TAX TIPS SECTION STARTS ON PAGE 6 :'f: :|::(::(::(::(::(::):#:):-If. + * * |_ I N C 0 L N N E 6 8 5 0 8
NE HIST SOCIETY 1500 R ST LINCOLN NE 68508
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No. 22
Omaha, NE
Women: How and why by Claudia Sherman Foundation Public Relations Coordinator "The requirement that both males and females should engage in charitable behavior and good deeds was recognized by Jewish leaders from medieval times," according to Barry A. Kosmin and: Paul Ritterband, editors of Contemporary Jewish Philanthropy in America. The editors go on to relate that "a woman's activ'_ Jty was confined to the private realm of home and family since she spent a good part of her adult life raising children." In addition, the authors found, rabbinic literature credits women with more compassion and concern than men for the unfortunate. Today, women still feeJLthe" need to be nurturing and to reach out to those in need, observed Jan Schneiderman, Jewish Federation Board member ,-,..«and national board member of the National Council of Jewish Women, an organization in which she has been active and held leadership positions for almost 30 years. • Just as a worthy woman "is prepared to work day and night," according to a 1622 edition of a relig%is guide book, "to maintain her home, and to givi charity to the poor from what she has produced or earned," Schneiderman believes that contemporary Jewish women "take care of their families first and then look to help those who cah't help themselves or who have experienced misfortune in their lives. Women have a need to reach out." "The relationship between women and voluntarism has been a strong one since modernphilanthropy's early days,"" observed Kosmin and Ritterband. "The united Jewish community campaign came into its own in the late 1930s and by the late 1940s women's divisions were common." "Suburban Jewish women formed structures such as Women's Division, the authors added, "and they (women) were financially successful in their endeavor." "Many working women today who have their own discretionary income want to give their own contributions," Schneiderman, who is vice president of KB Foods Inc., said. "Even some women who are not in the work force have the ability to give on their own." Regardless, "it's a mitzvah to donate money, time, or both," she said. "One is as important as the other." (Continued in Tax Tips Section, page 6)
30 Shevat, 5757
February7,1997
JFS brings immigration specialists to address naturalization process
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Michael Wehdt, Deputy Director of the Immigration and Naturalization office, and Angela Kriejjer, a local immigration attorney, address a crowd of legal immigrants from the former SovietUnion, as Maya Wertheimertranslates. (See related story on page 16)
For the first time in Omaha— Anne Frank and Me by Lynda J. Mirvish This week, Marcia Lipsman, Chairman of the production to the Omaha community. JCG Theater committee, announced that the next • In speaking about the play, Lipsman said, "There Theatre at the 'J* production will be a new, original is a subtle balance between the universal humor of play, Anne Frank and Me. adolescent struggles and the horror of the The play, which has never before been seen in Holocaust. This contrast allows the play to bring Omaha, is scheduled to run March 16, 17, 18, 19 home the importance of memory without losing its 'entertainment appeal to audiences both young and andl67 / "V ' ' ;V.-'f , ' The beloved story of the 13-year-old German- old. 'Anne Frank and Me' has been playing to Jewish girl, told in the diary she kept during two packed audiences and has met with critical acclaim years, of hiding in Holland, has been seen on stage, in cities all over the country. screen and through exhibitions. But this new inter"We hope that area high schools avail themselves pretation brings a fresh immediacy to the poignant of the opportunity to allow their students to experiand moving document of the Holocaust ence this engrossing piece of theatre;" she continCreated by Cherie Bennett, the play takes a ued. modern, Christian American teenager back to "In this last decade of the twentieth century, Nazi-occupied Paris where she lives out the occu- Anne Frank remains a symbol of the tragedy of the pation as a Jew. In 1996, Nicole, who, like her par- Jews in Nazi-occupied Europe; A reminder not only ents, .doubts that the Holocaust actually occurred, of truth of what occurred during the Holocaust, but becomes a time traveler when she is taken back to a warning to all to remember and learn about a 1942 as a Jewish teen living in hiding with her history that must never be repeated." family in Nazi-occupied Paris. The production is made possible by support from Anne Frank and Me was specially written to be the Nebraska Arts Council, Nebraska Humanities performed by young people and will be directed by Council, United Artists of Omaha, the Esther K. Susan Guthrie. Guthrie will be working with the Newman Fund and the Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Foundation. B'nai B'rith Youth Organization to bring this
'Organ transplants" do work"
Conservative rabbis support organ donation to save Ijves
by Ken Wciner by Linda Tishlcr Levinson In 1965, when my liver disease was discovered, Editor's note: Ken Weiner is a practicing Connecticut Jewish Ledger attorney and a past president of the Omaha my brother-in-law told me, "Ken, medical science WEST HARTFORD, CT (JTA) - When it can Bar Association. This article was written for will come up with a cure." He was right. Organ the organization's newsletter in the fall of transplants did not exist at that time. But how for- save a life, organ donation is required by Jewish 1994 and is partially reprinted here, with per- tunate for me (and others'in the end stage of a dis- law. That was the conclusion of a 1995 study done by ease) that medical progress in surgical technique • mission from the author. Two years ago, at about this time, friends, and anti-rejection drugs have made possible suc- Rabbi Joseph Prouser of Congregation B'nai aquaintances and even people I did not know greet- cessful transplants of kidneys, hearts, lungs, livers, Sholom in Newington, Conn., for the Committee on JewiBh Law and Standards of the Rabbinical ed me enthusiastically, "Glad to see you, Ken." I pancreas and corneal tissue. Assembly. responded frequently, "Glad to be seen." In 1991, more than 16,000 "Organ donation ia mot mnsply permissible but The explanation' of the above is that the folks people received transmandatory" if it tan saxrijTa life, Prouser aaiu, greeting me knew I underwent a liver transplant in stressing that Uiia is the salo rase for ergaa Venaplants. Another 28,000 in"September, 1932, In fact, I underwent two liver tion after death. transplants, a second one a week later, when my the end'stage of or gun disAs a rffis^l^n^iH^srcs body agressively rejected the first liver, ' ' ease did not Assembly, which xspzz&znts , •, ' The number one purpose for -writing this article Many have died waiting for on organ tsaasplsat -zaisbis international^, is asjaiigl$3 l:5sa|UiSais to motivate you to provide organ donation infor. xnation and an opportunity ty make an organ dona- which could have saved their lives. Tbz?_&idl, rat saeaisre to sign donor cibis fgraaagfe>giva i&sir tion decision au a regular part of your eatato plan- because transplants don't work, but bsesisa ihms ergana and tissues •ssrtisn Eoofisasrjrta h&pns&a a ning process. Organ transplants do work. I am liv- is a shortage of organs and tissue being dsn&taL . • life. ing proof of that' • _ • - (Continued in Tax Tips Scstitea, ^sga IS), ,
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 7,1997
Page 7
FUNDamentally Speaking
Donor-advised funds effective and slmpSe philanthropy by Sheldon A. Bernstein Endowment Director, Foundation of the Jewish Federation There are many different and innovative ways for the terms of the agreement, the donor retains the suggest distributions to qualified charities. the philanthropically-minded individual to create a right to make non-binding suggestions for distribuThe philanthropic fund program provides most of permanent gift for the community.. These include tions to charitable organizations, approved by the the advantages of a private foundation without the bequests, gifts of life insurance, gifts perpetuating Internal Revenue Service from both income and costly start-up and expensive, time-consuming the donor's current gift to the annual campaign f u n d c o r p u s . .'• • administration that accompanies the creation of a (PACE), and life income plans whereby the donor The donor will further benefit if the gift is one of private foundation. There is no tax on the investand/or a person of the donor's choosing can receive appreciated property, such as stock or bonds, ment income of a donor-advised fund and there is income for life or a term of years in exchange for a because the donor pays no capital gains tax on the no requirement of a five.percent annual distribugift to The Foundation of the Jewish Federation of appreciation and will, at the same time, receive an tion of fund assets, both of which are imposed on a Omaha. appropriate tax deduction for the full fair market private foundation. In addition, the staff at The There is one method, however, on which I would value of the property. The amount of tax deduction Foundation will provide assistance and respond to particularly like to focus because of the flexibility under this method compares very favorably to a questions that you might have about charitable and benefits it provides to the donor, particularly similar gift to a private foundation by the donor. In organizations seeking gifts from you. We also make when compared to. a private foundation. It is called that instance, under current law, the tax deduction qualified organizations receiving your gifts aware 'the "philanthropic or donor-advised fund." This is limited to the donor's cost basis instead of the of the source of the gift. type has numerous advantages offering immediate fair market value of the property. Let's look at an Finally, philanthropic funds generally bear the tax savings, the flexibility to suggest how charita- example of how beneficial this technique can be. name of the donor (or another person selected by ble dollars are spent during your lifetime, and the Example: Mr. and Mrs. Gold are holding $20,000 the donor) who may offer recommendations for disconvenience of the expert management services of worth of long-term appreciated securities with a tribution of both the fund's income and corpus to t h e Foundation. From a donor's perspective, it's cost basis of $2,000. The Golds would like to sell charitable organizations. Additional contributions difficult to find a down side to this program. the stock to protect then- $18,000 gain. But, in their are also accepted and encouraged whenever you A donor can create a philanthropic fund within 28 percent capital-gain tax bracket, they would owe find it advantageous to make them,'and the philanThe Foundation with a minimum of $5,000 in secu- $5,040 in capital-gain tax. Instead, the, Golds thropic fund, in effect, becomes your "bank" for rities; cash, or "other'property. Contributions to a decide'to use the stock to establish a philanthropic charitable objectives, because there is no requiredonor-advised fund give the donor an opportunity fund with The Foundation. By doing so, they are ment that you must direct the spending of cash in to take an immediate tax deduction up to the maxi- able to immediately deduct the full $20,000 fair- your fund in any given period. mum permitted by law in the year the gift is made. market value of the stock. In their 36 percent reguIf you are interested in creating a philanthropic This, includes the carryover provisions, currently lar income-tax bracket, the stock gift generates (donor-advised) fund or have questions about other five'years, if the contributions to your philanthrop- $7,200 in tax savings. Mr. and Mrs. Gold do not creative ways to provide permanently for the comic fund are in excess of your annual limits. These have to recognize any capital gain, thus saving an munity and for your charitable giving, please concontributions are then invested tax-free by The additional $5,040. tact me at (402) 334-6440. Foundation, and the investments generate the For a net after-tax cost of only $7,760 ($20,000 All contacts will be held in strict confidence. You 'incotiie"'whichcan be used to make distributions gift - tax saving of $5,040 and $7,200), the Golds may also wish to consult With your financial plan-, immediately to your favorite charitable organiza- established a philanthropic fund worth $20,000 ner or tax advisor and have them call me at the tions. Thedoriorcan do this, because according to which earns tax-free income and from which they Foundation office. ry.nt.ni
