April 18, 1997: Passover Edition

i0 1500 R ST LINCOLN NE 63508 Celebrating More Than 75 Years No. 32

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Omaha, NE

11 Nisan, 5757

April 18,1997

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1997

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Each year, for many years, Omaha Jewish community volunteer Edith Rogert creates this elaborate Passover Seder table in the gallery of the Jewish Community Center. Though her 'little people' are not real, their smiling faces add character and wit to what has become an Omaha tradition. As 1997 is the last year Rogert will display this minature Passover setting, it seemed only fitting to honor her with the cover photo.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 18,1997

Passover 5757: Saluting families and individuals who make an impact on our synagogues Carol Katzman, Editor

The tradition of publishing two large special issues annually continues with our 64-page Passover edition. This year, we salute those individuals and families who've made an impact on the synagogues of Omaha, Council Bluffs and Lincoln. Some of the families featured date back to the early days of their congregation; others have only recently moved to Omaha, but have immediately become involved in synagogue activities. Some individuals work quietly behind the sceneB, baking for Shabbat and holidays, regularly ensuring a minyan for morning or evening services, or donating funds, without fanfare, to enable many programs or projects to take place. It has been our pleasure to contact and interview these families and individuals and we only wish we had more time and more space in this issue to feature everyone whose name was submitted to us. How fortunate for this community that so many have been and continue to be involved in our religious institutions! We hope those who've not yet been interviewed will be patient with us as we schedule their stories for future issues of the Jewish Press.

Talmud Torah students celebrate Purim at the 'Iitvishe Shul' on 19th & Burt

Many submitted their own stories or stories about friends and relatives; the following writers all worked long hours to create this special issue: Jacob Adler, Diane Axler Baum, Jill Belmont, Dr. Jerome Bleicher, Al Crounse, Chuck Kuba, Linda Lachin, Bert Lewis, Joan Marcus, Ozzie Nogg, Elyza Richmon Halev and Mike Salmi. We extend a special thanks to Barbara BreslerMorrison and Mary Fellman of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society for the historical pieces and photos, to Howard Marcus for his personal photos and to individuals and families who let us borrow their precious family photos for this issue. Additional thanks go to our Advertising Manager Larry Axelrod and salespeople Barbara Frankel, Rocky Stern and Dora Shefren, whose dedication and persistence enabled us to produce this large Passover issue, and to Sheryl Friedman, who kept us all informed with her careful advertising log and accounting reports. Morris Maline, Editor Emeritus, arrived back in Omaha from his winter vacation just in time to proofread and paste up pages, assisted by pur devoted 'office volunteer,' George Schapiro. And Maureen LaPour, Managing Editor, did an outstanding job in Services held at B'nai Israel Adas Russia (the creating the ads you see on these pages. Russiche Shul) at 18th & Chicago. L'Chaim!

Congregants lay the cornerstone for Tifereth Israel at 32nd & Sheridan in Lincoln.

A tornado hits Temple Israel in 1975.

The Staff and Board of Directors of the

Jewi wish our readers r

PASSOVER HOUDAV

THE JEWISH PRESS (Founded in 1920) The rolo of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Education, Jewish Press, Jewish Family Service, Library and Bureau for the Aging. The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $26 per calendar year U.S.; $30 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Jewish Press, 333 So.132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154; Telephone 402-334-6448; FAX 402-334-5422; E-mail <yshpress@aol.com> : ,

Robert ElMnberg President Carol Kntansn Edltor-ln-Chlol Morrin Matlna Editor Emorllus Maureen LaPour Managing Editor Larry Axelrod Advertising Manager Sheryl Friedman Bookkeeper George Schapiro. Volunteor

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Steve Levingor, Vice President; Lloyd Roitstein, Treasurer; Jane Rips, Secretary; Bob Birt; Cynthia Epstein; Stevo Danon; Mard GaUner; Joanie Jacobson; Sheryl Lee; Fred Mogul; George Schapiro; Howard Silber; Fred Tichauer; Sylvia Wagner. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish Community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for, the Kaahruth of any product or establishment.

April 18,1997

r

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

In the spirit of the Passover season, we wish for all

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Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 18,1997

Four words, simply arranged by Bert Lewis

The Temple Caring Committee...considering how many words there must be in the English language, it's amazing to realize what they connote. What exactly is the Caring Committee? To begin at the very beginning, we must go back to 1988, when Rabbi Aryeh Azriel came to Omaha and to the pulpit of Temple Israel. The idea was his, and tie concept was straightforward: reach out, when needed, to Temple members to offer support, service and help. Develop a congregational family that remembers and cares for each other. At its inception, it was clearly recognized that such a Committee would need a strong, competent, well organized leader. It seems fair to assume another criterion must have been a warm "Jewish* heart. The person chosen by then Temple President Mel Epstein was Harriett Sperling, and time has proven his choice was, in a word, perfect. There were countless meetings, phone calls, brainstorming sessions, lists of names and who knows what else before this important committee began to take form, but when it did, they were off and running. "They" refers to a large group (30 to 35) of extremely enthusiastic Temple members who were pleased to participate in this very new project. !: According to Harriett (whose name is now synonymous with Caring Committee), one of the earliest increments of the program was an arrangement which took Shabbat to members who couldn't come to Temple. A gift package, was prepared, consisting of wine, challah and sweets, and delivered to folks living in Remington Heights, Crown Point, The Paxton, Montclair and other such places. The pleasure and gratitude expressed was beyond description. It didn't take long for the Committee to realize they could enlarge on this theme and the end result, practiced to this day, includes visits with appropriate gifts at Passover, on Rosh Hashanah and Hanukkah. As Mrs. Sperling spoke of this part of the pro-

gram, she was quick to mention t h a t it soon included all Jewish residents of the homes visited, not just Temple members. She went on to describe the work done by the Committee with and for families of Jewish .transplant patients who come to the University of Nebraska Medical Center from all over the world. It was learned that the family members who usually accompanied the patient often felt'isolated and alone in a city of strangers. Little by little, the Committee learned how to make connections and eventually put a system in place which extends a warm, Jewish hand. As in the case of an Israeli couple who brought a baby to UNMC, this service proved invaluable; it was known that the family was arriving, but until the last moment it wasn't known they didn't speak English. The phone wires sizzled as calls were made to find interpreters who could help. Without the help arranged by Sherm Sperling, they couldn't comprehend their appointment schedule. What was the help? Cards Sherm printed for them which said things such as "please direct us to X Lab" or "please help us find Dr. X's office." .. An Omahan fluent in Hebrew came to the rescue and eventually managed to smooth the way for all involved. This included bringing kosher meals to the family, which they required. Mrs. Sperling tells many stories about the people the Committee has dealt with at UNMC. Her personal involvement is clear and she obviously remembers each and-every one. They remember her too, with letters and calls. The value of the work done by the Committee with and for the families of these patients (often babies or small children) is indescribable. Separate from that part of the program is smother service rendered by the Committee for a congregant just home from the hospital. A phone call is made, telling the convalescent, "we'll be delivering a complete, prepared dinner to you—what day is

Harriett Sperling with her husband, Sherman (also known as C.C.C. , Caring Committee Courier). Sandy Passer followed Sperling as chairman, and current chairman is Marilyn Mellen. best?" This is recognized as an important service by the expressions of gratitude received. There are many other pieces to the Caring Committee puzzle. One is as simple as just visiting shut-ins. . .volunteers taking the time to sit and talk and listen provides great pleasure to folks who perhaps don't have a lot of company. There is also an "Escort Service" which arranges transportation for congregants who need to get to an appointment and have no other way to get there. A project called "Encounters of a Special Kind" provides telephone communication with senior congregants, assuring them there are people available to aid in every possible way. Greeting cards expressing appropriate messages are sent to congregants to offer get-well wishes or condolences and the reminder that help is there if needed. (Continued on page 5)

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April 18,1997 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 5

Four words, simply arranged

'Heart and soul'

(Continued from page 4) Conference-call arrangements have been providby Jill Belmont ed on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur to hospital patients and shut-ins, bringing Temple services Rose Davis said that when her husband, Saul, directly to them. retired in 1991, "I told him that I didn't expect him The Committee provides gifts and books for chil- to stay home all day and sleep on the couch ... and dren on Hanukkah and the holidays, including no lunches! Forget the lunches!" such things in the Jewish Family Service boxes to He must have taken her seriously, for shortly the needy. after ending his 37-year career at the Greater There are undoubtedly more programs not Omaha Packing Company as thre head of cattle already mentioned, but it must be apparent to all procurement, Saul started volunteering at Beth El that this is a truly remarkable project. Until very Synagogue. Six years later, he is a mainstay there, recently, it operated under the leadership of the helping to lead Mincha/Ma'ariv services several original chairman, Harriett Sperling. times a week and attending services during the She has been recognized tune and again for her remaining week nights, "just to make a minyan," untiring devotion. The Temple Israel Caring he said. Committee is cited as a model for other congregaSaul regularly attends Shabbat services, sells tions around the country and Mrs. Sperling speaks grocery certificates, serves as a gabbai and has with great pride when giving credit to the many chaired the cemetery committee for the past four good people who have made the Committee what it years. Since 1992, he's also been a popular fixture is today. She constantly praises them all, taking a at the TJSU Purim Carnival, exchanging the chilback seat in reference to her own contributions. dren's tickets for prizes, a job he loves. For his comShe thanks her husband, Sherman, for support- mitment to Beth El, Saul was recognized in 1993, ing every part of this effort, for helping in countless as the recipient of the Earl Siegel Award, given for ways, for being there when needed. It was Sherm dedication and service to the congregation by a who pointed out awards from Temple given to board member. Harriett for "commitment and devotion to the well"I was always kind of a religious person, but being of humankind" and "to recognize her example when I was working 10 to 12 hours a day, I didn't of compassionate leadership in the caring service of have the time to do things at the synagogue,' Saul others." said. "Since I've retired, I've got the time to do When pressed, Harriett says in a soft voice filled things, I've been able to do more and it keeps me with emotion "this Caring Committee.work has occupied," he said. been the most gratifying experience of my life." In addition to the synagogue, Saul is involved on She recounts story after story of personal encounthe Jewish Community Center board, where he ters with total strangers who desperately needed serves on the Health and Physical Education comhelp; she tells with wonder the pleasure derived mittee and chairs the senior fitness committee. from bringing Shabbat to people who wouldn't oth"Between the '«F and Beth El, I keep pretty active," erwise have had it. Her participation in this "idea he said. the new rabbi has" completely absorbed every wak"Since Saul's gone into retirement, he's put his ing moment for all the years she gave it. heart and soul into the synagogue in any way he As mentioned earlier in this story, to many, the possibly can," said Beth El Cantor Emil Berkovits, name Harriett Sperling and Caring Committee are a close friend of the Dayises. "His work is really synonymous. r\ immeasurable. He will do anything for the syna-

gogue, no questions asked, and he certainly doesn't look back for a pat on the back — he doesn't need the accolades." . Saul, 74, has been a Beth El member since 1957, having joined several years after he and Rose moved to Omaha from their native Minneapolis. As a child, he said he watched his parents, David and Dora Davis, actively participate at Aduth Yeshurn, the congregation where they were charter members. Rose and Saul Davis' children, Lorri, Judi and Sandy, grew up at Beth El attending services and Hebrew School, Rose said; Judi and her husband, David Finkle and their children, Andy, Jenny and Steven, are still members. Sandy, her husband, Gordy Vadis, and their children, Katy, Jake and Louis, live in Ham Lake. MN.

Saul Davis regularly leads minyan at Beth EL Saul's deep connection with Beth El began in 1971, following the tragic death of his oldest daughter, Lorri, 18, in a car accident in Arizona. He and Rose said Kaddish every day for a year afterward, and "Beth El was a great comforttous, to Saul especially," Rose said. (Continued on page 29) Passover Greetings

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 18,1997

'A bright future for Beth Israel' by Joan Marcus

Joe Kirshenbaum remembers when his father, Abraham, took him to services at A'das Yeshuron Synagogue on 25th and Seward. Abraham Kirshenbaum, an immigrant to this country, attended services regularly at the small shul. He had come to America withhis four brothers, but never forgot his commitment to Judaism. He was truly an Orthodox Jew. When the shul closed in the late '40s, Abraham made plans to join the "new" Beth Israel Synagogue at 52nd and Charles Street. It had not been his desire to join the "big" shul, but he realized that things were changing and he needed to become "Americanized!" Joe married Maxine Zweiback, daughter of Qertrude and Sam Zweiback. They were married at Beth Israel in 1965 and Joe began his tremendous devotion to Beth Israel about the tune of his marriage. Rabbi Benjamin Groner was the rabbi at Beth Israel at the time that Joe and Maxine were married. Soon after, Rabbi Nadoff came to Omaha and took over the position. It was during the late '60s that Joe became a leader at Beth Israel. The Kirshenbaum family, from left: Jeff, Sharon and baby Maxine and Joe Kirshenbaum Joe became president of Beth Israel Synagogue in Alyssa, baby Kayla, Susie and Jeff Raizner and Debbie and 1971. He says, "The Synagogue was a powerhouse Ken Shonfeld. at the time. Rabbi Nadoff had come and we had The Kirshenbaum's children, Jeffrey, 31, Susan in order for congregants to be able to hear the over 650 families. We were the biggest synagogue Raizner, 28, and Deborah Shonfeld, 26, all grew up Torah reading and other parts of the service from in Omaha. We were at our prime!" Joe recalls that he hired four cantors during his at Beth Israel. They were part of the youth group wherever they're sitting in the sanctuary. Kirshenbaum helped to design a bima which term as president. He made trips to New York and and attended services every week while they lived in Omaha. Jeff still resides in Omaha. Susan lives could be portable. It could be moved during wedthe cantors auditioned in his hotel room! dings and for other occasions when it is necessary One of Joe's most favorite accomplishments was in Houston and Deborah is in Chicago, During the 1980's, Joe.and other Be.th Israel to use the alter at the front of the synagogue. being part of the beginning of the Jewish Day Joe realizes the need for recent changes at Beth School in Omaha. Joe, Harry Sidman, Dr. Shapiro members-were instrumental in acquiring some of and Ben Rubin acquired land at 126th. and Pacific the Mount Sinai Cemetery far Beth Israel. It is Israel. He understands the.necessity for.men. and Street. Mr. Rubin helped to plan the building named-Beth Shalom Cemetery-tend rial at -78th and , women to sit separately. He says that, there, will which filled a big need in the Omaha Jewish com- Crown Point, where it has-Anindfibrichapel for ser- always' be a need for' Beth Israel Synagogue, -and vices. Golden Hill Cemetery at 40th and Grand St. that'he will always be a member. ' munity. He is a strong believer in education. Kirshenbaum is nearly full. The synagogue has been a very big part of Joe says, "If you have a good education, yqu can go £iny. One:.of Jqe's.happiest.and mostrecentcontribu- Kirshenbaum's life and he will always be involved. wh<a-e; You can walkInto; an^synagogue-ana^prJay."" itioas toBeth Is&etw'as-iyhenJ^QgfegaSS decided^ He"says that the Jewish Day School filled a. big - to relocate the bima or .'reading platform in 1995. gogue moves to another location, Kirshenbaum need in Omaha. He received support from friends Since a microphone is no longer used, it was decid- answered, "Of coursej'Ifrm asked; I will help!" Harry Sidman, Maury Katzman, Dr. Haskell ed that it was necessary to'return to the traditional This.as the way in which "Joe Kirshenbaum has Morris and Leon Wintroub. , •: "'? ','-"• k'ma to be located in the middle of the synagogue lived his life. If he is asked, he always helps.

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April 18,1997 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 7

"A warm welcome from Omaha Jews" by Joan Marcus

Fourteen years ago, when Nancy and Philp Wolf were married, they made no mention of religion. Nancy was raised as an observant Presbyterian and Phil grew up in a family that was largely unaffiliated-even though he was born Jewish. Nancy and Phil, along with their two small children, Hannah and Alex, moved to Omaha in 1989 because of his job with Berkshire Hathaway Co. They joined the Jewish Community Center and Alex began preschool. After his graduation from preschool, Phil thought that it would be a shame for the little boy to leave his Jewish friends. Nancy remembers, "I was resistant to join, but we Joined Temple simply so that the children would learn about being Jewish, and so that they would have Jewish friends. Phil valued his Jewish heritage so I went along with joining Temple!" She went on to say, "We realized that we, as a family, were very welcome. We learned a lot about what it means to have a family within a community because we don't have family here in Omaha. The community spirit that we found at Temple filled a void for us." After being welcomed at Temple, the family was invited to attend the Outreach Program, a meeting of interfaith families. Because of the children, they began to attend services regularly. Nancy was bothered because her children were learning things that she did not have the background to understand. She couldn't share experiences and questions with her young family so she began the Derech Torah Program, a 20-week introduction to Judaism'. Even before becoming Jewish, Nancy joined the Temple Israel Choir, Kol Rina, and the Music Committee. She is now co-chair of that committee, along with Harry Alloy. Recently, she was invited to join the Synagogue 2000 group. This is a twoyear study group which has the ultimate goal.of revitalizing the Synagogue community. The out-

come-based group will suggest changes that might be made in order to lead Temple Israel into the next century. The project is nationwide and has a planned course of study. Some of the subjects are prayer, spirituality, and healing. Because Nancy believes that learning shouldn't be just for children, she is excited about a new, experimental program at Temple. It is called "Family School," and is for only 12 families. The families who are invited are those of fifth and second graders. Families come together as a group and ' 1 study Hebrew for the first hour and Judaism for the second.' Younger children go into childcare while families study and a social period is held between the two hours. Grandparents are also invited to attend. Nancy and Phil think that it is important that children see their parents study Judaism. Nancy decided that, because her children were beginning to ask why she wasn't Jewish, she should begin to search. She and Phil studied together and they Nancy Wolf, an active member of Temple, is learned about Jewish rituals, holidays and sera l s o i n v o l v e d i n AAUW, t h e A m e r i c a n vices. The learning had a profound effect on the family. Association of University Women. Nancy became Jewish in 1996. Nancy, Phil and their children, Hannah, 11, Alex, 9, and Nathan, 5, • •, have many friends at Temple Israel. Nancy says, "I think it's sad for people to think that interfaith * * marriages don't exist. It's a fact of life and if these s • families aren't welcomed into the Jewish communir ty, the children won't grow up to be Jewish." i i v. _ She recalls some of her Mends in Deerfield, EL, j \ s t where they lived before coming to Omaha. She says, "Many of our friends were interfaith couples > *»!-* I l l T^ who left Judaism because they weren't welcomed into the synagogues and the Jewish community. -' "•" 7 The Wolfs see a long association at Temple Israel • for their family. Hannah is already looking forward to having her Bat Mitzvah in two years! They say, "We are comfortable with the Omaha Nancy and Philip Wolf with their children, Jewish community and Temple Israel!" from left: Alex, 9, Ffnnnnh, 11, and Nathan, 5. -

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April 18,1997

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Building from conception to reality by Diane Axler Baum

Marty Shukert sees beyond what most others see.. His grasp is deep and broad; his perspective, poetic and scholarly; his aesthetic sense, keen. With a City Planning degree from Yale and a Master's in Architecture from the University of California at Berkeley, Shukert channels his vision into the design of buildings and their settings. The new Beth El Synagogueâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;including the H. Lee and Carol Gendler Family Center which completed i t embodies his energy and expertise. A formal dedication of the Gendler Family Center and its Peace Garden took place last Sunday. In an interview several weeks before the dedication, when the Peace Garden was still unfinished, Shukert talked about bis role in helping to guide the Beth El Synagogue building from conception to reality. The interview lasted for almost two hours, charged with Shukert's electricity. "Our congregation wanted a building that had a village-like feel to it. We wanted it Jo- meet our space needs, but at the same,tirne~w'e wanted it to be a welcoming, intimate place," he said, recalling the ideas generated by Howard Kooper's Buiding Committee which he used as he wrote the concept statement. Under the auspices of an Architectural Selection Committee, he prepared a request for proposal which was sent to approximately 40 local and nationally-known architectural firms. ("Irv Veitzer did a wonderful job chairing that committee. It was one of the best committees I've ever been on," Shukert noted.) Evaluations, a short list, and eight in-depth interviews later, the Boston firm of Notter, Finegold & Alexander was selected to do the job. "We were especially impressed with Moe Finegold's vision and commitment to our project," he said. Shukert described the synagogue, dedicated in 1991, as "a terrific piece of architecture'' and talked about several aspects of its design that are espe-

Marty Shukert examines the building plans to the recent addition of Beth El Synagogue. dally pleasing to his eye and intellect. "I like the relationship of the Buna to the congregation. The bimah, only slightly raised above the seating, seems to come out to meet the congregation. This creates a sense of inclusion," he explained. Other noteworthy features: the Community Court, which "acts as a central square;" the round sanctuary with its circle of high windows that let in changing patterns of light; and the use of space within a space. "Although the sanctuary space is large, its design gives each individual a sense of significance and community," he mused. By 1995, the congregation could not ignore the need for a larger social hall, additional storage space, a more functional kitchen, and facilities for Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah, including classrooms, offices, and a commons. A generous gift from H. Lee and Carol Gendler provided the impetus to undertake an initial gifts campaign and to form a Building Completion Committee, chaired by Bruce Shackman. Shukert, named architect, spent a day in Boston consulting with Moe Finegold before moving ahead. At groundbreaking last April, Mrs. Gendler said the new facility "will take a building that works

extremely well and make it better." She called the Family Center "a lasting tribute to her husband's memory." Shukert sees it in artisitic as well as functional terms. One goal was "to make this a building with its own integrity which, nevertheless, wouldn't feel - like an addition," he said. That's why the entry was designed "in the same vocabulary as the main entrance, but not in competition with it." A spacious, skylighted area - featuring arched walls that define the interior space - connects the sodal hall to the Family Center. This area has been named the Parsow West Court to honor Sol and Lee Jane Parsow plus Carol and Alan Parsow and their three sons. Shukert said he asked Beth El to commission Jonathon Nix, an artist he met at the Council of Jewish Federation's 1995 General Assembly in Boston, to create panels for the five arched niches in the West Court. Each of the five panels represents a book of the Torah in calligraphy and painted ornament, said Shukert, rushing from the conference room. He returned with samples of Nix's artwork, indeed beautifulâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;gold leaf and paint, achieving the look of stained glass. < <:: .< (Continued on page 9) ''â&#x20AC;˘

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Building from conception to reality (Continued from page 8) Shukert talked about other features of the Family Center, both interior and exterior. He is partial to the arches that characterize the Middle Eastern architectural form, especially in Jewish buildings, he said. He also mentioned the brick columns in the commons which provide "places for people to lean"; a station for ritual hand-washing; and, adorning the entrance, an historic lamp from the 49th Avenue arched entrance of the original Beth El Building. Shukert and his wife, Aveva, along with his brother, Jamie, and sister-in-law, Ruth, purchased the light fixture from the new owners of the original synagogue. They had it installed to honor their parents, Doris and Nathan Shukert, on their 50th • wedding anniversary. Shukert became most exhuberant when hedis-

AprillS, 1897 cussed the Peace Garden, or Gan Shalom, which represents his first actual work in garden design. The garden is located at the south side of the Beth El building on a pedestal above the parking area. It's accessible in three ways-from the entrance pergola of the Family Center; along grass terraces, from the sidewalk, and from the doors leading out of the library. Gan Shalom provides "a pleasant outdoor space for talking, thinking, waiting and watching," Shukert said. It has six benches arranged in a group under trees and surrounded by landscaping. Shukert said the concept of the garden, an expression of Beth El's commitment to peace, grew in the aftermath of Prime Minister Yitzak Rabin's assassination. Holding up a black and white plan, he pointed to the nine brick piers which define the garden. He said 18 Bpecial ceramic tiles are inlaid into each pier.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page9 Based on designs by students of Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah, each tile imparts a different aspect of the theme of peace, from various Jewish sources, including the Siddur. Shukert's younger daughter, Ariel, created one of the tiles. Hers depicts a reference to the Torah which proclaims, "And all its paths are peace." A specially designed wrought iron railing connects the piers and encloses the garden. The railing displays Hebrew quotations welded into the structure of the ironwork. One is a quotation from Rabbi Simeon ben Gamaliel, in Book One of Pirke Avot: "On three things does the world stand On justice, : on truth and on peace." It was a real challenge to reflect the Jewish commitment to peace in both structure and landscape," he admitted. "Nevertheless, he said, the Peace Garden will be visually and emotionally fulfilling." He was right; it is.

