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CBlebratIng More Than 75 Years of Service Vol. Lxxrv
No. 20
Omahti, NE
Rabbi Azriel receives 'Living the Dream' award Omaha Mayor Hal Daub presented Temple Israel's Rabbi Aryeh Azriel with the Dr. Martin Luther King "Living the Dreahi" award Monday night. The presentation took place at the Orpheum during the annual Martin Luther King Celebration. The mayor praised Kabbi Aryeh Azriel Rabbi Azriel for his work in the community on such projects as the lowincome home-building, Black/Jewish Dialogue, a community garden project and last year's Black/Jewish Passover seder. Jane Batt, Director of the National Conference (of Christians and Jews), emceed the evening with George Davis, assistant to the mayor and acting director of the Human Relations Department. He noted, "The recipients are special...th.eir work serves as a shining beacon in the midst of darkness...and hope where there has been despair."
16 Shevat, 5787
January 24,1997
Rep. Christensen makes first trip to Israel by Carol Katzman 'When Jon Cliristengen was running for congress in 1994, he promised members of Omaha's Jewish community that he would "one day travel to Israel to better understand the vital interest America has in Us heritage and its friendship." Though he was unable to visit Israel during his first term as Nebraska's Second District Congressman, Rep. Christensen fulfilled that promise last week in a whirl^yind seven-day trip. Accompanied by Omaha lawyer Bruce Brodkey, 10 other members of the House of Representatives and one congressional staffer, Christensen met with Israel's top officials in government, business and military. The trip was' sponsored by the American Israel Education Foundation, an arm of AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
Mors leave for Israel
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Rep. Christensen looks out at the Judean desert firom atop the fortress at Masada.
Of his first visit there and his impression of the people, places and events, Christensen said, "It was important to me as a congressman to assess the success of the $3 billion in aid the United States provides to Israel in order to continue my strong support of (the program). This trip gave me all the assurance I need. "The fact that we have a friend like Israel in the middle of such an unstable area is an overwhelming advantage to America." The group was in Israel during the last-minute negotiations concerning redeployment in Hebron and was unable to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, Christensen and Brodkey did meet with such high-ranking officials as Natan Sharansky, Minister of Some of Alon Mar's Icids" present a banner to Industry and Trade; Dr. Dore Gold, him at last month's farewell brunch, honor- foreign policy advisor to the prime ', ing his work with teens. Jeremy Ivers (left), minister; David Levy, Minister of and Mike Cohn are members of Chaim Foreign Affairs; Shimon Peres, Weizmann AZA. Mor was director of the B'nai chairman of the Labor Party; and Dr. Nadine Trachtenberg, Inter' B'rith Youth OrganlMition for four year*. national Securities at Bank Hapoalim. In an impromptu visit, the two also visited with Leah Rabin, wife of slain Israeli leader Yitzhak Rabin. Of the current peace process, Christensen said, "This trip gave me tlie strong impression that the peace process is moving in the right direction, but it's one step at a time. "It's very difficult when you have rogue, renegade groups that don't desire peace who are attacking innocent Israeli citizens." The tightly-scheduled trip did and Alon Mor left for Israel last week allow for visits to the Dead Sea, Yad where she will begin ulpan (intensive Vashem, the Old City of Jerusalem, Bebrew classes) and he will enter the Israel Jericho, the Golan Heights and Defense Force. The Mors will make their Masada, Christensen wag 'especially home in Haifa and can be reached via e-mail moved' by his visit to the 2(X)0-year•t: armhaifa9aol.com old fortress.
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Bruce Brodkey, left, and Congressman Jon Christensen visited with Leah Rabin in an unscheduled meeting at her home.
"Surrpunded by Roman conquerors, Masada's defenders were forced to choose whether to surrender or die for what they believed, " he said. "They chose death rather than dishonoring n,nnfl,nnfl their faith. The commitment to principle shown by the Jewish people at that time has emerged again and again throughout history when faced with oppression. Seeing Masada itself brought that home to me," he added. iZiLjOiUloa For Bruce Brodkey, the trip was also 'inspirational.' 'We were given access to the highest ranking members of the Israeli government and the Israeli Defense Force," he said. "I felt we received full JZmMfia and thoughtful responses to all of our inquiries." AIPAC also arranged meetings for the delegation with one of the primary Palestinian negotiators and with S1.S mlllinn Chairman Yasser Arafat, though Brodkey did not meet with Arafat as implied in an article in the Omaha World-Herald. "I think that without any doubt, the -SlmUUcuL delegation came away from the meeting with a renewed understanding of the critical role Israel plays in the Middle East and an appreciation of the strategic and territorial issues it lives JSOfljigfi. with," Brodkey said. Christensen added, "1 wanted to hear 1997 all sides of the issues, even when I disUJAyFedcration agreed. I wanted to get an unflltered Campaign Update point of view from everybody involved. $2,500,000 "I'd encourage all Nebraskans, regardless of faith, to visit the Holy Pledged to date Land. It changes your life spiritually Goal: $3,000,000 for the better," he said. *It brings to mind what you have Thank you all for read all your life. getting your cards in "Seeing first-hand the complexity of promptly! Ktepuplhe the issues, the importance of the area in history and the dialogue that must good work in (he final take place is sobering, to say the least,' sirelch so we can meet our goal! he concluded.
