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Celebrating More Than 75 Years VoLLXXIV
No. 38
Omaha, Ne
to be honored
23 Iyyar, 5757
Leadership announced
Vandals hit Council Bluffs synagogue
by PamMonsky Federation Communications Director
by Pam Monsky Federation Communications Director
The Board of Directors, of the Jewish Federation of Omaha has dedicated the Federation Annual Meeting to Executive Director Howard Bloom, I who will become Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of New Haven I in New Haven, CT. The meeting will be held I June 24, 7:30 p.m., at the Jewish Community Cen| ter Theatre. "Serving the Omaha Howard Bloom Jewish.community has been a rare and wonderful opportunity," said Bloom. "My family and I will truly miss the people of Omaha,* he added. . Federation President Elect Howard Kooper said, "We are saddened to see Howard leave us. His vision and commitment have made our Jewish community one of the best in the country. We all wish him well in his new position." Federation President Tom Fellman has appointed Howard Kooper as chairman of the search committee to fill the Federation Executive Director position. Federation Assistant Director Jan Perelman will become Acting Executive Director during the interim. , ,
Sara Juster and Tom Vann have been selected by the Jewish Federation of Omaha as recipients of Young Leadership Awards. " The awards will be presented during the Federation's annual meeting June 24, 7:30 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center Theatre. The election and installation of Federation and Center of Excellence officers, and the presentation of other community volunteer awards will also take place at that time. Nominated for the Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Young Leadership Awards, Ms. Juster was cited for her leadership activities in National Council of Jewish Women, Friedel Jewish Academy, the Jewish Federation, as well as numerous other Jewish and community organizations.
B'Tselem calls for release of Palestinian journalist
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May 30,1997
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Tom Vann Sara Juster As NCJW President, Ms. Juster has been instrumental in involving more women in the many projects NCJW sponsors. She is also a full-time attorney and mother of three. Nominated for the Justin Greenberg Memorial Young Leadership Award, Tom Vann is an active member of the Jewish Federation of Omaha's Young Jewish Omaha group. He has been a part of the Federation Campaign for several years, chairing Super Sunday and Project Warm-up, as well as service to many other community and Jewish organizations. Mr. Vann is a realtor and a single parent of two
Windows at B'nai Israel Synagogue were broken over the weekend in an attack that city officials attribute to "convenience...of rocks from a parking lot bordering it owned by the First Christian Church," according to the Daily Non-Pareil. The rocks, about three to. four inches in diameter, broke many of the synagogue's stained glass windows, which date from the 1930's. The church's parking lot is temporarily covered with rocks; until the dirt settles they cannot, according to city regulations, pave it. Dr. Jerome Bleicher, a spokesman for the synagogue, hopes that "the city will allow a waiver to pave the lot: It's a poor neighborhood with lots of kids," Dr. Bleicher was quoted in the Non-Pareil, ! tThat tends to lead to mischief,' • "This was the unintended result" . ' Unintended or not, the synagogue now has $6,0O0-$8,0O0 in repair costs. Police are investigating and, as of press time, it appeared that local teenagers were involved in the vandalism. The ADL-CRC is also involved. According to its Executive Director Bob Wolfson, it has yet to be determined if this was a hate crime. The synagogue, founded in 1903, is located on Mynster Street in Council Bluffs, off Broadway, a main thoroughfare. Though not affiliated with any of the national Jewish movements, about 20 families continue to hold regular-Friday night services and even hosted a Passover seder last month.