an impact in retirement by Chuck Kuba

As a young man in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Yale Gotsdiner remembers crying in synagogue when the birth of Israel was announced. It made such an impact on the lad that he has participated in every Jewish Federation Annual Campaign since 1948, first in Council Bluffs, then in Omaha, and currently in Lincoln. According to Mr. Gotediner, the apple doesn't fall very far from the tree. His father, a grocery store owner, was very active in the Jewish community, as were his grandparents. Following in their footsteps, he became president of Beth El in Omaha in the 1960's, while running a very successful retail business named Youngtown. While president of the congregation, his leadership helped in the purchase of land in anticipation of the need for expansion. This land was later sold to pave the way for the current synagogue. His business finally brought Gotsdiner. to Lincoln where he developed his reputation as a leader in

the Jewish community, as a liaison for the Anti-Defamation member of the Board of League. Directors of Tifereth Israel SynAs such, he has worked tirelessagogue, President of the Jewish ly in the effort to pass LB90, legisFederation of Lincoln, and lation which was introduced by chairman of several UJA/FederRepresentative Robak of ation annual campaigns. Columbus and which deals with But it has been since his "hate crimes." retirement that he has made Thirty-eight states have passed his greatest impact on the comhate crime legislation but munity as a whole. Nebraska has not. Only four Last year, he was elected states do not report these crimes President of the Lincoln to the Federal Bureau of Interfaith Council, particularly Investigation and Nebraska is significant because the former among them. Gotsdiner is workname of the organization was Yale Gotsdiner ing to change all of that. the Lincoln Council of Yale and his wife, Irene, have four children (two Churches. Reverend Dr. Norman Leach was instrumental in the name change and inviting the partic- attorneys, one CPA and one rehabilitation counselor). ipation of other faiths/ '•''••''• Mr. Gotsdiner is also active in ALPAC (American A man with a keen sense of humor, he added, "No doctor!" Israel Public Affairs Committee) and is the local

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 18,1997

Bringing recipes for enthusiasm to Beth El by Diane Axler Baum

Susan Friedman brings three valuable assets to Beth El Synagogue: a working knowledge of crafts, a commitment to.the Jewish home and family, and endless enthusiasm. The Friedmans moved to Omaha in 1993, when Jacob was four and William, two (third son, Daniel, was born here in 1995). They were barely settled when they began coming to synagogue on Saturday mornings. "One of the things I'm most proud of," says Fried-

'The Frieiiiuau family, clockwise: Andrew, William, 5, Susan with Daniel, age 2, and Jacob, 7.

man, "is that we make an effort to take our boys every week to Shabbat services." . Les Kay and Hollie Fineman, two active members of the congregation, noticed the new family. Friedman was recruited to teach Sundays in Talmud Torah—first kindergarten and then fourth grade—and was acquainted with the Early Childhood Committee. Within a month after their arrival, she took her older son to a session of "Lunch and Learn for Preschoolers" and was extremely impressed. "I saw 30 mothers with their three and four-yearolds, and I thought, "There couldn't be a better program.' The session was on the subject of Shabbat. Rabbi Drazen told a story, and Cantor Berkovits sang," she recalled. "Jacob made a Tzedakah box, which we still have and use. We put money into it before we light the candles on Friday night," she continued, reaching up to a shelf to bring her son's creation into closer view. The positive experience at Lunch and Learn influenced Friedman to co-chair a Kids Kabbalat Shabbat program with Beth Friedman. The two Friedmans collaborated again on a Havdalah program sponsored by the Early Childhood Commitee. At this event, the children made spice boxes. "[ think the kids of Beth El are comfortable at the synagogue because of these programs," which incorporate hands-on activity and Jewish learning,- she noted. An occupational therapist with a masters's degree from New York University, she understands the connection between doing crafts and directing the emotions. Friedman, who became a member of the Beth El Board in 1996, initiated a series of classes on Gourmet Kosher Cooking under the auspices of the Adult Education Committee. She co-chaired the classes last year with Marlene Sukiennik and this year with Rose Cooper. 1 keep kosher in and out of the house...I'd always wanted to take* a gourmet

cooking class, and I thought it would be great to show that kashrut does not exclude the possibility of fine recipes," said Friedman. Each class features a chef from a local restaurant with a special reputation for fine dining, she said. Chardonnay, Vivace, V. Mertz, and Cafe DiCoppia are among the celebrated restaurants that have participated. -^ The chefs meet in advance with the co-chairmen and Rabbi Paul Drazen to select the dishes to be demonstrated. After the participants cook, everyone sits down to a leisurely dinner enhanced by dim lights and background music, Friedman said. She noted that couples and individuals have participated in the classes and that the "entire experience is a lovely night out." Students receive copies of the recipes to take home. Initially, Friedman involved herself in Beth El activities not only as a means of embracing the synagogue, but as a way to make friends and Gnd a niche in Omaha. Coming here was not the first move for the Friedmans, both native New Yorkers. Previously, they had moved to a different city each time Dr. Friedman entered another phase of training—Buffalo, N.Y., for general surgery; Cleveland, OH, for plastic surgery, and Pittsburgh, PA, for hand and micro surgery. He is now a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Friedman really loves Omaha, she said, but admits that, she misses the family she left back East, especially her two sisters. As she's moved from city to city, she's learned a few lessons in life. "You have to think that every place is permanent until it's not," she believes. "If you don't involve yourself, you never feel like you're partof.it." '••'.'.•' .. V.. . At Beth El, she's involved and an integral part.

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Page 11

'Watch out for Shabbat' by Diane Axler Baum

"What will you do for an encore?" is a question Daniel Christensen and Michael Gerson are still hearing from other members of Beth El. The committee they co-chair was responsible for the synagogue's second annual "Watch Out for Shabbat." The program, which embraced approximately 150 adults and children, was even more successful than its 1995 predecessor. Those who participated~and many who regret they did not-are eager to know when the committee will do it again and what changes or additions will be made. "It was a smash hit!" exclaimed Judy Tully, a Beth El member and receptionist in the synagogue office, "I haven't heard one negative comment." "Watch Out for Shabbat" got underway following regular morning services with an Israeli lunch prepared by Eadie Tsabari, with help from her husband, Eitan. The lunch featured such specialties as tabouli, tahini, and hoummus, and was "absolutely wonderful," according to Phyllis Silberstein. Members of USY led Birkat HaMazon, the grace after meals, and then the fun began, said Gerson, who described the afternoon agenda as varied enough to meet the needs of every age group and interest. Two highlights of the day were Jewish versions of "Jeopardy," led by Karin and Michael Levine, and "Wheel of Fortune," directed by Gary and Cheryl Lerner. . Participants inclined toward serious topics chose from a number of sessions, such as Rabbi Drazen's "Understanding the Amidah," and "Building Stronger Families" with Glen Fineman, Director of Jewish Family. Service. ' : ; ' Margo Riekes offered suggestions* for "Shabbat at Home," Bob Eisenberg explored "Yiddish Language' and Culture','"-'and Juliana Reno tackled "Gender " Issues in Law and Jewish Tradition." On.the.lighter side,.Mark Levy did ventriloquism,

Daniel Christensen served food at the Men's Club booth for Purim. and Ozzie Nogg, Marcy Cotton, Lenora Lancaster and Gila Drazen performed as storytellers. Mary Fellman looked back on "Omaha Jewish History," and Marty Shukert and Mr. Christensen showed and discussed examples of "Jewish Art." Gerson worked on the first "Watch Out for Shabbat" before taking on co-chairmanship of the committee. "I was wildly in favor of the idea," he said, adding that he is an advocate,of "educating people about Shabbat." He is also an active member of Beth El's Ritual Committee and reads Torah regularly. For Christensen, working on adult programming at Beth El represents a new dimension of fulfillment. "I grew up in a home without a firm foundation in any religion, but I had' a very close relationship with a Jewish grandmother, and I also knew that my mother's grandfather was Jewish," Christensen explained. '• He had considered for many years taking steps to formalize his Jewishness, he said. Once he decided to go ahead; the Jewish Community Center referred him to Rabbi' Drazeii; who guided him on

Mike Gerson, a regular at Beth El's Minyan, often reads Torah on Monday and Thursday mornings or holidays. to become more active in the synagogue, asked me to be chairman of the first "Watch Out for Shabbat" Now, Christensen comes to Omaha from his home in Arlington, NE, almost every Saturday to attend services and is a regular at minyan on Sunday mornings.. "My personal goal within Judaism is to evolve into someone who participates in activities, attends services, and constantly develops and grows," he said. He wishes more singles would look to the synagogue as a place to get socially involved. According to the co-chairmen, the committee is already analyzing what went well in the past and what should be added or changed for the next ,"Watch Out for Shabbat".program. There has been; some discussion about inviting another ..;' hisjourhey. !'""''"* '!' " ' "• '•' ••••'•'•""• -'. '- - ' : Conservative congregation (^participate. ' - , ' Christeriseh recalled that) "Even before I had'for- One thing is certain—by next winter, if not before,malized my connection to the Jewish community, Beth El members will have another opportunity to Margie Gutnik, who knew I was looking for a way "Watch Out for Shabbat" ;

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 18,1997

An American and a mensch by Joan Marcus

Evelyn Zysman's eyes sparkled as she said, "This should really be about my mother. She had 10 children and raised eight ol them. I was the youngest] and am the last left 6 seven sisters. We were raised to accept the fact that each one of us was an individual and different and that we were to accept and love each other's differEvie Zysman ences. We were as unlike as we could have beenand as close as we could have possibly been!" Evie was born in 1910 at 2201 Burdette St. Her parents were Jacob and Elizabeth Brenner Adler. She describes her father as, "A lousy businessman, but a wonderful scholar of the Talmud." She added that her mother sent all of the children to the library and then she counted the books when they came home. She went on to say, "Mama couldn't read or write English, but she had a profound respect for learning and for the arts. All of my sisters played musical instruments, so at night, we would have concerts. Papa would run around and open the windows-the neighbors should hear." Zysman and her siblings were raised to "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." She said that when they moved into their home on Burdette Street, the neighbors told her mother that they had never known a Jewish family. Her mother replied, "Don't worry, you'll know us. You'll like us!" Zysman has belonged to Temple Israel since 1923. Rabbi Frederick Cohn was spiritual leader at the Temple when Evie began attending services. She remembers little or no involvement in social action when she was young. She has always had the belief that all people are alike - regardless of

race, color, or economic status.This belief led Evie to begin studies at the University of Nebraska. She got a scholarship from the university, some money from the League of Women Voters, and she worked at Gold's Department Store in Lincoln. ZyBman received her Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Sociology, but the "turning poinf of her career happened at Gold's. She 'worked in the stocking department-near the water fountain. She remembers, "one day, a woman came miming over to the drinking fountain with a little poodle and gave the dog a drink. The floor-walker came over and told the lady that the fountain was for peoplenot for pets." The woman looked around and said, "Oh, I thought it was for employees." Zysman relates that, when she graduated from UNL, she wanted to go on to graduate school. One of her professors told her that she was entitled to a fellowship, but he said, "Evelyn, you are a woman and you are a Jew. What would you possibly do with a Masters Degree?" She decided to get her degree at the JewiBh School of Social Work in New York. She went on to enroll in post-graduate studies at the Pennsylvania School of Social Work. Because she still had a burning desiretohelp the less fortunate, Zysman went to work for the Jewish Family Service in New York. She later took a job with a foster care agency. She remembers the day that she became "prochoice." Her first case when she began with the foster care agency was a six-year-old child who was in foster care with a Jewish family. She said, "The woman came to the door and she showed me a very nice room where the kid was to sleep. Then, the phone rang. While she was away, the little boy Baid to me, 'Do you want to see where I really sleep?" The child showed her a cot at the bottom of the basement stairs. The little boy also said, "If a bee stings me, I won't cry." This confirmed her suspicisions that the child had been abused. Zysman said,"! knew right then that no child should be born

who isn't wanted!" In 1934, Evie married Jack Zysman, a New Yorker who taught American History at New York University. Their son, John, was born in 1947, and' they returned to Omaha to live in 1948. Evie and Jack decided that Omaha would be a better place for their son to spend his childhood. The Zysmans founded Playtime Equipment Company. Because she cared about all children, rich or poor, advantaged or not, she made sure that preschoolers had the proper educational toys. She was one of the founders of the Head Start Program in Omaha. This program, finally funded by the Nebraska Legislature, gave disadvantaged children a 'head start" on education. Zysman became involved at Temple in things having to do with social action, and, eight years ago, Bhe became chair of the Social Action Committee. She represents Temple at the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice and at Omaha Together One Community, a coalition of 40 religious groups from all over Omaha. She also serves on the Library Committee of OTOC. Zysman states, "I am an incredibly lucky person. I have a wonderful son who i s Professor of Economics at University of California-Berkeley, a marvelous daughter-in-law, and a granddaughter, Lara Elizabeth Zysman. Lara, age 5, and her grandmother go walking together when she visits California. They talk about nature, share stories, and dream together. Sometimes, they pick up their feet and march. They sing, "We care, we're Democrats!" When Rabbi Aryeh Azriel came to Temple, Evie went to visit with him. She said to him, "This is what I do. I'm chair of the Social Action Committee. I'm concerned about the homeless, the poor, and pro-choice." She added, "Rabbi Azriel told me to keep doing what I knew was right." Judaism means "service" to Evelyn Zysman. She said, "I want to be remembered as an American and as a mensch." ,

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 13

Mentors to their children by Joan Marcus

Dr. Paul Shyken remembers going to spend Shabbat with his grandparents. On alternating weekends, he would be taken by his parents, Bess and Sam Shyken, to the homes of Bubbeh and Zayde Rachel and Joseph Kirshenbaum and Simon and Bertha Shyken. Paul looked forward to leaving his home on Friday afternoon, eating Shabbat dinner with his grandparents, and then walking to shul with his grandfathers on Saturday mornings. The grandfathers would hold Paul's hand and speak to him in Yiddish. They might have even sung Yiddish songs as they walked along together to the Synagogue. Paul's maternal grandparents attended A'das Yeshuron Synagogue at 25th and Seward. Bertha and Simon Shyken lived in Council Bluffs and went to B'nai Israel. All of Paul's grandparents were Orthodox Jews and they r" set wonderful examples • • * for Paul and his brother. Bess and Sam Shyken As the years went on and Paul became old enough for his Bar Mitzvah, his family had joined Beth Israel Synagogue. It was at this new 'modern' shul that men and women could sit together and a microphone was used for the High Holy Days and Shabbas. At Paul's Bar Mitzvah, the synagogue had a visiting rabbi for the weekend. That rabbi was Isaac. Nadoff. Paul received his Bar Mitzvah blessing from Rabbi Nadoff — never realizing that this Rabbi would be his friend and mentor for many years to come. Dr. Shyken was active at Beth Israel during the years after his Bar Mitzvah. He remembers that his parents always attended services along with

jjljj

Susie and Paul Shyken with their children, from left: Gary, 21, Beth, 19, and Jeffrey, 17, him. Paul says,"! remember my mother making bologna sandwiches for the youth group on Saturday mornings. My parents always helped with the Synagogue Youth Organization." As a young man and dental student, Paul always helped at Beth Israel, alongside his parents. From 1954 to 1965, he tutored children from the religious school. Even as a very young man, his devotion was endless. In 1971, Paul was nominated from the floor at the Beth Israel annual meeting. His election started the beginning of more than 25 years of service on the Board of Commissioners. Also in 1971, Paul and Susan Pachman were married. Because Susie's parents, Gertrude and Bill Pachman, were members of Beth El Synagogue, their wedding was held there with Rabbi Nadoff and Cantor Aaron Edgar performing the ceremony, side by side. Susie and Paul carried on their work at Beth Israel, and in 1979, Paul was elected president of the congregation. His two-year term as president

marked a time of prosperity for Beth Israel. He recalls, "We had more than 300 children in our educational system." Paul relates, "One Saturday morning, our son, Gary, age one month, was making noise during the service. I stood up and began to take him out. Rabbi Nadoff said, Don't take him out. The sound of a child in the sanctuary is music to our ears.*" Susie became president of the Sisterhood in 1990 and has been an active member of the Synagogue Board ever since then. She currently serves as recording secretary. Children Gary,-21, Beth, 19, and Jeff, 17, have followed in her footsteps by becoming leaders in the Beth Israel youth group, NCSY (National Conference of Synagogue Youth). Gary was chapter president and Beth was a regional officer. The Shyken children have followed their parents as leaders at Beth Israel. Paul notes that he thinks that Rabbi Nadoff would approve of the synagogue's move "to the right." He thinks that the Rabbi would be supportive of recent changes. The Shykens think that a truly Orthodox Synagogue is necessary to the growth of Omaha's Jewish community. They are elated because now, Orthodox families will not stay away from Omaha. They see in the future — a synagogue growing in unity and strength, and a possible new building in the western part of the city. Susie and Paul Shyken are truly mentors to their children. Gary attends the University of Indiana at Bloomington. He is always observant and davens every Saturday morning. Jeff, a junior at Westside High School, attends services regularly with his father and oftens davens the Mussaf service. Beth attends the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. She is taking a Yiddish class and recently she called home to talk to her dad. She spoke to hun in Yiddish, and, when she comes home, they might even sing a little Yiddish song together!

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Page 14 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE April 18,1997

A family's 50 years at Temple

Barbara Trustin Taxman at her Bat Mitzvah. Left: the Trustin family in 1966, front row: Harry and Bess Trustin, Lisa Corbett; back row: Jeff, Tom, Barbara and Marvin Taxman, Mark Trustin, Litzie and Yale Trustinr and Bonnie Trustin. by Joan Marcus

In 1936, the late Harry Trustin, Omaha City Councilman, said, "Philosophy about life can only come after education and experience. A true philosopher reduces the principles of thought to actual practice in the conduct of life." Harry and Bess Adler Trustin raised their children, Barbara Trustin Taxman and Yale Trustin, to be true philosophers — Jews who care deeply about their families, the Omaha1 Jewish community and Temple Israel. Yale Trustin remembers attending religious school at the Temple on Park Avenue. Dr. Frederick Cohn, who had arrived at Temple in 1904, was spiritual leader and Yale's teachers were: Dr. Maurice Pepper and Mrs. Leon Felhrian. Some of his buddies were: Charlie Bosenstock, Warner Frohman, and Jimmy Robinson. Trustin says, "There was nothing like what there is at Temple today. We had a textbook that related the

history of Judaism, biblical stories and the Jewish holidays." Trustin went on to say, "The Temple Youth Group was just a social group. There were 40 or 50 of us and we met for social purposes only." Since Harry and Bess Trustdn belonged to both Temple and Beth El, the family attended services at both synagogues. Bess Trustin was president of Temple Israel Sisterhood in 1950 and she had a great commitment to the Temple. After Yale's graduation from high school in 1938, he went to West Point Military Academy and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Military Science and Engineering. After graduation, he joined the Air Force during World War II. In 1948, Yale Trustin married Litzie Singer. She was originally from Vienna, Austria, and she came to Omaha two weeks before she was to be married. Rabbi Lou H. Silberman officiated at their wedding which was held at the home of their aunt, Sylvia Brodkey.

Litzie says, "When I first came to Temple, I felt very strange. I had never been to Reform Jewish services that were so Spartan. Also, in those days, there was very little music. I don't understand Hebrew, but I was used to hearing it. "As the years went on, I became very happy and satisfied at Temple," she added. Yale and Litzie'a children: Bonnie Trustin, Mark Trustin, and Lisa Corbett, were all confirmed and became Bar and Bat Mitzvah at Temple. Litzie notes that she "couldn't function in any other kind of religious atmosphere. Temple was always very important to the children. They couldn't have grown up without it." Yale Trustin was chairman of the Membership Committee, a member of the Temple Board, and a member of the Building Committee. Litzie Trustin relates, "Temple Israel is a way of life for my family. After all these years, I can't imagine my life without it! (Continued on next page

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Fifty years at Temple (Continued from page 14) Barbara Trustin Taxman started to attend Temple Israel when she was very small. Her mother, Bess, saw no reason for girls to have to attend Hebrew school. Bess decided that it would be better for Barbara to attend Sunday school. , Barbara remembers, "We had two teachers — they were the only ones who would take our class! We had Rita Mantel one year and Ida Gitlin the next. The same group of us started in kindergarten and got all the way through to confirmation." In 1943, Barbara decided she wanted to have a Bat Mitzvah. No girl had ever become a Bat Mitzvah at Temple. Barbara said, "My mother wondered why I wanted a Bat Mitzvah. She couldn't imagine why a girl would want to go through it The reason that I wanted a Bat Mitzvah was that I had seen a girl from Beth El, Charlotte Sommer, have the ceremony. I was deeply impressed and I decided that I was going to have a Bat Mitzvah. My father thought that I should go ahead." Rabbi Arthur J. Lelyveld and Cantor Max Scheuerman officiated at Barbara's Bat Mitzvah. During her speech to the congregation, Barbara said, "During the years immediately ahead, I will have the task of getting my bearings for the right start toward womanhood. I have always hoped that I could be the first Bat Mitzvah of Temple Israel, so that I might set an example for all of the girls in the future. Bat Mitzvah is something new, started less than 100 years ago. It was started because women have religious duties as well as men." She went on to say, "I feel that I have been given a wonderful opportunity to stand before this congregation and dedicate myself to following the road to idealJewish womanhood. "The ideal Jewish woman of today must add something to that picture of womanhood. That something is Jewish knowledge. I have yet to acquire that knowledge. I have much to learn in Jewish history, in the Hebrew language, and in the literature and thought of our people. "Give me the strength, O Lord, to achieve knowl-

Happy Passover

April 18,1997 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 15 edge enough to be of service to mankind. Help me to become a local member of the synagogue, and to grow to be a fine and praiseworthy Jewess." Barbara Taxman certainly grew into a praiseworthy Jewish woman. She spent 20 years teaching at Temple Israel religious school. One of her former students said,"Mrs. Taxman was a wonderful teacher and I always looked forward to attending her class. She was bright and creative and she expected us to learn. She was a no-nonsense teacher, but she could also be funny. I remember one time when she told us to write news stories about the Bible. We could put ourselves into the stories if we wanted/After we finished, she copied all of our work and made a newspaper to show to the rest of the religious school." Marvin Taxman came to Omaha from Kansas City in 1938. His first association with Temple Israel was when he attended the Temple Youth Group. He states that his only attraction to Temple in 1938 was "girls." Barbara and Marvin were married at Temple in Jeff Taxman, as the 'Hebrew Letter Man,' 1951. Marvin was a member of the Temple Board performed for the Temple Israel Religious on and off from 1955 to 1975. He served as secre-- School. tary of the Executive Committee, and in 1972, the Taxmans went to Israel with the Board of Governors from the Hebrew Union College. The Taxmans have raised their children, Jeff and Tom, to be 'fine and praiseworthy* Jews, as well. Granddaughter Lindsey Weinberg, who graduates from George Washington University this spring, will be part of a program in Israel next year, teaching Hebrew and English to Russianspeaking students. Jeff and daughters Chelsea and Whitney and son, Benjamin, often entertain residents of the Rose Blumkin Home. Whitney made a project of collecting six million pennies for those Jews who were murdered by the Nazis in the Holocaust. She has collected nearly $1500 so far. The family always has Shabbat dinner together. The Trustin-Taxman families, back row, from Rabbi Aryeh Azriel says, "If all families observed left: Marvin and Barbara Taxman, Litzie and the Shabbat like the Taxmans, the Temple would Yale Trustin, Sherry Taxman; front row: Jeff, be empty on Friday nights." Whitney, Chelsea and Benjamin Taxman.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 18,1997

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April 18,1997 Jewish Press, Omaha, NJS Page 17

-One. family. by Joan K. Marcus

Lazar Kaplan remembers when he in 1941. Kaplan added "It was little was a young man. His father, Samuel more than a dream then," Lazar remembers," Rabbi Arthur J. Kaplan, was a very observant Jew but Lazar was beginning to feel that Lelyveld took over at the height of the he would like to make a change in the war years. We didn't ,exactly abandon our plans. We still knew the need to way he worshiped. - ••' • It was in 1934 that his friend and move West." Final plans for the new Temple former Phi Epsilon Pi Fraternity brother, Rabbi David Wice, came to were made during 1944 to 1952 when Omaha to be assistant rabbi at Rabbi Lou Silberman was head of Temple Israel and he needed reli- Temple Israel and Lazar was at the groundbreaking. Rabbi Sidney H. gious school teachers. Rabbi Wice prevailed upon Lazar to Brooks had just come to Temple in teach religious school and join July of 1952 and presided at the cereTemple Israel. Lazar was young and mony. Both Rabbis Wice and Lelyveld single and figured that being a attended. The new building officially teacher would be fun. So, he joined opened in September of 1954. Bernice and Lazar took part in Temple Israel and began seven many Temple activities.. During the decades of service to Temple Israel. Kaplan taught religious school for 1960s, a supper club was started. some time and then he began to date Many times, over 200 people attended Bernice Riseman. He quit teaching dinners which were cooked by women but remained involved at Temple. of the congregation. Bernice recalls, When Bernice and Lazar were mar- "Once, we had cooked all day and we ried in 1938, Rabbi Wice performed decided that we would hire a caterer the service in his apartment; he and to slice the meat and make final his wife, Sophie, were guests at the preparations for the dinner. We paid her five dollars and some people reception at the Blackstone Hotel. The friendship between the thought that we were extravagant." Kaplans and the Wices continued. She also remembers when they Rabbi Wice named Toni Kaplan hired a young disc jockey named Rosen when she was born in 1941. Johnny Carson to tell jokes and enterIt was Rabbi Wice, (who left Omaha tain. They paid him $25! in 1944), who first saw the need for a Lazar become president of Temple new house of worship. He and Lazar Israel in 1960. At that time, there knew, that as the city moved west- were 489 families. The new structure ward, the building at Park Avenue had been dedicated, but did not yet and Jackson Street would become • have the Livingston Chapel addition. Gary Kaplan, center, assists in building a new home at 34th and Grant outmoded. J Streets for Temple Israel's project with Habitat for Humanity. (Continuned on page 18) Planning for the new building began, (Photo from the private collection of Howard Marcus)

