years he has pioneered and supervised programs for Jewish singles and for Jews by choice. His voice has been heard in lecture halls and on media talk shows across the nation. "We are privileged to bring to Omaha a nationally-recognized speaker of Rabbi Silverstein's stature. His lecture will explore aspects of Jewish life tliat deserve the attention of every one of us," said Nancy Rips, President of the board of the Jewish Federation Library. It Alt Begins with a Date and Preserving Jewishness in Your Family are guidebooks written in a clear, question-and-answer format. They are aimed at readers who seek to understand and strengthen their own Jewishness; at intermarried couples; at parents and grandparents who want to dissuade inter-faith dating or retain Jewishness ' following an intermarriage; and at religious leaders trying to formulate a Jewish community agenda. Each chapter of/(all Begins with a Date focuses on one significant factor of the overall issue. These range from the question of "Why bother to be Jewish anyway?" to 'Is it racist to limit our dating and marital partners?" Rabbi Silverstein's previous book, Alternatives to Assimilation: The Response of Reform Judaism to American Culture, 18401930, studies the pioneering role of the Reform movement in res[>onding to American culture and its influence on the Conservative and Orthodox movements. He is also the author of dozens of articles and essays, which have appeared in Conservative Judaism, Encyclopedia of Hastdism, Collier's Encyclopedia, and the Journal of Jewish Sociology. , A graduate of Cornell University and Columbia University, Rabbi Silverstein received rabbinic ordihation and a Ph.D. in Jewish History from the Jewish Theological Seminary. He is spiritual ler of a congregation in Caldwell, N.J., where SXJ^^tiJSIKJXiiu^iJ,

December 6,1996

Omaha Federation number two for low fund-raising costs by Pam Monsky, Federation Communications Director A recent survey published by the Council of Jewish Federations compares similar-sized Federations and their administrative and program costs to gross allocations. Out of 17 cities with a similar Jewish population, Omaha ranks second lowest with 86% of all dollars raised going to programming. The chart at right illustrates the percentage similar sized Federations spend on total administrative, fundraising and program costs. Federation President Tom Fellman said, "We are very pleased with the results of the CJF survey. The data proves what we've always known to be true of our Federation; that we are extraordinarily effective in cost management and program delivery. We are, however, always working to improve our cost-effectiveness, and I have a personal goal of 90% of our dollars going to program- PWTCTlCO MKbW Bucfcl ming."

Super Sunday 'Project Pantry' a benefit for tiie Omaha Food Banl( by Pam Monsky, Federation Communications Director The Omaha Food Bank will be the beneficiary of Super Sunday's "Project Pantry." Between Dec. 1 and Jan. 12, members of the Jewish community will have the opportunity to bring non-perishable food items to Omaha synagogues, religious schools and the Jewish Community Center to help keep our food bank shelves full during the holiday season. "Project Pantry" has a goal of collecting 2,000 pounds of food during this time. The total amount will be announced after Super Sunday, Jan. 12. Mike and Sheri Abramson, Super Sunday Cochairs said, 'The Omaha Jewish community has always been generous, and Project Pantry is the perfect vehicle for that generosity." Steve and Bonnie Levinger added, *We are confident that our goal of 2,000 pounds of food can be met by Super Sunday, Jan. 12. We would like to thank everyone in advance for participating in the Super Sunday Co-chairs and their families 'Project Pantry" food drive." are ready to idck-off "Project Pantry." Front Super Sunday is the largest division of the row, from left; Jamie, Sherl and Erin UJA/Federation Campaign with 1,800 donors rep- Abramson; Allison, Amy, Bonnie and Jcteica resenting nearly 50% of the total donors. Levinger. Back row: Mike and Bradley For more Information, please call 334-6431. Abramson and Steve Levinicer.

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