According to the human rights organization BTselem, U.S. Consular staff met-with imprisoned Palestinian journalist, Daoud Kuttab (who holds U.S. citizenship) last week. They report, that he is in good condition and has not been mistreated. He was only asked one question throughout his custody, "Are you involved in children's television?" A source at the Consulate in Jerusalem reported that contrary to international standards in these i matters, the consular representative was not given children. access to Kuttab alone. She also reported that he Israel appoints new U.N. envoy; keeps Washington ambassador has been arrested directly on Arafat's orders and is not being tried with any offense. No Palestinian .,•••'•'•-.'".' by Naomi Segal . Authority official is willing to release Kuttab until Arad, who recently headed the Mossad's research JERUSALEM (JTA) -- It looks like Israel's Arafat returns from Cairo. ambassador to the United States is staying — and a department, has a doctorate in international rela:i: The following is the text of the letter sent to new:one is headed to the United Nations. tions from Princeton University,.and has been President Arafat: •••..• -- Ptime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu withdrew involved in Israel's multilateral negotiations. "B'Tselem expresses its grave concern about the reported plans to replace the Israeli ambassador to In other appointments, Leonard Davis, former detention of Daoud Kuttab, Palestinian journalist the United States, Eliahu Ben-Elissar, with his head of the Israel office of the American Israel and broadcaster. According to media reports, Mr. political adviser, Dore Gold. . , Public Affairs Committee, is to become a deputy Kuttab has been questioned and detained because Instead, Gold has been appointed ambassador- chief of mission at the embassy in Washington. he complained to the PNA about jamming of televi- designate to the United Nations. ' The appointments were announced after discussion broadcasts of sessions of the Palestinian Netanyahu's appointments of Gold and other key sions this week between Netanyahu and Foreign Legislative Council. • . , posts this week averted what might have devel- Minister David Levy. Levy reportedly vetoed a "Freedom of the press is a crucial element of a free oped into another crisis in his government. senior posting for Likud veteran Zalman Shoval, ; and democratic society. The activities of the legThe decision to keep Ben-Elissar was reached, who was said to be under consideration for the islative, branch are of particular importance to all after the diplomat flew to Jerusalem for urgent U.N. spot. Levy maintains that Shoval failed to ' Palestinians; and every effort must be made to consultations. Relations between him and : brief him when Levy was foreign minister under -ensure their coverage- Indeed, you have expressed Netanyahu apparently have suffered strains, and Yitzhak Shamir's Likud government .'and Shoval your commitment to these very principles: Bon-Elissar was in the hot seat after recent reports was Israel's ambassador to Washington. , "However, the record of the PNA in this area of that the FBI had been investigating whether a T h e latest round of appointments came at a time human rights is extremely discouraging. This U.S. government official was passing sensitive when Netanyahu was weighed down by a number recent detention is one more example of a pattern in information to Israel. ; of personnel dilemmas. : ' .... ; which the PNA attempts to intimidate and silence Former Justice Minister Ya'acov Ne'eman, who Meanwhile, Gold who immigrated from the journalists who openly criticize the PNA, rather United States, is in the process of rescinding his was Netanyahu's preferred-candidate, was acquitthan address the needs of a democratic society and American citizenship, a requirement of the U.N. ted of perjury charges, but the current minister, the substance of the criticism. post. That post has been filled by David Peleg for Tzachi Hanegbi, announced he would not step "B'Tselem calls for the immediate release of the past year, since the former Labor government's* down. Hanegbi organized a rally to muster supDaoud Kuttab. We also urge you to. refrain from appointee, Gad Ya'acobi, steppeddown. port to keep him in his post, and to appoint Likud taking any actions against individuals solely for exGold's replacement as the prime minister's diplo- Knesset member Silvan Shalom to the science ercising their basic right to freedom of speech." matic adviser is Uzi Arad, a senior official in the portfolio. (Continued on page 16) MosBad intelligence service. • (Continued on page 16)
Page 2 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE May 30,1997 myMLtyjiMMl
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by Rabbi Gavriel Herzig, Headmaster, Friedel Jewish Academy Guest Columnist
Deaths