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 18,1987 The family celebrates the One family...multiple goals 50th anniversary of Mr. (Continued from page 17) and Mrs. Sam Kaplan in In November, 1960, groundwas broken for the 1956. Frst row, from left: chapel which seats 125 people. The funding for the Susie Isaacson Kaplan, structure was a gift of Milton and Corrine Bernice Riseman Kaplan, Livingston and opened in 1965. Ruth Kaplan Turner, Also during Lazar's term, Temple celebrated its Susie Mushkin Kaplan, 90th anniversary. A dinner was held on Nov. 12, Samuel Kaplan holding I960, to celebrate the anniversary, of Omaha's Nancy Kaplan Marshall^ Reform congregation. Again, both Rabbi'Wice and Edwin Kaplan, haifar,, Lelyved attended another Temple milestone. •: Kaplan and Howard Kbp-; Kaplan considers his most significant accomplish- Ian; back row: Gary'KaJP" ment as congregation president the hiring of Ian, Judy Turner Gins-'; Cantor Manfred Kuttner in August of 1961. Cantor burg, Kaye Turner.-VConi Kuttner was Temple's first full-time director of Kaplan Rosen, Nathan music. He also was a Hebrew instructor and reli- Turner and Jerry Turner. gious school teacher. He came to Omaha from Gary Kaplan, son of Susie Johnston, PA and was at Temple until his death in and the late Howard Kaplan, remembers going to 1972. Lazar and Rabbi Brooks are still proud of Temple Israel nursery school He remembers runtheir decision to hire Cantor Kuttner, who became ning around the backyard of neighboring Beth El beloved to all who knew him. Synagogue (where the school was held) with his Bernice and Lazar remember, "Temple Israel buddies, Scott Friedman and Dick Slosburg. Gary always has been part of our family. Our daughter, didn't go to Sunday School in kindergarten at Toni had her Bat Mitzvah and was confirmed Temple because that day was his day with there. Our grandchildren, Jay, Marty and Jill "Grandpa Kaplan." Being with his grandfather was Rosen, attended religious school at Temple. Their a great learning experience. sister, Brooke Sideris will be consecrated at Temple Gary has been a member of Temple Israel all of when she is older. Temple is a way of life for us." his life. He had his Bar Mitzvah and was confirmed Bob Kaplan, son of Bernice and Lazar, also at Temple. During high school, he was president of attends Temple regularly. He enjoys services and the OTYG, the Temple youth group, and also presithe friendly, warm and caring people at.Temple. dent of M.O.F.T.Y., the Missouri-Valley region of The shul is a very big part of his life and he remem- the National Federation of Temple Youth. bers being part of the youth group as a teenager. He remembers attending confirmation class when Some of his best friends are still Temple members. Rabbi Sidney Brooks said, "Its okay, to be an agnosOne of Lazar's most recent projects at Temple has tic as long as you're-alwaysi searching." Gary been the remodeling of the entrance to Temple Kaplan has always been searching, learning, and Israel cemetery. "When you need to raise money, doing for Temple Israel: • ' • you go to the money," said Kaplan. He requested In 1984, Gary and Sally Davidson were married foundation funds with the promise that it would be at B'nai Jeshurun (South Street Temple) in matched. These grants helped to change the ceme- Lincoln. Rabbi Brooks assisted during the ceremotery entrance, buy a new lowering device, and buy ny. Their marriage began a partnership of service a ground warmer to make it easier to dig graves. .. to Temple Israel. Gary came on the Temple Israel The young religious school teacher and his wife Board as a very young man. He served for six years have given so much to Temple Israel and there is in various offices — including vice president. It was so much more to come!

after this time that he and Sally became members of the Social Action Committee at Temple. As a result, they became involved in Habitat for Humanity, which builds houses for people who would not otherwise own homes. Homeowners are required to labor on their homes themselves but Habitat makes it financially possible for them to fulfill the "American dream" of a home ownership. This is now an annual project for Temple. Together, along with Magda Peck and Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Gary and Sally began the BlackJewish Dialogue Group. Some of the members of the group include: David Jacobson, Dorothy Spizman, Joe Ginsburg, Brenda Council, Carol Woods-Harris, Eddie Staton, Bishop Robert Tyler, Lonnie Michaels, Cookie Hoberman, and several others. The purpose of this group is to provide an avenue for open and frank discussion between the Jewish and the African-American communities. This group has grown to include members from other synagogues. Some of the things which the group has addressed are: the real reason for busing of schoolchildren, the lack of a member of the minority, community on the Omaha Housing Authority Board, and discussions on all' things pertaining to JewishAfiriean-American affairs. (Continued on page 19)

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April 18,1997 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 19

One family—multiple goals (Continued from page 18) Gary says, "African-Americans were surprised that all Jews were not united. They assumed we thought the same way just because we're Jewish." He goes on to say, 'Some told us they envy the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony because it gives Jews a right of passage based on education, community support and religion. All they have to look forward to is being 'jumped' into a gang." In addition to the Social Action Committee, Gary was chairman of the Religious Education Committee and Sally has been on the Board for four years. She also serves on the steering commit3 •W . ^ tee for Synagogue 2000. This is a group of 20 congregations chosen to conduct a study which will - take synagogues into the 21st Century. Gary and Sally's daughters, Elizabeth, 20, Katie, 18, and Carrie, 16, follow the example set by their i parents. Elizabeth received the Jewish Federation's \ Teen Leadership award. Katie attended the Mrs. Sophie Wice and Rabbi David Wice International Convention of the World Union of returned to Omaha to help Temple celebrate , £ Progressive Judaism and Carrie attended religious its 100th anniverary in 1972. : school at Temple Israel. i . •;.; . When asked why he thinks that Temple Israel has' grown- arid flourished over -the years, he said, "because we are always learning, always changing Bight: Bernipe 'Kaplan, seated, with son-, toward a growing movement and a return to a more Gary, and husband, Lazar, standing. .,'. : •; Torah-oriented Judaism." '• -.

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Mrs. Lee Eveloff is alsp a native of the Biuffs,'She, was'born and attended, scliool on "the east "side; of. the Missouri. Her husband, Sam, .came from StJ Joseph, MO, As a young man, he'worked in the furniture department of the Brandeis Department. Store, wiiile Lee was office njanager for jihe Katelman Steel Foundry. Sam later worked at the. Marcus Clothing Shop in downtown CounciiBJuffs!.. They are the parents of son, Mark, who sits on the judicial bench of this city. The Telpners and Eveloffs are two of the families still supporting Jewish life in a small towij.with a big history.

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Page 20

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 18,1WJ7

More than 60 years of service to Temple Israel by Joan Marcus

Harold Farber was born in Russia in 1903. He came tolincoln when he was seven and then his family moved to Omaha. He was married to Lillian Schiff in Chicago in 1933, and they joined Temple Israel in 1936. Though he had been raised.as a Conservative Jew, he and his new wife decided that Temple Israel would become their new.spiritual home. Farber estimates that there were probably about 250 people who attended the Park Avenue Temple. Many of the people who attended the Temple were German immigrants who had come to this country looking for a new kind of Judaism. When the Farbers joined, Rabbi Frederick Cohn was spiritual leader. He was from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and he arrived at Temple in 1904. He served as Rabbi at Temple until 1936. He was held in high esteem for his intellect and for the new image that he presented to non-Jews. He preferred to be called "Dr. Cohn" rather than "Rabbi." Farber remembers that some of the people with whom he and Lillian were friends were: The Al Mayers, the Rosenstocks, and the Lou Sombergs. he recalls when all of the families would meet at the Temple on Friday and Sunday evenings. The women, Lillian included, would cook meals and most of the family's social life revolved around these gatherings. In 1933, because of a growing congregation, Rabbi David H. Wice, a graduate of the Hebrew Union College, was hired to be Assistant Rabbi at Temple. When Rabbi Wice was hired, the Board told him that they could not promise a regular salary, but that they would try to pay him $150 a month! Farber recalls that during Rabbi Wice's tenure, there was a gradual return to practices which would lend more dignity and warmth to the Reform services. Farber recalls that Paul Blotcky was responsible

for the acquisition of the land to build the new 1960. Prior to and during his tenure as president, Temple. The new building, at a cost of $500,000, Temple Israel flourished. Farber, a modest man, was planned for a 14-acre tract between 69th and states, "I told Rabbi Brooks that I didn't know anything about running a Synagogue. I told him when 72nd Streets and bordering Cass Street. According to the late Milton Livingston who was I became President that I did know something chairman of the advisory committee to build the about business so he could take care of the spiritunew structure, "The design will be contemporary. al part and I would do the best I could," The combiWe are building not alone; for Ixiday^but for; tomor- nation of the two men working together brought row. The building will houWin onewjngap'adiniii- Temple into the next decade. istratiVe area, sancfoary/'socigj;JialL;.parlor, The Next Generation — Nancy kitchen and rest and storage ar^&s*j;y'.: - \ •;'•'/: Farber Noddle and Jim Farber Farber was present;ffdnng" the.g^oundbrealdng ceremony on Feb. 23,195& He took'pictures while his friends: Rabbi Sidney Brooks, Al Mayer and Mrs. Morton Hiller turned the dirt. Louis E. Lipp, president of the Congregation when the land was purchased, said that the land was purchased for $55,000. The old Temple at Park Avenue and Jackson Streets was sold to St. John's Greek Orthodox Church for $80,000. Farber was part of the committee when Rabbi Sidney Brooks was hired in. July of 1952. Rabbi Brooks remained spiritual leader at Temple until •# 1985 when he became Rabbi Emeritus. In 1956, Farber was vice president of Temple. He recalls that this was the time that he became more active than ever. He said, "I remember when Milt Livingston was president. We did our Temple busi- Nancy Farber Noddle, left, and Jim Farber, ness, but we also had a good time. We were very right, carried on the family tradition of active in the 'party1 department because Temple involvement at Temple Israel from their was the focal point of our lives." father, Harold Farber. Farber notes that his wife, Lillian, was more Jim Farber, son of Harold, became president of involved at Temple than he was. She was active in Temple Israel in 1988. This was a time of turmoil Sisterhood and later became President. According for Temple Israel because of the change of spiritual to Farber, "Lillian did all of the things that women leaders. One of the first tasks which Jim had before did at that time. She held all of the offices in him was to hire a a new rabbi. Unlike the years Sisterhood. She was always doing, cooking for when his father had come to Temple, Reform Temple." Judaism was beginning a new era of more tradiHarold became president of Temple in 1958. tional Judaism. Many of the people who belonged During those years, Maury L. Schwartz was direc- during the 1930s were German Jews who had left tor of education. There were approximately 200 Europe and were running away from the Nazis. students in Religious School. (Continued on page 21) Farber was president of Temple from 1958 to

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The extended Farber family gathered together in 1993 for a family reunion in Omaha. (Continued from page 20) during post-war years. He remembers Rabbi to be the president of a synagogue was limited. I They weren't interested in what they had left — Arthur J. Lelyveld who left Temple in 1944. Rabbi did say that I could raise money." they wanted to be Jews without the traditions. Lou H. Silberman, known for his striking sermons, Nancy Farber Noddle tells of her children: Jay They wanted to be "Americanized." was Rabbi when Jim had his Bar Mitzvah. and Kim Platt Noddle, and Susie Noddle. They Jim, along with the-Search Committee, hired Jim says, "Shortly after I became president, along grew up at Temple,-were confirmed there, and Rabbi Aryeh Azriel. This . was the beginning of a with Fred Simon and Ted Seldin, I embarked upon remain active. Nancy's husband, Harlan Noddle, new era for the Temple...an era of observance and -a campaign to raise money for the endowment of played a big role-in the recent remodeling and their growth,for Omaha's oldest congregation, funds-collected•fromrnew members and money grandchildren,' Rebecca and Sam, will carry on the . Jim became active on the Education Committee. whichiWas leftHfter the.Temple,was rebuilt in familytradition of dedication' to Temple .Israel: • . During the time that Jennifer, 21, and Elizabeth, 1975; We'set: up,a; five-year program, and: we .met- • •' Nancy relates/ "We've done' what everyone else 18, were small, he .thought t h a t he should be O U r g a a l . • / • . < ; : ' : . . • . - • ; : ; : < ! . i u - n . . .•• ' - M - ' .•.-. ; ; f ; ;:.,;;• •,',; has ••• done. We've all done a little bit or a lot dependinvolyed. He waB.then elected: to the board, $hd, he "The second phase of our fund-raising Was a fund ing upon what was necessary. Jim's wife/ "Judy, said, "I just kept moving, up. Itfs just one .of those to improye the'building. This goal also has been 1 has beeh active on the'Caring Coinmittek'"'• •'• things ,T— I kept.going because I. thought it was accomplished arid it makes me feel good," he. said. - 1 The Farbers all > agree; "We all did things' for important to my kids."... . .... ;,'.,-. .., x' • <Jim went onto say that;;when he.accepted the ' Temple because of biir kids;*We <iare deeply for-our Farber, who grew up at the old Park' Avenue presidency, he did not feel equipped to do,the job. synagogue and we want our children to understand rr i! Temple, had his Bar Mitzvah and was confirmed He said, ?We were raised as active Jews* My ability Whatitmeanstohea JeW." ' '"•'•'•• • "

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 18,1997

'Grandpa Tools'rebuilt Temple

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According to Josi, "Mom and dad turned their efforts to the rebuilding of the Temple. Their love of Debbie Farber Dresner, daughter of Ajon and nature and the environment led them to create the Carol Farber, remembers spending the second Ground and Landscaping Fund. This fund was night of Passover at Temple Israel with her family. needed in order to replace the trees and landscapWhile she remembers the service, she especially ing that insurance did not cover. At this time, they recalls going with her mom, Carol Farber, and her also created a master plan for landscaping needs." Rabbi Sidney H. Brooks led the procession and sister, Josi Farber Rein, to set tables, Debbie's aunt, Lillian Farber, and her cousins, Nancy • helped to carry the Torahs down the aisle of the Noddle and Judy Farber, would help and it was a newly restored Temple Israel. Ajon and Carol had joyous time for the Farber women, t: • . , . completed their work and the congregation was Ajon Farber had his ?ar Mitzvah' at the Park' back at Temple Israel. In 1977, Josi celebrated her Bat Mitzvah at Avenue Temple in 1941.. Even as a very young man, he realized that his life would be devoted to Temple. At this time, it was still somehwat unusual for girls to have this ceremony. Josi's interest in service to Temple Israel. In 1954, Abe Brodkey and Phil Fox asked Ajon to music was reflected in the ceremony and — she help organize and co-chair the Grounds Committee. chanted most of the service. Together, Carol and Ajon started to develop an This committee would be in charge of landscaping and all exterior aspects of the new Temple. He con- automated accounting system to replace the cumtinues to serve as chair of that committee and as a bersome manual procedures. As a result of the system, they produced a statistical demographic member of the Board of Trustees. In 1956, Ajon and Carol helped to start the analysis of the congregation which established the Supper Club. This was a social club, but the group tool to implement the Fair Share Dues program. also served to raise money for curtains, stage set- This tool became a national model. The Farber children: Bjon and Kalny Farber, tings and lighting in the Friedman Social Hall. Ajon, along with Abe Katelman, Warner Debbie and Steve Dresner, and Josi and Rick Rein, Frohman, Morrie Lipp, Chuck Monasee, Art all tell of the most important event in their family. Davidson, Irv Gendler, and many others, founded They say, "On June 17,1993, in celebration of dad's the Men's Club which later became affiliated with 65th birthday, and the naming of Molly Rein, our parents donated nine spruce trees for each their the National Brotherhood of Men's Clubs. Carol Farber, an example for her daughters, was nine grandchildren to plant Benjamin, Alexandra, active in the Brandeis University Women's and Nathaniel Farber, Daniel, David and Miriam Committee and started the annual New Book for Dresner, and Allison, Emily, and Molly Rein, were . > Old Sale which was later transferred to the Temple all represented by the trees." Since Ajon has always been so handy with tools, Sisterhood. Carol and Lillian conducted the sale for building a chuppah, or wedding canpoy, for Josie's the Sisterhood at the Crossroads Mall. Carol also made choir robes for the Junior Choir wedding which later became a sukkah, his grandwhich was started by Cantor Manfred Kuttner and children named him,'Grandpa Tools." So, on this day when the spruce trees were plantJosi. In 1976, Carol became treasurer of the congregation and she served in that capacity, for eight ed on the hill in front of what is now the main years. During this time, Carol and Ajon suggested entrance to Temple, each of the grandchildren that a number of specified Temple funds, along received a shovel which was inscribed, "This shovel with several major contributions, be used to start was used by the nine 'Grandpa Tools' grandchilThe Temple Israel Endowment Fund. Carol still dren and their parents to plant this grove of trees serves on the Endowment Committee which over- for his 65th birthday celebration. A tree enjoyed is a tree blessed." Together, the children say, "What a sees the investment of the funds. In May of 1975, Temple Israel was severely dam- beautiful tribute to our children. What a lasting aged by a tornado. Every window in the Synagogue tribute to our beloved synagogue." :. At the top of the ramp in the Newman Gateway was blown out by the storm and the school wing was sliced off from the main building. The place at Temple, the Ajon Farber family^donated a was in a shambles and Ajon was one of the first plaque which reads, "Boruch Adonai Yotn Yom, Blessed is God's Frist Day." people to enter the area. Hanging below the plaque is a smaller plaque Since the area had been roped off by police, civilians could not enter the tornado area. Ajon knew which Ajon made with his own hands. The plaque that he had to get into the. area so, he went home, expresses deep devotion to family, faith, and the put on his military .uniform, and entered his Farber family commitment to render service to Temple Israel. beloved Temple Israel. ' :; ' . . by Joan K. Marcus

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Farber family memories

Stewart and Chickie, Larry & Deanna; Kevin & Patty; David, Katherine, Molly, Laura & Jack; Jeff & Susie; Garyn, Alan & Jeri Ann; Lisa, Terri & Bryan

Left, 'Grandpa Tools,' Ajon Farber plants trees at a dedication at Temple Israel following the reconstruction after the tornado of 1975. With him are, from left: Benjamin Farber, David Dresner and Emily Rein. Right, the Farber family gathers for Thanksgiving in 1998, front, from left: David Dresner, Emily and Allison Rein; second row: Daniel and Miriam Dresner, Debbie Dresner and Rick Rein; back row: Carol Farber, Josi Rein, Ajon Farber, Molly Rein and Steve Dresner.

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Rosei Katelman, seated, celebrates with her - Gloria Schtiltz, who died recently, and her daughter and son-in-law, Sissy and Howard husband, Lcn of Bellevue, are long-time supsaber;:••""'i!|,"';'•. - " ' k ' ; " ; " ' ,-•.':.' , ' porters of t h e little shul off Broadway.' ' ' by Dr. Jerome Bleicher

Rose Katelman is a long-time Iowa resident who spent most of her life in Council Bluffs. After she married Louis (now deceased), they opened a business repairing and selling farm equipment which led to their involvement in the Katelman Foundry, a business still active in Iowa today. Rose became known as the "wonder woman,' after the family opened a hardware store on Broadway, known for selling nearly everything made of metal. Rose continued her work in the business after Louis' death and the death of their son, Buddy, as the 'iron lady" and kept up the family's support for B'nai Israel in Council Bluffs. • ' " • "

Not all B'nai Israel members reside in Council Bluffs; some travel from across the river to ensure the continuation of Jewish life in Western Iowa. One of those is Len Schultz, a man characterized as 'a generous supporter of many Jewish organizations.' Though .his wife, Gloria, died recently, and he, himseif.is not well, Schultz continues to provide support to the fi'nai Israel congregation^'. ,'.f\"'; u, "The little shtll off Brpaidwa^)' as it; is'sometiines.^ kribwn,' offers weekly'Friday pjight services, -Ied"'byj members of the congregation. Guest speakers are often featured and B'nai Israel will host a Passover Seder, April 25 with Cantor Michael Yablonski.

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Jewish Press, Omaha NE

April 18,1997

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The late Meilach Katzman, father of Maurice Katzman, grandfather of Rick and Mike Katzman, and great-grandfather of Jacob Katzman, lived in the village of Davidovka in Russia. Meilach and his wife, Anna,'lived therewith their six children. They had a cow and some chickens. They grew vegetables and thought that'they had a pretty good life. Meilach '(the name me'kns Tring* in Hebrew) worked in a forest'-where they made roof shingles. He helped to dry the shingles so that they could be sold and he paid a large portion of the profits to the Poritz (Russian landowners). Life for Meilach and Anna was good until the Cossacks began to ride through their village. The Cossacks (Russian soldiers) didn't care about the lives of the Jews. They carried sabres and thought nothing of stabbing and killing Jews at random and without warning. Meilach Katzman decided that it was time for him to find something better for his family. He had heard about America and decided that he would save up some rubles and make the long journey to Ellis Island in New York, America! Katzman left his family behind because he didn't have enough money for them all to come. Anna was skeptical about leaving what she thought was a good life to go to the unknown. He took his little brother, Paul, and they came to America to make a better life and send for Anna and the six children. Meilach and Paul reached Ellis Island and then contacted HIAS, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society. They had a sister in Omaha and they were helped by HIAS to reach their aunt, Mrs. Schlaifer. Meilach worked hard at the packing house in South Omaha and he became involved with the South Omaha Synagogue. Praying and going to the synagogue became a way of life for him — a life thai continued after he made enough money to bring his family to Omaha. Maurice Katzman, born after Anna came to America, still cherishes the citizenship papers that his father earned after his arrival in America in 1916. Maury also remembers when the South Omaha Synagogue burned and his father became involved in the building of a new Shul at 25th and J Street. That building still stands today, though it is no longer a synagogue. For many years, it was a symbol of the Jewish families who lived in South Omaha. Many times, on the Sabbath, families would walk to shul together and each stop at their homes on the way back. In 1944, Beth Hamedrosh at 19th and Burt, and B'nai Israel at 18th and Chicago, decided to pool their.resources and worship together. Plans were also made to build one large, beautiful building at 52nd and Charles Street that would not have the balcony where men and women were separated. This building would be named Beth Israel Synagogue. At the time, this location was considered the Western part of the city. Maury remembers the groundbreaking ceremony in which his father participated. Although Maury admits that his family had much to do with the building of Beth Israel, he is very

Julee Katzman modeled hats at a recent Sisterhood luncheon.