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January 24,1997
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRroAY, JANUARY 24 Russian Club, 9:30 a.m. Temple Israel Tu B'Shevat Sedar, 6 p.m.. at Temple Israel MONDAY, JANUARY 27 YES Meeting, 10 a.m. Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts, 6 p.m. TUESDAY, JANUARY 28 BBYO Night. 6 p.m. Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m, Temple Israel Family School, 6:30 p.m., at Temple Israel
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All tvcnit held at tht JCC unlat* olharwiia IndlcilM). The Jewish Press is nolresponsibia Igr the accuracy ol me above evenis. To koop ciilenrtat accurate or lor quBslioni, call Marlcne Hen al 334 6437
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PBS Channels 12 and 26 will broadcast 'Omaha, the Movie," tomorrow night at 9 p.m. Directed by former Omahan Ben Mirvish, the movie made its debut here in 1996. Mr. Mirvish is the son of Linda and Sidney Mirvish.
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MOLLIE ROSENBAUM SHELTON Services for Mollie Shelton were held Jan. 1 in Dallas. ' She is survived by her husband, Phihp of Dallas; two daughters, Rabbi Debbie Stiel of Omaha and Sandy Echt of New York; a son, Larry Shelton, also of Dallas; and three grandchildren. i BARRY E. EPSTEIN ' Services for Barry Epstein virere held Jan! 19 at Golden Hill Cemetery. He died in Nashville, TN, at the age of 36. Dr. Epstein, a radiation oncologist, was actingchairman of the Ceijter for Radiation Oncology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Survivors include his parents, Irving and Geri Epstein; two sisters, Leslie Anne Epstein and Cynthia Epstein Wiesman; brother-in-law, David Wiesman; and two nephews. Memorials can be sent to the Barry E. Epstein Memorial Fund, c/o The Jewish Federation of Omaha, 333 So. 132 St, Omaha, NE, 68154. ETHEL ROSENSTEIN Services for Ethel Rosenstein were'held Jan. 21 at Beth Shalom Cemetery. She died Jan. 20 at the age of 78. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sam. Survivors include a daughter, Janet, and son, Marty of Omaha; two sisters, Sarah Silverman and Ann Defrin; and two brothers, Milton Day and Isadore Day. Memorials to the American Heart Association. SAM PERILO Services for Sam Perilo, a resident of the Rose Blumkin Home, were held Jan. 21 at Beth Shalom Cemetery. He died Jan 19 at the age of 97. Survivors include a son, Frank of Omaha, and five grandchildren. MYRON (MIKE) MILDER II Services for Mike Milder, 37, were held Jan. 23 at Temple Israel. Burial was at Golden Hill Cemetery. (Complete obit will appear in next week's issue).
Former Nebraskan installed as regional president
Dr. Raymond B. Goldstein, second from right, was elected president of the Central States and Provinces Region of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism at its regional biennial conference. Dr. Goldstein lived in Lincoln from 1968-7S where he and his wife, Jody, pictured at right, were members of Tifereth Israel Synagogue. They then lived in Omaha for 18 years where he served as president of Beth El Synagogue from 198972 and she was director of the Friedel Jewish Academy. They now reside In Rochester, MN, with their two daughters, Heather and Stephanie. Rabbi Paul and Susie Drazen, pictured with the Goldsteins, also attended the USCJ conference.
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Almost everyone has now seen or heard the wonderful insight about the Amalekites; but I venture to offer it once rnore. I read it first from an interpreter who repeated it from an unnamed Hasiddic master. It has to do with the account at the end of our Sidrah, that the Amalekites attacked our ancestors when they had just left Egypt, when they were entirely unschooled in the arts of war, when they were weary and fearful. Our Sidrah ends with the promise of the Lord that He will engage the Amalekites generation after generation until their name is erased from the memory of those who live under the heavens. This account is also read on Purim. On Shabbat Zaklior, the Sabbath before Purim, in addition to the regular reading, there is a special reading at the end of Ki Tetze (Deut 25,17-19), where again Israel is told to blot out the memory of Amaiek: Do not forget! Now wait a minute; let's get this straight. We are bidden to erase Anialek's memory. How? By reading about them four times a year! First, in the account in our Sidrah. Then on Shabbat Zakhor. Third, on Purim itself. And fourth, in the Sidrah Ki Tetze! What sense does that make? But the insight of the Hasiddic master is brilliant and profound. Who cares about the Amalekites? They have been forgotten for 3000 years. All these readings are not about Amalekites: They.are readings about Jews! What does the text in Ki Tetze say? The Amalekites attacked and "cut down all the stragglers in your rear." How could there h^ve been "stragglers in your rear?" Do you mean to say that the Israelites leaving Egypt left the handicapped, tlie sick, the old, the weak to try to make it on their own? Were there not wagons on which they carted the timbers and the fabrics and the gold and silver , they had when they left Egypt to build the Sanctuary? Why were the "stragglers" not carried in the carts? Why were they not surrounded by all the young and strong? Why were they allowed Id become "stragglers," vulnerable to the onslaught of the bellicose Amalekile raiders? It is this terrible failure of our ancestors, in their first test of community responsibility, that we must read four times a year. Do not forget! That was no way for Jews to act, with no sense of responsibility for the.weak and disabled. Remember to wipe out the memory of the Amalekites means remember to wipe out the shame which the Amalekites identined in your ranks! Do not forget! Fortunately, it may be said that Jewish communities all through history, including Jews of the 20th century, have not forgotten. There is among us, perhaps more than among any other identifiable group, a sense of oneness, a sense of community responsibility. Only those Jews who do not have it, would send the weak into the hands of the Amalekites.