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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February 7,1997
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CALENDAROF, r EVENTS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7 Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. BESTT Shabbaton, grades 5 & 6, 5 p.m., at Beth El SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Israel Preparatory Class, 12:30 p.m. Temple Israel Men's Club Brunch, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel Family Mission Recruitment, 7 p.m., at the Home, of Sandy^ arid Paul Epstein MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 YESMeetmg,10a.m. Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts, 6 p.m. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Beth Israel Sisterhood Board Meeting 6 Luncheon, 11 a.m., at Beth Israel Temple Israel Torah on Wheels," noon Beth El Executive Committee Meeting, 7:30 p:m., at Beth El Temple Israel Family School, 6:30 p.m., . at Temple Israel ' WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 JFS Adoptive Couples Support Group, ' 7:30 p.m. CDC Storytelling Event, 7 p.m. Breadbreakers, noon, at Highland Country Club ,. Temple Israel Grade 9-11 Religious School, 6:30 p.m., at Temple Israel. , THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. BJE Board Meeting; .7:30 p.m. ., '•': ' Temple Israel Sisterhood Adult Education, '.•.; j9;30a.m., at Temple Israel ; , ,• ' All events hold at the JCC unless otherwloa • Indicated. Tho Jewish Press la not responsible (or the accuracy ol the above events. To keep calendar accurate : or (or questions, call Marlene Hart at 334-6437. '
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Sparks from The'Word byltabbiMyerS. Kripke Parashat Mishpatim An Interpretation of History
BESS R. FELLMAN Services for Bess R. Fellman, formerly of Omaha, were held Jan. 31 in Brentwood, Calif. It would probably be stretching the term too far She was preceded in death by her husband, to suggest that the rabbis had a "philosophy of his- Charles, and a sister, Gertrude R.'Pachman. ; tory." But they had an "interpretation" of history Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, that interests us very much. In a fairly substantial Toni and John Bloomberg of Park City, Utah; a excursus on the subject, they spell it out at the son, Stanley Fellman of Los Angeles; one grandbeginning of the Midrash Rabba on our Sidrah. son; a sister, Rose Novak; and nieces and nephews. Beginning with a verse from the Psalms (Ps. FLORENCE BELMONT 99.4), "Mighty King who loves justice...," they proServices for Florence Belmont, 63, were held ceed to suggest that the Lord's love of justice is Thursday at Mt. Sinai Cemetery. She died Feb. 3. manifest most of all when he punishes evil nations. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe. They do not refer to Pharaoh and Egypt, as Survivors include sons,and daughters-in-law, we might expect, instead they focus' our attention Mark and Jill Belmont, Ben and Betsy Belmont on Nebuchadnezzar and Edom. (Edom, or Esau, is regularly used as a code-word for the current and Randy Belmont; grandchildren, Jessica, oppressor, the Roman Empire. In later Jewish his- Lindsay, Colin, Michael and David, all of Omaha; a tory it is used for the oppressing Christian Church, sister and brother-in-law, Ellie and Gene Osheroff of Huntington Beach, CA; and a brother and sisterand still later for Czarist Russia). in-law, Barry and Bev Fredkin of Las Vegas. The rabbis were hard put to find an answer to , Memorials to your favorite charity. "Why does God wait so long?" In our own terms, why did the destruction of the Nazis have to wait Stars of Davidtill 20 million people had been killed in Europe, six an adoption group million of them murdered Jews, including a milby Jennifer Meyerson lion-and-a-half children, and an infinite amount of Jewish Family Service announces that a local sorrow and tragedy for survivors. In terms of the rabbis under the rule of Rome, chapter of Stars of David, Int'l, Inc., now being why was there not some overthrow of Rome much formed in Omaha. The Chapter is a non-profit, earlier? Why does God wait so long? They found information/support network for Jewish and intertheir answer in the Biblical account of the Ten faith adoptive and prospective adoptive families. Plagues before the Exodus. God had "hardened" The group is a continuation of the adoptive famithe heart of Pharaoh, so that his evil nature could lies support group that meets monthly at the JCC. For adoptive families, it is nice to "connect" with • manifest itself fully: then the downfall. So too, the rabbis explained, with Nebuchadnez- others who share similar experiences and situazar and Edom. God's fury would not demolish tions. The purpose of the Omaha Chapter of Stars them, did not demolish them, until they had dis- ' of David is to offer education and support to families whose lives have been touched by adoption. played the full measure of their wickedness. The first meeting will be Wednesday, Feb. 12, in I cannot tell whether or not this "theological interpretation of history" satisfied the rabbinic the Conference Room a t the Blumkin Home at mind. I know it does not satisfy me. I doubt if it 7:30 p.m. An annual family membership is $15, satisfies very many readers of this column. Should which provides access to all services and resources we r&t ask of the ancient rabbis, Would the world through Stars of David, International. Jewish Family, Service M s .been an agency mem- . i- not have much better if the Holy One, Blessed Be He, had nipped wickedness in the bud? Would the ber of Stars'of David since 199t>. Pre-registration is ' world not have been better? Would mankind not requested, if possible. Contact Jennifer Meyerson at JFS, 330-2024. Confidentiality respected. have been better? There is so much in rabbinic literature that is beautiful, morally inspiring,, ethically elevating, profoundly insightful, that we need not be mournful that here there is a failure1 of rabbinic underWorld-renowned pianist Emanuel Ax will appear-, ' standing of history. We need not hesitate to say Tuesday, Feb. 18, 8 p.m., that their interpretation of history does riot pass at Joslyn Art Museum as | ' muster. part of the- Tuesday But we are left with a hard nut to crack. Do we Musical" series.' : H6 "will . have a better, a fully consistent and deeply underperform a program of | standing philosophy of history? With our little wars here and there, accompanied by much Schubert 1 - 1 and- 'Liszt ;> tragedy, and all the world vulnerable to terrorism, pieces.^. . x .';.'.'.i'.\ : why is mankind so close to failure and so far from He appears re.gujar.ly ' moral achievement? Perhaps all we can say is that \ at t h e festivals of,the. our own influence, large or small, must be earnest'BBC Prpms, ^Blossom, ' Emanuel Ax ly directed to the moral, to the upright, to truth Edinburgh, Vtip Hpl,-, , and beauty. • lywood Bowl, Mostly Mozart, and Ravinia.' . . ( ; For ticket information, call 551-4805, or Stubs at 397-8823. ' ,
Emanuel Ax to appear at Joslyn Art Museum
A review-
Beehive comes to west Omaha C L
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by Larry Axelrod A new nightspot has opened in Rockbrook Village--the Rockin' C a b a r e t - a n d Larry Gallagher's Beehive, which was originally presented in the Old Market, has moved uptown. The audience is. treated to an ensemble of true professionals, including six musically-talented singers accompanied by a sophisticated seven-piece band, conducted by Jonathan Swoboda. The cast presents music of the '60s with exciting impersonations of the great female leads and girl groups of that period. Outstanding performances include Kathy Tyree as Aretha Franklin and Sue Booten as Janis Joplin. They brought the house down with their renditions of "A Natural Woman" and "Me and Bobby McGee." Booten teaches jazz in the JCC's dance program. This fast-paced production, directed by Gordon P. Cantiello, doesn't miss a beat! A limited menu of food and drink is also available. Call 392-1861 for times and ticket information.
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7023 Caes Street, Omaha, NE 08182 FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat Service, 7 p.m.; Shabbat' service,. 8:15 pirn.; Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Stiel and Hazzan Contzius will officiate. Rabbi Stiel will speak. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by Linda and Howard Shrier in honor of the. Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Sandra, which will be celebrated Saturday, Feb. 8. . : • v- 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~Ari informal Shabbat service that includes study and discussion of a variety of Jewish texts. Regular Shabbat service will be held in the sanctuary. SUNDAY: Chapel Prayer Service, 9:15 a.m. Men's Club Brunch, 10 a.m. in the Milder Center. Mayor Hal Daub will speak. Traditional lox and bagels will be served. Cost is $3 for nonmembers. TOW-Torah on Wheels will be held Tuesday, Feb. 11, noon-1:15 p.m., at the Pacesetter Corp., 4343 So. 96th St. Phil Schrager is the host. For reservations, call the Temple office at 556-6536. Adult Education February 13-Sisterhood Adult Education: 9:3011:30 aan., Hazzan Erik Contzius will lead a study of the old Union Prayer Book. 10:30-11:30 ajn.Rabbi Debbie Stiel will continue the study of selected Torah portions. • 7:30-8:30 p.m., "Beyond Midrash," led by Don Schwartz. -•„
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ROSE BLUW1KIN JEWISH HOME
SATURDAY: Services, led by Alan Shulewitz 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.
::, P.O. Box 241180, QmM&, MmMS FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat services every Friday night at 3012 S. 119th St., Omaha. Monthly family seryice'tonight ' - . . . • SUNDAY, 10 a.m.-Religious School at Weatside Community Education Center, 108th andGrover. Please check the Be'yt Shalom information line at 758-9233 for weather-related schedule changes.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America v 1502 No. 52nd St., Omaha, NI5 08104 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. FRD3AY:" Kabbalat Shabbat service, 5:30 p.m.; SATURDAY: Services, 8:45 a.m.; Jr. Congregation, 10:30 a.m. Kiddush sponsored by Rabbi Howard and Nadine Kutner in honor of the birth Of their twin sons. "Parsha of the Week," a course led by Yakova Herzig, 4 p.m., at the home of the Herzigs; Chumash class with Rabbi Kutner, 4:50 p.m. at the synagogue; Mincha at 5:20 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, 5:30 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 reading the Torah with traditional trope. WEEKDAYS: Services at 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Services are conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyans on Mondays and Thursdays, 7:15 a.m. FRIDAY: Services start at 8 p.m. The Oneg Shabbat will be hosted by Betty and Jeffrey •• v
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SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Jr. Congregation, 10:15 a.m.; "Lunch & Learn" with Gary Hill. CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURUN Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations 2061S. 2Qth S t , Lincoln, NE 68502-2707 Services are officiated by Cantor 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. B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE - ' •: •SlSMyttsterSV ; ' Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 . V , 322*4705 E-MAIL; docjeb2@worldnet.att.net FRIDAY: Services are conducted every Friday Shabbat Eve at 7:30 p.m. James Moore, a Christian retired executive, will discuss his independent study of the Torah.
SATURDAY: . , ; Davening starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by Eddish: ; SUNDAY: . .. "' Davening starts at 9:30 a.m. ..WEDNESDAYS: • Talmud classes; 9:30' a.m. .; THURSDAYS: • - Advanced Talmud, noon . . s , Yiddish^ "Hooked on Yiddish' lessons, Wednesdays, 7 p.m.