Jacob) Rick and Julee Katzman humble about the work that his father and mem-\ bers of his family did. He is quick to name other families such as: The Goldstein family, Sidman family, William Weiner family, Sophie Neveleff and Sam and Louis Epstein. Maury recalls that Joe Dienstfrey was the first president of Beth Israel and Sydney K. Mossman was the Rabbi. Rabbi Israel Mowechowitz came shortly after Beth Israel opened. Harry Sidman followed Dienstfrey as president. In 1959, enrollment at Beth Israel Religious School had jumped to 240 students. To handle this large student body, a two-level brick and steel edu-' cation wing was built. This building replaced the three story frame house that had been used since the synagogue was built. Matiry relates, "It was about time that these children had a proper Talmud Torah building!" Maury and his contemporaries were instrumental in the building of the religious school. In 1960, Maury and the late Dan Gordman began the Beth Israel annual dinners. It was during each of these ten dinners that a celebrity was invited to Omaha and a Humanitarian award was given from the congregation. Some of the people who were honored were: Harry S- Truman, Eddie Cantor, Dr. Mayo, founder of the Mayo Clinic, and Moshe Kousevitsky, considered to be the greatest cantor who ever lived. "These dinners were something that we were proud of," Maury said. . The final dinner never happened. "Dr. Jonas Salk was scheduled to come, he added, 1 wish we could have those dinners again." Maury became president of Beth Israel in 1962 and his work went on during those years. His loving wife Madeline, has always been supportive of his work at the shul. . (Continued on next page)

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, . -to generation (Continued from previous page) services on the holidays and other times, but his Maury says, "When you're a young man, building life had taken on other activities. a business and raising a family, you only have so When he met Julee and she began to study for much time for outside activities. You have to choose her conversion, Rick decided to study with her. During this time, Rick renewed his commitment to what is important; for me it was Beth Israel." Katzman feels comfortable with the changes that Judaism. He learned as an adult, and together, Clothes that are easy, stylish, have taken place at Beth Israel during the past 42 they,began the;r dedication to Beth Israel. and blissfully uncomplicated. years. Although he doesn't consider himself an Rick and Jiiiee were married in 1977 and they Orthodox Jew, he feels comfortable with the return became.a/teanV,[Worki(ig:together. In 1989, Rick 759 N114 St» 491-0911 to traditional Judaism. He seemed amused as he followed,his Uncle Maury's footsteps and became president of the'Board of Commissioners. That said, "We built a new shul so that the men and women can sit together and now we've come full same year, Julee was elected president of the circle. It's OK—I think we're on the right track! Sisterhood. Especially with Rabbi Howard Kutner at the spiriRick admits that his presidency was difficult. tual control!" Rabbi Isaac Nadoff, beloved rabbi for many years, On Sept. 23, 1951, the brand new Beth Israel became seriously ill. This made added responsibiliSynagogue was dedicated. The Omaha World-, ty for the president. Rick recalls, "Rabbi Nadoff Herald said, "Most of the congregation members never thought of himself during his illness. When I live away from the downtown area, and will attend walked into his room, he asked about the synagogue, Julee, Jacob, never about himself." services at the new building." Rick and Julee say that the Katzman family Richard Katzman, Maury's nephew, was only two-years-old when the procession of more than believes in Beth Israel Synagogue and the things 800 people carried 22 Torahs from the old syna- that it stands for—Jewish Education—Jewish Day WE CATER TO THE MOST gogue, B'nai Israel. Rick, himself had to be carried School and Israel. . DISCRIMINATING CUSTOMERS to the new Synagogue by his parents, the late Jan Rick has been on the Beth Israel Board for about and Julius Katzman. Rick didn't realize the signifi- 15 years and Julee for about 10. They both believe cance of the day and the difference that this cere- that Beth Israel is moving forward. mony would make in his then young life. Rick says, "If kids grow up today without expo• Dog & Cat Boarding Call 359-4155 for Breakfast gathering at 1 Fontenelle Hotel with former Grooming reservations or a i i President Harry S. Truman. complimentary Labrador Breeding Truman was the recipient of brochure or tour. Natural Life Pet ; the Beth Israel Synagogue Products . r Citation of merit for his offiCOTTONWOOD KENNELS • 26858 W. CENTER MX cial recognition of the State of Israel and establishing the fledgling country as "A nation among all the nations of the world." From left: Rabbi Benjamin Groner, Arthur Gould, Sam Hahn, Henry Appel, Maury Katzman, chairman; a reporter, Pres, Truman, A.J. Granoff, Harry Sidman, Dr. Abe Grecnberg, Max Fromkin, Nelson Gordman and Dan Gordman, Co-chairman. Robert McMorris, a young reporter at the Omaha sure to Judaism, it is a shame, we're killing World-Herald who was covering the story, walked Judaism and killing our future. I can walk into a with the procession. Mr. McMorris still remembers Synagogue anywhere in the world and I know the walk. He says, "It was a splendid walk. There what"s going on." were visiting Rabbis, city officials, families. . .famiJulee says, "The Torah was given to the Jews by lies with many children. It was not only interesting G-d. If you believe this, you think differently." RAINBIRD LAWN SPRINKLERS but it was both solemn and joyful. Many were cry- Jacob Katzman, 14, chose of his own free will not ing because they were leaving part of their lives to attend a birthday party of a friend because it behind...the old Synagogue. Some were singing and was on Shabbat. He is proud of his Judaism and joyful because they were going to such a beautiful wears, a kipa to his secular school. He is very Synagogue. Small children were dancing and involved in the youth group, NCSY, at Beth Israel singing as we walked up the street. 111 never forget and will be involved in synagogue life as his greatFree Estimates thatday." grandfather, uncle and father. He becomes the Rick Katzman grew up going to Beth Israel fourth generation serving Beth Israel Synagogue. Synagogue. His parents took an active role in The Katzman family believes that Beth Israel Synagogue activities and Rick always knew that he Synagogue has regained vitality and is building belonged at Beth Israel Synagogue. However, like strength and purpose. They believe that it will 978-7500 many young people, he lost interest in Synagogue activities after his Bar Mitzvah. He still attended again resume a vital role in the community.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 18,1997

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Howard Ruback was just a small boy when he took the bus from his home in Avoca, Iowa, to Omaha so that he could attend Talmud Torah. He would come to Omaha after Bchool on Friday and stay over the weekend with his aunt and uncle, Dr. Morris and RoBe Margolin. •'-.•<•• During the weekehdpwhen most boys would:be playing, Howard woultl'-s'tudy his Haftorah,"His tutor was longtime OmaSa". teacher and philosopher, Harry Mendelsohn. * Dr. Margolin was instrumental in building the Beth El structure at 49th and Farnam St. That one was constructed in 1941, 12 years after the synagogue was founded. The congregation originally, met at the old Jewish Community Center at 20th and Dodge Streets. Howard and his parents joined, but it was also about this time that Howard left Iowa to attend the University of Minnesota. During college, he met Faye Schwartz and they were married in 1947.

Faye and Howard Ruback Howard Ruback shows off the sophisticated After their marriage, there was no doubt about sound system i n his home. the fact that Faye and Howard would become mem- Beth El Talmud Torahs." bers of Beth El. They were both committed to Ruback thinks that his most valued duty as presConservative Judaism. ident was the hiring of Rabbi Paul Drazen. Howard Even during high school, Howard loved sound and Judy Tully went to Minneapolis to interview equipment. He used to sneak out of afternoon class- Rabbi Drazen. Later, Howard, Morley Zipursky, es in order to go downtown and work at the shows and Ken Sacks went to New York to get permission at the Orpheum Theater. to hire him. Howard considers Rabbi Drazen a perAs a very young man, he had his own sound sonal friend and mentor. equipment company and worked for a national Rabbi Drazen says, "Part of the charm of Howard ; company. His love for sound equipment carried Ruback is his modesty." over into his involvement at Beth El Synagogue. The rabbi went on to say, "Howard was the driThe Ruback children: Shari, Nancy, Cindy, and ving force behind the building of the new synaRandy, all attended Beth El Synagogue when they gogue. He was also responsible for the selection were children. Faye and Howard made the 50-mile, and installation of the sound system. Howard is round trip from Plattsmouth, NE, three times a always there during services, concerts, and special week to make sure that the children had a proper events to run the sound equipment." Jewish education. The Ruback's three girls were Drazen also says, "Howard was responsible for a married at Beth El. As an adult, Faye had a Bat committee that made a decade of plans < for Beth Mitzvah at Beth El. Her classmates were: Sylvia El." Rabbi Drazen considers Howard and Paye Wagner, Mary Fellman, and Natalie Rubin. Ruback to be part of his "family." In September of 1988, it was announced that Ruback has served on the Building Committee, Beth El Synagogue had purchased land in the Membership committee, and has been treasurer of western suburbs of Omaha to build a new syna- the Board of Directors. He has a hard time saying gogue. Howard Ruback was part of the group who no to any request for help. acquired this land. It was announced that the new Ruback adds, "Nothing infuriates me more than synagogue would be built on an eight-acre tract when parents don't want to 'schlep* their kids to west of 144th Street on California. the synagogue. Faye and I used to come from Ozsrie Nogg, president of the congregation, said, Plattsmouth three times a week because we knew "The congregation will be leaving its first perma- that it was important for our children to come to a • nent home. All of us have wonderful memories of synagogue." Faye and Howard both agree, "Beth El the old building. We feel confident that we can pack is a family. Many of the people who attend services those memories into a new building.'' are the ages of our children, but we are all close. Howard was president of Beth El from 1983 to We feel comfortable and it's a good feeling. We 1986. According to Ruback, "We had some good think a synagogue should be that way." years. It was during this time that plans began for They went on to say, "Susie and Paul Drazen and the new synagogue. We had dinners once a month Ldlli and Emil Berkovits are part of our family. As and luncheons for elderly members. Another we grow older, some things change but Beth El achievement was the combining of Beth Israel and Synagogue is still the most important one!"

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April 18,1997 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 27

Their synagogue' ence, to her in-laws, became the daughter who "kept kosher." Ruth's home is filled with her most prized possessions...photographs of her family. The Cohens, the Goldsteins, the babies, the elders, the grandchildren, all are represented on a "family wall." The pictures include, of course, their beloved son Robert, who lost his life in a boating accident.

by Bert Lewis

If you were around this community during the time Beth Israel Synagogue was built, you undoubtedly know the name Goldstein. If your memory is good, you remember more specifically, I.G. Goldstein, as Isadore was known. I.G. was Chairman of the Building Committee, and, as such, was deeply involved in every detail of construction. Arthur, his son, recalled during a recent interview, how I.G. "would visit back and forth with the architect, Clarence Kivett, in Kansas City." Everything had his attention when it came to that building. The more Art speaks of his father's participation in the birth of Beth Israel Synagogue, the easier it is to understand him when he tries to explain his own abiding connection with the shul. The sense of family, of belonging in the warmth of this atmosphere returns each time he walks into the building. Ruth, Art's wife of 62 years, suggests some of this feeling comes from the days when "Goldsteins filled several rows of pews." She went on to comment that today, the family has spread to the other branches of Judaism-she says "We're represented at Beth El as well as Temple Israel. Art and Fare the only ones still at Beth Israel." Mention of the worship options available to Jews brought a quiet and thoughtful response from Art. He said, "To my way of thinking, religious observance is personal. Wherever it feels comfortable to the person who wants to attend a formal service, is where that person should go. It shouldn't depend on the opinions of others." : Ruth and Art Goldstein Enlarging a bit on his philosophy, Art revealed more of his own sense of values when he said, "I They live quietly now, these two Goldsteins. recognize the importance of supporting all Jewish organizations and causes, whether or not I sub- They love to visit and to remember past times. scribe to their ideas." He admits many recent They recall how they traveled extensively before changes are not in agreement with his personal Ruth's health made this difficult and don't seem to feelings but this has nothing to do with the way he think there's much unusual about the fact that Art conducts himself. He speaks of the pleasure he still still goes "to the office" every morning-at age 88. Their conversation touches on family memfeels when he walks into the synagogue most every Sunday morning—an almost indescribable sense of bers...Art speaks warmly of his siblings, Paul, the presence of his father. He says softly, "there's Buddy, Kate and Toby. (One of the mqst treasured pictures in Ruth's gallery is of those Goldstein chilso much to remember." ' He speaks of the time during the construction of dren at very, very young ages. It's priceless.) Ruth tells about the Cohens and her brother, die building in 1949 when the Goldstein family suffered the tragic loss of Art's sister, Kate, and her Bob, and sister, Joie Simon. She speaks matter-ofhusband in an airplane crash. Each detail is factly about her years ofSbommunity work, of volunremembered as though it happened yesterday, and teer projects, of fund-raisings, while she was raisafter gentle prodding, he mentions the chapel at ing her family. She was involved in countless areas Beth Israel was given by the family in memory of of the community. These two good people have been an integral part Kate and Kay Kamen. The connection of family to synagogue is on- of their home town for all of their lives. They have going, through both happy and sad times. It might given both of themselves and monetarily in their also be said the strong tie to the traditions and cus- constant participation. They have always had toms of their religion is part of what makes them strong ties to their Judaism. Ruth speaks proudly of the fact that her parents were charter members who they are. . To hear Ruth speak of the seders, year after year of Beth El Synagogue, way back before there was in their home, with the entire clan gathered happi- even a building. Art can tell stories that go all the way back to his ly around the table, is to hear a Jewish woman remember the joy of family. To see her expression family attendance at the original Kupulier shul as she tells how her strictly observant in-laws (Mr. and compares that with son David's present loyalty and Mrs. I.G.) would "move in with us for the to his Temple Israel membership. No matter what entire Passover" is to see a Jewish woman who took else you want to know or say about them, the truth is evident: Ruth and Arthur Goldstein are a shinpride in her kosher kitchen. Maybe this is especially significant in view of the ing example of a couple who have added richly to fact that Ruth Cohen Goldstein didn't know much this Jewish community, as well as the secular. Pinaliy.it seems fair to say, the presence of the ab'out kashrut when she and Art first married. Her family (the Samuel Cohens) just didn't happen to Goldsteins in the Beth Israel family seems only , observe that part of the religion; Ruthie, in defer- natural..

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April 18,1997

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member from that year on, she's held a vice presidency since 1991. Her husband, Glen, also furthering his input at At nine years of age, Nathan Fineman looks back on nearly a decade of services, dinners, and cele- Beth El, currently serves as Men's Club president. Once the Family Programming Committee was brations shared with his parents and older brother firmly established, Mrs. Fineman turned her attenat Beth El Synagogue. For these joyful experiences he can thank many tion to "targeting Beth El's programs for families hard-working Beth El members, but first he can with preschoolers." Her enthusiasm, coupled with her skills at delegating and motivating, were two thank his mother. Hollie Fineman made family programming a top main forces behind the creation and immediate priority when she set out in 1988 to meet the needs success of the Early Childhood Committee. "When I chair a committee, I ask each of the of her own young family. members to take charge of one event during the year. This gets people involved- and gets the work done," she explains. Her method has helped many others take a plunge and experience satisfaction from their efforts. Among them are Sheri Abramson and Janet Klein, respectively past and current chairs of the Early Childhood Committee; M'Lee Hasslinger and Susan Friedman, Co-chairs of Family Programming; and Adult Education Committee Cochairs Eadie Tsabari and Marlene Sukiennik. Hollie and Glen Fineman celebrate Hanukkah with friends and family. Mrs. Fineman under"When Nathan was about 11 months old and stands what children, parents, and families need Michael was six-and-a-half, Glen and I felt left out from their synagogue. She had a hand in starting of Friday night services. We wanted to go, but we many annual Beth El traditions, including the gala couldn't keep a baby out so late," Mrs. Fineman Hanukkah Celebration and the Sukkot Decorating Party. She also helped implement "Shabbat Story recalls. "It occurred to me that a Shabbat dinner with Time," which brings volunteers from the congregaprayers at the table, ending with a story presented tion together with Beth El's youngest every by the rabbi, would be just right for families with Saturday morning. She's especially proud of her role in initiating infants and toddlers. I brought the idea to Rabbi "Lunch and Learn with the Rabbi for Preschoolers" Drazen, and he agreed to give it a try. "At first, I had to practically beg people to come," and "Friday Night Kabbalat Shabbat Services." she smiles; remembering Jill and Mark Belmont, Both series take place four or five times annually. Since 1992, Mrs. Fineman has been a member of Lisa and Gary Epstein and Diane and Larry Malashock among the first couples with small chil- the Beth El Board's Executive Committee. More recently she has been serving as liason between the dren to participate. Under Mrs. Fineman's guidance, the series of Executive Committee and the synagogue's "Shabbat Dinners for Families with Young Programming/Youth Director. In the near future she hopes to be an impetus in Children" soon became successful^ multi-generational events, as young parents invited their own creating programs for singles and for seniors. In parents~and sometimes their grandparents-to addition, she wants to revitalize the Mitzvah of the Month Committee, and she would like to take part attend. Her leadership skills and willingness to work did in developing a "finely tuned coordination" between not go unnoticed. In 1989, the Beth El Board invit- the Family Programming Committee and the Beth ed Mrs Fineman to become a member. She accepted El Synagogue Talmud Torah. If it's happening at Beth El, Hollie Fineman and the position, with the condition that she would chair the Family Programming Committee. A board her family are probably there. by Diane Axler Baum

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. April 18,1897 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 29

Always trying something new by Linda Lachin

'Heart and soul' . ' (Continued from page 5) During that year, Rabbi Alexander Katz taught Saul to lead the Mincha/Ma'ariv service; from then on, whenever ritual director Larry Moldo ( who usually led services ) went out of town, Saul would step in. Grandson Andy's Bar Mitzvah two years ago marked another significant event for Saul; he read Torah for the first time. "I was able to read Torah for Andy," he said. "And Andy is named after Lorrie, so that was really special to me." Every year at Beth El, on the morning of Simchat Torah, an individual is honored for his service to the synagogue, by being given the first aliyah, Hatan Bereishit. Last October, Saul stood on the bimah and recited that special aliyah. His commitment to the synagogue was apparently only a partial reason for the recognition. Cantor Berkovits was quick to add that the honor also came "for being an all-around great guy" — a fitting description for this kind-hearted man, who. has shown quiet devotion to a congregation that surely must be grateful then when he retired, Saul Davis chose the shul over the couch."

Two decades of Shabbat services at Temple Israel have had the touch of Hilde Gottleib. Gottleib has been a Temple member for nearly 50 years. For the past 20 years, the has helped every Friday night at Oneg Shabbat, from setting tables to serving coffee. That amounts to a commitment of 1,040 days, or almost three years. But, that doesn't mean she can't try something new. Describing herself as in her "upper 70s," Gottleib has spent the past couple of years involved in,a new hobby: singing. She joined the Temple choir and performs during the high holidays and occasional Shabbat services. "I like it very much," she said. "It's really fun." The road to Omaha was a difficult one for Gottleib. She emigrated originally from Germany via England during the height of World War II. Gottleib's story begins in the small town of .Mulheim, Germany. She grew up in a town that had six other Jewish families. But religion was inconsequential — everyone was neighborly and helped one another. Everything changed Nov. 9, 1938: the night of Kristallnacht. "My father and uncle had been taken to concentration camps," she remembered. Gottleib, not yet a teenager, stayed with her mother to help maintain the house. Soon thereafter, the Hilde Gottlieb, left, socializes with Susie Shyken and Susie Nazis turned off all water Silverman at a joint Sisterhood tea. Gottlieb received the 'Hand and to the house. Her mother Hearf from Temple Israel Sisterhood in 1979 and was made a lifehad to feed the cows their tune member in 1991. own milk to prevent them from starving, Neighbors wanted to help but were a picnic at Elmwood Park. The couple married on Jan. 1, 1948. The date was forbidden by the Nazis to do so. At the age of 19, Gottleib left Germany for postponed one week after Gottleib contracted a England. Her studies in nursing and domestic work severe case of laryngitis. allowed her to travel. Alone, she left for England ' Gottleib, now a widow, has two children that live in Omaha: Steven Gottleib and Ellen Saylan. without knowing a word of English. Gottleib's intention was to find a sponsor in More than 50 years later, Gottleib always wonEngland to get her mother and sister out of dered what really happened to her sister and mothGermany. But her efforts came'too late. Soon after er. Last year, she got her answer. A neighbor from she found a sponsor, her mother and sister were her hometown in Germany confirmed that her taken by Nazis. She never heard from them again. mother and sister had been deported and killed by Eight years of domestic work in England finally the Nazis. paid off for Gottleib. Gottleib is one of a handful of survivors from the "I saved money for eight years so that I could afford a fare to come to the United States," she original six families in Mulheim. So would she ever want to return to her homerecalled. Gottleib came straight to Omaha, where her aunt town? Absolutely not, she said. "There's nothing to and uncle lived. Here, she met her husband during go back to."

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 18,1997

'family' celebrates its third year Beyt Shalom members celebrate the holidays, as ritual director Marti Neren-stone, center, leads the congregation in song. Members are active participants in leading services in this congregation. j Children and par4 ents are encouraged to learn together.

Allison Goldfein and Jeannie Liddy, right, light the havdalah candle at one of Beyt Shalom's monthly celebrations. by Mike Salmi

Bureau of Jewish Education. Beyt Shalom members playecTKey roles in recent productions at the JCC Theater, and three of the younger members held lead roles in the play, "Anne Frank and Me." The synagogue has also been involved in the Federation strategic planning programs and in the upcoming Yom haShoah and Israel Independence Day observances. Because Beyt Shalom is a young synagogue, everyone is a first generation member, and they would like to keep that spirit! Reconstructionism is a very participatory movement where everyone iB expected to not only pay dues, but to also pitch in and do their part to run the synagogue. As a result, perhaps the strongest tradition in the short life of the synagogue is the concept of strong lay leadership. To paraphrase part of the philosophy of Beyt Shalom, "The rabbi works with us, not necessarily just for us." The current Reconstructionist Rabbinical College (RRC) student intern, Rabbi Elisheva Sachs, has been a wonderful resource in developing not only our ritual program, but also many of the other

While many ol the synagogues and dewisn agencies in Omaha are older than we are, new traditions are always beginning in this great land of opportunity and religious freedom. Beyt Shalom Reconstructionist Synagogue is a case in point As the synagogue embarks upon its third year, it prides itself in having brought to the region the first Reconstructionist synagogue incorporated in Nebraska. While Reconstructionist Judaism dates only to the late 1930s, it recently added its 90th affiliate and is the fastest growing of the four major Jewish movements in America. The synagogue is a full member of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation (JRF), the national body of the Reconstructionist Movement, and participates in as many JRF activities as it can. In November, 1996, the synagogue was proud to send its first delegates to a national JRF convention. Fully embracing the Reconstructionist concept of living in two civilizations (the Jewish and the American), members of Beyt Shalom are actively involved in a remarkably wide variety of community programs for a small and growing synagogue. For example, the current and immediate past presidents of the Jewish Cultural Arts Council are Beyt Shalom members as are two members of the

aspects of synagogue life. While extremely participatory, Reconstructionism is also very egalitarian. Men and women are totally equal — kippot and tallit do not recognize gender difference at Beyt Shalom. As an aside, Rabbi Sachs is the fifth RRC intern to serve the Omaha/Council Bluffs area in the last 10 years, and all five have been women. Strong ritual practices and ties to Reconstructionist principles are key facets of synagogue life at Beyt Shalom. In the last year, the members have adopted the Reconstructionist liturgy, Kol Haneshemah, and the Reconstructionist Pesach Haggadah. These two new works are at tht heart of the Reconstructionist philosophy. They include: gender neutral references to G-d, inclusion of the matriarchs as equal founding members of the Jewish people, full translation and transliteration of Hebrew passages, a recognition of the choice of Reconstructionists to not consider themselves the "Chosen People" (see the Reconstructionist versions of kaddish and aleinu), and a very strong commits ment to tikkun olam. (Continued on page 31)

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Page 31

Reconstructionist 'family' (Continued from page SO) Jewish education is also another pillar of Reconstxuctionism in general and Beyt Shalom in particular. The synagogue has built a thriving youth education program. Adult education also continues to grow and flourish under the guidance of Rabbi Sachs. The adult education group recently spent three months exploring spirituality and mysticism and meets monthly to discuss a wide variety of contemporary Jewish issues. Continuing with the concept of strong lay leadership, Beyt Shalom members founded the Jewish Book Club in 1996. This group meets regularly to discuss a wide variety of Jewish books, and is currently completing a lengthy review of the Bill Moyer*s PBS series, "Genesis." Living in a larger American society and in the Information Age has led Beyt Shalom to become more connected not only locally, but also globally. Recognizing the tremendous resources available on the Internet, both the Reconstructionist Movement and Beyt Shalom have begun 'mining' them. Much of the business of the Midwest Region of the JRF is now conducted electronically and articles are exchanged and debates .conducted on the Reconstructionist mail list. Beyt Shalom even created its own World Wide Web home page in early 1997 to keep the community better informed.of events. Find the website at: http://www.omahafreenet.org/beytshal Another basic precept of Reconstructionism is that "the past has a vote, but not a veto." While members of Beyt Shalom cherish its new and developing traditions and the work of those who preceded them, they also are very aware that the larger society in which they exist is changing at an unprecedented rate. They will carry forward the meaningful, and build new traditions as Reconstructionist Judaism continues to evolve. G-d only knows what this article might contain in the Passover edition of 5782, 25 years from now.

A quiet moment with Rabbis Elisheva Sachs, second from left, and visiting Rabbi Miryam Klotz, second from right, during the Spirituality Weekend. The two rabbis visit with, from left. Ellen Fennick, Beyt Shalom Vice-president; Rabbi Sachs; Mike Salmi, President; Lynn Salmi; Rabbi Klotz; Debbie Radloff and her younger sister, Judy.

Left photo: Rabbi Sachs assists Philine Wangemann in reading Torah in a sukkah made by Beyt Shalom member Ed Tattle. Right photo: Sarah Tuttle, a parent and teacher in the religious school, helps Sarah Munzesheimer, Allison Goldfein and Terry Salmi prepare the covering for a new ark.

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Page 32

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 18,1997

Sweethearts for 50 years by Joan K. Marcus

Wiliard Friedman spoke wistfully of his father, the late Jacob J. (J.J.) Friedman. Jacob was raised in Omaha and became a trained stenographer for the Union Pacific Railroad. As a young man, Jacob went to work for the War Department in Washington, D.C. It was there that he met and married Anna Krupsaw. He attended Georgetown University to become an attorney and the couple later moved to Fullerton, Nebraska. The couple attempted to make a living in Fullerton, but they were unsuccessful and they decided to move to Omaha. Thama Lee Krasne Friedman remembers that her father and mother, the late Sara and Millard Krasne, also lived in Fullerton. Their families did not know each other at the time, but they did become acquainted' when the Krasnes moved to Council Bluffs. The Friedman family settled hi a home near the old Temple Israel on Park Avenue, and Wiliard was confirmed in 1937. Some of the members of his small confirmation class were: Rosalie Rubin, Harriet Newman, Louis Plotkin, Bill Stifler, and Stan Feltman. Thama Lee started to attend Sunday school at the Jewish Community Center. Her parents, at that time, belonged to Beth El Synagogue. The year before she was confirmed, the family decided that they would join Temple, and Thama was transported by carpool from Council Bluffs to confirmation class at Temple. Some of her classmates were: Ruth Katskee, Dorothy Goldner, Cece Cohen, Nick Newman, and Donne Handler. Wiliard conveniently doesn't remember, but Thama says that he always danced with all of the girls during Temple Youth Group parties.. She said, "He always danced with me at least once!" but Wiliard only vaguely remembers seeing her at the parties! In 1946, after Wiliard came home from World War II, Thama and Wiliard went out on a doubledate. They were both with other people, but they had a marvelous time together. Wiliard had finally noticed Thama and they began to date. They were married on Aug. 31, 1947, at the Krasne home. Rabbi Lou H. Silberman, who had come to Temple in 1944, presided at their marriage. Later, the four Friedman children: Anne Friedman Broder, Sue Friedman Millward, Howard Friedman,.and Tom Friedman, all became Bar and Bat Mitzvah, were confirmed and married at Temple.