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SYNAGO
Jewish Press, Omahi, NE
Page 8
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TEMPLE ISRAEL
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations i 7023 Cas8 Street, Omaha, NE 68132 656-6636
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE
'' Member of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregationa of America 1602 No. 62nid St, Omaha, NE 68104 566.6288
Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14606 California, Omaha, NE 68154 492-^50 WEB-http://omaluifireenetarg/bethel
FRIDAY: Shabbat evening service, 8:15 p.m.; Rabbi Stiel and Hazzan Contzius will officiate. Hazzan Contzius will present a sermon in song entitled "The Music of Kabbalat Shabbat." The Kol Rina Choir will participate. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by the Temple Sisterhood. 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. Simcha B'Shabbat--An informal Shabbat service that includes study and discussion of a variety of Jewish texts. SUNDAY: P.E.P.-Parallel Education for Parents will meet at 10 a.m. ^ Adult Education January 30~Sisterhood Adult Education: 9:3011:30 a.m., Hazzan Erik Contzius will continue to lead a study of the Old Union Prayer Book and the new Gates of Prayer as well as other liturgical publications. 10:30-11:30 a.m., Rabbi Debbie Stiel will continue the study of selected Torah portions and will prepare written commentary. 7:30-8:30 p.m., "Beyond Midrash," led by Don Schwartz. FOOD FAIR AND AUCTION Sunday, Feb. 2, 5:30 p.m.-Omaha Temple Youth Group will sponsor a Food Fair and Auction. Cost is $7 for adults and $4 for children. For reservations, call the Temple office at 556-6536 ($1 more at the door). Proceeds will benefit Camp Rainbow (for terminally ill children).
Services are conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat service, 5:15 p.m.; SATURDAY: Services, ' 8:45 a.m.; Jr. Congregation, 10:30 a.m. Kiddish sponsored by Harriett and Sherm Sperling in memory of Hariett's aunt, Gertrude Newman. "Parsha of the Week," a course led by Yakova Herzig, 4 p.m., at the Home of the Herzigs; Chumash class with Rabbi Kutner, 4:35 p.m. at the synagogue; Mincha at 5:05 p.m., followed by Shalosh Seudot, Ma'ariv and Havdalah. SUNDAY: Morning service, 9 a.m., followed by breakfast and class with Rabbi Kutner at 9:45 a.m., on The Siddur: A study of the background and meaning of the Prayer Book. Mincha, 5:05 p.m. WEDNESDAY: 7:30 p.m.-Basic Jewish Thought, a class with Rabbi Kutner. 8:30 p.m.-Synagogue Skills I, Torah reading. Rabbi Kutner will teach haw to read the Torah with traditional trope. WEEKDAYS: Services at 7 a.m. and 5:05 p.m. .
Office Hours: Mdnday through Thursday, 9 a.mi to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and Cantor Emil Berkovits. FRIDAY: Services start at 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Services start at 9:30 a.m. Ifiddish following. Members of Beth El Sisterhood will participate in Shabbat morning service. They will also sponsor the Kiddish that follows. Sitter service starts at 10 a.m'. TSS (Torah Siddur Skills), 10 a.m. Shabbat story time, first and third Sat., 11 a.m.; K'tantan, second and fourth Saturday, 11 a.m. Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 5:20 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. KViat Ha Mezuzah~To celebrate the completion of the newly-built Gendler Family Center, students will participate in a special ceremohy, along with their teachers, in placing a mezuzah at the entry and at each classroom. The congregation is invited to attend this celebration. WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL
The Jewish Press is looking for individuals and families active in Omaha, Lincoln and Council Bluffs synagogues. If you would like to be interviewed for the Passover edition or if you have photos showing your activity in synagogue life, please call: the Jewish Press office,
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, led by Harry Noodell 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 that follows.
BEYT SHALOM An AiTiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation P.O. Box 241130, Omaha, NE 68124-5130 758-923S http://omahafreenet.org/beyt8hal FRIDAY: Spirituality Weekend st;u ts tonight with kabbalat shabbat services at 7:30 p.m. All events are held at 3012 S. 119th St., except as otherwise noted. Rabbis Sachs and Klotzman from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College will officiate Friday and Saturday. SATURDAY: 9 a.m.-Torah service leader training; 10 a.m.-Special spirituality Torah service followed by lunch at a local restaurant; 3:30 p.m.Workshops. Torah f/aGoo/'-Spirituality of the Body, Spirituality and Liturgy, and Spirituality and Mysticism; 5:45 p.m. (approx.)-ru B'Shevat Seder; 6:30 p.m. (approx.)-Catered dinner, by reservation only; 7:30 p.m. lapprox.)-Haiidalah. SUNDAY, 10 a.m.-Rchgious School at Westside Community Education Center, 108th and Grover. All events are open to the public and free of >, charge (except the dinner). Please check the Beyt Shalom information line at 768-9233 for Ia.it minute weather-related schedule ' changes.
B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynater St, Council Bluffa, Iowa 61603 323-4705 E-MAIL: docjeb29worldnetatt.aet FRIDAY: Services ore conducted every Friday Shabbat Eve at 7:30 p.m. Relevant discussions on Judaic sulyects are held •very Shabbnt.
Member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502 423-8560 Services are conducted by Rabbi Stanley M, Rosenbaum. Minyans on Mondays and Thursdays, 7:15 a.m. FRIDAY: Services start at 8 p.m. Oneg Shabbat hosted by Evnen and Graham families in honor of Elaine Evnen's birthday. SATURDAY: Services stai-t at 9:30 a.m.; Jr. Congregation, 10:15 a.m.
CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURUN SOUTH STREET TEMPLE Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations 2061 S. 20th St, Uncoin, NE 68502-2797 Services are officiated by.Cahtor Michael Weisser. FRIDAY: Shabbat services at 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Torah study and service, 10 a.m. SUNDAY: Hebrew school, 9 a.m.; Religious school, 10 a.m.
OFFUTT 25th and Capehart, Omaha, NE FRIDAY: Services start at 8 p.m.
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Minnie Cutler CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Movement 1322 So. 119th St. Omaha. NE 68164 097-1124 WEB-www.metawire.com/ehabadneb E-MAIL-Sbliach9aoLooro SATURDAY: Davening starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by Kiddish. SUNDAY: Davening starts at 9:30 a.m. WEDNESDAYS: Talmud classes, 9:30 a.m. THURSDAYS: Advanced Talmud, noon Yiddish "Hooked on Yiddish lessons, Wednesdays, 7 p.m.