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OFfUTT
525th and Oapeliwt, €tonaha> NE FRD3AY: Services start at 8 p.m.
R SYNAGOGUE
U y g g of Conservative Judaism 1450S California, Omaha, ME 68154 492*550 W E B h / h f r t b l Office Hours:' Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and Cantor Emil Berkovits. FRDDAY: Services start at 6 p.m. v SATURDAY: Services start at 9:30 a.m. Kiddish following. • 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, 5:35 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION MINI COURSE A course, discussing questions of Jewish belief, will continue Sunday mornings, Feb. 9\md 16, from 10-11:30 a.m. » KIDS KABBALAT SHABBAT Shabbat evening services for children six and under, with their families, will be held Friday, Feb. 14, 7 p.m.
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TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502 423-8569,
Mellen.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Hosts needed for QTYG Conclave • by Jessie Krieger ;•• Omaha Temple Youth Group will host the annual 1997 NF/TY Missouri Valley Conclave to be held May 2-4. More than. 200 kids from around the area are expected to attend. We need hosts for one night for a few of these Jewish teens, which includes a Shabbat dinner and sleep over on Friday, and a ride Saturday morning to the Jewish Community Center. It would be a great help to OTYG if you would be willing to help. If interested, or for more information, call me at 391-6304. •
In the News This column features the names of members of the Jewish community (or former Jewish Omahans) who have made changes in their lives (graduations, job changes or promotions), received awards or made some noteworthy achievement. The name will be listed in boldface with a short description of the life change or award. A photo will be used if provided. . Bar and Bat Mitzvah Announcements of children becoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah will be printed on the synagogue page of The Jewish Press one week prior to the event. The following information may be included: name, name of parents, grandparents and/or great-grandparents (including late parents and/or late grandparents), names of siblings, date of event and synagogue location. In addition, the school which the child attends, honors and hobbies may be included, if space permits, as well as the name of the child's Mitzvah Project and a one-sentence description, if provided by the family. Clearly identified photos are welcome if they are easily reproduced.
Jewish Literature Havurahi to meet The Jewish Book Havurah continues Wednesday, Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m., at the home of Jeff and Eleanor Kirkland, 2230 Park Ave., Lincoln. Regulars are asked to call if they cannot-attend. The reading of the month is Gimpel the Fool and any short story or novel by Isaac Bashevis Singer.
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Page 4 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE February 7,1997
Editorial
WHEN THERMS' D0NTLE4D WHERE
If anyone else said these words, we'd call them racist A leader of a m^jor national Jewish organization said to me recently, "I would rather my son marry a Baptist than a "black-hat.' • After I recovered from my surprise at her strong remark, I thought about the other anti-Orthodox statements I'd heard in recent months. "They're pushy." "They're multiplying like rabbits." They're dirty and smelly." "They're trying to take over." If this were 1939, it would be the Nazis in prewar Germany making those statements...about a very assimilated Jewish community there. If this were 1960 Mississippi, those words would be uttered by white racists about blacks. If this were overheard in some sections of London, New York, or Tel Aviv, these remarks would be directed toward Indians, Pakistanis or Arabs. Obviously, we're not listening to ourselves preach about tolerance. The Jewish community is usually the first to protest when racist, anti-gay or anti-women remarks are made, especially in public forums. Where are we when the 'enemy is us,' when it's members of our own Jewish community painting the whole Orthodox community with one brush of intolerant and often ignorant adjectives? To presuppose that all Orthodox are intolecant of the rest of us in the Jewish community ..is to be as ignorant about them as some of them are about us. ' "But what about all the epithets the ultraOrthodox hurl at us?" many of you are now asking yourselves as you read this. Yes, there are bigots in that community as well; does their intolerant behavior give us any excuse to behave similarly? There are many shades of 'black' in the Orthodox world—from Rabbi Yitz Greenberg, founder of C L A L , the Center for Learning and Leadership, an American organization devoted to pluralistic cooperation among leaders and rabbis of all streams of Judaism, to Rabbi Ovedia Yosef, leader of the Shas party in Israel, who has fought against funding of Reform and Conservative insitutionsin Israel. Orthodox Jews represent as varied a community as the rest of us. Being Orthodox doesn't mean being intolerant. You can look around you right here in Omaha to see Orthodox rabbis working alongside rabbis of all other denominations to strengthen Jewish education and build Jewish identity among our children and young adults.
There's no place in our community for bigots of any kind.
IPA&&GDWIB1R COLLAR OF "DANU"
by Linda Piuclia Alnb«r Rviln Will* Tioppari Intact. Amlttillf m Sal III Melting Sltval Colku.
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Letter from Israel
'by Hairy Allen
This past week, Israel took a. major step in forging a mainstream consensus on the conditions for peace with the Arab Palestinians. The joint paper drafted by Yossie Beilan of the Labor party, and Michael Eitan of Likud laid out a number of principles, which, while not accepted in their entirety by either the Likud or Labor parties, represent the beginnings of movement toward the political center by moderates in both camps. The joint paper, signed by three major laborites and five prominent members of Likud, outlines what they see as the final goal of negotiations with the Palestinians, as follows: . 1. Jerusalem will remain the undivided capital of. Israel within its current boundaries. A Palestinian administrative center or capital would be established in an unnamed Arab suburb, perhaps Abu Dis. ' In addition, Arab citizens of Israel living within the boundries of Jerusalem would be encouraged to ' have cultural autonomy. 2. All existing settlements would remain under Israeli sovereighty; how this would work in practice is not spelled out. 3. Israel would not go back to the 1967 borders. 4. Whatever emerges as an eventual Palestinian
Family Mission Informational Meeting Sunday. February 9.7:00 p.m. at the home of Paul and Sandy Epstein 9743 Fieldcrest Dr. Mission dates: July 13-23,1997 Bar or Bat Mitzvah age children travel
entity would be demilitarized. 5. The Jordan River would be retained as a security boundry for the State of Israel. There are simply broad generalities to be sure | and are not yet agreed to by the majority of either Labor or Likud. But they represent a major departure from historic Likud positions and some retreat from previous Labor party policy. The paper is also very close to a previous one drafted by Beilin and Abu Mazan, the number two or possibly number three man in the PLO. These; papers will without doubt be on the negotiating i table when final status talks begin-which will be : relatively soon. ' What the paper pressages is that even though he1 was not a party to the position paper and opposes parts of it, the prime minister is moving slowly^ toward a national consensus on peace with the-, Palestinians. ' A national unity government this coming sum-,, mer is not out of the question, once the issue of: Labor party leadership is decided. As noted in this column in the past, such would be far more likely if Ehud Barak emerges as the, leader of labor rather than Shimon Peres.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 7,1997
Page 5
Sharansky's visit to Moscow filled with personal emotion by Lev Krichevsky wearing a traditional Russian fur hat, upon his arrival here. • ' Sharansky came with his wife, Avital, and mother,.Ida Milgrom, Both women led an intense international campaign to win his release from Soviet imprisonment. He was swapped for several spies in a 1986 prisoner exchange'with the West. Unlike many of his fellow dissidents who eventually left Russia and then paid visits to their native country shortly after the fall of communism, underground-Jewish-movemenHn Moscow. Sharansky waited until he was given a chance to "Sharansky suffered for us Soviet Jews. He was return to Moscow as a high-ranking Israeli official. the first to raise his voice to defend our rights," Sharansky was sentenced in 1977 to 13 years in said Mishkin, his eyes full of tears. ' ' jail on charges of treason and espionage for the Sharansky, now Israel's minister of industry and U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. He was fully trade, came to Moscow for the first time .since he exonerated by the Russian authorities only five was arrested by the KGB here in 1977. years ago. ' Apart from the trip's official goal of improving On his first day in Russia, Sharansky visited his trade-between his adopted country and his native father's grave, which he said he had never seen land,''the ..visit was full of deep personal emotions before because his father died when he was in for the man who started his struggle for human prison. rights and freedom of emigration in 1973 and today Accompanied by his wife, Sharansky visited sites can see the fruit of those efforts. in the Russian capital associated with his Jewish Sharansky says he came to Russia wearing more and human rights activities in the 1970s. than one hat—as a minister, as a Jewish activist Avital herself had not visited Russia since she and as a former dissident and defender of human was granted permission 23 years ago to leave for right's. Israel without her husband. "I have come back to a country where I have Meanwhile, accompanied by dozens of reporters, spent many years of my life, whose language I Sharansky led a bus tour of 1970s dissident know, whose culture I share," said Sharansky, Moscow. MOSCOW (JTA) - A t the entrance to Moscow's central synagogue, two men surrounded by dozens of cameras embraced one another. Lev Mishkin, a 74-year-old Moscow Jew, had come to the synagogue to greet the most famous former Soviet Jewish dissident who returned this week to Russia as a senior Israeli minister 11 years after his release from the gulag. Mishkin remembers when Natan Sharansky, then known as Anatoly, was a young activist in the
The sites passed by included the U.S. Embassy, Pushkin Square, where the first demonstration of Soviet Jews took place in 1973, and the Central Telegraph building where the dissidents practiced silent indoor demonstrations. . The bus also passed the infamous KGB building on Lubyanka Square, where many dissidents had been interrogated, and the former office building of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, to which Sharansky and his colleagues had brought human rights petitions, . And most importantly, the group stopped at the Choral Synagogue that served as a magnet for all Jewish activities during the Soviet era. It was outside the synagogue where Sharansky first met his future wife, Avital, about 25 years ago. The retired Moscow Jew who came to the syna-. gogue for the purpose of seeing Sharansky was alone in his recognition of the former dissident. "The younger generation doesn't know who Sharansky was," Mishkin said. "And those who knew, had already left the country." Teenagers at a Moscow Jewish day school proved that Mishkin was right. "I hadn't heard (Sharansky's) name until it was announced he would come to our school," said Natasha, a 16-year-old high school student. Sharansky was scheduled to visit the school during his trip.