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would sit on the bimah if she would change her mind. He was the proudest grandfather in the Temple when she walked down the aisle!" In 1962, Millard headed a building committee which was responsible for the religious school wing. The committee worked with a $75,000 grant from the Milton S. and Corinne N. Livingston Foundation and the congregation raised the remaining money. Eight additional classrooms were provided plus office and library space. When the new Temple was built, Thama remembers helping-Sara pick out all of the furnishings for the kitchen. The mother-daughter team spent many days cooking in the Temple kitchen. Thama From left: Millard and Sara Krasne celebrate remembers, "Mother and dad worked on all of the the marriage of Thama Lee to Wiliard art work in the Temple. When the main, sanctuary Friedman with J. J. Friedman, 1947. was refurbished in 1967, they worked closely with Bill Hammon, a local artist who was commissioned to execute the stained glass windows, menorah, and the Ner Tamid (Eternal Light)." The windows suggest the bright colors of morning and the softer shades of evening. Hammon's inspiration came from the descriptive passages from the Book of Exodus delineating their,design and function. After the 1975 tornado, he was called back to Omaha to reconstruct the windows. Thama and Wiliard 1963-Wiliard Friedman, Anne Friedman Broder, Thama Lee Friedman, re adily admit that they Sue Friedman Millward, Howard Friedman and Tom Friedman. haven't kept up with the Soon after their marriage, it became evident that changes at Temple. Thama says, "It has been diffithe congregation needed a larger and more conve- cult for us to get used to the new things. We have niently located Synagogue. Nearly four decades had always gone to High Holy Day services and to other passed since the Park Avenue building had been family events. Temple will always be home for us." dedicated and the Jewish population of Omaha had Wiliard says, "There's a lot of Hebrew in the sershifted westward. The existing building needed a vices now. I wasn't raised that way, hut I don't disnumber of extensive repairs. agree with it. Things now are a lot different than Paul Blotcky was named site chairman and when I used to walk to Sunday school from my Wiliard served on the committee. The search house at Park Avenue and Poppleton." began for a location which would accommodate the Temple Israel has many memories for Thama and long-range plans of the congregation, and Wiliard Wiliard Friedman going back even before their first found the tract of land on Dodge Street between date after Rosh Hashanah services in 1946. 69th and 72nd Streets, extending north to Cass Street. Sometime later, the Board decided that they did in fact want the location and the land was purchased from Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton C. Fuller. "" Millard Krasne became president of Temple in 1962. It was during this time that the KrasneFriedman family attended services regularly and took part in all Temple Confirmation class of 1940, front row, 1-nCecilIe activities. Thama relates, Cohen, Gorda Hagen, Jean Rubenetein, Dorothy "Anne had decided that Goldner, Donne Handler, Thama Lee Krasne, Betty she wasn't sure if she Jane Hollander, Ruth Katsky; back row: Loiss wanted to be confirmed Pepper, Shirley Brodkey, Edward Cherniss, Friedman, Calvin Newman, Rabbi David and dad told her that he Jimmy Wice, Dorothy Rosenberg, Miriam SchimmeL

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 33

'Elder statesman'of ti riicol 11 by Chuck Kuba

Lincoln is a metropolis of about 200,000 people, small by some standards, but the second largest city in Nebraska. One would be hard-pressed to find a single individual, Jew or non-Jew, who hasn't somehow, some way, been touched and their life made better by the efforts of Leo Hill. Born of Russian < immigrant parents | in Lincoln in 1913, L Leo was taught an appreciation and zest for life which he carries to this j day. He has often • been heard to say that his parents felt fortunate to live in this country and that he was told to give back what it had given to him. And give he has; in time, energy, Leo Hill as a young boy, 1934 enthusiasm, dedication and resources. Educated in the public schools,.Leo went on to attend the University of Nebraska where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity and where Leo Hill at age 83 he organized Phalanx, the advance R.O.T.C. fraternity. better for the citizens of Lincoln through the He later served in the U.S. Air Forcefrom1941Mayor's Air Pollution Control Commission, and then the active reserve with the 307th Bomb Southeast Nebraska Health Planning Council, Wing until he retired in 1965 as a colonel. Tabitha Home, the Children's Zoo, Malone Professionally, Leo joined the company his father Community Center, the Crippled Children's had started in 1906, Northwestern Metal. He's now Society, Multiple Sclerosis Society, YMCA, Lincoln the retired chairman of the board, but his drive for Foundation, the Urban League, Madonna Home for fairness and honesty is remembered. the Elderly, St. Elizabeth Hospital, the Retired In a recent article, the Midlands Business Teachers Association, and the Cornhusker Council Journal called him the "Elder statesman of of Boy Scouts of America, which presented him with the coveted Silver Beaver Award for his part Lincoln business." ':'• His down-to:earth style came out in theinterview in establishing regional Scout camps. when he said, "I've always loved the scrap business, He served on the boards today we call it recycling. In my day it was the junk of the Senior and Junior business." Business related boards he has served Chambers of Commerce on include the Aluminum Smelters Research and received the Nebraska Institute, Secondary Metals Institute, and the Distinguished Service Chamber of Commerce. Award from the latter for But where Leo Hill's light shines brightest is in organizing the first Midget his philanthropic work. He's strived to make life Baseball league. •

•

*

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Leo is an aesthete and an accomplished actor. He originally entered UNL as an engineering major but soon began taking courses he liked such as : drama and music. In 1946, he helped organize the Lincoln Community Playhouse where has often appeared on stage and he has used his considerable business talents to guide the efforts of the Lincoln Broadway League as president and the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra. Evenings at the Lied Center for the Performing Arts don't seem complete without his warm greeting as he serves as a volunteer. And, his dramatic talents are put to further use as he reads poetry for fifth and sixth graders in the Lincoln Public Schools. A 33-degree Scottish Rite Mason and Past Potentate of Sesostris Temple of the Shrine, Leo is also a member of the Lincoln Council Kadosh and Royal Order of Jesters. As a clown, he can often be seen performing in hospitals, schools and parades to the utter enjoyment of young and old alike. To be certain, any biographical portrait of Leo Hill would be incomplete without mentioning his total and complete devotion to and enthusiastic support of the University of Nebraska which has presented him with its Distinguished Service Award. But it is Judaism which takes him back to his roots. He is an honorary life member of Tifereth Israel Synagogue, which he served as president for six years. As a regional governor and past president of B'nai B'rith of Lincoln, he was also active in its Anti-Defamation League. And, as a national board member of the Jewish Theological Seminary, he received their Distinguished Service Award. Leo was also recognized for outstanding service by the Jewish Federation of Lincoln, which he headed as president for three years. Leo and his wife, Betty z"l, had two sons, Joseph z"l, and Gary, who now runs Northwestern Metal as a division of CEGA Services with his wife, Cece.

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Page 34

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 18,1997

Shaping Jewish life for the 21st century by Linda Lachin

A member links Orthodox synagogues in Omaha and Houston r Jacob Adler

A Megillat Esthtjr which belonged to my late father, Joseph Adl< r, was read each Purim for many years at the o d TKapulier" Shul on 16th and Cuming Streets. Now, it will bel lg to a small new Orthodox Synagogue in Bel aire, TX, Congregation Or Hadash. In conversations nth my sister and brother-inlaw, Helen and Be nard Diamond, formerly of Omaha, and with my niece, Frances and her husband, Harold Falk, formerly of Sioux City, LA, I learned that their n w synagogue in the suburbs of Houston was in nee i of a Megillah. Without this donation, the congregation would be forced to borMike Walts teaches a new melody to Temple Israel's Synagogue 2000 committee. row or rent one. Sim e the Diamond and Falk famiA national effort in synagogue life is taking place from the work week to Shabbat lies were 'pacesetter i' of this new Orthodox congreThe Synagogue 2000 Project launched in gation, they felt a responsibility to ensure that the in Omaha. And in the heart of it all is Dr. Mike December, 1996 with a meeting of representatives synagogue had a pro >er Megillat Esther for Purim. Walts. The Synagogue 2000 Project is sponsored by the from the 16 designated synagogues. The four-day I have since recei red a letter from Rabbi Shaul Conservative and Reform movements in the United retreat took place in California. Walts attended as Osadchey, thanking my family for the gift of this States. Simply stated the project aims to look at one of the representatives from Temple Israel. Megillah. He wrote: the state of American synagogue life and try to "The energy and enthusiasm there was unbeliev'Please know tl at your act of tzedakah, in make it more fulfilling for congregants. Only 16 able," Walts said. blessed memory of y owe father is deeply appreciatsynagogues nationwide were selected for the proThe group spent one day visiting a "mega ed. It is our hope th it, as we enjoy its use over the ject. Temple Israel in Omaha is one of them. church." Walts described it as a. transdehomina- years, each Purim vill remind you of the joyous '• .Walts is one of three lay persons on Temple tional church that draws 5,000 to 10,000 people on moments which you ihared in your father's life. ., , ; : "On behalf of Co gregation Or Hadash, please Israel's Steering Committee for the Synagogue a Sunday morning. "They're clearly meeting the needs, of folks," accept our gratitude for your thoughtful and generiCOO Project. About 30 people serve on the full Synagogue 2000 committee. The committee has Walte said<"We'd like to tap into that." ous donation of: the Megillah scroll:to our synab|en meeting bi-weekly bejSpnifigJan. 30pl9,97. /•' ., Ttie!S.ynagogue 2000 project has great-potential, gogue.'7 |fWe're trying tobajically change; they?ay ^peojile Recording Jo Walts. "I think this entire process may As a member of Beth Israel Synagogue, I now feel :? think and ulilizeHheir congregation," Walis said? be they most; important thing facing American a link between the two Orthodox congregations, ; ,. Jewry in, this century," ,&e said^ "It could eventually "It's a cultural change." __ . : , . , . . separated by so many miles. I [The initial pT$#eof3he1twA%th^ee/year project* i revolutionize structural "Jewish life." i A Walts has been active with, Temple-Israel long looks at prayer-aiid healing. ;Temple Israel is.-fpeus-. before the Synagogue '2000 Project. He.currently ing on healing." ~ ,,' ' ^ '.' r'x' , '.' \-' j!"We want £o'see 5f the"synagogue is providing "serves as vice president^the Temple board and is what the congregation needs," Walts said. People the former chairperson of the religious school comnfe'ed healinguant-the-time>,not just during a crisis,, , •mittee..-.;:»..•..:„..•.:.;:;.: ; : . : ; ' . in the summer of 1988, Walts and his wife, Beth, he added. ^ Walts said his ultimate goal is for congregants to moved to Omaha from St. Louis. He joined Temple fulfill their emotional and spiritual needs at Israel immediately and has been an active member Temple. He described Temple as a place "where we ever since., all can feel warm and comfortable with; each, other Walts is the medical director of Midlands Prime and can share good things and bad things." Care, a private family practice in Papillion. He c One means to t h a t end is already in place. moved to the area after serving five years in the air The Adler family: front row, from left-Helen Shabbat services now begin with a moment for con- Force at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. Adler Diamond,' Anna Adler,' J o s e p h Adler gregants to greet the people sitting around them. Walts and his wife have been married for, nearly,. : and Hyman Adli r. Back row: Morrie Adler Walts said other congregations have greeters at the 21 years. They live in Bellevue with their two chil- and Jacob Adler. doors to welcome worshippers and transition them dren: A.J., 12, and Holly, 8. . -, •'-•-.',! '•;;..-•

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April 18,1997

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 35

Beth El friends honor couple by Diane Axler Baum Leslie and Helen Kay sponsored the Kiddush at Beth El Synagogue March 16 to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. A group of their friends marked the milestone in another way. They surprised the Kays with a party, and they added a leaf inscribed in honor of the anniversary to Beth El's Tree ofLife. This seemed the most appropriate gift for a husband and wife who've contributed countless volunteer hours to the congregation, said Hanna DeBruin, whose feelings were echoed by many other friends of the popular couple. Les and Helen Kay are well-liked and highly-regarded for their sense of responsibility, good-heartedness, and general menschkeit. They regularly work behind the scenes at the synagogue; a Beth El activity would hardly be complete without them. The Kays became involved with Beth El 12 years ago when they moved to Omaha from Albert Lee, MN. Their older daughter, Jennifer, was a kindergartner then, and their younger, Joanna, was two years old. As Jennifer reached the age for Torah and Siddur Skills (TSS) on Saturday morning, the parents decided to start attending services . weekly, too, Mrs.* Kay said. They also increased their respective activity with the Men's Club and Women's League-Sisterhood. Mrs. Kay is one of the few members of the League-Sisterhood who manages to get to almost every monthly meeting. She has served as the organization's , Financial Secretary and is currently Membership Vice-Chairman. She is probably best known for chairing Beth El's annual Sukkot Party, an event sponsored by the Family Programming Committee. "I have devised games and done the shopping for this event for five or wn years," she said, expressing her intention of "turning over the job to someone with younger children.'' Both husband and wife frequently appear at the Beth El kitchen to bake for synagogue events, but one recent baking effot spiralled into something bigger. For laBt year's Hanukkah Party and Dinner, Kay rounded up members of Men's Club to bake. In the end, the men cooked the entire dinner, including many hundreds of latkes. T h e men truly enjoyed it," he said. Serving as a Simcha Coordina-tor is one of Kay's favorite activities. Since training seven years ago, he has received great satisfaction from guiding families toward their special occasions by "walking them through it." He enjoys sharing their happy times. Kay especially likes coordinating a second simcha for the same family,

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Leslie and Helen Kay ' as he did for Larry and.M'Lee Hasslinger and Michael and Pat Lmn. Next October, hell be Simcha Coordinator a second time for Joel and Esther Hellman. He looks forward in the hear future to triple repeats-coordinating for the third daughter of Jerry and Sindie Katskee and the third son of Phil and Diane Rich. ' ' He did not," however, coordinate his own daughters' Bar Mitzvah ceremonies. "For my own, I went brain dead," he laughed. Men's Club members expect a call from Kay every year as he makes the schedule of ushers for the High. Holidays. . All members of Beth El expect to see him frequently selling gift certificates to local supermarkets and department stores. Gift certificate sales have become an important fund-raising activity f° r Beth El over the past several years. Joe Ginsburg initiated the gift certificate program and still sellsfrequently.Kay, who is Ginsburg's principal assistant, personally sells often and also sets up the annual schedule of salespersons. Kay has served a total of 11 years as a synagogue and religious school board member. His first board, position was a fill-in on the board of the then United Talmud Torah of Omaha. Succeeding himself on the UTTO Board, he served two years as a Vice-Chair and two years as Chair. These positions also gave him a seat on the Board of the Synagogue. Les and Helen Kay are delighted to be included on the Tree of Life. According to their many friends at Beth El, the new leaf has also enhanced the tree.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 18,1997

'Dancing on fables1

During his tenure as UTTO/BESTT chairman, Bruce said he has been proudest of "getting the As parents, we're expected to do our best for our school under one roof, where everything could be kids. We support them, offer guidance to them and supervised in one place and where you could have a cheer them on to "be all that they can be." It is large mass of Jewish kids in one place at one time, more uncommon to find adults who dedicate them- so they really get a sense of Judaism." He comselves not only to their own children, but to chil- mended past-president Bruce Friedlander and Rabbi Paul Drazen for "having the vision that we dren throughout our Jewish community. Enter Margie and Bruce Gutnik, who have devot- needed [the addition] and really went out after it." The Gutniks' interest in both Judaism and educaed years not only raising their own children, but tion can be traced to their upbringing. Both are helping to educate the children of Beth El from predominantly Jewish suburbs of St Louis Synagogue, as well. For the past three years, Bruce has served as (although they didn't know each other growing up); chairman of United Talmud Torah of Omaha (now Margie's family was Reform; Brace's was Orthodox, Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah), guiding the "until I was in junior high, then we shifted over to The Gutnik family, from left: Allison, Bruce, religious school through curricular, structural and Conservative." As a teenager, Margie participated in her Temple Margie, Andi and Julie. personnel changes. Margie wears two hats at Beth El: first, as a vol- youth group and the Missouri Valley Federation of Bruce added. "We spend a lot of time there." A lot of time has been spent there, as witnessed unteer, serving on the synagogue board and serving Temple Youth Group, and spent some time in on the adult education and scholarship committees, Omaha during youth conventions. Bruce was a by the resumes compiled by the Gutniks' children: • Julie, 22, served as president of USY, coplus chairing the strategic planning committee; the member of AZA, but said he was "somewhat uninchaired the youth conclave as a freshman (and suhsecond, as a staff member, teaching third graders volved [with Judaism]." The couple met at the University of Missouri, sequently won the Jack Molad Ruach Award, for about Jewish holidays, traditions and celebrations. Twelve years of teaching has not dimmed her where Bruce attended medical school and Margie most spirited freshman. (She is also planning her enthusiasm for her eight-year-old students; her worked toward her elementary education degree; Aug. 31 wedding at Beth El to Michael Levine, the they were still students when they wed in 1970. synagogue's programming director.) attitude remains joyous and positive. "After my last year of residency, we started look• Allison, 19, served as USY freshman represen"I love third grade. I like teaching, I like the people, I like the subject - it's fun!" she said. "When ing [to move]," Bruce said. "We knew we wanted to tative, chaired Kinnus several years ago, was a you have children who have been in school all day come back to the Midwest because we liked the supervisor for Beth El's T.S.S. (Torah Siddur and they show up at 4:15, and this is the last place Midwest feel and ethic, and we wanted to be rela- Skills) program last year Und participated in the merit scholarship program for three years. they want to be - they want to be home, they want tively close to St. Louis." Omaha beckoned to the Gutniks when a teaching • Andi, 17, is in her senior year at Burke High to be outside - you've got. to market to them. "And I like dancing on top of tables, I like enter- position opened up at the University of Nebraska School. Her involvement at Beth El has included taining. I did some'acting in my past, so there's an Medical Center, and in 1977, the couple packed up working as a T.S.S. supervisor, serving as execuopportunity to do a Little of that.. . I love all the cel- their things, their two-year-old daughter Julie, and tive vice-president of the USY regional board and \ .• . co-chairman of the group's conclave and regional ebratory things about Judaism, the. holidays— I made their move. 1 Over the next three years came daughters leadership institute. Forherwork in USY, she was really believejit and it makes it easy to teach! * She added that, "Third graders are,wonderful Allison, now 19, and Andi, now 17. The 1980s awarded the Joe Ginsburg Mensch Award in 1995. "One of the things we did when the kids were because they're old enough to read j to-do ;wprky and brought professional and personal changes to the they're young enough to get' really excited about' it. Gutnik family: In 1983, Bruce left UNMC to go into born and we were trying to figure out how we could They still love their teacher, they want to give you private practice, and at the end of 1985, the family shape them into the direction we'd like to see them joined Beth El Synagogue, where "we felt a connec- go, was make the decision that anything they wanta hug... what's not to like?" • tion immediately. It felt ed to do that was primarily Jewish, we would pay very comfortable to us," for 100 percent," Bruce said. "When it came to'HnyMargie said. The family :" ' thing Jewish '-^ camp,' trips to Israel; BBYO dances, started going to services USY parties - it was automatic. They knew where The every Shabbat, and "our our priorities were." kids became what Rabbi They also recognized the importance of flexibility Drazen calls 'children of while accommodating their daughters' Jewish lives the. congregation,'" with their school activities and obligations. Margie said, adding that, "We have Shabbat every Friday night, and when "we made friends there Julie was a cheerleader in high school, she had to with people that instant- leave early to make it to the games," Margie said. ly welcomed us." "Well, for us, Judaism wasn't 'No, you can't. . .' They became Judaism to us was;-'Tell you what — we'll have entrenched in Jewish life challah, wine and candles, then you go to the game, in Omaha. As their and after dinner, the rest of us will be there.' children entered their "Was it halachically OK? No, it wasn't. 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My Jewish joyrney by Josh Zweiback

Memory is a strange thing. While I know that it was sometimes a struggle for my mom, (Hermene Zweiback) to get me to Sunday school, while I know that I didn't always like it, and while I know that, on occasion, I threatened never to return, my memories of my religious school education are pleasant and I have returned— again and again and again. I remember my teachers and Rabbi Brooks and Rabbi Weinstein, I remember Cantor Carp and Cantor Firestone. I remember the educator—Jane West (it is with a considerable amount of shame that I remember sitting in her office on more than one occasion— and, believe me, she hadn't asked me in to discuss my future in the rabbinate). Most of all though, I remember my classmates. Year after year we gathered together. Together we received those adorable little Torahs at consecration. Together we learned aleph. bet. Each year we celebrated Hanukkah and Purim together. We became b'nai-mitzvah together. Most of us stayed around through . confirmation—together. Though there were disagreements and personality conflicts, together we formed a real community. Looking back on it, I wish I could have appreciated then what I only now have come to appreciate. Jane West gave me my start as a Jewish educator. She hired me to play .the guitar and sing with the religious school. I wasn't much of a guitarist (hen (or a singer for that matter) but I really loved being with the children and fell in love with teaching. At the same time, I got hooked on youth group and became active in both OTYGandBBYO. When I went off to college, my journey as a Jewish educator continued away from Temple Israel—at summer camps in Colorado (Shwayder Camp) and in California (Gindling Hilltop Camp in Malibu) and as the prayer leader at the Reform minyan at Princeton University.

Josh Zweiback, son of Dr. Eugene (Speedy) and Hermene Zweiback) is a third-year student at Hebrew Union CollegeJewish Institute of Religion in New York City. He and his wife, Jacqueline, live in New York City. He will be ordained as a rabbi in June, 1998. After college I returned to Temple "to work full time. The staff and clergy at Temple Israel had an enormous impact on me that year. Dorothy Spizman, Cantor Karen Webber-Gilat, Ann Kibel-Schwartz, and Rabbi Aryeh Azriel were my teachers and mentors and inspired me in countless ways. My decision to enroll in the masters program in Jewish education is a direct result of my work with Ann. They let me make mistakes and learn from them. Most of all, they were and are all true mensches. For the last four years, I have f come back to Temple Israel to lead an alternative morning service on the High Holidays. I feel blessed that Temple Israel continues to be a home for me—a place where I can feel comfortable as a congregant and as an educator and

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April 18,1997

Champions of Lincoln synagogue and the kids always know that's where

by Elyza Richmon Halev

In every community there are those about whom we know little but see much of, the leaders or machers of the organizations, and there are those who make things happen behind the scenes. Charlie and Nancy Coren are rather unassuming folks and through their labors of love, the religious and cultural life of Jews in Lincoln has been greatly enriched since 1973. Nancy, born Nancy Chesnin, the only daughter of Leon and Esther Rae Chesnin's four children, grew up in the Lincoln Jewish community. "When I was growing up the community had many strong, active members," recalls Nancy, but now those with a commitment are dwindling. While in college, Nancy continued Jewish activity with Hillel, Jewish Students for Israel and as a leader to youth groups in the Chicago suburbs. There, Nancy met her 'romeo,' Charles Coren, of Rockford, IL, while he was studying to be an optometrist. Charlie was one of six children in a family that kept kosher and actively participated in their synagogue. He recalls that he never went to school on a Jewish holiday and that food "always reminded me that there was something different, often related to the preparations for an upcoming holiday." After Charlie and Nancy were married they chose Lincoln and arrived in 1973. Getting Charlie's optometry practice off the ground involved both young Corens, while Nancy also began working for Tifereth Israel Synagogue which turned out to be a lifelong commitment. As Nancy tells it, this was based on her belief that, "if you've got skills that others need, especially in a small community, you do what you can to help." This has translated into innumerable activities. Together, Charlie and Nancy, along with others, have organized a plethora of events in the Lincoln community. Yom HaAtzmaut celebrations resulted in concerts with such artists as Theodore Bikel for Israel's 45th Anniversary and Debbie Friedman, another year. The king of Mitzvot, Danny Siegel was in Lincoln a few years ago and prompted Tifereth Israel to organize a food bank. Charlie has taken many roles in the community, from serving as Lincoln Jewish Federation presi-

The Coren family, from left: Nancy, Rebecca, Charlie and Josh. dent to Tifereth Israel Trustee. He has coordinated High Holy Day services and served as ritual committee chairperson and gabbai for 10 years. Supported by the Lincoln Jewish Federation and Tifereth Israel's available space, Nancy served as the volunteer parent director of their Nursery School for nine years. She also started a day camp for 30-40 Jewish children, providing them with Jewish-based activities. Jewishly, however, Nancy is perhaps most revered as'the woman behind the Tifereth Israel Hebrew School for most of the last 20 years. This also included teaching the vast majority of the Bar and Bat Mitzvah students their parshah and haftorah portions and the prayers of the service. Nancy has also been very involved with passing on knowledge and Jewish'experience to the larger Lincoln community as well. She helped the United Ministries of Higher Education organize the first conference that'UNL'offered; exploring1 the relationship of Christians to the Holocaust;-: Recently, Nancy joined others such as Tifereth Israel's Rabbi Stanley Rdsenbaum in the taping of a video to be used in human development classes at UNL. They each shared i their understanding of the cultural aspects, values and beliefs of Jewish families for others to learn about Jewish identity. It is easy to see how Charlie and Nancy's leadership in the Lincoln Jewish community has been transferred to the next generation. "The kids have integrated their own Jewish value system and are observant in their own way," says Nancy, "While Shabbat is always connected to the

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we are." Or, they welcome the Jewishness into their home. "We've opened our home to fascinating Jewish minds and personalities," Nancy beams, "and our children have been able to converse with these adults because they had the background." After spending her junior year in high school at Tichon Ramah Yerushalayim, Abby, now 21, decided that she wanted more of Israel, and spent her first year of college in Young Judea's Year Course in Jerusalem. Now in college, Abby is teaching Hebrew in a Reform congregation and serving as campus representative to the UJA. Much to Nancy's delight, "the biggest Jewish surprise I've had, was when Abby moved into her own apartment and said that she wanted to keep kosher!" Joshua, IS, has been active in educational and religious life. He said, "my parents taught me by example what it means to live a Jewish life, taking me to synagogue, constantly explaining Jewish law and ethics. I've tried to follow in then: footsteps." He enjoys davening and training others. Currently Josh teaches two' Hebrew, classes in the Tifereth Israel school, serves oh the Regional USY board, and will work this summer atCamp Yavneh in New Hampshire. . r Josh's role is soon to end, at least temporarily, as he leavep next year for one of tWo. choices: USY's NaTiv Program in Israel or the joint program between the Jewish Theological Seminary andColumbia with a combined major in Talmud, Rabbinics and Chemistry. . " As a family friend put iti this is a fitting direction for Jdsh because "it's very important for rabbis to have good chemistry with the congregation.",: Rebecca, 15, also has strong threads tying.her to being Jewish. After years of camps Herzl and Ramah, she's building a, strong Jewish network in the Midwest. Becca is an aide in the synagogue's B'nai Mitzvah class and active in USY. As Charlie tells it, "Wr greatest contribution is our three children. We're always there, making sure that things are working so we can ensure that the synagogue will be here 10 years from now." By how they live their lives the Coren family proves that even in a small community you can raise children with a very strong Jewish identity.