Jewish Singles Program Coordinator The Jewish Community Center of Kansas City is accepting applications for a Jewish Singles Program Coordinator Responsibilities include administration and development ol activities for Jewish single adults, ages 21'f. A bachelor's degree Is required Applicants must have strong desire to *ioik with and relate to Jewish single adults, show initiative, understand Jewish traditions, possess budgetary and organizational skills and desire to wod( with other professionals In developing singles programs. This full-lime position has been funded lor one year with possible second year extension and requires flexible schedule, Including nights and weekends. Send resume to: Sheryl Davidow, Auoc. Ex. DIr. JCC of Greater KanHS City 5801 W. 115 St. Overland Park, KS 66211 PH: 1-913-327-8031 ;L_=i,-t;--,ii.z: u
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 24,1997
New policies expand information Readers have often ask us how we determine the content of announcements which' appear in the Jewish Press. In fact, we've often aslied ourselves that same question! For the last several months, a committee of our Board of Directors has been examining all 'the policies that cover areas from social to editorial guidelines. Some have been in use since the late 1960s; others added as recently as the 1990s. In reviewing all of them, a consensus was reached to make them more 'user friendly.' i These updated and revised policies are to be presented to the Jewish Press Board this week, tt is our intention to print those policies which cover such announcements as births, deaths, marriages and engagements, B'not Mitzvah, and the like, over the next several months. We also plan to send a copy of these policies to each of the rabbis in our community so that they may use them to assist their congregants. The committee is to be commended on their common sense in updating these policies. We hope they will help us expand the information about events in the lives of our readers.
I^I^EEMA
i THINK WE M>f SieiiiFiCANT PR06RgS
MlPB^ST/ NeeoTiAnoN SPECIALISTS
A swimmer in Jerusalem A musing on the assisted-suicide debate
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by Rabbi Avi Shafran, Director of Public A/fairs Agudath Israel of America Last I heard, he was living in a Jerusalem suburb, still insistent that the most wonderful thing i that ever happened to him was his swimming accident, when he became a quadriplegic. His story came to me via a well-known and respected head of a Jerusalem yeshiva. The handicapped young man was a personal acquaintance and had told the rabbi how the first '20-odd years of his life were spent cultivating an athletic physique, honing muscles to perform at their optimum-aiid how his fateful accident had seemed at the time more devastating than death. A graceful athlete mere moments earlier, he was now unable to move in any useful way, barred by an obstinate spinal cord and an army of rebellious neurons from playing ball or swimming laps, from eating or going to the bathroom-even from so much as scratching an itch-on his own. • He could not, he discovered, even kill himself without assistance, which he desperately tried to garner, to no avail. Frustrated by his inability to check out, so to speak, he began to turn in-inward, to a world of thought and ideas. Pushed decisively from a universe of action, he entered one of mind. // life is indei'd now uiorthlens, he wondered with newfound seriousnens, then wag running and Jumping and swimming and scratching literal and figurative itches really what defined its meaning hefore f That quaijdary, and pursuant ones, led the wheelchair bound ponderer to contemplate the very meaning of creation itself and, to make a long and arduous journey of self-discovery seem misleadingly trite, he concluded that spirituality is the key lo nu'aningful existence. Where he was then led was to his forefathers' faith, what has come of late to be called Orthodox Judaism, and it is in the mullifaceled realm of intense Jewish observance and study that he thrives to this day. Most remarkable, though, was his auxiliary and inescapable realization-that had he not suffered his paralysis, he would never have thought to consider the things that led him to his new life, which he cherishes. (Continued on page S)
Our man in Israel Carl Alpert
Arab dilemma of triple loyalty Haifa-The prolonged negotiations with Arafat and the Palestinians have served to aggravate the dilemma of the Israeh Arabs as they seek to clarify their own identity and loyalties, without creating any suspicion that they might serve as a Fifth Column within Israel: Up to the war in 1967, which brought them into close contact with their brethren across the line, this dilemma did not exist. They accepted that they were an Arab minority in a Jewish state. However, the spirit of Palestinian nationalism which pervaded in Gaza and the West Bank was contagious, and a period of much soul-searching ensued. One moderate editor of a Nazareth paper now suggests that the mtyority liave settled down to a formula of self-identification. They are Palestinians by nationality, Arabs by peoplehood and Israelis by citizenship-in that order. The more extremists among them, in the evergrowing Islamic movement, have their own order of priorities and precede the list with a religious factor, so that their identity is defined us Muslim-ArabPalestininn-I.sraeli. Whatever the precise delineation, it is obvious' that Israel's Arabs experience a sense of nationalistic envy as they see.Arafat stubbornly leading their neighboring brethren \o what they expect will be an independent state of Palestine. Popular demonstrations and serious rioting by Israeli Arabs on behalf of the Palestinian cause led one Israeli paper, Hatzofvh, to query openly a possible threat to Israel's internal security. Fear is expressed that Israel's Arabs can be expected to join external Arab forces should there be an attack on the State of Israel. While Israel is "responsible to protect its dtizens of all religions," the paper went on, "ii must be on
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Robert ElMnbetg PrauMm Carol KalTman tdilof-inCtnut Morrli Malino Edila Emwilus MeufMn UPour Managing Editor tarry Aialrod Advertttmg Managw (haryl Friadman Bookltaapar Oaorg* Schapiro VdurHaar