Our man in Ssraei Carl Alpert . Israel Army trains entrepreneurs and women, after they complete their army service, Haifa—The name Nahal may not mean anything into these channels of the new economy? to friends and observers overseas, but every Israeli . Three experimental groups' were set up, drawn is familiar with it. In 1949, as the Israel army largely from young people in border villages or began to absorb large numbers of new immigrants, development towns, where their civil opportunities it was realized that in addition to their functions in were limited. Their external service, while still in the defense of the country, the armed forces also uniform, was spent not in milking cows or plowing had to serve as an educational element in introduc- the fields, but in listening to 300 hours of lectures ing the newcomers into the life and spirit of the on financial administration, on pricing and marland.;Those were still days of pioneering idealism, keting. They got practical experience, not on farms, • Healthcare Service and so Nahal. was born. .•'••• but as "cadets" with existing industrial enterprises. In The Comfort Of Your Home The name is a Hebrew acronym for "Pioneering All this was presented in the spirit of facing up to 552-3059 ' Fighting Youth." The intention was to expose the realism of modern economy, and with a sense Staff members on call 24 hours a day these young people to agricultural pioneering in of ideological motivation in advancing the welfare 7 days a weqk the hope that many of them would elect kibbutz of the country as a whole. life after demobilization. As a matter of fact, less The Ministry of Trade and Industry is providing than 20%.did, but the map of Israel is dotted with the extra financing required for the course. No one over 100 settlements set up by Nahal graduates. expects that this program can possibly replace the Through the years, recruiting for Nahal met with conventional college and university, but it is an diminishing success. Though its ranks wereopen to experiment in uncovering talents of young people . youth from all elements of the community, fewer who might never have entered academic channels. and fewer were attracted by" the "vision" oflife or All this against the background of regular army even service on a kibbutz. Army authorities pon- duty, basic training, use of weapons, field service, dered. ShouldJVaW.be discontinued? .etc. One'program has now been completed, and the Boys and Girls: Newborn - 8 ;t Then came a new idea. Pioneering these days is 27 members discharged. Hopefully, many will taking oh different formB.TThe economic base of the return to their home towns to set up a business (Breast ..country is ho longer agricultural. .Nor is the collec- . and provide local employment. (ProstReses e£ tive life? of the kibbutz considered! the ideal. \ Mastectomy (Bras Word has gotten around, and urban youth have Certllted Fitters :)'.- Israel}B entering the 21st century as an indus- begun to apply, for enrollment in the Nahal frameProvide That Peisonal Touch trial state. The pioneers are those with ideas and. work. I t will be at least a year or more before the • .initiative who" can create export-oriented indus- results can be analyzed and the success of the pro: tries/fhey are the ones who chart hew paths to- gram judged. If it continues, the goal of Nahal Meridian Park • 70th & O • 464-MOMS (6667) national prosperity and personal success. Why not- .graduates will no longer be "Let's set up a kibbutz," Llncoln.NE Hours:Mon-Th 10-6 Fri-Satl 0-5Sun 1-5 utilize1 the Nahal framework to direct young men but "Let's set up a business!"
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Page 6
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 7,1997
About..,. doing your taxes '..
Women: how and why they donate their money (Continued from page 1)
"Women are more prompt in fulfilling the commandments."
spearheaded by women to provide funds for a particular Federation agency or purpose. "Today many.women;;realize that their financial security to a great degree relies on their understanding and knowledge of'financial matters,'" (i$Modu8.'R.28:2) Bernstein said. "Women need to know what their "The women of Omaha are very generous givers," Mrs. Schneiderman remarked. From the largest financial goals are, what their assets are.and what donations to the smallest, women in Omaha give to they're worth, how they're invested, and most their utmost ability, she noted. "They are extraordi- importantly, whether they are succeeding in achieving the future they've planned for themnary." . , Jewish women in particular were brought up to selves." He added that "this is vital information in recognize the importance of performing a mitzvah, order to effectively make your money work for you." "Women should take an active part in the man, Schneiderman, who is a past chairman of the , Omaha Federation Women's Campaign, said, is agement of their financial affairs which includes Omaha's Partnership 2000 chairman, and has held planning to give some of their financial assets as positions on the Strategic Planning Steering contributions and deferred gifts," Bernstein Committee, its Financial Resources Development explained. • "There are various ways to give yourself a sense Sub-Committee, and as chairman of the Israel Subcommittee. Through tradition, Jewish women were of accomplishment, satisfaction, and even tax relief taught that helping other people "comes in second including bequests, endowment and philanthropic funds, charitable remainder trusts, and life insurright after raising your family," she affirmed. Jan Perelman, assistant director-of the Jewish ance policies among others. These arrangements Federation, confirmed that in Omaha the Women's will effectively perpetuate your strongly-held Division "is extremely important and is an area of beliefs and efforts to insure the quality of Jewish life in the future," he stated. "Women's giving impacts on men's "Women feel good about what their dollars do for giving, the family's gift, and provides others and how their dollars help others improve an example for children to give their lives," stressed Schneiderman, who has three "grown children. She and her husband, Les, welTzedakah." comed their fifth grandchild at the end of January. "Women want to use their dollars and their hours dramatic growth. Another area showing growth in women's philan- to build and enhance the Jewish community for thropy has been the establishment of new endow- their children and grandchildren." Kosmin and Ritterband agreed: "Women volunment funds, said Sheldon Bernstein, endowment teers' greater social awareness has resulted from director of The Jewish Federation Foundation. "In the mid-1980s, federations began to take seri- their much earlier move away from mere solicita-1 ously the increasing importance of business and tion toward the concept of 'community building career women as well as the wealthy widow as composed of year-round education and social propotential significant donors," according to Kosmin gramming as well as recruitment and campaign planning. and Ritterband's book. "Again, there is in these programs much more Within the Omaha Federation Foundation, there are 27 endowment funds that were created by infusion of local issues and concern for the local women who left bequests in their wills, by women community." to honor or memorialize someone, or in honor or Schneiderman emphasized that women's divimemory of individual women. These funds repre- sions and their endowment activity is "absolutely sent approximately 17 percent of the total number essential. Women have to look at every way possiof The Foundation's endowments. ble to perpetuate the future. It's everyone's responThe establishment of other endowments were sibility."
The following is a list of the schedules most commonly used with the 1040: Schedule A (itemize deductions)); Schedule B (report taxable interest or dividends in excess of $400);"Schedule C or C-EZ (report "profit or loss from a business); Schedule D (report capital gains and losses); Schedule E (report supplemental income and losses); Schedule EIC (claim earned income tax credit). ' .
Gather Income Statements Generally, W-2 forms are wage and tax statements you receive from your employer.. You should receive a W-2 from every employer at the beginning of each year for income earned the previous year. If you do not receive a W-2 form by Feb. 1, contact your employer. It is your responsibility to report all your earnings. Generally, banks, mutual funds and other investment firms provide 1099 forms that show dividends and interest earned over the course of the previous year. You might also receive a 1099 if you did work as an independent contrac tor. Interest and other income must be added to your total earnings. Again, you are responsible for reporting the earnings listed on all 1099s. '
Prepare Your Return Use the following checklist as you gather information and prepare your taxes: • Collect all records, including W-2s, 1099s, receipts, etc. '. ., ' , . - • . - . • Obtain forms and schedules from the public library or IRS. • Fill in your return following the directions in the appropriate booklet. . , • • Check your return for accuracy. •.,..-. • Sign and date your return. • Attach all required forms. •••., Include the payment voucher (Form 1040-V) with any required payment.
Avoid Errors People are human and make mistakes—the IRS knows this. But if you're aware of the most common mistakes, you may be less likely to make them. Watch out for: • An incorrect Social Security number • Incorrect math • No signature or, if you're filing join'tly, only one signature • Failure to include W-2's Other areas prone to error are.deductions for travel and entertainment, deductions for a home office and capital gains and losses. If you do make a mistake—minor or otherwise—you should amend your return by filing a 1040X.
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Page 8
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 7,1997
Healthcare related provisions
Tax changes for
Tax law changes could affect the bottom line of your 1996 income tax return. Here are some changes you should know about. Medical Savings Accounts Each year, there are changes to the tax rules, Beginning in 1997 and continuing, through 2000, some due to new laws, some to changes provided the 1996 Tax Law allows certain taxpayers to for in previous laws. The following are some of the make tax deductible contributions to a Medical more common changes that could affect most peoSavings Account (MSA) that year. ple's income tax returns. To qualify, the taxpayer must be covered under a Individual Changes high-deductible health plan of a small employer, or Personal exemptions are worth $2,550 for 1996. be self employed with such a high-deductible plan, For people who do not itemize their deductions, the and generally may not be covered by any other standard deduction has increased. The new medical plan. amounts are $4,000 for single peo pie who cannot Long-term Care Insurance be claimed as another person's dependent; $5,900 The new law provides favorable tax treatment for for heads of households; and $6,700 for married long-term care insurance contracts. In general, a people filing jointly or qualifying widow(er)s. . long-term care insurance contract is insurance that People who are at least 65 years old or blind get only provides coverage of qualified long-term care an extra amount added to their standard deducservices and that meets certain other requirements tion. The standard deduction is limited to the largspecified in the law. " ^ ^ ' er of $650 or earned income for people who can be Medical Expense Deduction. claimed as dependents by another,, and to $3,350 Effective for tax years starting after 1996, unre- for married persons filing separately. imbursed expenses for qualified long-term care serThe earned income tax credit (EITC) will vices provided to the taxpayer, the taxpayer's increase in 1996 for working people who qualify. spouse, or a dependent are treated as itemized The amount a person can earn and still be eligible medical expenses, subject to the tax law's 7.5%-of- for the credit increases, top. .]•!.. AGI deduction floor.. Another change to the EITC relates to people Long-term care insurance premiums are treated with investment income, such as interest, divias medical expenses for purposes of the itemized dends, rents and royalties. No one who has more medical expense deduction to the extent they do than $2,350 in investment income may claim the not exceed specified dollar limits (e.g., $2,000 a EITC. year for individuals ages 61 through 70, $2,500 for And finally, the EITC will be denied to any indithose over 70.) vidual who is not authorized to work in the U.S. In Self-employed Insurance Costs order to claim the credit, Ihe taxpay er (and the 1996 Tax Law gradually increases the deduc- spouse, if married) must have a valid Social tion for health insurance expenses for a self- Security number. employed individual and the individual's spouse A valid taxpayer identification number will be and dependents from the current 30% to 80% start- required for each dependent or qualifying child as ing in 1997 and ending in 2006. a condition for claiming a dependen cy deduction Consult your Certified Public Accountant for fur- or a dependent care credit for the child. ther information on the above provisions. Other changes affecting this year or future tax by Sheila M. Jones and Lester P. Nosal
1996
years will affect puni tive damages received for personal injury or sickness, qualified state tuition programs, individual retire ment account (IRA) contributions for spouses who do not work, a nonrefundable credit for certain adoption expenses, and medical savings accounts. Business Changes The 1996 standard mileage rate for using one's car for business is up a penny to 31 cents a mile. The speeial rate for rural mail earners is up to 46.5 cents a mile. And for 1996, the maximum wages and selfemployment income subject to Social Security: tax is$62,7pO. '•;•• : ;• The deduction for expenses in maintaining a home office has been clarified to permit a'deduction for expenses related to a storage•unit'regularly used for inventoryor product samples for tax years . beginning after Dec; 31,1995. ! ' ' 5 ;: "; E m p l o y e r s w h o w e r e to begin m a k i n g t a x » deposits electronically as of J a n / 1 ; 1997> rioWhave until J u l y 1, 1997, to; begin using'the Electronic FederalTaxPaymentSystem'." ^ T ;:;\l.{;<•'.-• The exclusion for employers-provided educational assistance, which had expired Dec.; 1994;' has been retroactively extended through taxable years beginning before June 1,1997/ .->;Mt;"-< • '" '•<>•.•:>». . Other business changes for'; this year or future tax years affect depreciable property;1 work opportunity tax credit, orphan drug tax credit,1 excise taxes and health insurance deductions for selfemployed person's. For more information oh tax changes, call 1-800829-3676 and get Publication 553, Highlights of 1996 Tax Changes. •'.;...'.; •;•. The IRS has tax forms, publications and other information available on-line. Access through the Internet via the World Wide Web (http://www.ir8.ustreas.gov); file transfer protocol (ftp.irs.ustreas.gov); or Telnet (iris.irs.ustreas.gov). To access by modem, dial 703-321-8020.