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Beth El means 'family' by Joan K. Marcus

credentials were not acceptable in America. He Unlike many Jewish girls of her generation, worked for a time as "The Jewish Handyman" Eadie Fishel Tsabari didn't return to Omaha after before finally getting work as an engineer. graduating from college. After receiving her degree Eadie began teaching Sunday school when Gal in agronomy, she decided to leave her parents, the was in kindergarten. She had gone to Stan late Helen and Joe Fishel, and move to Israel. Mitchell, director of the school, to tell him that she After graduating from college in 1979, Eadie wasn't going to send Gal to the Sunday School's went to work for the World Union of Jewish Students. This was a one-year program for Jewish kindergarten classes. Mitchell said, "Oh, I'm so glad to see you. I need college graduates who intended to stay in Israel. The first half of the program was spent studying Sunday school teachers!" She taught fifth grade for Hebrew in intensive classes called, ulpan, and the a year and then she began to teach kindergarten. second half was devoted to looking for a job — Mrs. Tsabari is also co-chair of the Adult Education Committee. The committee does prohopefully in her chosen profession. Eadie's first job in Israel was for a seed company. gramming for adults such as hosting author and They produced seeds for vegetables, flowers and lecturer Rabbi Harold Kushner as guest speaker fruits. Shortly after that, she took a job working for and an extended Shabbat, called "Watch out for a company which genetically produced different Shabbat,' which lasted all Saturday afternoon. kinds of seeds and chemicals. The Tsabari family plans a big Passover. The During her travels through Israel, Eadie decided children will stay home from school in order to help to accompany a friend for a visit to a kibbutz. Her their mother cook for the Seder. After all of the friend's friend had a brother who was also visiting chometz is removed from the house, Eitan will for Shabbat. That brother was Eitan Tsabari. sweep with a feather for crumbs. The house will be Eadie and Eitan sat across the table from each full of friends and relatives for the Passover Seder. other for dinner and, by the end of the evening, the Eadie says that Beth El means "family" to her couple knew that they were in love and that they family. ~ would spend the rest of their lives together. "If s a new family," she added. "I grew up at Beth They were married in 1986, and lived in Ein Israel Synagogue and that was part of my other Ayalla, a Moshav or communal farming area. . family. •• .. Because it was so difficult for farmers to survive "Beth El is where I go when I need to celebrate. economically, the Tsabaris decided to return to Omaha along with their sons, Ron and Onie, and Since we have this lovely new building, the congretheir daughter, Gal. Their other daughter, Efrat, gation is discovering that we can do more things," she noted. was the only one born in Omaha. "We're becoming much closer as a congregation; I The Tsabaris returned here in 1989, and joined see a lifting of the spirit. We have this wonderful Beth El Synagogue. Onie had his Bar Mitzvah at the Synagogue on 49th and Farnam. He's now back facility and now we need to fill it full of spirit" in Israel completing his army service in the IDF, She went on to say, "Life goes by so quickly and you have to decide what is important." the Israeli Defense Forces. Her beautiful brown eyes spoke as she said, "Beth Eadie Fishel Tsabari waits in her classroom At first, life was difficult for Eitan because he had at Beth El with daughter, Gal. ; El is important to me and to my family!" been an environmental engineer in Israel and his • • i i -

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Henry Monsky Lodge BnaiBrith 334-6443 Best wishes for a happy and healthy Passover.

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The Congregation of Temple Israel

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wishes its friends in the •,. Jewish community a Passover filled with good health, happiness and peace

Hag Sameach!

• Sisterhood • Men's Club • Jr. and Sr. Youth Groups • Outreach • Religious School Parents

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BEYT SHALOM KECONSTRUCTIONIST SYNAGOGUE As we celebrate our First Anniversary and the arrival of our new Rabbi, we extend warmest holiday wishes to everyone in the Greater Omaha Jewish Community.

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April 18,1997 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 41

Candlelighting Friday, April 18.. Monday, April 21 Tuesday, April 22

TEMPLE ISRAEL

7:49 p.m. 7:53 p.m. no earlier than 8:57 p.m.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE - Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Synagogues of America 1502 No. 52 Street, Omaha, NE 68104 556-6288 Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, April 18 Kabbalat Shabbat 7 p.m. Shabbat dinner follows, approximately. .....8 p.m. Saturday, April 19 Morning service 8:45 a.m. Jr. Congregation 10:30 a.m. Kiddush following sponsored by Sisterhood Shabbat lunch follows, approximately 12:15 p.m. 'Parsha of the Week,' a course led by Yakova Herzig at her home ........6:30 p.m. Chumash class with Rabbi Kutner. ....7:10 p.m. Mincha, followed by Shalosh Seudot, Ma'ariv and Havdalah 7:40 p.m. Sunday, April 20: Morning services, followed by breakfast and class with the rabbi on The Siddur: A Study of the background and meaning of the prayer book..,.....10 a.m. Mincha 7:55 p.m. Search for Chometz no earlier than... 8:54 p.m. Monday, April 21: Fast of the first born from 5:23 a.m. Morning service, followed by siyyuin 7 a.m. Chometz not to be eaten after .10:42 a.m. Chometz to be burned no later than 12:02 p.m. Mincha.... ....•.....„,. 7:55 p.m. Sederbegins no earlier than....... '.... .8:47 p.m. Tuesday, April 22: Morning service 9:30 p.m. Mincha........ . 7:55 p.m. Second seder, no earlier than....... 8:57 p.m. Wednesday, April 23: Morning service 9:30 a.m. Mincha .*. ...7:55 p.m. Havdalah 8:58 p.m. Choi Hnmoed, Thursday, April 24: . Morning service ....................... :........7 a.m. Mincha ;....... 7:55 p.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of the United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE. 68502 423-8569 Services are conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Friday, April 18: Services.... 8 p.m. Guest speaker is Prof. Susannah Heschel; Oneg Shabbat hosted by Drs. Jean and David Cahan. Saturday, April 19: Shabbat HaGadol Services........ .......9:30 a.m. Monday, April 21: Shacharit and Siyyum B'chorim............ 7:15 a.m. Mincha, Ma'ariv, Erev Pesach... 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, First day of Pesach: Shacharit..... 9:30 a.m. Mincha, Ma'ariv 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, Second day of Pesach: Shacharit 9:30 a.m.

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Friday, April 18: Shabbat Comes to You. 3:45 p.m. Rabbi Debbie Stiel and the Omaha Temple Youth Group will lead Shabbat Service, Livingston Plaza. Early Worship Service., 5:30 p.m. Rabbi Debbie Stiel will officiate using the Union Prayer Book. Shabbat services... ..8:15 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Debbie Stiel and Hazzan Erik Contzius will officiate. Rabbi Azriel will speak. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by Karen and Gary Javitch, in honor of their daughter, Rachel Javitch. Saturday, April 19:. Shabbat Morning service 11:15 a.m. Simcha B'Shabbat - an informal Shabbat service • that includes study and discussion of a variety of texts. The regular Shabbat service will be held in the Sanctuary. BATMTTZVAH Rachel Lynn Javitch, daughter of Karen and Gary Javitch, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. Sitter service is available each Shabbat Evening Service and for the Saturday Morning Shabbat Service when there is a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Please make a reservation, so we may plan accordingly. There are no facilities for infants. Sunday, April 20: Parallel Education for Parents (PEP)... 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 22: Morning service .11:15 a.m. Congregational Seder ....6 p.m. ^Thursday, April 24: Sisterhood Adult ESucation.......;....9:30 ^11:30 a.m. Hazzan Erik Contzius will continue-to lead a study of the old Union Prayer Book and the New Gates of Prayer as well as other liturgical publications, from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Rabbi Debbie Stiel will delve into Reform Responsa, from 10:30 -11:30 a.m.

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. Friday, April 18: Services 6 p.m. Saturday, April 19: Services, followed by kiddush.. 9:30 a.m. Men's Club Shabbat Sitter service, TSS (Torah Siddur SkiUs)......10 a.m. Shabbat story time.... .11 a.m. Mincha, Ma'ariv and Havdalah 8 p.m. Sunday, April 20: Services 9 a.m. Monday, April 21: Siyyum BTdiorim 6:30 a.m. Shacharit 6:55 a.m. Mincha, Ma'ariv 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, First Day of Passover: Shacharit 9:30 a.m. Mincha, Ma'ariv. : 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, Second Day of Passover: Shacharit................ 9:30 a.m. Micha, Ma'ariv.. ............8:15 p.m. Thursday, April 24, Hoi HaMoed: Shacharit.... ....6:55 p.m. Mincha, Ma'ariv. 5:30 p.m.

CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURUN The South Street Temple Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations 2061 So. 20 St., Lincoln, NE. 68502-2797 435-8004 Friday, April 18: Shabbat Services .7:45 p.m. Oneg Shabbat hosted by Dave Rosenberg and Joyce Pocras. Saturday, April 19: Shabbat Torah Study , ., 10 a.m. Monday, April 21: Fast of the First born and Erev Peach, First Seder Tuesday, April 22: Community Seder, led by Cantor Michael Weisser at the Temple..... 6:30 p.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street; Omaha, N E . 68154 1 330-4272 . Saturday, April 19: Morning Services.......... .„.....;......, 9 a.m. Monday, April 21: First Seder. ;... .....;...,..,... 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 22: Morning services , 9 a.m. Second Seder..... 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 23: Morning services 9 a.m. Seders and Passover Morning services will be led by Don Schwartz. :'•''.' '••

BEYT SHALOM RECONSTRUCTIONS! SYNAGOGUE An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation PO Box 42-1130, Omaha, NE. 68124 758-9233. .,...„, • http://ojmahafreenet.org/beyt8hal . Friday, April 18: Kabbalat Shabbat.............. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 20: Religious school at Westside Ed. Ctr.. 10 a.m. Monday, April 21: Pot-luck vegetarian seder 5:30 p.m. First night community seder at the synagogue, call Marti Nerenstone, 323-9504, for details.

B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster St., Council Bluffs, IA., 51503 322-4705 e-mail: docjeb@juno.com Friday, April 18: Services, led by congregants .7:30 p.m. Discussion topic is 'Rabbi Kurzweil looks at Jewish History.' Saturday, April 25: Passover Seder 6:30 p.m. Dr. Michael Yablbriski, will officiate. The cost for this catered seder is $10; there is no charge for children's meals. For reservations, call Sandra Kurland, 323-8885.

CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Movement 11923 Pacific St., Omaha, NE. 68144 697-1124, e-mail: chabad@aol.com http://www.metawire.com/chabadneb Friday, April 18: Kabbalat Shabbat........ 8:15 p.m. . Saturday, April 19: Shacharit services, kiddush following........9:30 a.m. Monday, April 21: • Seder for New Americans ...7:40 p.m. Program to include candlelighting and trilingual service in Russian, Yiddush and English. Call 6971124 for reservations by Sunday. Tuesday, April 22: Shacharit services, kiddush following... 9:30 a.m. Second seder....... ......9 p.m. Wednesday, April 23: Shacharit services, kiddush following. 9:30 a.m.

Page 42

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 18,1997

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Dave? Dave who? Isn't just a first name a little irregular? A bit casual? And how about the word SHUL? What happened to the more dignified word iSjWAGOGUE? . Well, this is a storyfa^outi^''fella':;whose demeanor tends to be onitlie frtforjnal 'side. He doesn't get all pumped up irbout•.himself jaiid any of his countless good deedsi fie iaUghsJeasily, loves a corny joke, instinctively^does the be^.h^i can when called upon and is the first to respond when there is a need as his shul. If it was a requirement to be completely conventional, I would caption this story "David Wine and Beth Israel Synagogue." Since no such requirement exists, let me tell you a little about Dave; not just the man, but the man as he relates to his synagogue. I don't know exactly when the synagogue began to assume top priority in his life. After all, he was a man who had to make a living and for his entire Dave Wine: tSr. Beth Israel' work career he put in long, hard hours in his gro- for, if if s tame to daven, look for him at shul. cery store. He had a partner, Herb Wintroub, who Dave's interest in the children who are part of the was his brother-in-law and his good friend. His late Beth Israel family is more than casual. wife, Marian, also know what it meant to stand He takes a special pride in a youngster who reads behind the counter and wait on customers. from the Torah or who in some ways shows Fast forward to the approach of retirement, and achievement in Judaic studies. These kids who cappicture Dave suddenly free of those grocery store ture his attention usually find themselves recipiobligations; picture a Dave with the luxury of time ents of unexpected gifts. to devote to something other than 'the store." Does he reward because instinctively he knows Here is a Dave who suddenly had time to become the importance of maintaining generational contiinvolved with the synagogue. The phrase "involved nuity? Rabbi Allan Gonsher believes instinct figwith the synagogue" may well.be the understate- ures into this question. ment of the century. . . He says, "Dave often has explained he does what. This involvement took many different forms. he does because he was taught to do what is right, It sometimes meant climbing up on a ladder with to help without asking if help is needed." a repairman to inspect a problem on the roof; it Rabbi Gonsher goes on to tell that no matter how could'have meant research the need to replace a much effort it takes, Dave goes about the business costly furnace or air conditioner; it might have been of completing whatever chore he undertakes. He assuming a seat on the Board of Commissioners; tells of seeing Dave arranging the table for involvement could have been singing in the choir, Shabbat's shalosh seudot (his "job" for years) while when funds, were short and the, shul needed a new leaning on a walker. something, he often bought it himself. Of course, time takes a certain toll on all of us. If that seemed beyond his reach, he quietly Lately there are some bad days to contend with, approached other devoted congregants and asked but don't count him out yet. This man is one of the for help. The bottom line is fairly simple; if the syn- faithful - the kind that doesn't just give up. agogue needs it, let's do something about it. Also, he remembers with great reverence and These various mitzvot have little or nothing to do respect that his late father set the example when it with Dave's unconditional devotion to Beth Israel came to the synagogue. He has many memories as the place which fulfills his spiritual needs. which both help sustain him and sadden him. He has been a twice a day minyan member for Dave can no longer climb up and see where the more years than probably even he could count. He roof is leaking or poke around this problem or that, has helped keep the necessary number of men but the synagogue remains the very center of his available by calling to remind, by picking up in the universe. He sits as close as he can to the bimah in car, by any and every method necessary. order to hear the service, and often, it's still diffiIf you're looking for Dave and the sun hasn't set cult. But just the same, when he's, present, in his yet, he's at the synagogue. Winter or summer, bad place, all's right with the world. '-.. weather or good, knees so painful a cane is called And that's the story ofDave and his shul.

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by Carol Katzman

Even before Andi Willensky moved here witli her family two years ago, she had a connection to Omaha. In Los Angeles, she and husband David belonged to a large, somewhat impersonal synagogue, so they made their Jewish connections at the Jewish Community Center. Audi was very active in their preschool when her daughter attended. And the Omaha connection became established through Amy's preschool teacher: Susie Wolfsohl Wolfson saw that Andi would be an asset to the JCC and enlisted her for the committee. • "I loved starting up things," said Andi, "and finding good people to help." All through Amy's and Allie's preschool years, Andi heard about the wonderful, caring community of Omaha through Wolfson and her husband, Ron Wolfson, co-director of the Synagogue 2000 project. Little did Andi realize then that the connection would be re-established in Omaha. When the Willenskys made the decision to move to Omaha, Andi called on another Omaha connection, "a friend of a friend of my mother's," Ducky Milder, to learn more about this community. Milder's daughter Emily lives in L.A. and Andi's mother has become Emily's "surrogate mom, like Ducky has for me," noted Andi. She started planning Amy's Bat Mitzvah while still in L.A: with/weekly phone calls to Temple Israel, Dorothy Spizrhan and Rabbi Aryeh Airiel. When the earthquake hit the West Coast in 1995, that clinched the move to Omaha. •After the move here, Andi went to Rabbi Azriel The Willensky;family; front: Amy, 15, and Allie, 11; back: Andi and David. and said, Thave a little idea;* : • That little idea became the Thanksgiving for two hours to plan' for iJhe^ two-hour niee'iing'of Interfaith Service- with several area churches and the full 30-member synagogue committee on the Temple Israel. The turnout was "so huge that the' other weeks. While*alll6must Vorkon certain feacustodians had to keep bringing in more chairs," tures of the project, Temple Israel is also concenAndi recalled. And Dundee Presbyterian Church trating onthe''Healing'track.-' • '••'-' "We'll have 24 months of studying together," has already offered to host it for 1997. ' - While house-hunting in Omaha, Andi had met noted Andi, "envisioning the synagogue of the Jane Rips, President of Temple Israel, who had future and making our House a more welcoming, already heard about the:Willensky's pending move. inviting place tb'alTthe'gerierations.'' She said to Andi, "Don't say 'no;'just hear me buf,"! The Willensty children also,have be& made to and proceeded to ask her to serve on Temple's feel welcome in;Omaha;:Ainyj'IB', will participate'in ; Synagogue2000Committee. .' ' ' a NFTY (National Federation1 of TempleYouth) She, along with Mike Walts, Sally Kaplan, Rabbi seven-week program in Israel this summer. She's Debbie Stiel, Hazzan Erifc Contzius and Rabbi currently Religion ami Cultural Vice-president of Azriel form the six-member steering committee and O T Y G . ; ; • ' ; • ; ~".:;: ' • ' • ' ; • • ; ; / ; ; ; ; ; ; .":.'.;'',;*";>"' "Am^s led meinbre ijito Judaism," skid/Andi, attended'the natibiial meeting in California last December. There, Andi' renewed her friendship- who "celebrated n'er!Bat ffi^Eyaii'j^aan'adyit', j,^st with Ron Wolfson, who is leading this group of 16 after Amy fiad'fi'ers^*AiJ(i Tttisb, prtiiii of the way congregations,; eiglit' Reform 'and jeight AlliehaBTgdttetf senouk about herJudaito:*;; ";_:; Conservative, tbimagine,'plarran'd'the'n'create the; Though W'sbkhd:Dayid i's'aWay'niucji pf tjJ6 p&& synagogue for the 21st ceritttfy:' :~^.i-•<•'•:' ;•'-••• ' on corporate busmegBToir'CdnAgra;fee'is yw''fup^j' I t ' s h i s brainchirdi" said'Ahdi^-But we didalot portiVe'of HJs'ifamiiys^'i'nyolve'ment/^ithof wbrkjiist to- be' chosen for this prbje'ct1 aid. now; Israel and t h ^ j i # $ l i cTptonauAityl ' A ) W i X r we're 'doing 'even'mpre ^orE;tpati'c6mjpiisli the' t h e Wiirerisky'fam'lijy:"'!lims ifre'aWy.'ta^ein^the tasks Ron set out in his'giiidebook." ""^'^l'^ /J " '"• Synkgbgie^O'dtt'goil 'po hearti"w#iqtf4in!| afl'^en-" ationETtb'tyir'iitfiiBtt^ '"' f:" "' "'"'' >s - c "" : 0 "' The Steering Committee meets every other week :

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April 18,1997

'ifieriame.

. She also found time to head the Gray Ladies at Clarkson Hospital; was Chairman of Room Mothers when her son, Marc, was at Hillside School; helped Mollie Delman Jane Brooks start the NIFTY group at Temple; and might he all this has been active in Hadassah, Temple Sisterhood, writer would need to Council of Jewish Women, and Mizrachi. Temple say, because long' |, "Israel awarded her their first 'Hand and Heart' 15 tune Omahans know ' %Award. that Mollie has spent1' *> r " .• I '•, With Mollie and his late father, Lou, as role modmany years giving .els, it's not -surprising that Marc also is very Sftmerican Tile & SMarhle Company service to the entire • involved in public service. He is a member of the Jewish community. Temple Israel Board and serves on the dues comFor 25 years, Mollie mittee. In addition, he has worked with the Temple worked first with Youth Group. . teenagers and then MARBLE & GRANITE FABRICATION Marc has served on the board of Jewish Family with senior citizens ; Delman and her Service and the Library. He has worked on several MARBLE & GRANITE TILE at the Jewish Compolitical campaigns, and in his capacity as an attormunity Center. Her son, Marc. - INSTALLATION ney, he does pro bono work for Women Against ' work with seniors included her leading six different Violence. He is a volunteer for the Juvenile Court trips to Israel, three trips to Hawaii and various and gives advice to Planned Parenthood clients. trips all around the U.S. Marcremembers that his grandfather took great Mollie has always felt "a need to help other peo- pleasure from helping, as did his parents. He feels ple," and has, in turn, gotten personal pleasure that it is a strict commitment from him as a Jew. 4623 So. 28th Street from doing it because, in her own words, she has He also cites three others: Mary Fellman, Rose Weitz and Betty Rosen as teachers who showed 733-3100 "so much to give." Somehow, Mojlie always found time to do and him that you do things for people "not to be recogwork in other areas as well. In the political arena, nized, but because you have to do it." Marc hopes that his son, Benjamin, will continue she Berved on then-Governor Jim Exon's Committee on Aging; she worked for former Mayor with the family tradition. With the Delman background, it will be difficult to do otherwise. Mike Boyle and worked with Senator Bob Kerrey.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Seeing the work from the inside : Not one to do just part of a job, Jerry says that he served as an overseer: on. the recent Temple addition along with Ajon Farber and John Waldbaum.He and Fran then contributed, new pews for the addition, keeping the spirit of what had been used

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He has. also served on the Blumkin Home board ibr4'^ears'and ha8>erved as both president and treasurer and helped set up an endowment plan for the Home. The BlOnjJgn Home has. also been a place of activity for/Wfitt She worked on the staff (f the home and fijei]||j^ecame a member of the v Blumkin board. '' . She was also chairman of the Red Cross Gray Ladies, a board member of the Omaha Children's: Museum, and an active member of the National 'Council of Jewish Women. Daughter Cheryl Cooper • ays that her parents l e d by example." She added (hat her parents showed her that was just "the way to do things." Cheryl has been a member of the Beth El Board vf Trustees and on its executive committee. Jerome and Frances Milder Another daughter, Gayle Spooner, serves on the For Frances and Jerome Milder, it's simple -- Temple Outreach Committee along with her hus"When someone asks us to help, we do it." band, Jim, who is the committee chairman. The That basic statement does not do justice to their Milder's son, Harlan, lives hi Lincoln. involvement, both with Temple Israel and with the "We are just delighted with Jim's involvement at community as a whole. Some of this drive may- Temple," said Frances, "and our daughter, Gayle, have come from Jerry's history. His mother died has become active because of him." when he was 2% and he was completely orphaned Jerry added, "I thought I was lacking in Jewish by age 16. He finished his formative years living in knowledge, so I enrolled in the 'Introduction to relatives'homes* Judaism course.' Who should I see there, but our Jerry is a past president of Temple. Rabbi Aryeh son-in-law, Jim!:. .; •• »" -,., Azriel points out that his term was somewhat When asked' why they Have contributed so much unique because he attended the staff meetings and time and energy to serving the community, the was able "to see the work from the inside, and not Milders replied that it's [part of a circle that needs just the outside." He was able to discusB the day-to- to keep going. That they felt the need to show their day operations and know the goals as well as the children the enjoyment and warmth that could be apprehensions of the staff. returned by their giving.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 18,1997

When the Sisterhoods flourished by Mary Fellman

Whether it was in Omaha, Council Bluffs, or Lincoln, the women in each of our Jewish houses of worship managed to organize as Jewish Ladies Aid Society, Ladies Sewing groups, Auxiliaries, Sisterhoods, Women's Leagues or whateyer title pleased the boards and general membership. In so many ways they have served the needs of their congregations. This article only highlights a few of the activities of these large numbers of Jewish women who have devoted their time, energies, and money to adding strength and beauty to their congregations. At the same time they enriched the Jewish life and education of their members. As early as 1884 when B'nai Jeshurun was formed in Lincoln or when Tifereth Israel in Lincoln was started in 1910, there were activities and "doings" to raise money, dinners, luncheons, silver polishing committees, ice cream socials, raffles, "donors" celebrations of anniversaries, "Kitchen funds," and more. In every instance, the women of each congregation made a major contribution especially in projects to help support the schools and children's Jewish activities. In 1912, the B'nai Jeshurun women gave an organ to their Temple. "Leagrams," the sale of Mah Jongg cards, a Judaica shop, donors, an Italian Kosher Supper, a Simchah cloth, Torah Fund, a baking workshop, the "Spotlight" newsletter-these and many other Jewish Life programs have continued to be a vital part of the Tifereth Israel Sisterhood life. In 1886, a Ladies Sewing Society was organized at Temple Israel in Omaha to sew clothes for the poor. It later merged with the Ladies Aid Society to provide more complete services for the needy, in 1898 contributed $2,570 for the building fund, and in 1903 organized the Sisterhood of Temple Israel. (Continued on next page)

^Preparing for Temple Israel's Sisterhood Book Fair were Pauline Friedman (left), Judi Goldstein, Shelly Ban and Jane Brooks. The sale at Crossroads Mall in 1979 included 10,000 - S 3 books, and the proceeds were used to support the religious school and. youth activities.