SAUL Z. DAVIS Saul Z. Davis, originally from Minneapolis, died in Omaha at the age of 74. Services were held at Beth El Synagogue on May 25. Do I Have To Learn More? Davis was a long-time cattle buyer for Greater In a most amazing and apparently unfair man- Omaha Packing. He was preceded in death by a ner, the Talmud describes the obligation to learn daughter, Lorri Anne, and a brother, Al. Torah: The pauper, the wealthy, and the wicked Survivors include his wife, Rose; daughters and are asked in the future heavenly judgment, "Why sons-in-law, Sandy and Gordy Vadis and Judi and did you not study Torah?" If he replies, "I was poor David Finkle; grandchildren, Katy, Jacob and and busy supporting my family," he is asked, Louis Vadis, Andrew, Jennifer and Steven Finkle; "Were you poorer than Hillel?" brother, Pennie Z. Davis. Hillel earned a few pennies each day. Half was Memorials to the Lorri Anne Davis Fund of Beth given to his family and half to the watchman at El Synagogue. the Study Hall. When the wealthy person is asked SUZANNCOLTQN l(: "Why did you not study Torah?" If he answers^ Suzanne Colton died at the ageof 66. Services was too busy with my business affairs," he' is were held May 21 in Milwaukee. asked, "Were you wealthier than Rabbi Elazar?" Survivors include her husband, Ervin, formerly Rabbi Elazar was left an inheritance of a thouOmaha; sons, Michael, and; Mitchell; daughter, sand cities and a thousand ships, yet he would of Miriam, all of Milwaukee; daughter; Melissa of travel from town to town to learn Torah, carrying Minneapolis; a sister, Nancy Cohen of Toronto; and only the most basic necessities. When the wicked seven grandchildren. •. .: .-•.-• • . person replies, "I was gorgeous and busy with my desires," he is challenged, "Were you more handsome than Yosef?" (Who withstood all the Federation Board passes budget; advances of Mrs. Potiphar) Yuma 35B pays tribute to Howard Bloom The burning question is, what type of judgment The Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation is this? What is the point of taking into consideration the set of challenges an individual was faced of Omaha passed a record-setting budget Tuesday with, if in the end no allowance is made for the dif- night at its last meeting of the fiscal year. Allocating $3,310,400 from the annual ference between Hillel, Rabbi Elazar and Yosef and ordinary people? How can we be expected to UJA/Federation Campaign and from restricted and live up to the standards of these giants? Why unrestricted endowment funds, the budget is an 8% should their extraordinary example set the stan- overall increase from the previous year. The additional revenue is attributed to both a successful dards for all future generations? Rabbi C. Shmulevitz escaped the Nazi flames by 1997 Campaign and higher returns from endowleading a group of Torah students across Russia to ment fund investments. Two noteworthy points in the 1997-98 budget Shanghai, Japan. He answers our questions by examining the pursuit of any desired object. If it is include the $11,000 first-time allocation to Israel difficult to acquire luxury, people endeavor to Pluralism, a direct contribution to non-Orthodox obtain it, in proportion to their refined taste and institutions in Israel, and an increase in the available means.When bread is lacking, however, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Grants. That program formerly granted a $350 voucher, both the wealthy and impoverished will pursue it to be used for a Jewish summer camp experience, with equal vigor. How do we view the need to grow in our knowl- to each Jewish child upon his or her Bar or Bat Mitzvah. The Budget and Allocations Committee; edge and appreciation of Judaism ? The Talmud is stressing that this process is so chaired by Howard Kooper, recommended the essential to being Jewish that no excuses are grant be increased to $500 a year for two years in accepted. Everyone.without exception is expected two $500 grants for each Bar/Bat Mitzvah aged to nurture and enhance their knowledge of child. Spencer Brookstein, President of the Bureau of Judaism. Learning more about our Torah and Judaism has Jewish Education, presented a plaque to Howard never been easier. Terrific topics are available in Bloom, thanking him for his "commitment to our excellent JCC library. There are many sched- Jewish education in his role as Executive Director ; uled classes offered throughout the year. The Web of the Jewish Federation." Bloom, who has held the top position in Omaha has an endless list of Jewish sights. The Friedel Jewish Academy is offering a new format called for nine years, will be leaving this summer to head • "Partners in Torah," which is learning with a peer, the New Haven Jewish Federation. Board members also thanked outgoing any topic of your choice. Don't miss out on an essential opportunity for Federation President Tom Fellman for his two years of leadership and commended Forrest the growth of your family. ••••... Knitter for his role as chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee. - i NJHS collecting wedding photos That committee arid five of its six sub-committees have now been disbanded; however, the for fall exhibit Federation-Synagogue Relationship Committee More than 35 families already have submitted will still proceed after a new. Federation Executive photos of 50th wedding anniversaries for the Director has been hired. A search committee is in "Honor Thy Father and Mother" wall now being formation, headed by President-elect Howard prepared in the Jewish Community Center "Hall of Kooper. History" of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. ' Preschoolers graduate Another large group of photos of celebrants is being taken from the archives of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society for inclusion in the display which is planned for early fall. The wall, endowed in honor of the 50th wedding anniversaries of Sol and Lee Jane Parsow and Dr. Jerry and Maxine Simons, by their children, will also include photos of family reunions. Families celebrating 50th anniversaries and family reunions are asked to bring photos of celebrants to the NJHS office in the Jewish Community Center during the month of June.