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Most people know that wages from a job are part of their income, and if they have enough, they will have to pay taxes on them. But what about profits from hobbies, interest, dividends or unemployment compensation? They are-also part of gross income—the same as wages and any other income ^that's not specifically excluded by law. All gross 'income is added together to find out if one owes tax and how much. Here are some other examples to consider when filing the 1996 income tax return. Awards, Prizes and Other Winnings Awards, prizes from contests or drawings, gambling or other cash winnings are taxable income. Trips, cars and other noncash prizes are included in income at their fair market value. •.' • "Tips Are Income, Too Tips are taxable income and must be reported as wages, on the tax return. This includes.the value of noncash tips, like passes', tickets, goods or services. Employees must give a written report to their employers each month they get'tips of $20 or more. Pay Taxes on Odd Jobs, Top , People who make $400 or more working for them : : selves or doing jobs on the side will probably owe serf-empJoymentNtax, This is. a Social Security and Medicare tax for people who work for themselves.' They will need to file Form 1040 as well as ScheduleSE.
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An IRA can lower tax bill For many people who work for companies without a pension plan, setting up an individual retirement arrangement (IRA) can give a double bonus. It can lower their taxes if they make ' deductible contributions to the IRA and provides for a more secure retirement. Anyone who has taxable compensation, such as wages, tips, commissions and taxable alimony, and who will be under age 7054 at the end of the year can set up an IRA. Money can be put into an. IRA at any time during the year or by the due date of the tax return for that year, not including extensions. , • Contributions must be in the form of money, such as cash; check or money order: Property doesn't count. The most that can be contributed for: any year is $2,000 or taxable.compensation, whichever is smaller. For married couples who work, the maximum is $2,000 each. A working . spouge can. pet up a spousal IRA for a spouse who has little or no taxable compensation. [ • •, :%e maximum combined contributions to the working spouse's IRA and the spousal IRA is $2,250,, Many people can- deduct part or all of . their contributions. IRA earnings generally, are npt taxed until they are.withdrawn from the account Publication-590, Individual Retirement . Arrangements. (IRAs), gives more information on IRAs, including how to compute and report deductible and nondeductible 'contributions, when to start withdrawing money and what actions will result in penalties. Order it by calling 1-800-8293 6 7 6 .
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Don't let a shrinking wallet turn into a late federal income tax return. The results could make that wallet even emptier. Once people get behind in their taxes, they often continue to put off filing. But the IRS says that is the worst move a person could make. Although there are penalties and interest for paying late, the penalties for failing to file in the first place are much'larger. With each return not filed, the debt piles up. By the time IRS comes looking for the taxpayer, the amount owed may be overwhelming. To avoid penalty and interest charges, people should pay their tax liability in full. Those who cannot afford to pay what they owe should contact the IRS to discuss payment options such as installment payments and offers to settle their tax account for less than the amount owed. However, the offer must be in the best interest of both the person and the government. The bottom line is that it's always better to file and, if necessary; make arrangements to pay rather than waiting for IRS to .enforce the tax . laws. Consequences for not filing returns or answering IRS letters can range up to an IRS lien against property or, in worst cases, criminal ' "
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by Harold Stein Leasing a new vehicle presents certain tax advantages over the purchase of a vehicle. The first advantage is in the amount of sales tax. When purchasing a vehicle, the sales tax is computed on the difference between the cash price and the trade-in, if any. On a lease, sales tax is based upon the lease payment, whether one or multiple payments. Since the cost of leasing is less than purchasing, the sales tax is based upon a smaller amount—thus, a tax savings is realized. The second significant tax advantage comes with a vehicle that is being leased for business purposes. A company is allowed to deduct up to 100% of the lease cost of a vehicle used strictly for business purposes. If the vehicle is leased by a corporation -and provided to an employee, to be used by the individual for both business and personal use, the personal use'portion of the lease payment is a taxable benefit to the employee, while the lease payments remain entirely deductible by the corporation. By comparison, a purchased vehicle is subject to maximum annual depreciation limits. The tax advantages, and other potentid&savings, of leasing your new vehicle will vary, based upon the type of car, price, length of lease, miles driven, and whether the vehicle is used for business. For the lease program best suited for you, see your hew car lease consultant.
• • • .-.• . '
' The IRS-has information on the rights taxpayers have when dealing with the IRS.and the col-' lection process; how it affects them, and where to gofbr help if a problem can't get resolved. Details on these topics are covered in Publication 1, Your Rights As a Taxpayer and Publication 594, Understanding the Collection Process. Call 1-800 829-3676 for copies.
Page 9
Need tax help? IRS offers an array of services Nebraska taxpayers should soon receive their 1996 tax forms from Uncle Sam. If you need tax help this'year, you should know about the wide range of options you have. If you have a computer, your answers are as close as the IRS Home Page on the World Wide Web. Once you're online, you'll |ind forms and publications, tax tables, rate schedules, tax regulations with simple explanations, and answers to the most frequently-asked questions. You'll find the Home Page at http://www.irs.ustreas,gdv. This same information is available through IRIS, the Internal Revenue Information System bulletin board. To access IRIS directly via modem, call 703-321-8020. If you can't access the web page, but need additional forms or publications, you just need to make a toll-free call (1-800-TAX-FORM (829-3676). It's available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. If you need general tax information, call TeleTax. You'll find recorded tax information on nearly 150 topics. Tele-Tax is available by touchtone phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you have a rotary dial or pulse dial phone, call between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Tele-Tax number is 1-800-829-4477.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Volunteers from the annual Tax Counseling For the Elderly (TCE) program are now taking appointments from taxpayers over age 60 who Tax relief can would like help completing their income tax returns. ' soften disaster Volunteer tax counselors, trained by the IRS, will Losing personal or business property due to a fire, flood, hurricane, theft or other similar events be available through the April 15 filing deadline to is devastating, but some losses can be recouped help complete the 1040 and 1040A tax forms. Volunteers are trained in details of pension through federal income tax breaks. income, capital gains and losses and tax benefits People who suffer a casualty loss or theft may be for retired individuals. .. ., . able to deduct the* loss when they itemize deducAppointments may be scheduled at any of the tions on their tax returns. If the loss happens in an area declared a disaster area by the president, peo- sites, while in-home visits may be arranged for ple can choose to deduct the loss when they file those who are homebound. The annual program is sponsored by the Eastern their tax return for the year of the loss, or amend their return for the year before the loss, whichever Nebraska Officeon Aging's Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. There is no charge for the serprovides the best tax result. vice. Details can be found in Publications 547, To set up an appointment, or for more informaCasualties, Disasters, and Thefts (Business and tion, call RSVP at 444-6558. Nonbusiness), and 1600, Disaster Losses. Call 1-800-829-3676. _ Can't Pay, File Anyway
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February 7, 1997
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Making organ donation part of estate planning Conservative rabbis support organ donation
Organ transplants do work continued from page 1 Think about the family, forced to make an emo- lawyer's office while making decisions about wills, tional decision about a loved one facing impending durable powers of attorneys, living wills, etc. For example, a donor and his family may want to death in an emergency room. Now, contrast it with discussing matters in the rational calm of your be sure that organ donation is approved by his religion (almost all religions do) and the donor will have time to make his intentions known to. his MIDWEST COMPUTER WORX immediate family, whose consent is necessary Economical and reliable computer service before a valid donation may be made. for home and small businesses How much easier for the client and his family if. •Hardware repairs •Preventive maintenance this has been thought about, and made clear, •Installation 'Upgrades 'System backups ahead of time. Most important, the decision is more likely to to be in favor of organ donation if the client and his family have had time to satisfy questions. Age should not be a barrier. Donations are accepted from several months to 75 years of
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(Continued from page 1) With its congregational arm, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the assembly has mailed donor cards to its 850 congregations in the United States and Canada, asking them to sign up their members for this donor program. ' Prouser said there is a widespread misperception that organ donation is prohibited under Jewish law, due to restrictions against physical disfigurement of a body. Saving a life is, in fact, "a religious mandate of a higher order." Much of the rabbi's research was done at the New Britain General Hospital library, where he learned about the process and techniques of organ donation. Through sophisticated computer techniques, a donor can be matched with a recipient across the country,' he said. "One donor can often save up to five or six or seven individuals." Prouser said the success rate of these operations range from 70 percent for liver and lung transplants to 90 percent for-kidneys. "A great deal of rabbinic attention has been paid to medical ethics," Prouser said, and there is precedent for approval for organ donation in passages from both the Torah and the Talmud. He noted that in'Leviticus it states, "You shall not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor" and that in Maimonides.it is written, "All Israel are commanded to take life-saving action." - J ^ •; While medical ethics have been studied for a long time, Prouser said, the Rabbinical Assembt/s position marked the first time a religious body has made such a strong statement, "that refusing to save lives is contrary 16 our Jewish tradition." Prouser said the reaction to his study has been overwhelmingly positive. He said people With whom he has spoken are pleased at the prosDect^>f saving lives and "pleased that traditional^ Jewish law is so relevant in the closing years of th,e 20th y "I have not had any negative responses at this point," he said: "I believe that those, who rea.ct.pegatively will do so with tihe emotions," not Witfr,a dispassionate reading of Jewish law. ^ *''"$.. . Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerof Beth David-Syfragogue in West Hartford agreed.; ' . ' "Orthodox Judaism has always supported organ transplantation" if it is'done from a deceased, person, and if the life-saving benefit is immediate, ; Adler said. But he stressed that a life should never be prematurely ended, no matter how close to death, to allow for transplantation. Medical research has developed to a point where Jewish law has been satisfied, Adler said. Adler stressed that the improvements in medical technology make the difference. "Law doesn't change. Law simply responds to the circumstance," he said. Beth El Synagogue strongly supports organ donation, according to Rabbi Paul Drazen. The Rabbinical Assembly donor cards, which were distributed to the congregation, are still available by calling the office at 492-8550. "At this year's observance of organ donor Shabbat, Ken Weiner spoke, adding a'personal side to the halachic requirement to be an organ donor," Rabbi Drazen added. "It is a mitfcvah to help give life."