Beth El Sisterhood, now Women's League, had a sewing group during World War II. The women pictured here are, first rote, from left: Mesdames Tarnoff, Weiss, Silver, Frieden and' Dolgoff; second row: Mesdames Trustin (left), Chait (middle); back row: unidentified, Mesdames Perlmetter, Cohen, Gottlieb, Goldenberg, unidentified, Morgan, Guttman, Duitch, unidentified, Rosenblatt, Graetz and Rosenbaum.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 47

When the Sisterhoods flourished (Continued from previous page) • Headed by Mrs. Ferdinand Adler in 1903, and Mrs. Albert Cain in 1904, there were interfaith meetings, joint Sisterhood and Men's Club •fU?*-J !" ^-"/.;*." c-v!'.V Suppeis, and the Book and Art Sales. Upon completion of the Park Avenue Temple, the Sisterhood donated the organ, carpeting, and furnishings. Through special contributions and the ArtBeautification Fund, the Sisterhood also donated the, beautiful stained-glass windows in the Sanctuary of the new structure on 70th and Cass. In 1916, the same year that the women published the Greater Omaha Cook Book, they were invited to send a representative to the meetings of the Bnard of Trustees, and in 1939, the president of the Temple Israel Sisterhood delegates attended Judy Siff models at a 1987 Temple Sisterhood Sisterhood was invited to be a member of the Board. the Women of Reform Judaism Regional program. Convention in the 1980's: Marilyn Warren In this year of 1997, women not only serve on the (left), Jane Brooks, Elyce Azriel, Debbie board but in many instances have also been and. Joscphson, Lois Epstein and Ricki Skog. are Presidents of Congregations. For many years, the Sisterhoods flourished-with hundreds of women attending monthly luncheon meetings with musical programs, speakers, book reviews and a wide variety of other activities for young and old. These included annual joint meetings for the three Omaha sisterhoods. Those days may be gone for several reasons: many women are working out of their homes, engaged in a variety of civic organizations and other Jewish activities. Women have other opportunities to be of service today other than through their sisterhoods. • The memories, however, of more active days linger on and there is as always concern and support for the Religious Schools of our congregations. However, other services of the Sisterhoods continue, including maintenance of the kitchen, assistance at the Temple's Minister's Institute, congregational dinners and Passover Seders, welcoming new members and serving as a form of leadership ,_....,. ... In 1936, Sisterhood presented Beth El Capers: Fritzi Riekes (left), Billy Stiefler, Rodie training for women. Belmont, Bucky Greenberg, Bud Barish, Sally Gross, Shirlee Albert, Corrine Wohlner, Betty (Continued on page 48) ; Cohn, Arlene Lincoln, Mel Sherman, Arlene Dansky, Anna Jane Kulakofsky, Artie Kulnkofsky.

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When the Sisterhoods flourished (Continued from page 47)

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In 1932, at 4 p.m.; the first meeting of the Vad Ho'er Auxiliary was held at B'nai Israel Synagogue at 18th and Chicago, with Sophie Neveleff as" temporary chairman. They charged 75 cents a plate for. their first kosher banquet a t t h e Jewish Community Center. It was decided to orgar4ze,all Jewish, Orthodox^ women with a $2 a yea^ie&biership; Since ^h'aC' time other sisterhoods fiM^i»|jfed;:until Beth Israel?, Sisterhood began its full^sl^fipr a gift shop, study group'jgvbTJJtik "Know Your Neighbor" S&bst£ sored Oneg Shabbats, aTSaidng'cbm'Hritteeydonor style shows, candy sales and in the summer of 1988, a spectacular "How to Clean your Cobwebs." Today, this sisterhood continues to issue its monthly publication and hold an annual donor, election day Bake Sale, and a Hat Sale and host guests speakers at its monthly meetings . The B'nai Israel Sisterhood in Council Bluffs started as the Benevolent Society, changed to the Ladies Aid Society, and in 1948 became a Sisterhood with Mrs. Harold Michnick as first president. Their particular concern was the Religious school and they also sponsored a tea every Friday night after a discussion with the rabbi. A model seder each year, Hanukkah and Latke parties, remodeling of the kitchen and the sale of matzos also kept the women busy. In addition, they had a Mother and Daughter banquet, honored local Jewish high school graduates and raised funds to support general synagogue projects. In 1950, amidst the synagogue moving to a new location, B'nai Jacob Anshe Shalom started a new sisterhood of 50 members, meeting at 3103 Cuming St. with their president Mrs. Harry Richlin, and charged $3 per year dues. At Beth El, Jewish Historical Bus Tours, the Book of Remembrance, "Sisterhood Round-Up," childrens' and Mr. and Mrs. Style Shows, interfaith programs, the Torah Fund, "Conservation Capers," "A Hope Chest of Jewish Recipes" cookbook — all these and more activities occupied the time and minds of hundreds of women in the Beth El "Circle" system. Festivals of Israeli Art and Jewish Food, Jewish Home Tours, Passover Insti(Continued on next page)

Frieda Elewitz, a past president of Beth Israel Sisterhood, modeled hats at one of their recent luncheons.

Delegates to the Conservative Sisterhood convention in 1962 were, from left: LeeJane Parsow, Min Rimmerman and Janet Wintroub.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

When the Sisterhoods flourished (Continued from previous page) tutes, "Coffee with the Rabbi"-all of these were also major activities of Beth El women. As at Temple, those days may be waning as the Sisterhood also struggles for existence and for supportof its Torah Fund. However, whether it i s the memory of Mrs. Herman Krause as president of the Council Bluffs Synagogue Sisterhood with their multitude of activities or the organizations in the larger congregations who raised funds for supporting their religious schools, the memories of sisterhoods of yesteryear remain. • Perhaps the day will return when other groups, like Beth Israel Sisterhood, again are able to reach the women of their congregations with appealing causes and programs. Until that time, Barbara Bresler, Archivist of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, welcomes copies of newsletters, photographs of members and activities, membership lists, cards, event invitations and programs, and other memorabilia from their Synagogue and Temple archives so that these precious materials may be preserved for future generations. The information for this article was provided by the Carl Frohm Archives of the NJHS.

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The past presidents of Tifereth Israel Sisterhood, Lincoln, in 1962 were: seated, from left, Esther Mark, Gertie Davidson, Ruth Keller, Celia Grossman and Rebecca Ginsburg; standing: Sylvia Kushner, Zina Finklestein, Selma Bernstein, Sarah Ross, Dorothy Gerson, Betty Zolot, Sarah Breslow, Merriam Goodman and Frieda Pachman.

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Dora Goldstrom (left), past president, attend- Beth Israel Sisterhood performed at the synaed the regional Women of Reform Judaism gogue under the direction of Elaine Feldman. convention in Kansas City with Elyce Azriel.

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April 18,1097

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course. They include friends and Strangers with no place else to go, newcomers to the community, resettled Russians and anyone else whom the Potashes feel need inviting. Ruth, Merle's wife, tells in a matter-of-fact way

by Bert Lewis

The history of Beth El Synagogue must certainly include a number of current families who trace their membership to the days when services were held at the JCC. One of ,thoae fjunilies is that of Merl^ anS • Ry#i, Potash. Z',s^'-'t'< •'•»•'•' When asked how long ago hjis .con: nection was formed, Merle smiled and answered that his parents had joined just before he was born. The next question hardly needed asking, the answer was 65 years. Here then is a story of one family in the Jewish community of Omaha who enjoys a special relationship with Beth El Synagogue. . Merle speaks easily about the synagogue, remarking that it's not "just about davening and prayers;" he expresses his deep personal feelings when he says "synagogue life is family, community. It's like a second home." Simply put, but clearly heartfelt sentiments. He speaks of his earliest memories of Hebrew school and Bar Mitzvah Tfae Potash family, kneeling: Ezra, Alan and Adeev Potash; at Beth El with Rabbi Goldstein and second row, from left: Janie, Daniel and Aaron Miirow; Cantor Edgar. While reminiscing he back row. Allan Murow, Ruth P o t a s h , J u l i e Barnes, stops and says, "Well soon celebrate Rebecca Murow, Amy Potash, and Merle Potash holding a third generation Bat Mitzvah Ethan Barnes. Not pictured: Randall Barnes. there." Asked to just talk about Beth El he says, Tve how she manages such a formidable task as a seder always been involved. Always regularly attended for such a mob. She says, "It's fun working with services, whether Shabbat or holidays." The Men's Lucy, and she's such a wonderful help. I don't think Club received a lot of his attention and efforts I could do it without her and without her huge pots through the years and of his tenure as Executive and pans." Both Ruth and Merle talk of the joy for them to Director of Beth El he says, "those 16 years were a gather these crowds for Passover. They remark very important part of my life." In describing the significance of synagogue to his they've had many of the same guests for years, how family, Merle explained.the family seder has been some of them expect their annual invitation. Ruth held at Beth El since the new building was erected. mentions she has had occasion to invite non-Jewish Asked why) he replied, "We're able to invite every- participants who have broadly hinted they'd love to one we want if we do it in the beautiful community attend! Ruth's connection to synagogue goes back to childcourt." He tells "we've had as many as 60 people around hood, when she says her Mother encouraged her to (Continued on page 51) the table." These guests are not all family, of

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A 65-year-old relationship (Continued from page 50) become involved with JLJSY. Up to that time, she had few Jewish friends but says that USY was the turning point. As a part of this group she found herself engaging in Jewish activities more than ever before. Knowing the life Ruth leads today, its obvious she's remained involved! When she talks about her family and Beth El, Ruth is quick to explain all of the important life cycle events have taken place in the synagogue. She and Merle were married there; their children, Julie, Alan and Janie, celebrated bar and bat mitzvot there; Janie and Allan were married there; Alan and Amy were married there; Julie's baby, Ethan, had his bris there, as did Alan's twin sons, Adeev and Ezra; Rebecca (Janie's daughter) will soon have her Bat Mitzvah there. As Ruthie says, all life-cycle events happen at Beth El. (The Potash story should include pertinent information about the next generations who are (and will be) making news at Beth El: Daughter Julie married to Randy Barnes; son, Ethan; stepson, Wade; son, Alan Potash, married to Amy, parents of twins Adeev and Ezra, daughter, Janie, married to Allan Murow, parents of Rebecca, Daniel and Aaron:) Back to Ruth's part of this equation. She has for years been closely connected with Beth El, in different capacities. She has taught at the Sunday School, was for years the primary coordinator for UTTO and taught periodically. Ruth was also one of the needleworkers who can

April 18,1997 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 51 take credit for the beautiful Torah covers seen each Shabbat in the Ark. J-'~ .;.•<>, c-. She and Merle helped'to integrate many of the ! "Let the bleacher resettled Russian families into a synagogue way of life. Neither could count the times they picked up fans rise as these newcomers and brought them to services, which in many cases represented their first formal one and cheer religious experiences. They take pride in those who developed an interest and are now devoted memBison Books." bers who regularly attend. For the Potashes', Ejjfe'iin'pact of the synagogue on International .their family seems cleaV.'Riith says they have been connected with ail the rabbis since David Goldstein ; Herald and they feel closfe to 6y6ryl6he in Beth El. Most of .their friends £nr|'social''connections are with the Tribune synagogue. it'$., simply ^stated, a very strong thread of the fabric which is the family. Minor Players, Rhubarb In the Catbird Seat When Rabbi Goldstein's name is mentioned, RED BARBER AND ROBERT W.1 CREAMER Major Dreams Merle laughs and says he can illustrate how far Afterword by Bob Edwords '• '• '• • BRETT H. MANDEl ' back his family reaches with Beth El. He recalls 'A riveting insidei's aaount of the experience "Frank, philosophic, spirited... a splendid that Rabbi Goldstein and Cantor Edgar officiated [book)."—Rex lardner, He* M Tim of playing mmoHeogue baseball."—Ben at the B'nai Mitzvah of hi6 older brothers at the litBookSevim $14.95paper ' tle shu) on 25th and Seward. This was before the tamo's Come $16.95 popei Collision at Home Plate building was built on 49th and Farnam and they The lives of Pete Rose ond BoitGiomotti Jocko kindly agreed to make "the trip." JAMES RESTOH JR. JOCKO C O M AND ROBERT W. CREAMER There are stories of this nature when a family's "You hove lo be in charge of the gome to be o "A collision indeed—us intelligence, grace, and history of membership to a congregation goes back arrogance (Giomotti) meet stupidity, sweot, ond good umpire If you lei lire players climb over six decades. And there are stories more conarrogance (Rose)... Teld with guts and oil over you, the gome folk opart." temporary when people such as the Potashes mainverve."—Bkis Reviews $16 paper —Joda Conlan $12popei tain such an active synagogue connection. Certainly the synagogue has had an impact on ADoamiCTtayHistoiyofttocboll, 1825-1508 them. Just as certainly, they have had an impact COMPILED AND EDITED BV DEAN A. SULLIVAN on Beth El. Introduction by Benjamin G. Rtjder University of Nebraika Press ptMshenol Bison Book 800-755-1105

A teacher for 50 years by Chuck Kuba

Teachers impact more lives, more ways, with more consistency, than any other group of individuals, parents notwithstanding. So, when a person volunteers to teach our Jewish children for more than 50 years, the impact over many generations is incalculable. Such an individual is Paula Storch ; Williams. •• •-.'-.• Paula grew up in the small town of Herkemer, fiansas. She,later moved to another.smallUown near Blue Springs, NE, and eventually ended up in Lincoln. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1923 and received a letter in sports. At that time, in order to letter; a woman had to accumulate

1000 points, but participation options were very limited. Interestingly and perhaps a sign of the times/Paula's sports were baseball, basketball, volley ball and roller skating., Back in the mid 1920s, a high school education was all that was required to teach in rural schools, and thus, Paula began her professional career as an educator. But even earlier, in about 1921, she had begun teaching as a volunteer in the B'nai Jeshurun religious school, a love affair with childreri which "wdiifd $pan decades, even a'lifeiime. Paula's Jewish identity is far-reaching and remains important to her. She was the last person (Continued on page 52)

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April 18,1997

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(Continued from page 51) to be confirmed in the old B'nai Jeshuran at 12th and D St., and was the first life member of Hadassah in Lincoln. As an active member of the Temple Sisterhood, she took charge of charity funds. Earlier, she was a leader of Young Judea, when its membership included the likes of Estelle Komlinsky. Estelle, as many will recall, taught religious school at Tifereth Israel Synagogue for more than 25 years and at B'nai Jeshuran for another eight. Perhaps a little of her influence rubbed off on Paula Storch Williams! In 1995, the Board of Directors of B'nai Jeshuran named their school the Paula Storch Williams Religious School in honor of her many years of service. Unfortunately, later that year, she suffered a severe stroke and, according to close personal friend and former student, Herbert Gaba, she now resides at Tabitha House. "She can't communicate as well as she once could," he noted, "but the twinkle is still in her eyes." He added that she would welcome visitors and appreciate correspondence from former students.

by Carol Katzman

Some families can boast of 50 or 60 years of service to one or another of Omaha's religious institutions, but few can trace their involvement back more than 100 years. One can...five generation of the Friedman family have belonged to and been active in Temple Israel ever since Harry Friedman purchased cemetery plots at Pleasant Hill in 1896 for 50 dollars. Harry had arrived in New York City with very little money but the name of someone he knew from Poland. He made his way to Little Sioux, IA, halfway between Omaha and Sioux City, and tried to make a living as a watchmaker. Samuel was born in 1883, and sister, May, shortly afterwards, but Harry's wife, Lucy, died in 1887 and then May in 1889. Both are buried in the family plot at Pleasant Hill. Harry raised Samuel by himself and he was the first in the family to graduate Central High School hi 1902 and then UNL in 1906. (Continued on next page)

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.of service at Temple Israel After graduating with a degree in engineering, Sam went to work for the j Union Pacific Railroad' and married Goldye Kahn in 1908. Born in Germany, she grew up in Evansville, IN. Sons Alvin and Lloyd were born in 1911 and 1916. Alvin now lives in Kansas City. "By all rights, Sam and Goldye should have assim-. ilated," admits Lois Fried-' man, Lloyd's wife of 60 Scott Friedman, front row, second from left, was part of Rabbi years. "After all, he was a Sidney Brooks' consecration of kindergartners in 1954. "The young couples were involved with the Jew with a college education, working for a railroad company, and Goldye, too, had grown up in the Supper Club," Lloyd noted, "We cooked for all the meals, had fun; it was a form of socializing within rural Midwest. "But both of them were devoted to Temple," Lois the Jewish community." When son Scott returned to Omaha after gradunoted, "Sam was the first Friedman to be elected to the Board of Directors and Goldye was a member of ating UNL, he joined as a young single. Parents Lloyd and Lois were pleased that he initiated his the sewing group and bake sale committee." Sam was also active in the Masons and, in 1985, membership without their prompting. "Obviously I felt that, as a responsible adult, I was honored as the oldest Mason in the state of was morally bound to support the synagogue," Nebraska at age 101. Both Friedman sons attended religious school at acknowledged Scott. "Most people of my generation Temple and Lloyd was confirmed in 1929. He, too, either left town or didn't have strong roots to their graduated Central High School and UNL, as did synagogue, but my grandparents were still alive his son, Scott Friedman. After serving during then and my parents were active." They were even prouder when he was named to World War II and landing, ironically, on Omaha Beach in France, Lloyd came back to Omaha. the Board of Directors in 1987 and then Treasurer Rabbi Lelyveld was the spiritual leader of Temple from 1989 to 1994. Daughter-in-law Debbie joined the Friedman traIsrael at the tirtrasind Lois recalls Sam being "deeply resentful orthe rabbi's anti-war sentiments dition when she became Sisterhood President in v/hen so many Omaha boys were being wounded or 1990 and then NCJW President in 1993. "With me teaching kindergarten on Sundays, our killed overseas." Lloyd and Lois became active in Temple life and daughters see me at Temple as an educator," said the Jewish community almost immediately after Debbie, "They see their dad's confirmation photo on the wall and they walk by Papa Sam's tree that we their marriage. "You joined everything in those days," he said. planted when he turned 100." Daughter Jennifer became Bat Mitzvah at Lois added, "Iil Goldman was president of Council (the National Council of Jewish Women). I got mar- Temple and went to her first junior youth group ried in February of'47 and went on the board of conclave in February. Next year, she'll join OTYG arid enter Central High School, making her a directors in June! "It's been 50 years, but I'm still on!" she laughed. fourth-generation Friedman "Eagle." Younger There were a few yo,ung women on the Temple daughter Angela will become Bat Mitzvah in 1999. "I hope they'll both join Temple," said Scott, Sisterhood Board at the time and Lucille Mayper was president. Rita RoBenblum admitted that there "should they return to Omaha after college. "My grandfather, Sam, gave me his Union Prayer were "no brides on the board" and so Lois, Sarah Book," he added. "And we Hiller and Babs Moller became the first. Lloyd grew up with Rabbi Cohn, whose wife reor- already have cemetery ganized Council in 1920 after its initial start in plots; Jen's been there to 1896. He also recalls Rabbi David Wice and Rabbi her great-grandparents' Lou Silberman, both of whom returned in 1971 to graves so there's no fear or mysticism now." speak at Temple's Centennial.

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Page 54

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 18,1897

by Joan K. Marcus Beth Gaynes Ginsburg, famous Omaha dancer, teacher and actress, looked lovingly at her husband, Joe, and said, "Our life took a different turn in 1986." Beth and Joe went on to tell their heartwarming story. The Ginsburgs, natives of Des Moines, came to Omaha in 1958. Joe came to take a job as produce buyer for Hinky Dinky grocery stores. They joined Beth El Synagogue a year later but had little involvement until the> became United Synagogue youth advisors when their son, Jay, was a teenager. Beth, who has performed nationwide, opened a studio in Omaha. Joe, however, decided that his life would take a different direction. Their son, Jay, was in Talmud Torah when Dr. Sol Kutler, then president of Beth El, urged Joe to begin helping at Talmud Torah. Jay's constant cry was, "C'mon pop, help us, we don't know what we're doing!" So, Joe began to help with Purim carnivals, candy sales, and other school activities. Joe has been heavily involved with all children at Beth El. He begins with Kadimah (seventh and eighth graders) and continues to work until the children finish high school. In 1955, Joe received the Jewish Federation's Humanitarian of the Year Award. This is the highest award given by the Federation to a person who has provided ongoing and outstanding service. He was cited for guiding two generations of youth at Beth El.' Stan Mitchell, former head of the United Talmud Torah of Omaha, said, "Joe Ginsburg is the epitome of a mensch, He helped to create a Youth Commission and helped to rejuvenate and reorganize Beth El's eighth grade youth group. He organized Purim carnivals virtually single-handed and has1 been an ever-present helping hand." ' " Joe's'involvement with young people grew after 1986 when Jay died. Joe became involved with Mad Dads/'an organizationstarted in North Omaha'in 1989 to try to prevent the' use of drugs and alcohol by young people. Another project is Joe's involvemeritwith Boy Scouts. He is in" "charge of trying to

recruit Jewish Cub Scouts in Eastern Nebraska and Northern Iowa. ••'''. The Omaha Bar Association has also started a program with Joe. The Diversion Program is for children who have been apprehended for misdemeanor crimes. The youths are given the choice of going to court and having the crime on their record for life, or attend a six-month Boy Scout program. Joe teaches classes of 9-to-12- and 13-to-17-yearolds. He says, "We teach them the facts of life. We take them to prison and we have guest speakers. We try to divert them from crime." After Jay's death, Beth decided that she needed to learn Hebrew so that she could read her son's gravestone. Since classes were being held a t Temple, Joe and Beth decided that they would also join Temple. Beth learned to read Hebrew, but Joe continued his service to Omaha. He joined the Black-Jewish Dialogue group at Temple. The purpose of this group is to provide an avenue for open and frank discussion between the Jewish and African-American Community. Eddie Staton, leader of the Mad Dads says, "Joe Ginsburg is a tireless, kind-hearted man. He has been kind, caring, conscientious, and more concerned with what goes on in the Black community and with Black youth than some people in the community." Joe was president of the Beth El Men's Club for three years and has received every honor which the synagogue bestows. Beth tells of letters they receive from former USY members. Efrem Bromberg, son of former Beth El Rabbi Kenneth Bromberg, named his first child after Jay. Efrem and his brother, Hillel, were "USY kids." Beth goes on to say, "Joe made each and every one of those kids think they were the most important. He always found the kid that needed the help." Ginsburg says, "For every kid I helped, I got four times as much satisfaction. I tell Beth that I'm the richest person in Omaha. Not in money, but in the satisfaction that I receive." • Another program started by Ginsburg is one ; called "Gift Certificates." The certificates are purr 1 chased fr3m grocery stofes'andMher "vendors at a

i^i±fe;"v'<>^ ' \ KSrf Sit]

Joe and Beth Ginsburg discounted price. They are then sold to congregants at a profit. The project has been in existence for over five years. • Beth and Joe both say that Beth El is an important part of their lives. They both feel deeply about Beth El. They feel gratified for what the synagogue has given to them. Beth has been supportive of her husband's work at Beth El. She is an internationally famous dance instructor and is a national past president for Dance Masters of America, the largest organization of its kind. She has had a busy career, but always finds time to give moral support to her husband of over 50 years. Joe says, "Her biggest contribution has been to let me do what I do!" . Joe's plans for the future include trying to organize a group which will look into the problem of drugs and alcohol among Jewish teenagers. He says, "I've called together a Rabbi's Council and we all agree that there's a problem, but nobody knows how to fix it, so I'm going to try." •'-.,.. . Sadly, Beth says, "After we lost Jay, our lives changed. We threw ourselves into our work. life is lonely without a family." Joe adds, "Jay always said, "Hey pop! Can you help us?' ••-- — • •;i,^i ' & I'mjust doing,what Jaywould want me to do/V