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condition that they do not subvert its existence or, seek to destroy it from within." Perhaps some indication of what may be in the oOing may be found in the recent warning of the mayor of Um El-Fahana that when the dispute over the status of Jerusalem reaches a crucial point, the Arabs of population exchange might take place. That section of Israel in Wadi Ara, west of Jenin, which is commonly known as the northern Arab triangle, and contains a dense concentration of Arab towns and cities, could be ceded to the Palestine Authority in return for extension of Israeli sovereignty over Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria. In this way the fervently patriotic Palestinians in such Israeli towns as gaka Al-Garbiah and Umm Al-Faham, would have their nationalistic aspirations fulfilled. The reaction on the part of the Israeli Ai-abs concerned? An indignant wave of protest. Premier Netanyahu's office hastened to issue a denial that any such step was being considered, but the Arabs were not appeased. They made it clear that they would fight any attempt to "transfer" them to the Palestine entity. Israel is their government, and they insist on retaining citizenship there. No such act can be taken without consulting them. Optimists might deduce that basically they realize where their own best economic and social interests are served, despite their very vocal criticism of the government's attitude toward them. Cynics might feel that witli an eye on the birth rate they prefer to sit tight for a few generations, and then as a natural consequence or democratic principles, eventually take over here completely. In the meantime, we continue to hear periodic demands for giving the Arabs political autonomy within Israel in places where the Arab and Jewish population run neck and neck.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sieve Levingvr, Vice I'riiaidont, Lloyd Roilatein, Treaaurer; J«nc Ripa, .Secretary; Cynthia Epatein; Steve Oannn; Marci (iailncr, Joanie Jacobaon, Sheryl Lee. Fred Mogul; George Schapiro; Fred Tich*uer; Sylvia Wngncr, KiliUiriula oprrsa Ihe view of the writer and are not neceannrily rcprenentativ,' of the views of the Jewiah Praaa Hoard, Ihe Jewiah Fcdcralinn of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish Coinmunily na a whole The Jewiah Preaa reaervea the right In eilit Icllrrs niid articles for apace and conlenl The Jewish Preaa in not reaiionBihle for the Kaahruth of any product or r.Bliil>iiNlinii'nt
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January 24,1997
(Continued from page 4) The young man's story comes to mind amid all the current discussion of physiciah assisted suicide, and in particular of the seductive and dangerous notion called "quality of life." The U.S. Supreme Court is presently considering two States' appeals of Circuit Court decisions declaring laws that forbid "physician assisted suicide" to be unconstitutional. Americans, according . to the Circuit Courts of New York and Washington, have the right to enlist medical personnel to help ; them end their lives-when they are terminally ill, : and perhtips even when they are not. A blizzard of issues, from personal autonomy to 'equal protection under the law," from health-care costs to the Hippocratic Oath, will likely swirl through the hours of oral arguments and reams of amicus briefs the Court will hear and read. But the concept that may most significantly be tried before • the Court is "quality of life." Are some lives, the question essentially goes, to be considered less •valuable, less meaningful, less purposeful and hence less worthy of society's protection than others? The High Court will be contemplating many •questions, but none of more enormity than whether American society is ready to define what ,makes life worth living, and to act on such definition by allowing ill and depressed people to enlist the help of doctors to make corpses of themselves. Men and women in extremus often find themselves facing the question of life's meaning. Not all of us at the end of our too-short journeys will experience epiphanies, but we all have the potential to be so blessed. And many of us, even if immobile, in pain and without hope of recovery, might still engage important matters, matters like forgiveness, repentance, acceptance, commitment, love, G-d, perhaps the most momentous matters we will ever have considered. The Justices are expected to issue their ruling sometime this summer. Over the months until then, as they weigh the wealth of constitutional and moral issues involved in the issue of physicianassisted suicide, they would do well to contemplate, too, the edifying story of a one-time promising swimmer in Jerusalem.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Pa(e 8
Pebunkihg Ebonics (promoting l\/latzonics)
Swimmer in Jerusalem
by Erica Meyer Rauzin My friend, Nina L. Diamond is a freelance down yonder. As the^ say back home, I'd go & fur writer. Most of her work is medical writing, and piece for that. she has a new book coming out called Purify Your In fact, I once had a debate with a small town Body: Natural Remedies for Detoxing From 50 mayor about whether the phrase a fur piece conEveryday Situations. It deals with holistic, healthy notes a greater distance than the phrase down yonthings tO| do for your own good. der. We finally agreed that you could walk down Nina and I share several things. We are both yonder, but to go a fur piece you'd have to take the* media types. We are both owned by very dainty mule. cats. We're both Jewish. We both had a very viscerNina's last suggested second language was: al reaction to Ebonics, the idea of recognizing the Matzonics: Named in honor of the matzoh ball, idiomatic jargon of the black community as an aca- this applies to anyone of Jewish heritage, whether demic second language. he or she ever lived a day in "the old country" or We disliked the concept that any American's not. Matzonics includes the ever-popular lament. .. accent, dialect or slang should be regarded as a "You should only know from how I sufier," the stanseparate language. We found the notion of Ebonics dard greeting, "So, nu?" and the now fully patronizing, divisive and destructive to the very Americanized, "Oy, vey." people it is meant to assist. It seems to me that by the time Nina exhausts I simply mouthed off my opinion to Nina, but Yiddishisms, all of Leo Rosteh, and a cross section Nina, being made of st«rner stuff, wrote to our big of daily catch phrases, Matzonics would be too local daily newspaper, which ran the unfunny half much to tackle. I fight against it all the time. For of her letter. Therefore, I get to share the funny instance, when a Mom in our neighbor won't allow half, in which she concludes that if Ebonics is a her children to do something (such as play street "second" language in the academic sense, then hockey in the actual street), the kids' catch phrase there are a few other second languages she could i^, "My mother doesn't let." Now that's Matzonics. suggest. It's even cute. But it is dreadful English. And it And then she does. Here 'tis, verbatim: isn't even a little piece of a real second language. Libertonics: Named for the Statue of Liberty, The gag in my throat at the concept of Ebonics this covers all New York-area dialects, and in- isn't based on ethnicity, gender, religion or race. cludes the cab driver who takes his passengers to My civil rights bona fides are not at stake here. My toity-toid and toid Streets, the politician'who calls rising gorge is a reaction to the further degradahis home New Yawk, and the millions who utter tion of a perfectly fine language and to the meandaily: dese, dem and dose. Right, youse guys? ing of that degradation. Gritsonics: Derived from grits, the popular Those kids need enabling—not disabling—educaSouthern corn mush, this language covers all of the tion. There is so much real information they many Southern U.S. dialects and includes such deserve to have, that it is a degrading waste of escapes from Standard English as Hay, how ya'll their time to institutionalize and bless ghetto lando-in? 1 might could do that, and Haa-yelp, instead guage. It doesn't preserve pride. It preserves isolaof"help. ' tion and segregation. Remember that word, segre(Having grown up in Georgia, I could add a great gation? It is part of a first language for far too deal to Nina's Gritsonics reference works. For many people: the language of hatred. instance, you could have.an Atlas, listing such speErica Meyer Rauzin is a free-lance writer in cific places as Yerp and such general locales as Miami Beach,