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February 7,1997 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
GERMRNV = KENOPHOBIfl? by flnna Cotton Put up a fence Close down the border They don't fit In • In our new order. from SKIN DEEP by Lois Ruby Such is the chant of the German skinheads. Mobs and mobs of these "skins" have marched and held demonstrations against foreigners ever since the reunification of Gemany in the I99Q'S. But who exactly are these skinheads? Punks? No. That's oversimplifying. Skins are ' socioeconomlc violent counterculture gang members. In English: SCUM. Many, perhaps too many, of these scum are Germans, combating against foreigners in a misguided, insane act of loyalty and justice. There was a loud explosion, andsud' denly a sheet of flame leapt skywards, licking the heavens with little tongues of red, yellow, blue, and white hot fire. Men with blackened faces essayed to combat this sudden fiery vengeance from Hell while crowds of teenagers sporting shaved heads, black leather Jackets, and swastikas laughed, cheered, applauded, and cried, "Sieg Helll Down with the Jews! Hell Hitlerl" Down with the Jews/ Ditty cowsl ChristkHlersI Down with the Jews!' Sound like something from a horror movie? Unfortunately, it isji>So what is it? Another example of xenophobia In action. This often senseless fear and hatred of strangers and foreigners has prompted about 7,000 incidents based upon Anti-Semitism. Foreigners, non-Germans, Jews and ' Slavs are especially easy targets of fear and hatred-feared because they might and will contaminate the "perfect" Germans and hated because "Germany is for the Germans." •-"Foreigners get free care from the government. They get treated better
than we do," some Germans claim. "German citizenship is based upon blood and ancestry. None of these for" V i' 1 ^'"" .'• 1 signers is of ' -l!L- ' • — " German blood or-of Germandescent. They live off our land. The J e w i s h •>v. Germans? Pah! They are not Germans. They are Jews. Gypsies and Christians and Slavs? Anna Africans and Vietnamese and Turks? They are what they are, but they are not Germans. No one is German except for the true citizenry.": Yes, skinheads are against anyone "foreign." As one skinhead put it, "If it solves the foreigner problem, I'm for violence 100 percent!" This disease of xenophobia has become deadly. Was Hitler xenophobic? Undoubtedly! Twelve million dead because of his fear that they would contaminate the "true" Germans. As I write this, swirls of emotion cloud my senses-sadness, anger, fear. Why do we promote these monsters to live, these pasudniaks, these xenophobics? Why do they do what is all in their power to ethnically cleanse their state of "dirty" foreigners? Igriatz Bubis, head of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, said, "How is it possible that things have come this far? Arid how far will they go?" Can this diseased wave of hatred be stopped in time? How far will things go? Will we be able to stop this before it is too late ?????????? Anna Is a sophomore at Westslde and a member of Both El Synagogue.
Page 11
KEEPING THE COUENRNT by Steue Kotok For 2,000 years, Jews spoke of returning to the land of their ancestors, but lack of will and resources prevented them from making the pilgrimages. Finally, in this century, they regained the land they claimed God had promisedthem. This past summer, I journeyed to the land my ancestors only dreamed of reaching. My experience provoked many thoughts and changed the course of my life. First, I want to explain how being in the presence of a wall possessed the power to jar my eyes open to my responsibility as a modem-day Jew. As I embraced the wall, I kissed the Jerusalem stone and shed a tear for my people. Thoughts rushed through my mind like a raging river. As I stood there, surrounded by religious fanatics, I wondered, "Do I even believe in God as more than a mythological figure?" However, in a brief moment, I reached a realization for the question that preyed on my spirituality. We all perceive God in differing ways, varying from an extension of ourselves to an almighty, controller of fate. I feel my acknowledgment of a divine creator and my belief in the universe itself as
God constitutes a belief in God, no matter how untraditional it appears: Before my trip,-1 identified myself as an American-born Jew with little responsibility to the preservation of my religion. I deceived myself by thinking my lack of belief in a western God, combined with my discontent for the current Jewish moverhent, restrained me from retaining my tie to the religion. However, time spent in Israel altered my train of thought. It troubles me greatly to think of the assimilation of American Jewry and how, before my enlightening experience, I placed a minor importance on refusing personal assimilation. ' Holocaust survivor and writer Elie Wiesei said, "What no generation had, we have. In spite of all the dangers, the. threats and the wars, we have Israel. We can go to Jerusalem. Generations and generations could,nol, and we can." I strongly agree with this statement since.it intrigues me to think how, for years, my ancestors fought persecution and accepted an outcast role in many societies in honor of their roots, beliefs, and hope to return to Israel. For me, it seems degrading to my ancestors to abruptly end what they viewed important enough to sacrifice their own lives. My descendants may or may not relate to their Jewish identity, but I would be a thief if I robbed them of what their ancestors gave to me. ' '• Sieve Is a senior at Central, a member of USY, Chalm Weizmann AZA and Beth El Synagogue.
PERCHED - scratchboard by Jennifer Rifkin
LIFE'S GREAT RTRNDOUER by Charles Landouj —mm For the past YA years, I have been I living and going to school at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. Before, of course, I had a great life in Elkhorn, but I find la vie on the East j Coastto bean I exciting and ;!scintillating change. A lotfj is different, like attitudes, customs and people, and I have changed a little, too, but I it is a new 6utI look on life I that I like a lot. My school, I known as Charles Andover, has 1200 students and is located 20 miles north of the great city I of Boston. About 800 students are boarders like me, and we live in dorms, similar to college. The others I live at home and travel to school every (day. Out here, there are no parents, and I therefore less guidance. I have found I this to be both cool and a little tough. I Of course, no one can tell you what to I do, which is often very fun. You can exercise spontaneity with your friends Jin taking a Saturday In Boston or j catching a film at night. On the flip 1 side, though, there are always times when I miss my great parents and the I feeling of home. However, dorm life Is 'excellent, i exciting, and a great chance to experi-
ence college life a little early. You are your own alarm clock, you make yourself do homework, and when you need a break, there are your dormmates to hang around with. In addition, your best friends live with you In the same building, so it is easy to get together. Every once in a while, I get sick of my dorm room and wish for home cooking, but life here is still really good. Besides the dorm aspect, there are academics and sports like every other high'school. Classes are often tough, but nearly everyone works hard and the teachers are fantastic. Sports are also required, but there are many recreational options which I have utilized. Especially interesting are some East Coast haunts like Lacrosse, Squash, Field Hockey, and Cross Country Skiing. A lot of time is spent on work and sports, but with the community atmosphere, nothing is really a problem. Besides all that, though, I usually find myself ready to return to Omaha and rest by the time a vacation- rolls around. It's really fun but here, but home is always a good place to go back to, especially after the stress buildup from school. Overall, I am enjoying myself and am glad I opted for a change of pace by coming to Massachusetts. But I hope everything is still going great in my home of Nebraska. Sorry It's 30 degrees warmer here than there, but spring break is coming! Charles Is a sophomore at Andover and a member of Temple Israel.
Jennifer Is a sophomore at Mlllard North, a member of Bdiar and Beth El Synagogue.
THE DESERT. ••
• by Jessica Chait
When you first view the desert through sheltered eyes, you see a dry dusty'domain that awaits arrival of a drop of rain. Why iim I here you ask yourself? This is not beauty, it is just a bunch of stones. • For the beauty of which you cannot see, lies within the stones that lie in the desert. For you see, you must live in the desert.: Experience it, and last of all survive it. Then, and only then, will you start to notice the little things. Such as the sparkling stars that rise and fall. The blazing sun with a mixture of red, orange, and yellow. The interesting people that live here, and their interesting cultures. And last of all, you. For now that you have lived In the desert, you are a part of it: , And when you are dpne^^-—^ you will look back through unsheltered vision, and see beauty beyond all meaning.
Jessica Is a senior at Westslde, a member of MZ Yoshanah and Temple Israel.