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

1871-Congregation of Temple Israel formed in 1906-Congregation B'nai Jacob Anehe Sholom 1945-Congregation of Israel changed its name to Omaha. formed from Hungarian Society and held services Temple Israel. 1880-First Orthodox services held in Omaha by at 22nd and Cuming (the Kapulier Shul). 1049-B'nai Jacob Anshe Sholom moved its synaLithuanian Jews. 1908-Congregation of Temple Israel dedicated gogue to 30th and Cuming. 1881-Bikur Cholim Society formed in Omaha as Park Avenue Temple. 1850-Beth Hamedrosh Hagadol and B'nai Israel a charitable society for visiting the sick. They held 1909-B'nai Jacob Anshe Sholom remodeled the (Russishe Shul) merged congregations to form Beth weekly and high holiday services. Second Presbyterian Church at 24th and Nicholas. Israel. ' 1881-Bikur Cholim founded as a traditional con1809-Congregation of Israel of South Omaha 1950-Beth Israel constructed a new synagogue at gregation in Council Bluffs. incorporated and acquired t h e former First 1502 North 52nd Street 1882-Council Bluffs Hebrew Society incorporated Presbyterian Church a t 25th and J Street as its 1951—B'nai Jacob Anshe Sholom merged with as Temple Emanuel. synagogue. Beth Hamedrosh Adas Yeshuron to become B'nai 1883-Uthuanian Jews in Omaha organized B'nai 1910-B'nai Israel Adas Russia dedicated new Jacob Adas Yeshuron. Israel (Litvische Shul); dedicated building at 1407 building at 18th and Chicago. 1953—Ground breaking for new Tifereth Israel S.13th Street as its synagogue. 1910-Tifereth Israel and Talmud Torah congre- synagogue a t 32nd and Sheridan Boulevard in 1884-Dedication of the first synagogue built in gations merged in Lincoln. Lincoln. • Nebraska at 23rd and Harney by Congregation of lffU-Beth Hamedrosh Hagadol completed syna1954—Congregation Temple Israel dedicated its Temple Israel. . gogue at 19th and Burt. new synagogue at 72nd and Cass Streets. 1884-B'nai Jeshurun formed in Lincoln. 1913-Tifereth Israel completed construction of a 1881-South Omaha synagogue disbanded. 1886~Society of Russian Israelites organized, red-brick synagogue on the corner of 18th and L. 1975-Temple Israel severely damaged by a torlater changing name to Chevra B'nai Israel Adas 1916-Beth Hamedrosh Adas Yeshuron congrega- nado. Russia (the Russische shul). tion formed from Russishe members of Brnai Israel 1985--B'nai Jacob Adas Yeshuron held its last 1889-Pirst Orthodox synagogue in Nebraska ded- in Omaha. service. . icated at 12th and Capitol by Chevra B'nai Israel 1919—Liberty Society of Omaha (Formerly 1986-Chabad Lubavitch of Nebraska began Adas Russia Hungarian Society and Chevra Bikur Cholim ) meeting in Omaha. . 1890-Chevra Bikur Cholim rented a building at reorganized as B'nai Scholem (alternately spelled 1991—Beth El's new synagogue a t 14506 12th and Jackson as its synagogue. BnaiSholem). California Street is completed. 1891-Rabbi Henry Grodzinski arrived in Omaha 1920—Beth Hamedrosh Adas Yeshuron purchased 1992-B'nai Israel of Council Bluffs affiliated with as first Orthodox rabbi in th^state. a house at 25th and Seward to use as a synagogue Federation of Reconstructionist Congregations and 1893~B'nai Jeshurun completed new structure at (it is now a church). Havurot. 12th and D Street, the first synagogue constructed 1922-Beth Hamedrosh Adas Yeshuron construct1985~Beyt Shalom organized as a Reconstructionin Lincoln. ed a new synagogue at 25th and Seward. ist congregation in Omaha. 1898-Chevra Bikur Cholim reorganized as t h e ' 1923-Temple B'nai Jeshurun constructs new syn- 1995-Kapulier Shul is recreated and dedicated as Hungarian Society in Omaha. agogue at 20th and South Street in Lincoln. part of the Riekes Museum. 1897-B'nai Israel (Litvische) incorporated under 1929-The Conservative Synagogue organized in 1998: Temple Israel dedicates Newman Gateway. new name Beth Hamedrosh Hagadol; moved into a: Omaha. 1997: Beth El dedicates H. Lee and Carol Gendler new synagogue at 1109 South 13th Street. 1931-Dedication ceremonies for B'nai Yisroel's Family Center addition. 1898-Congregation Talmud Torah in Lincoln new synagogue, Council Bluffs, constructed on the Information for the timeline is from Barbara organized. same Mynster Street site as one destroyed by fire Bresler, archivist, Nebraska Jewish Historical 1903--Tifereth Israel congregation founded in in 1930. Society and the exhibit, Herbert Goldsten Wall Lincoln. • 1935-The Conservative Synagogue became Beth- of Synagogue History, in the Henry and 1904-Chevra B'nai Yisroel laid cornerstone of its El Synagogue. Dorothy Riekes Museum of the Dan and synagogue at 618 Mynster Street. 1941-Beth-El dedicated at 49th and Farnam. Esther Gordman Educational Center.

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Page 56-

Jewisb Press, Q*nnha,NE

April 18,1807

Eye View

'-•••> • - ^ • B e r by Bert Lewis

Working on stories for this Passover edition of the Jewish Press, has made me think a lot about my own family connection with synagogue. I belong to the generation who remembers going to the shul on 19th and Burt St, or the other one on 18th and Chicago. My memories go back to a time when my Zada was the only one who went to shul every day. I'm not really certain exactly when my father began regular attendance on Shabbos morning, but I think it's reasonable to assume it started with saying daily kaddish after my Boba died. I believe that by the time the 11 months had elapsed, he had developed a habit After the merging of the Orthodox synagogues and the building of the new Beth Israel, things in Dad's lifestyle had changed and so did his attitude about shul. For all his life he had worked on Saturday, like most everybody else; in later life he became more comfortable with going to shul on Saturday, instead of work. Of course, he had an impressive role model close by. His own father, my Zayda, began every day of the week with shul. It never occurred to him to do otherwise, no matter what anybody else did. Through the years, Dad had more and more family members for whom to say kaddish. And it must have been around that time when my Uncle Dave (Dad's brother) began to join him at those morning minyans. If my memory was better, I'd have sharper details, but even so, I know that pretty soon my uncle retired from the grocery business and in time joined Dad at those minyans on a regular basis. Notice that the only references to attendance at synagogue is male. Way back to the old 19th and Burt days, Saturday may have seen a handful of Bobie types up in the balcony, but generally speaking, it was men only. I remember my Bobie treating Shabbos as the special day-she dressed in a "nice" dress, and it seems to me I would see her sitting

quietly with her prayer book in hand. Naturally, she didn't cook or work or do anything else on Shabbos that she shouldn't; but her Sabbath was observed at home, like most other ladies of those times. My own mother, always the renegade, would do whatever necessary to put the house in order, then dress, apply make-up and "go downtown." She loved downtown! She didn't always buy anything, but that's where she liked to be on a Saturday afternoon. Years later, when the new synagogue was built, she would occasionally be present for a Bar Mitzvah or some other special event, but not regularly. I don't mean to make her sound as though religion meant nothing to her. . .quite the contrary. She was a very observant Jewish woman, but she was certainly the type who didn't believe you had to be in a special place to talk to God. In fact,-she was part of the beginning of the first Sisterhood organization formed by the old shul, more formally known as Beth Hamedresh Hagodol (BHH). She was the first President and helped make all kinds of history, involving the earliest feminine involvement. Little by little, the ladies began to make their presence known and when the new building became reality on 52nd Street, the old "only Papa goes to shul" became null and void. . I'm probably mixing up small details but for the most part, these are the things I remember. My Zada was the most faithful, and carried the key to the old front door in his pocket. . .they didn't start anything until he got there! When the old building was torn down and the Kupulier shul was moved to 30th and Cuming, it suited him fine. He didn't have so far to walk, which was his usual mode of transportation. He attended that shul regularly, and soon, he and a few other old-timers took charge there. They saw to it there was a minyan, and they also made sure

there was a little cash set aside in case somebody dropped in for help. After my Zada was gone, my dad seemed to slip into his chores, and between Dad and the late Bill Grodinsky, they worked to maintain the life of the little shul. They kept it going for quite a while, long after it was easily done. It was not unusual for my Dad to get on the phone on Saturday night and call people to make certain they would have a minyan in the morning. Most everyone probably knows that parts of that Kupulier shul have been artfully arranged in a museum setting at the JCC. People who have taken the tour of it have been heard to say things like "that's where my.Dad used to sit and daven" or "this is where I had my Bar Mitzvah". . .it is so authentic. The last male member of my family to remain a faithful daily shul attendee is my Uncle Dave, and his "home away from home" is Beth Israel. It is, and has been for many years, the single most important part of his life. When both the weather and his health permit, he goes morning and evening. He has served in countless capacities and can still be counted on by those who keep things running around there. I think he's had every honor they've given, and he's deserved every one. If you press him, he will tell you he has tried to emulate his father, a pious Jew. • It's sad for me to realize that while there are male members of my family, this dear uncle is really the last connection to "the shul." When I think of this, I can't help but wonder where all the years have gone. . .it really doesn't seem so long ago when we got all dressed up in our brand new clothes and walked to 19th and Burt on Yomtov. . Since Yomtov each year was the only time I went, (Continued on page 57)

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April 18,1997 " ' 'Jewish Press, OsJioIlaJNE • • <" Page 57

Bert's Eye View

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(Continued from page 50) Biddur in his hand. I was lucky enough to have both Zadas when I was growing up and my mother's father was also a special man. His shul was the kupulier and I really never shared any experiences with him in that setting. He was very different from the other Zada. He was certainly a pious man, but he had a more relaxed attitude about life in general and religion in ] particular. He could do things with .' his hands and fix things—in fact, 1 with those hands he built the house '-] his family lived in. It stands to this 1 day and is still occupied by a family member. Mary and Jake Wine My Mother adored him and never I remember very clearly what it was stopped quoting his views on human like. Just as clearly, I recall being behavior. He was a special man and shushed (by Boba) if I made a sound, I always regretted that my children and I also remember NOT being never knew him. So these are some of my memories, allowed to stand on tip-toe and look over the balcony at the main floor my family and shul stories. They're below. My mother always was cer- probably not too different from some tain I'd somehow go flying over and of yours. . .many of us had similar experiences involving growing up land head first on the bimah. I remember so many little things and religious practice. But they cerabout those times in that old build- tainly are different than today's ing, and I guess there are lots of tales. If s probably just as well. After all, ' things I've forgotten too. Unfortunately, there isn't anybody left to ask we tend to want to protect our own when I'm trying to recall something. memories. We really don't want anyI'll share one last memory with body telling us "oh that's nothingyou-one of those things I reallj do let me tell you MY shul story." remember: Just be sure to remember all those I can hear my Zada say he's going times with your folks. Savor those to nem ah Yiddish vort in moil and memories.. .they belong to you, and see him head for the table with a they are precious.

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Page 58

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 18,1997

Fifty years at Beth by Joan K. Marcus

Ilene Sachs Klein remembers coming to Omaha from Chicago where she was born. Her parents, the late Libby and Dr. Maurice Sachs, joined Beth El Synagogue immediately after Dr. Sachs bought a dental practice and the family relocated in Omaha. After joining Beth El, Iibby and Maurice began to attend services regularly. They also became active in the Couples Club. Some of their friends were: Sonya and Irv Forbes, Helen and Dave Shukert, Mickey and Phil Katzman, and Adele and Joe Hornstein. • Ilene also has fond memories of going to shul along with her grandparents, Minnie and Jacob Abramson. Minnie, who could bake anything, went along with Libby to Sisterhood meetings. Libby began to write and direct skits for the Sisterhood meetings. Much of the Sachs family life centered around the old Beth El building at 49th and Farnam. The United Synagogue Youth Group during the middle fifties was was a big part of Ilene's life. She remembers that most of her social life took place at the Synagogue. The USY Group at Beth El was so popular that young people from the other synagogues joined, too. In contrast to his wife, Don Klein grew up in Pawhuska, OK, a town of about 5500 families. Don knew that he was Jewish and his parents told him, "Someday you'll grow up and marry a nice Jewish girl!" He knew little about Judaism because his family lived too far away from other Jews. As a young boy, he would go to Bible schools with the other children. He devilishly tells the story of the time that the preacher gave a fire and brimstone sermon about the perils of "non-believers." Don became frightened, stood up, and yelled, "I accept, I believe!" By the time Don got home, his father had heard the news. He greeted him with, "What do you mean.

;\V- '•

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you accept? You're Jewish and you don't accept anybody" Don laments, "That was the end of my Bible school career. I didn't even go back and get my birdhouse!" In the summer of 1955, Don came to Omaha with some of his buddies, Howard Krantz and Alan Nogg, to attend summer school at Creighton University. He was then a student at the University of Oklahoma-Norman Pharmacy School and decided to spend the summer in Omaha where there were Jewish girls. It was then that he met the young Ilene Sachs. Ilene and Don were married at Beth El in August of 1957. Ilene continued her devotion to Beth El as a married woman. She was chair of the Sisterhood Nursery School Committee and continued up the line to be Sisterhood president from 1973 to 1976. Because of her Sisterhood position, she served on the Beth El Board of Directors. After her Sisterhood presidency, she was elected, on her own, to the Board. Dene says, "No matter what else I do, I always come back to the Beth El Board." "Project Link" is a project which she started. It is aimed toward population groups which are linked together in many areas of concern. The groups are: interfaith couples, parents, friends and families of interfaith couples, and Jews-by-choice. These groups are linked together because of personal and family ties and relationships to cultural, social, and religious events outside the Jewish Community. Support and educational opportunities are also offered. Project Link sponsors educational programming for members of the congregation in order that they may broaden their understanding of Jewish life. Don said of his wife, "She is an Interfaith Maven' at Beth El." Their daughter and son-in-law, Stephani and Jim Takalsky, are in an interfaith marriage. So Ilene speaks about intermarriage and interdating.

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Ilene and Don Klein Ilene and Don were co-chairmen of the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Synagogue at 144th and California. On April 1, 1990, the groundbreaking, which symbolically ended an almost 20-year effort to build a new building, was held. Among those attending the ceremony were Mayor P. J. Morgan, Governor Ben Nelson, and representatives of Beth Israel Synagogue, Temple Israel, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located next door to the Beth El. The Kleins spoke at the groundbreaking, along with Rabbi Paul Drazen, Rabbi Myer Kripke, Rabbi Emeritus, and Ray Goldstein, Synagogue President. Those attending were given shovels and they began digging on the site of what would eventually be the parking lot. , (Continued on next page) iJ

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Fifty years at Beth El (Continued from previous page) Coincidentally, Ilene and her daughter, Vicki Sanford, were co-chairs of the H. Lee and Carol Gendler Family Center Dedication! Vicki and Mark Sanford have two children: Taylor, 7, and Mitchell, 5. Stephani and Jim Takalsky live in Minneapolis. They have two children: Libby, 4, and Sid, 2. A third child, Donald Maurice, died in 1990 of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. In 1982, Ilene and Don served on the search committee which hired Rabbi Paul Drazen. The Kleins also served on the search committee when Cantor Emil Berkovits was hired. Cantor was originally from Czechoslovakia. Dene says, "Beth El will always be my first love. If they call, 1*11 come running. I'm very proud of our Synagogue. We've really grown—and recently. I am grateful to Paul and Susie Drazen because they have seen our family through so many personal problems. They've just been there—always!"

HAPPY PASSOVER

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 89

Amazon: a Jewish response to hunger This Passover, let one who is hungry enter and eat As Passover approaches, think for a moment and very little decency. about the time in the Seder when the youngest The fifth question becomes an important and lifechild at the table asks the Four Questions. Mazon, giving request. We ask you to contribute to Mazon: A Jewish response to hunger, asks an important a Jewish response to hunger, the amount of money fifth question: "Will you make room at your seder that you would spend to invite one additional guest table for one additional guest?* to your seder table. It is once again time to remember that the freeMazon will see that the tradition of "feeding the dom we, as a people, gained through our exodus hungry" is fulfilled. As the poor are fulfilled, you from Egypt, and which we now celebrate, came will be, too. before Mount Sinai and the receiving t>f the Ten MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger Commandments. Without it, the achievements of 12401 Wllshlre Blvd., Suite 303 each of us and those of our people would not have Los Angeles, CA 90025-1015 been possible, for we are the children of that freedom. j Yes, I (we) will share our food with those who are hungry. Today there is no parting of waters, no miracles, j Enclosed is a check for $ • just a real need to provide those among us who are j Name so poor and hungry. It is true, "there is no Torah i Address • without bread," no learning, no warmth, no safety i City. State and Zip

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To the Hasslinger family,' being at the synagogue is as automatic as breathing. Whether cooking in the kitchen with Lucy, planning programs, delivering hamantaschen, selling grocery certificates or attending services, M'Lee, Larry and their children, Sarah and Jessica, are at Beth El, their self-proclaimed, "home away from home." The synagogue has been an integral part of the elder Hasslingers' . lives since their marriage there in 1978. Their dedication became apparent, as they walked to services every evening and to;Shabbat from their home near 48th and Capitol. Early on, they had a desire to intertwine Judaism into every . aspect of their lives, said M'Lee, a third-generation Beth El member, who works as a social worker at Methodist/Richard Young. "We wanted our children to grow up having Judaism not be something you do twice a year. We wanted them to know that it is who you are," she said. Larry also expressed the strong conviction that he wanted his children to "feel their heritage," and be strongly influenced by their religious background. Now, after incorporating Judaism with their educational, volunteer and social lives, he said that "the girls feel that way very strongly." "I can talk to anyone at the synagogue; they're like my second family," said Sarah, 15, whose involvement at Beth El includes attending

Hebrew High School, participating in USY, helping out in the synagogue office and assisting as a fourth grade teacher's aide and tutor for TSS (TorahSiddur Skills). "What would happen if it wasn't there, or if I didn't go?" she said. "It would be like half of me was gone." When asked what her favorite activity is at the synagogue, Sarah answered with no hesitation, "Anything." Jessica, who will become a Bat Mitzvah on Sept. 6, attends BESTT (Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah), participates in Kadimah, the children's choir and TSS. During the High Holidays and Saturdays where there is no TSS, she can be found helping out in the child care room. "Beth El's a place where I can go and know everyone and have fun," Jessica said. "It's my religion and I think that"s important" Jessica's upcoming Bat Mitzvah also symbolizes a goal for the entire Hasslinger family, M'Lee said; that for the first time, the entire family will read Torah during the service. "My biggest personal accomplishment was learning Torah," she said. "For Sarah's Bat Mitzvah, I read my first portion. I was always in awe of it and I still am. It's such a beautiful, beautiful thing to listen to, and that I can do it is such a gift, it's a treasure. "In the last year, I learned to read the trope and I earned a Yad award," she added, referring to the recogni(Continued on next page)

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(Continued from previous page)

The Hasslinger family: BFLee, Jessica, Larry and Sarah. tion given during Simchat Torah, for individuals who read 14 Torah portions during the year. In 1996, she was also awarded t h e Selwyn Roffman Memorial Award, which recognizes outstanding growth in personal religious observance. At Beth El, Larry has made a visible mark — he is responsible for designing the permanent sukkah erected every fall at the new synagogue's entrance; he's also "revolutionized" Lucy's kitchen by infiltrating it with Men's Club members who have caught the cooking bug from him. Now, three years later, whenever the men undertake a project, they do so underneath a huge sign which reads, "Men Working — Beth El Men's Club." " I wish I had gotten to know Lucy when we first got married," said Larry, who owns City Sprinkler Company and Hasslinger Manufac-

turing Corp. "I let 15 years slide by without going into her kitchen. Now I go in there and she says, "Larry, whatever you want to do, you just do it!1" he said, smiling. And 'done it' he has, from cooking for numerous holiday events, to designing and planning Sarah's Bat Mitzvah dinner two years ago. For his contribution to Beth El, Larry received the 1994 President's Award, given for service and dedica-; tion by a congregant who is not a board member. The sense of belonging he feels at the synagogue is important, Larry said. "I'm a very shy person, but I don't see myself as being shy in the synagogue." That sense of belonging has permeated the entire family's feeling about Beth El, to the point that Sarah said' she hopes to remain in Omaha as an adult and raise her children the way she has been raised.

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Page 62

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 18,1997

Presidential f shrilly traditions by Ozzie Nogg

We've all observed it...the fascinating phenomenon called The Theory of Copy-Cat or Hand-MeDown Family Characteristics. As in two sisters who sound exactly alike on the phone. Or the mother and daughter, both of whom are blessed with musical talent or bugged by overly-curly hair. And we can all, of course, point to plenty of "like father like son" stuff. Big-time, historical example? John Adams and his boy, John Quincy Adams, both served as president of the United States. Small town, local example? Nate Nogg and his son, Don, both served as president of Beth El Synagogue. Just as with the Adams family, it must hs in the genes. (Or, in Don's case, in the jeans...) Now (and if only for the sake of argument) if we say the Nogg family's involvement in synagogue life borders on the genetic, maybe that rationale could explain how I also wound up wielding the Beth El presidential gavel held by my father-in-law and then by my husband. Think about it. Perhaps my merely LIVING with the Nogg name for almost 43 years altered my DNA! Then again, if this seems too much of a stretch, We can always look to "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree" theory. After all, my parents were Rabbi Alex and Belle Katz. Which means Beth El was, and is, my family. Which gets us back to where we started and proves, tome at least, that involvement in synagogue life is in my genes, too. Scientific or not, this will remain my position until Barry Scheck shows me irrefutable evidence to the contrary. )' It won't surprise you to. hear me ;say that the problems and.pleasures facing synagogue presidents—then and-; now—are always the same. Budgets that must be balanced. Staff and boards that merit either a big.pat on the back or a swift kick in the pants. Congregants with suggestions or complaints that deserve a good "listen." What changes is the way those issues are handled since

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each president, obviously, brings a different'' approach to the job. Nate Nogg brought his warmth, sweetness and gentle humor. It's tough to get mad at a president with qualities like those. (Remember that, all you wannabes...) And Don Nogg? He brought his basic goodnature, his ability—in my admittedly biased opinion -to be a mensch and his unabashed joy in "playing the room." (A president who's a moving target is hard to hit. Remember that, too...) As for my presidency, someone else will have to tell you what I may have brought to Beth El. But I can tell you what I got FROM Beth El. I got plenty of nachas. The kind we all get when we watch our families thrive and grow and overcome obstacles and, in the end, come together and embrace. Yes. Those two years I served as the first woman president of my shul were among the highlights of my life. Did it sometimes get me low? You betcha. But from this distance, all I see is the rosy glow. Plus, the chance to follow in the footsteps of two of my favorite guys was a nice bonus. It gave me another take on the importance of continuity, tradition and belonging. And.while it's true that the Nogg hat-trick-presidencies' have yet to be duplicated at Beth El, our family does NOT have" exclusive rights to the "like father, like son" scenario. -. We share that distinction with Al Mayer and his daughter Joan Lehr, who served as presidents of Temple Israel (and Joan was the first woman to serve in that capacity, too!) and J.J. (Joe) Greenberg and his son, Bucky, both of whom served as Beth El Synagogue presidents. Plus, Joan's husband, Marty, completes that .picture since he also served as president Now, does Bucky*s wife, Caryl, want the job? I don't know. But I do know that her Yoga lessons keep Caryl flexible and serene. She can also stand on her head. The perfect prerequisites for assuming the position of synagogue president!

Setting an example byAICrounse

Service can be passed along in a family, if you don't believe it, just look at the family of Spencer and Debbie Brookstein. Spencer, currently a member of the Temple Israel Board of Directors, is the third-generation of his family to serve in that capacity. His father, Marv Brookstein, and his grandfather, Jack E. Cohen, preceded him. And the tradition continues as his oldest daughter, Marci, was a member of the Temple's Board when she served as President of the Junior Youth Group a few years ago. Spencer currently serves as Treasurer and Chairman of the budget committee. He has served in many capacities in his effort to help Temple. And his service has carried over to the Federation; he is also Chairman of the B JE. Debbie Brookstein was a professional in the Jewish community as Activities Director at the Rose Blumkin Home and then, after she "retired,' became a member of the Bureau of the Aging (now Jewish Senior Services) Board. She has served as a religious school teacher, Chair of the Outreach Committee, and head of the Garden Club. She also worked on the Nebraska Aids Project. Marci plans to major in both Business Administration and Social Work. She has spent time volunteering at the Children's Respite Center, and was co-chairperson of Temple's Spring Conclave for OTYG (Omaha Temple Youth Group). When asked why he devotes so much of his tune to the Jewish community, Spencer said, "It's important to set a good role model for my daughters as my parents did for me." Debbie said that she enjoyed working with the elderly. She noted that her work at Temple is because "Rabbi Azriel is hard to say no to!" Marci points out that she also learned many of her values from her mother, the late Lori Sweet. As for Leah, the youngest member of the family, she just celebrated her first birthday, but with her family history, a lot will be expected^

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Page 64

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 18,1997

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Before beginning llie seorc/i, the following Benediction is recited: Blessed art Thou, lord God, King of the Universe, Who sanctified us by His commandments and commanded us to search out the leaven. Alter the search, the following is said: All manner of Leaven that is in my possession, that I have not observed, searched out or had cognisance of, shall be common property, even as the dust of the earth. No later (dan live hours after daybreak, the Leaven is burned, and the following brmula recited: All manner of leaven dial is in my possession (whether I have seen it or not seen it) whether I have observed it or not observed it, whether I have searched it out or not searched it out. shall be regarded as common properly, even as the dust of me earth.