.'•' .
• SENIOR A N D JUNIOR COUNSELORS FOR OUR TWO WEEK OVERNIGHT C A M P
American Heart t Association.^
C A M P J A Y * C * C : JULY 2 1 — A U G U S T 3 CONTACT BETH COHEN, JCC YOUTH SERVICES DIRECTOR, AT 334-6409.
Reduce your risk factors
The Child Development Center at the Jewish Community Center held graduation ceremonies last week. Dinah Raful, CDC Director, hands a diploma to Caroline Justcr, daughter of Sara and Sorin Juster.
May 30, 1097
c a n d l e l i g h t l n g : 8 : 3 1 p , m . -_ TEMPLE ISRAEL
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations 7023 Case Street, Omaha, N E 08132 056-6536 FRIDAY: Shabbat service, 8:15 p.m. Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Stiel and Hazzan Contzius will officiate. Rabbi Stiel will speak. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by the Temple Sisterhood. Sitter Service Sitter service is available each Shabbat evening service and the Saturday morning Shabbat service when there is a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Please make a reservation. There are no facilities for infants. SATURDAY: Shabbat service, 11:15 ajn. Jacob Roberts Bar Mitzvah Simctia B'Shabbat-an informal Shabbat service that includes study and discussion of a variety of Jewish text. The regular Shabbat service will be held in the sanctuary. "TOW--Torah on Wheels (TOW) will be held Tuesday, June 3, noon-l:15 p.m., at the home of Susan Rothholz, 2512 S. 98th Ave. Reservations are required. Call the Temple office, 556-6536. ADULT EDUCATION J u n e 5—Sisterhood Adult Education, 9:30HhSO aan., 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; 1030-11:30 aan., Rabbi Debbie Stiel will delve into Reform Responsa on a wide range of issues. 7:30-8:30 p.m.,"Beyond Midrash," led by Don Schwartz. TOT SHABBAT SERVICE, Friday, June 6, 7 p.nv-A short service of song and prayer, followed by cookies and juice, will be held for toddlers through children in the primary grades and their families.
Member of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 1502 No. 52nd St., Omaha, NE 68104 . (>5(M}288 Services conducted Ipy 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: Services, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Services start at 8:45 a.m.; Jr. Congregation, 1030 nan., Kiddish in honor of the outgoing Board of Commissioners; Pirkei Avos class with Rabbi Kutner, 8 p.m. at the'synagogue; Mincha, 8:30 p.m., followed by Shalosh Seudot, Ma'ariv and Havdalah. Shalosh Seudot sponsored by Marvin Polikov in memory of his brother, Steven. SUNDAY: Morning service, 9 ajn., followed by breakfast; 10 aan.-a discussion group on Pirkei Avos with Rabbi Kutner; Mincha, 8:35 pan. WEDNESDAY: Synagogue annual elections, 7 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services at 7 aan. and 8:35 p.m.
BEYTSHALOWI An Affiliate of the Jewfeh KecenetructionM Federation •
TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3210 Sheridan Blvd. Lincoln, NE 68502 423-8569 Services are conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyans on Mondays and Thursdays, 7:15 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. Oneg Shabbat hosted by Irene and Yale Gotsdiner. ' ' „ . ' . < SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. " ' • ' ' SUNDAY: Annual Meeting Brunch
Omah%MB0&l24-SIS*>
. >." attpt//oinoaair«ienet.org/beytsl»al' FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat services, 7:30 p.m. at the synagogue. SUNDAY: Religious School, 10 aan., Westside Community Education Center, 108th & Grover. Contact Dr. Marty Rosenberg at 390-9062 for placement. The next monthly Family Shabbat service will be June 6. Rabbi Sachs will officiate.
; ROSE BLWKtfyj JEWISH HOW SATURDAY: Services, led by Mark Levy, start at 0 a.m. Members'of the community are invited to join residents for services and Kiddish.
CONGREGATION B'N Al JESHURUN . Member ©f the Union ['••.• " of American Hebrew Congregations
Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. TUESDAY: Adult Education, 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Choir practice, 7:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Shabbat services at 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Torah study and service, 10 a jn. SUNDAY: Hebrew school, 9 a.m.; Religious school, 10 a.m. .