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January 24,1997
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Bert's Eye View by Bert Lewis Tlie start of a new year makes' me think of resolutions, but I'm old enough to know those are often little more than a good idea. On the other hand, that made me think of how things might be in a perfect world. , The following includes a few of my personal choices: IN A PERFECT WORLD: There would always be a parldng space exactly where I need it, especially on a rainy or cold day. The car phone would never, ever need re-charging, especially when I need it badly. The babysitter would never, never call to cancel at the last minute...no matter what catastrophe occurred. The toy store would always have exactly the tchatchka the kid wanted more than anything in the world. The car would have a built-in-somethjng to keep it from ever running out of gas. (The same magic would include a switch to make a dent pop back out and heal up.) A snowfall would be beautiful for a couple of hours, then melt and disappear, taking slippery walks and streets with it. Airplanes would have a place to stow carry-on bags other then on top of my doat...and short ladies could reach them easily. i The line at the check-out counter would never have coupon sorters, check writers or coin fumblers-only folks with the right cash who moved reasonably fast. ' i the produce displays in the supermarkets would have signs declaring "this fruit has been washed, so feel free to taste the grapes". (In all fairness, and in the interest of equal time, they could also iisk us to "plea.se don't pinch the fragile foods.") Another tliiiif,' I'd iiiiikc ciTlain of in my perfect world would be shoe stores where they'd say "of course 1 have that in your size...what color did you waul'.'" TliiTC would always be lime to easily make the green light and nobody would ever get caught in the middle of the Intersection in a bumper-lobuniper gridlock situation. While on the subject of the car, my Utopia would always have no waiting lines at the carwash...just drive right up and let the kid who re-arranges the Hvhniuiz take over. Yeah, right! ; There would always be a wonderful new book waiting for" me to read and maybe, just maybe, there would be a few good TV programs to watch occasionally. Those are some of the perks I'd have in my perfect world, if I could create such a place. There are many more, of course, but I don't want to sound greedy. And anyway, the rest of my wishes would require at least a magic wand which could transport a little kid to his/her grandparents house..and everybody knows there's no such thing. But who know.s? We never thought we'd walk on the moon either.
Tikvah program at Camp Ramah Adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17, with special learning needs, can receive a unique living and learning experience based on Jewish values, through the Tikvah Program at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin. Now preparing for its 25th summer season, the Tikvah Program at Camp Ramah stresses individualized planning tailored to meet the needs of each child and encourages inclusion in regular camp activities whenever possible. Tikvah youngsters participate in sports, arts and crafts, drama, dance, music, boating, swimming, hiking, and religious training. Tikvah means hope, and this is what it brings to child and parent alike. The program allows these teenagers to actively participate in a camp experience which emphasizes learning and develops an understanding of the Jewish heritage. For further information or an application, contact Tikvah at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin, 65 E. Wackor PI. «820. Chicago, IL 60601, or phone (312) G06931G.
Temple Israel Sisterhood delleeatea who attended the Women of Reform Judaism biennial in Denver are, from left: Ellen Rosenberg trunk Riverdale, N.J., Executive Director WRJ; Marilyn Warren, outgoing Recording Secretary; Jeanne Angelet, Helene Holmberg, Debbi Josephson, outgoing District President; Maria Neesman, Karin Brown and Lois Epstein, outgoing Corresponding Secretary.
JFS Corner by Rita Paakowitz JFS Resettlement Coordinator
Naturalization Class update With the recent passage of the Welfare Reform Act, immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for at least five years without passing their citizenship exams will lose all their financial and medical entitlements after August of this year. There is no exemption for the elderly or the infirm. (Consequently, there is a nationwide need for help in getting these at-risk individuals through the naturalization process. Based on a course outline created by HIAS, the Resettlement Office of JFS will offer a citizenship class specifically for the non-Epglish-speaking elderly. Prospective students are being selected based on age and date of arrival in the U.S. Some 15 older New Americans are eligible for this course. Preparing the Elderly for Naturalization, which will be led by an excellent, enthusiastic team of educators; -Maya Wertheimer, fluent in Russian, Hebrew and English, is a trained ESL teacher whose extensive experience includes preparing older Russian iaunigrants for the naturalization process. -Ruth Potash, known to many through her volunteer work with the new American community, has taught for many years in the Omaha Public Schools. -Damon Moss, fluent in Russian, has spent time in the former Soviet Union. There will be a three-pronged approach to this class, which will ofTicially start Feb. 23. First, an announcement will appear in the Jewish Press, notifying the Jewish community at large about an informational meeting. Attendees will be updated about the effects of the recent Welfare Reform Act and asked for their support. The projected date for this meeting is Sunday, Feb. 2, 3:30 p.m., in the JCC adult lounge. Second, relatives of the elderly students will be invited to leurn about the upcoming class and how each member of the family must participate in making the student be successful. This meeting is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 9,3:30 p.m., in room 6 at the JCC. Third, the students themselves will be invited to meet with their teachers in an informal, "gettingto-knoweach-other" aesiiion to address fears, expectations and levels of understanding. The suggested date for this introductory meeting is Sunday, Feb. 16, 3:30 p.m., at the JCC in room 6. If you would like to volunteer tutoring or transportation services, please call Tami at the Resettlement Office at 334-6490. This program will succeed only with your support!