Page 12 "—
February 7,1997
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Omaha Racers and ADL designate February as 'Prejudice is Foul Play' month
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by Cindy Kaufman The Omaha Racers have teamed up with the League (ADL), combining their 451-42001 [393^4800] JJem^r RRC!C.' Anti-Defamation strengths to stress the importance of teamwork in combating prejudice and hatred in our community. Both organizations have designated February as "Prejudice is Foul Play" month. A. FWedman Qompany Established in 1913 to combat virulent antiSemitism and discrimination, the ADL is the foreAlan K. Rriedman " front of the struggle for civil rights in America. President Through its network of regional offices, ADL comGraduate Gemologlst bats anti-Semitism, all forms of bigotry and dis9107 Wilshire Boulevard. Suite 320 crimination, and promotes harmonious relations Beverly Hills, California 90210 between diverse religions between diverse religions 310-278-4944. Fax 310-278-5449 and ethnic groups. Member of West Coast Diamond Club 'Estate Jowotora Association of America The month-long campaign is underwritten by No Frills Supermarkets, Pepsi, Tide and KMTVChannel 3. There will be a series of public service It'iVm I s * Part announcements on KMTV and on the Racers flagTtu Ufa Need ship station, 89.7 "The River," tags in Racers radio, television and print media, educational programs ToO*?" jr Taking / sponsored by the ADL, and Racers appearances at ThflLeSd / ll'i All f schools and No Frills. 01 Us I r Highlighting the month is "Prejudice is Foul Play aSLn \ Night," Saturday, Feb. 15, when the Racers take on H's.you. V . V It's me ^ the Oklahoma City Cavalry at 7:30 p.m. If* ail ' / / v^N All kids in attendance at Ak-Sar-Ben Coliseum ' of us. ' © will receive a limited edition set of. Racers player _ ' • \? } t cards. Each card will help to stamp out prejudice with an important message from the ADL. The Racers will autograph the cards after the "Health Care designed to game. Omaha Public Schools 6th graders will be keep you at home!" guests of the Racers, ADL and the sponsors. Racers When illness occurs, long term or short will donate $1 of every ticket sold from the game to term, consider the alternative of Home the ADL. HealthCare. At halftime, fans will be invited down to the court to shoot a free-throw for a $1 donation to the Let us tailor design a program to fit ADL. Just for shooting, fans will receive a 2-liter your or a loved one's needs.. .at Iwme! bottle of Pepsi. If they make the shot, they'll win a All Midlands 24-pack of Pepsi, plus other prizes from No Frills, Health Services Tide, Pepsi and»KMTV. >RNs 'Homo Insured • Bonded i "We are so pleased to be working as partners 'LPNs Health 8534 Coss Street, Omaha, NE 68114 with the Racers and our sponsors to promote the Aides 391-5554 'Prejudice is Foul Play' program," said Bob Wolfson, Director of ADL/CRC: ' "I hope the community will see this month (February) as an opportunity to join us in our ongoing fight to reduce prejudice in our city," Wolfson added. For more information, contact Rob Goodman, Omaha Racers Vice-president and General Manager, at 551-5151. • \ ' -
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Hpw's your sense of direction? Mine isn't exactly to brag about, which means I really listened carefully when I recently/fheard about a fabulous "address finder." No, this isn't something you punch up on ttie computer. . .well, not the computer on your desk anyway. V This latest electronic wonder is mounted on (or in) the dashboard of the car. It has a small screen and when you punch in the address of your destination, it produces a map showing the most direct route. I'm told it even includes such information as "turn left at the next corner." If you've never heard of this, you probably think I've been hallucinating, but honestly kids, this is emiss. I heard about first-hand experiences with this gadget in California. An acquaintance had it as an' extra when she bought her car. (The second instance occurred with a rental car, also in California.) .•'•," The person with-the new car gadget was taking a friend home on a rainy night. She asked, "What's your exact address?" punched it in the magic box and voila! The exact directions in the form of a map appeared, from their starting point to the destination. •' The passenger later was in a rental car, also in California, and found the same whatchacallit, compliments of Avis. After hearing this story, I recalled hearing a detailed explanation of the entire innovative system some months ago. It really is an astonishing invention, but of course it can't just be ordered and installed anyplace. ':"'"'•, It has to do with satellites and such, and great volumes of information stored someplace to be made available at the request of somebody who is . perhaps lost. •i '.'•'.'.-"'• This was, at the earliest publication of its existence, only available in California and I think one other state. I don't remember which one, but it was a matter of tinje until this incredible drivers aid would be within reach in other states as well. It certainly conjures up visions of all kinds-for example, it could wipe out for all time the male reaction to being lost. You know the one, "I don't NEED to stop and ask. I know how to get there." Uh huh. Never mind. Just ask the maven in front of you and no more argument. The delivery person who can't find your house or the folks you invited who have never been there before or even Ed McMahan when he comes to give you your zillion dollars, could all find this invention a real boon. ' And I would be one of the first to get one'-I, who can be counted ontoturn left when I should turn right, would really appreciate such help. And why not? Why bumble around in some cul-de-sac when I could ask the genie where the heck I am? So, telling you about this is my good deed for the day. If you already knew about it and I messed up any details, I'm sorry. But trust me kids, it's for real. Remember, I'm the one who told you (years ago) about the appliance that takes flour, yeast and water and turns out a loaf of bread. You didn't believe me then, either!
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Spielberg grant to expand Catholic-Jewish program byTomTugend LOS ANGELES (JTA) -- Steven Spielberg came to dinner last week, and like a thoughtful guest, he brought along a present for his hosts. The present was in the form of a $500,000 check. The celebrity-studded occasion was the American Jewish Committee's annual dinner, which honored the filmmaker as an artist, philanthropist, humanitarian and all-around "mensch." In accepting the AJC's Sherill C. Corwin Human Relations Award, Spielberg made light of the praise heaped on him. "I became a humanitarian when my characters started eating people," said
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Schindler's List to be broadcast on TV
Page 18
3706 S. 132nd Street Phone (402) 330-5050 Fax (402) 330-0789
For years the world took little note of Oskar DEADLINES HAVE NO MERCY Schindler. Although film documentaries were made of his life, Schindler's story was mainly kept alive Our Bulletin Board Service is open 24 hours, 7 days a week in the memories of the "Schindlerjuden," who took turns supporting the post-war, bankrupt businessFree BBS Software.' 'BBS: 330-3900 man in his declining years. In October 1980, Australian novelist Thomas Keneally brought his briefcase into a Beverly Hills Caring Professionals luggage shop owned by a man named Paul Page. Years before, as Poldek Pfefferberg, Page had been one of the workers on Schindler's list. During their wait for telephone approval of Keneally's Australian credit card transaction, Page told the the creator of Jaws and Jurassic Park. author the entire story. In Keneally, he finally The Family In a more serious vein, Spielberg spoke of the two found a kindred spirit. foundations he established after Schindler's List. In 1939, when Germany overran Poland, He called the foundations' activities "the most ful- Schindler set out for Krakow to find his fortune in Dealing with everyday life can put stress on family members. filling work of my life." Learn to cope and lead a rewarding happy life.. the business of war. Through Nazi connections, he One is the Survivors of the Shoah Visual History took charge of a confiscated enamelware factory • Confidential Foundation, which so far has videotaped the testi- that made mess kits and kitchen ware for the • Adolescent/Child Specialist • Stress Management • Anxiety/Depression monies of more than 25,000 Holocaust survivors. German army. • Sexual Concerns • Eating Disorders The second is the Righteous Persons Foundation, Call Today The contracts he obtained through Nazi connec- • Griel/Loss Counseling which seeks to support and revitalize Jewish life in tions brought him huge profits. He learned how to • Child & Adult Victims ol Sexual Abuse For A Better America. "Tomorrow " work inside the corrupt system the Nazis operated • Career, Educational & Psychological Testing .'""The $500,000 grant, announced by Spielberg as and knew how to manipulate it to his own fortune. Licensed Caring Professionals head of the Righteous Persons Foundation, will Trained To Create Real Change With His accountant, Itzhak Stern, encouraged him to support and expand the AJC's Catholic-Jewish employ Jewish workers and his personnel grew Individuals • Couples • Groups • Families Education Enrichment Program. from 45 -workers to 250 as contracts poured in. The program, created by the AJC's Los Angeles His affinity, with the Nazi party waned as he con-, chapter, sponsors visits three times a week by a tinued to witness the sporadic raids and killings. rabbinical "circuit rider" to Catholic high schools in Most brutal was the Nazis' liquidation of the Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The program is Krakow Jewish quarter, where Schindler saw solnow starting up in New York and San Francisco, diers drag families from their apartments. ' 6550 South 84th Street, Suite 300 and the Spielberg grant will enable AJC to evaluWatching these killings, Schindler realized that if ate the curriculum and initiate it in other cities. they were content to commit their crimes in full view of children, then they must have planned to murder the witnesses as well. Schindler worked with Stern to protect as many Jews as possible. When the Nazis' "Final Solution" took another step, Schindler used;his wealth'to buy 1,100 workers,-moving them to the relative safety of Brinnlitz, where he and his workers waited,out the war. Everything he had at the end of the war, he lost. After the war, he and his wife immigrated to Argentina where he took up farming. After 10 unsuccessful years, he abandoned Emilie and returned to Germany. For the remainder of his life, he was cared for by his "family," the Every Thursday "Schindlerjuden." thru Sunday In 1961, Jerusalem's Yad Vashem'Museum honNew Location: ored Schindler with' a tree planted in his honor in Rockbrook Village the Avenue of the Righteous, dedicated to Gentiles who helped Jews during the Nazi's reign. His wife, Emilie, was recently bestowed that honor and the Come take a trip tree planted in his honor also bears her name. in time... Schindler died in'1974. According to his wishes,/ he was buried in Jerusalem. A special epilogue to "Schindler's List* was shot at his gravesite with 128 "Schindlerjuden," who were brought by .the production from around the world, as well as Emilie. The Nazis' sheltered no one from witnessing Call 392-1861 for Tickets The broadcast premiere of director Steven these sidewalk executions, including a little Good Foods Drinks Always Served Spielberg's Academy-award winning Jewish girl dressed in a scarlet coat, which became one of the touches of subtle color with- "Schindler's List" will be presented Sunday, Feb. 23 (7:30-11 p.nuET), with no breaks. in the black and white film.
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February 7,1997.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Playhouse announces auditions The Omaha Community Playhouse has announced audition dates for "Don't Dress For Dinner," which will run April 4-27. Auditions will be held Wednesday, Feb. 12, and Thursday, Feb. 13, both at 7 p.m. Needed:,are three men and three women in the mid-20 to late-30 age; range. They will be asked to readfrom the script. ' • v , . For more information, call {553-4890 Karen Grove
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YES/OLDTMERS . .Both clubs will meet Monday at the JCC. English class starts at 10 a.m.; exercise and bingo both start at 10:30. Earlybifd and **YES Talk" discussion groups will meet at 11 a^m. All are welcome to join the YES choral group at rehearsal, also at 11. Following lunch at noon, Diane Sue Halperin, author of "Lives Well Lived: I Remember Baubie and Zadie," will give an overview of her recent book. For transportation, call 330-4272. . D e a d l i n e is Feb.. 17 for t h e YES 45th Anniversary party to be held Monday, Feb. 24. Regular activities start at 10 a.m., followed by lunch and program at noon. Cost is $4 per person. Reservations are a must: Call Reva Oruch at 3918344. Lunch may be paid for the day of the party. WALK-IN DROP-IN Walk-In Drop-In will.meet Thursday at the JCC. English class and exercise both start at 10 a.m.; bingo starts at 10:30. Bring a dairy sack lunch to eat at 11:30. At noon, the movie "Phenomenon" will be shown in the Blumkin Home auditorium. Members are encouraged to bring a friend, and popcorn will be served. For transportation, call 330-4272. . RUSSIAN CLUB The Russian Club will meet Feb. 14 at the JCC. All are welcome to join Larisa's exercise class at • 10 a.m. Lunch will be served at 11 a.m. A Russian movie will be shown at noon. For transportation, call Lydia Linde at 697-9169.
Dena and David Zack announce the Jan. 20 •birth of their son, Samuel Noah. They also have a daughter, Shayna Faye, 2. Grandparents are Joan and BeryrNusbaum of Rochester, N.Y., Allen Zack of Highland Park, N.J., and Joan and Joe Mangold of Holmdel, N.J. Great-grandparents are Bernice Rosenthal, also of Rochester, Dorothy Stein of Cranbury, N.J., and Herman Stein of Lake Worth, FL. Scott and Heidi Scbneiderman announce the Jan. 27 birth of their son-, Tyler Chase. They also have a daughter, Brooke. Grandparents are Jan and Les Schneiderman and Deenie and Larry Meyerson. Great-grandparents are Sonia and Irving Forbes, Helen and Leo Meyerson and Sally Ricks. Diane and Howard Shandell announce the Jan. 26 birth of their daughter, Jessica Stevie. They also have a daughter, Ally. Grandparents are Mary Saferstein of Omaha and the late Jack Saferstein and Eleanor Shandell of Cedarhurst, N.Y., and the late Steven Shandell.