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Jewish PreM, Omaha,Nt!
Move ov4r Barbie's CD-ROM; Jewish id Baseball scores big
Page?
Wohlner's Neighborhood Grocery
by Faygie Levy NEW YORK {JTA)--You sit down at your comput- , er, hands on the keys. A baseball game on the screen. You step up to home plate. The pitcher throws the ball. Crack! You head around the bases as the crowd looks on. Think this is an ordinary computer game? Think again. This is Jewish IQ Baseball, a new generation of Jewish computer software. Unlike other baseball computer games, the player must correctly answer a question on Judaism in order to run around the bases. Once available only at Jewish bookstores or through mail-order companies, Jewish software is now part of a growing market, whose products are becoming increasingly available. One such outlet is Kosher Komputer. Located in the predominately!Orthodox Jewish town of Monsey, N.Y., a suburb of New York City, Kosher Komputer is not your ordinary computer store. There are no copies of Myst or Barbie's CDRom. Instead, Kosher Komputer fills its shelves with items such as Judaic Wizard, Jewish-IQ Baseball and Where In Israel? Created six months ago, Kosher Komputer was originally intended as a sales outlet for software designed by Torah Educational Software. But it has since expanded and now sells software for all the m^or Judaic software companies. A few years ago, only a handful of software was available for the Jewish computer user. Now more than 60 titles exist. As in the secular world, Jewish software runs the gamut, from educational games to printing programs to advanced research fools for the scholar. "People are looking to educate themselves in their homes," says Anna Young, the owner of the Jewish Software Center, a mail-order software company based in Los Gates, CA. Young believes that the software is especially helpful to people in small communities. The software "helps people who don't have access" to other Jewish sources, she says. Clients fi;om as far away as Gibraltar and Japan take advantage of the wealth of mail-order and online companies now selling Jewish software. "Pick any country in the world and we probably have someone in our database," says Barbara Singal, marketing director for the Chicago-based Davka Corp., makers of more than 50 Judaic software programs. "Invest once and it's a lifetime thing," says Chaya Teitelbaum, a sales representative at Kosher Komputer. And since it's interactive, she adds, "kids respond to it better." According to Young, she and other parents want to "show their kidaj)laying Jewish software games can be fun." Unlike secular computer games, most of the Jewish software games are designed to educate and reinforce learning. Although a large segment of software is geared toward kids, there are plenty of adult-oriented programs' as well. People doing serious religious study find the software indispensable. The Bar Ilan software is one of the most comprehensive compilations of seforim, or Jewish books. More than 400 seforim are available on one CDROM. Schools and publishers are among the many users of Hebrew word-processing programs and Jewish clip-art software. There are at least nine Hebrew-language programs available. One of the newest software des'igns. Return To ' Life, will be available not only through Judaic software sellers but at large computer stores. Return To Life traces the lives of Holocaust survivors after the war. This program was designed by Torah Educational Software in conjunction with Yad Vashem in Israel, and will be available in late January. Davka Corp, makers of Jewinh fQ Bcuehall, can be reached at mO-^2l-Wl21. Torah Education Software, makers of Bar Ilan software and Return to Life, can be reached at 800-02S-6853. Kosher Komputer is located at 21 Main St., Moaiey, N.Y. 10952, or call OU-aiSO-lB??. Jewish Computer Center, n mail-order catalog company, can be reached at 40ti-3l>r>-(MIS7.
FRESH CHICKEN Rf^D MERTS
YES/OLDTIMERS t Both groups will meet Monday at the JCC. English class starts at 10 a.m. Exercise and bingo both start at 10:30. . All are welcome to join the YES choral group at 11. Bring articles to share at the "Y^S talk" pr Earlybird discussion groups, also meeting ^t 11 a.m. Following lunch at noon, the Bryan Mother Singers will perform. For transportation, call 330t 4272. WALK-IN DROP-IN Members will meet Thursday at the JCC. English class and excercise both start at 10 a.m.; bingo starts at 10:30. Bring a dairy sack lunch to eat at 11:45. At 12:15 p.m., come play sing-along bingo. For transportation, call 330-4272. GRIEF AND LOSS SUPPORT GROUP Group will meet Jan. 29, 7-8:30 p.m., at the JCC, Room 5. Jewish Family Service is qffering this class for individuals who have experienced the death of a loved one, and is not recommended for those who have experienced a loss through suicide or violent death. There is no charge and the group will meet for 12 consecutive weeks on Wednesdays. Pre-registration is requested. Call Jennifer Meyerson at Jewish Family Service, 330-2024.
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JSS provides transportation Jewish Senior Services will provide transportation for participants of the Young Energetic Seniors and Oldtimers meetings and Walk-In Drop-In programs at the JCC. The fee is $2 per round trip for door-to-door service. To make reservations, call Margaret Conti at 330-4272 on Friday for events on the following Monday; call on Wednesday for events on Thursday. Transportation is also available to and from doctors' appointments for a round trip fee of $7. For reservations, call Marlyss Knust at 334-6510, at least 24 hours in advance.