Neal and Nancy Rauhauser of Omaha announce the Jan. 18 birth of their son, Armand Reid. "Ari" is named in memory of his maternal great-grandmother, Rose Wolpa, and paternal great : grandmother, Anna Rauhauser. Grandparents are Irving and Marian Nogg of Omaha and Robert and Ruth Rauhauser of ' Graettinger, Iowa.
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BREADBREAKBRS B'nai B'rith Breadbreakers will meet Wednesday at noon at Highland Country Club, according to ' Steve Riekes, co-chairman for February. Lou Lambearty, Democratic candidate for the office of mayor, will speak. The event is open to the community.
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Organizational meeting planned for Jewish Singles byAlCrounse JFS Board Member and Publicity Chairman A special organizational meeting for Jewish singles over age 35 will be held Tuesday, Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center. The group is looking for creativeideas,'participation and individuals who will make a commitment to serve on an advisory board. Refreshments will be served. . • • Jewish Family Service will sponsor the group as part of its 85th year of service to the Omaha com; munity.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN NCJW State Public Affairs Meeting will be held Wednesday, Feb. 12, at noon at the JCC in room 5. The topic will be "The New Welfare Law and How It Affects Nebraskans." Speakers will be Kris Morrissey, Voices for Children in Nebraska; Rita" Pack 218 recently hosted the annual Pinewood Paskowitz, Jewish Family Service Resettlement Coordinator; and Betsy Chase, YWCA Women Derby race in which 14. Cub Scouts participated. The Annual Blue and Gold Banquet will be held Against Violence Counselor. Feb. 16, 4-5:30 p.m., a t the Jewish Community- „ RSVP to Carol Bloch, NCJW State Public Affairs Center. The Racers coach and basketball players Chairman, at 393-8028. will speak. In addition, Scouts will receive their : medals from the Pinewood Derby race.'ij i ; " BETH ISRAEL SISTERHOOD For information, call Yolande Koval at 551-6536;; •: Beth Israel Sisterhood's monthly luncheon meetFebruary is the mohthy each year, that Scouts ing will be held Tuesday, Feb. 11, 12:30 p.m., in : are1 encbur-:M the synagogue social hall. The board meeting, at recognize their duty to God. A11 Scouts ;; aged to attend serviceBinunifoiin. ' •':^ ;b.-.T, y.y.n 11 a.m;, will precede the luncheon. Also, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Ginsburg have invited • Bob Wolfson, Regional Director of the AntiPack and Troop 218 to attend services Feb. 8>at Defamation League, will speak on current antiBeth El Synagogue as' they celebrate their 50th' Semitic events and Jewish issues. wedding anniversary. Scouts should meet in'the ' Beverly Franklin is program chairman. For reservations, call Bernice Cohen at 558-3423. community court (front entrance) at 10 a.mv • i
Scoutingvjtiews
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February 7,1997
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 15
Lincoln Center J: Frank Dalton. The controversy has generated court battles. Starrs and his team were asked to exhume James' body and put it to scientific test. Hochman is quoted as saying, "Science itself is a mystery to many people. I wondered how the team would be able to tell anything at all. That's what makes the science process fascinating. The process itself is very orderly, but it takes a lot of twists and, turns before a scientist can draw a conclusion." Gary Hochman is a member of Tifereth Israel Synagogue. His program, "Seeking the Real Jesse James," will air Sunday, Feb. 16, 5 p.m. on Nebraska Public Television.
New art adorns Tifereth Israel Two major art installations took place last weekend at Tifereth Israel Synagogue culminating years of work and anticipation. On Friday, the family of Max Neiden dedicated a Megillah of Lincoln entitled "For all those who dedicate and maintain synagogues, and those who enter therein...". Max was a trustee of the Synagogue for decades and, in making the formal presentation said, "My family and I are proud to present this sculpture to Tifereth Israel and the Jewish community of Lincoln." According to Mr. Neiden, the piece evolved from a collage about Jews in America from the days of the Revolution to modern times. He wanted to create something that would reflect the history of Jews in Lincoln so he commissioned Brickstone Studios to design, develop and craft his concept. The design artist responsible for the work is Dean Tschetter, a native Iincolnite with a national repu-
rived from the shape of the tree. She continued, "I was told that the Menorah is the symbol of Tifereth Israel, and so, the Menorah and tree imagery in this mural would symbolize Judaism taking root in the heartland of the country, growing and flourishing. It suggests the congregation's roots in Jewish tradition and commitment to its future." The artist selected wool as the primary medium. Metallic threads were utilized in the Menorah to pick up light. The Tifereth Israel installation took nearly a year from first sketch to completion. It was originally Conceived by Faye Unger as she was considering memorials for her son, Neal. As the project grew, it became a synagogue-wide commission with funding generously provided by Ella Ellis, Hyman arid Betty Polsky, Leelo Sommerhauser, Faye Unger, Gretl Wald and others.
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Artist Jodi Kanter and David Brockman, Chairman Detail from Megillah Lincoln. In the foreof the Synagogue Beautification Committee, take ground is one of Lincoln's oldest Synagogues, a break during the six-hour installation of Tifereth located where Memorial Stadium now stands. Israel's new tapestry. . : . ' Rabbi Stanley Rosenbaum said that adornment tation for stage and scene design. In addition, Tschetter is a frequent consultant to Walt Disney of the Synagogue dates back all the way to the* Imagineering.-Hea-eceiyed -an Emmy Award-in. 199 J. Temple in the Wilderness when decorative motifs were utilized. He said, T am so very pleased t h a t ' for Outstanding ArtDirection. His brother, J a y Tschetter, with whom Dean our Congregation is continuing in this aesthetically works, is the^master artist/sculptor who is the head beautiful and meaningful tradition." of:Brickstone. His work has. appeared in Gary Hochman searches Architecture, Architecture Digest, and many other for real Jesse James national publications arid trade journals. His best When Gary Hochman, senior producer with the known local work, "Iron Horse Legacy" in Historic Haymarket has won many awards including the Science, Outreach, and Specials Unit of University Special Achievement Award from the National of Nebraska-Lincoln Television, read of the exhumation of Jesse James by James Starrs, it Association of •Brick;Distributo'rs.~ ; •''••• Tha'Cast1 stone sculpture:depicts an,unwinding captured his imagination/Starrs is a forensic sciscroll .which show.s the history of Jews in Lincoln entist and professor a t George Washington anditbeir'aticestraLroots.'Highlighted, :are the cen- University who has investigated the controversial tra) -parts iQfJewieb life; .theiifamily,-the Sabbath, sdeaths.of Meriweather Lewis, Senator Huey Long andthe education of the young. The: future of the . and now the contested murder of Jesse James. Synagogue ihas yet to .be. unrolled: and ; the continued It is believed that James was killed in Missouri story of Jews in our community remains in Megillah by one of his own gang members, in 1882. On the Lincoln; said Mr. Neiden.i; ;<vy ; ; ; i ^' •• ,, •,.'•. other hand, there is a group of people who steadThe: second; major art installation took place the fastly hang onto the notion that James faked his following Sunday as Cleveland, Ohio-based fiber death and' lived until 1951 under the pseudonym artist, Jodi Kanter, spent six hours inside the sanctuary placing her creation, a 6' by-J.4? tapestry which was commissioned by the congregation. During a break in the installation, the artist said, T h e imagery in this fiber art mural combines symbols that are universal to Judaism and which also have particular meaning to Tifereth Israel. "The primary image would be that of the Menorah. In Jewish tradition, the shape of the Menorah is de-
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February 7,1997
Beyt Shalom holds successful spiritualily wiekeiid by b Martin M t i Rosenberg R "
Rabbi Myriam Klotz (left), and Rabbi Elisheva Sachs, leaders for Beyt Rabbis Sachs and Klotz lead members and guests of Beyt Shalom in Shalom's Spirituality Weekend. singing at Havdalah. ' On thq weekend of Jan. 24-25, Beyt lowed participants to explore a variShalom Recoristructionist Synagogue ety of aspects of Jewish spirituality. held its first annual Spirituality Rabbi Sachs led a workshop on Weekend. Services and Workshops "Finding Spirituality in Prayer," were led by the Synagogue's Rabbi while Rabbi Klotz led a study of the Elisheva Sachs and her visiting col- "Torah of the Body." The rabbis jointleague, Rabbi Myriam Klotz of ly led an exploration of "Spirituality SIJPEHMAHKBSTS" Philadelphia. and Mysticism." WE GUY THE BEST.., AND SELL ran LESSt Rabbi Klotz brings a special combiThe evening continued with a Tu nation of talents to her work in B'shvat Seder, reflecting practices Jewish spirituality. In addition to which come out of our mystical roots. being an accomplished musician, she The weekend concluded with a is also a yoga teacher and* a yoga and catered dinner and a lively Havdalah massage therapist. Currently, she is with singing and drumming provided working at the National Center for by Rabbi Klotz. OMAHA Jewish Healing. Both members and guests received The weekend began with a the weekend's activities with great Kabbalat Shabbat Service entitled "A enthusiasm and looked forward to Breath of Rest," which began to devel- doing it again. Join No Frills Supermarkets, Pepsi, op the weekend's theme of the imporThe next Beyt Shalom Havdalah, tance of the body in prayer and spiri- which, like always, is open to the Tide and KMTV-3 for tuality. entire Jewish community, will be held Saturday morning's Torah service Saturday, Feb. 22, at the home of "Prejudice is Foul Play" involved prayer through physical as Alice Weiss and Ken Munzesheimer. well as verbal expression. In the night with the For information, call the synagogue afternoon, a series of workshops al- at 758 9233.
Omaha Racers,
JFS resettlement team assists former Soviets with naturalization process Because of changes in the federal laws governing welfare benefits, Jewish Family Service has stepped up its efforts in helping refugees become American citizens. As of August, legal immigrants, who have not yet become naturalized, will lose all benefits, including SSI, food stamps and Medicare. Currently, 13 former Soviets are at risk. • ' To help explain the process of becoming a U.S. citizen, JFS asked local immigration attorney Angelia Krieger, and deputy director of the Omaha office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, Michael Wendt, to speak. "The U.S. Congress changed the rules as to the receipt of federally funded benefits," Krieger explained to
the group of 40 gathered at the JCC Sunday. "In order to become a U.S. citizen, applicants must show a basic understanding of English and pass a history and civics exam." Though the rules and regulations have not yet been written for the new Welfare Reform Act, there is a bill, L.B. 864, before the Nebraska Unicameral which would address some of the problems which will affect legal immigrants. According to, JFS president Gloria Kaslow, the staff is also working in coalition with other ethnic groups in the Hispanic and Asian communities. "I have observed that the INS wants legal residents to become citizens," Krieger added, "They understand that they may be nervous at the interview."
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