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Corrections In the story on YJO in the Jan. 17 issue of the Jewish Press, Shelly Pichik's name was misspelled. Also, the correct phone number for the Passport restaurant in the Old Market is 344-3200. The Jewish Press regrets the errors.
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January 24,1997,
C6iilMiilir:'Wlili'ra
Jewish Parenting by Allan (Jionshek-
YWCA Women Against Violence
"No, because I said so.'
Volunteers are needed for the 'YWCA Women Against Violence crisis line. Training begins Feb. 19 and includes 39 hours of learning the dynamics behind these crimes, as well as crisis intervention and active listening skills. Daytime and weekend volunteers are especially needed. For more information, call the YWCA Volunteer Coordinator, 345-6555.
When all else fails, these are magic words for parents. They put an end to arguments. They explain the reason for a decision. And they estab:. lish the parent as the authority in the home. But this expression also contradicts all of the moderij theories of good parenting. Worse of all, the phrqse is a ghostly echo of the wdrds our parents said to us. In our childhood days, we promised ourselves we would never, ever say this to our own children. But we do. In every home tlie situation occurs when all the parenting techniques gleaned from the books thoroughly researched by child psychologists just do not work. Those great child-rearing lessons we learned at the parenting skills classes do not afTcct a child's behavior. We reach the point of communication with our children when sound reasoning and fair play are no longer effective tools. We become our parents. But as parents ourselves now, this phrase is a silver bullet. It s.nys it all. Explaining that wearing • shoes when it is 110 degrees outside may not convince the child to put them on. Justifying why one brother does a specific chore and another brother has a different task to do may not be persuasive logic. But the magic phrase says finally and firmly, "Because I am the parent and you are not." The Torah offers a number oiinilzviil (commandments i without explanation. Even (id connnanded ;;individuals to take a specific action without giving a reason. When Avraham took his son to Moriah to kill him as an oflering to the Lord, G-d gave no reason other than "Do this because 1 told you so." . Avraham obeyed without question and benefited greatly by becoming the father of our people. The phrase should be used sparingly. Parents who practice an autocratic style of discipline all llie time will frighten their children into submission or rebellion. The result of either will be the child's rejection of the parent's values, rules and respect. As parents, we would like to think that our own children will properly respond to a rational request. After all, our own children are the wonderful offspring of intelligent, educated, responsible adults. This theory starts to break down when the child is in diapers and continues to deteriorate until after high school graduation.
Challenging parental authority is very natural for children. They may exhibit this as a tantrum, talking back, or outright arguing. These are defensive i techniques children learn early by watching other children and even adults. They try them against their playmates, their siblings, and especially their parents. In reality, most children will challenge • parental authority for the very basic reason that , Ihey are children. There is no golden rule of parenting that requires to tell a child every reason for every decision. Parents who do this will lose control of the relationship. Going to bed at a reasonable hour, eating nutritional food, or attending Sunday School are standards established by the parent for the household society to grow and function properly. Children need to learn not the reason for every rule but that parents, by virtue of their role in the home, make these rules for the household society.
Parents can still maintain control of the relationship by using a variety of techniques depending on the situation. There are times definitely when nothing but, "Because I told you so" will work. But there are many more instances when the chijd can be welcomed into tjie decision-making process for the family and for himself. The older and more responsible a child becomes, the more often you will want your child to make the right decision for himself. Giving acceptable choices will make the child feel a part of the decision. Suggesting attendance at either Friday night or Saturday morning services says two important things to the child. First, you have to go to .services. Second, I trust you to decide for yourself which one of the services you prefer attending. The choices offered should always be structured. Open-ended inquiries allow the child to avoid the task. If asked whether you want to mow the lawn this weekend, we can expect a no answer. Most people, not just children, will take the easy way out and sele.it the less imposing of the choices. Create an atmosphere for children to want to follow your guide. Making Shabbat on Friday evenings a fun time will help the child enjoy the dinner instead of going to the movies. Invite his friends over to help prepare the dinner and share the meal. Allow appropriate joke telling at the tiiblo to convey the message that Shabbat is a fun time for kids. A few Talnuidir ideas woven into the cross table banter will surprisingly remain in their minds for future, reference.
Jewish Senior Services Volunteers needed for the following: to be on call to meet and be with residents at doctor and dentist appointments; to make and serve popcorn for residents and share time with them during movietime on Wednesdays from 12:45-2 p.m.; bingo and pokeno assistant needed on Mondays and Thursdays from 1-2:30 p.m. For more information, call Lois Wine, 330-4272.
Children should also know that discussion and compromise are welcome when household rules and family practices are questioned. Give them the opportunity to express their opinions. Accept some of their ideas and let them know that you are pleased when they can logically and unemotionally form an opinion. Be flexible enough to give in on some rules but stay firm on others. So parents should use these words fairly but sparingly with children. Use them to protect and to teach them. But most of all, use them to love them. Omahan Allan M. Gonsher is a nationally recognized educator and speaker on children's issues and the author of^ips for Kids" and 'An Allowance is Not a Bribe."
Every Thursday, Beersheba's bedouin market attracts residents and visitors to the capital of Israel's Negev desert. Immigrants from more than 70 countries live in the city and surrounding area. It is also home to Ben Gurion University, founded in 1969, and the only Israeli university to offer course in the humanities, sciences, engineering and medicine. Beersheva can be reached from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, approximately one hour and 40 minute drive fi^m each city.
IDhy is this issue different from all other issues? IT'S
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Place order by January 28
•Green Beans
Uewish Press SPECIAL PASSOVER ISSUE Publication Date: April 18 Advertising Deadline: February 27
'Hpple Strudel
For Further Information, call Larry Axelrod 330-4272
334-6451