B'MA! ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE .•
CHABAD HOUSE
An Affiliat
11923 Facifio,Onieha,NB6814.i 697-1124
s
Council Bluffs, Iowa 51603 323-4705 E-MAILJ docjeb@juno.com
FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. The discussion topic is The Eradication of the anti-Semitic Virus."
SATURDAY: Davening starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by Kiddish. WEDNESDAYS: -. JEWISH PFIBSS' Talmud classes, 9:30 a.m.; "Hooked on Yiddish" lessons, 7 p.m. EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE THURSDAYS: DUB to the upcoming holiday of Shavuot, our office will Advanced Talmud, noon be closed Wednesday and Thursday, June 11 and 12.
OFFUTT 25th and Capehurt Omaha, NE 294-6051 FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m.
Deadline
Issue
Wednesday, June 4 Tuesday, June 10
Friday, June 13 Friday, June 20
Ads, copy and photos are due in the Jewish Press office by NOON on the day of deadline.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 1430B California, Omaha, NE 68154 492-8550 \VEB--http-7/omafaafreenet.org/bethcl 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 Drnzen and Cantor Emil Berkovits. FRIDAY: Services, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. Naomi Wolfson will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. Kiddish luncheon hosted by her grandparents; Jean and Edwin Hirsch. Sitter service, 10 aan. TSS (Torah Siddur Skills), 10 ajnShabbat Story Time-first and third Saturday at 11 nan. , Ktantan-second and fourth Saturday at 11 ajn.. Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 8:45 pan. SUNDAY: Services, 9 aan. WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 pan. ANNUAL MEETING The Beth El Annual meeting will kick off an eventful erev Shavuot Tuesday, June 10, at 7 p.m. Elections are first, followed by a Shavuot program, traditional desserts and services. For more information, call Beth El at 492-8550.
Jeffrey Alexander Gelb, son of Susan arid Steve Gelb of Leawood, KS, became a Bar Mitzvah Saturday, May 3, at Congregation Beth Torah in Overland Park, KS. > ' • A seventh-grade honor roll student at Overland Trail Middle School, he enjoys playing baseball and basketball. He is a member of Beth Torah Junior Youth Group. Jeffrey has a sister, Abby. Grandparents are Kenneth and Velma Sachs of Scottsdale, AZ.
PERSONALS To my friends, family and clergy who encouraged me with their phone calls, cards, gifts and visits during my recent hospitalization and recuperation: Your support has been my light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you. Dory Gerber Thank vou-for the Avalanche Embarrased though we are at offering thanks this impersonal way for what should be individual, direct and personal, we hope our friends can forgive us. We are simply not physically able-as yetto write the individual thank-you notes we would want to. , So-thank you for the avalanche of get well greeting cards, hand-written notes, letters, phone calls and personal visits. Thank you for all the presents, beautiful, beautiful flowers and lavish baskets of fruit and gourmet goodies, books and periodicals, suspenders (how many pounds did you say you lost?), stationery, news stories, help with writing and eating, rides to here and there, buttonhole hook (whaddya mean your fingers don't work?), contributions in our honor from and to organizations, local, national and international that energize Jewish life wherever Jews live, and the synagogues, organizations and agencies that keep local Jewish life vital. We are grateful to you all, as our health improves. . Dorothy and Myer Kripke
Responsible for creation of and support for full range of synagogue programs. For further information, contact: Larry DeBruin Beth El Synagogue 492-8550
Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 30
Editorial Arafat denies freedojn of press, approves death penalty for land sales to Israelis In recent weeks, Yassir Arafat has again shown his true colors. His rubber-stamp Council, governing the Palestinian Authority, declared that the death penalty would be imposed on any Palestinian selling land to Jews in the West Bank or Jerusalem environs. Next, Arafat had respected journalist Daoud Kuttab arrested for his criticism of the PA. Kuttab is an American citizen and was allowed a visit from the U.S. Consulate, but was held incommunicado in a Palestinian jail last weekend. This is the so-called government with which Israeli has to make peace? This is a government Israel can trust? This is a leaderwho will give his people democracy? Is it any wonder that the Netanyahu government is skeptical of the current peace process? The Western press has been highly critical of Netanyahu and has accused his Likud-led government of stalling with the peace process. Where is their criticism of Arafat and his actions as a "banana-republic" dictator? If Arafat really wants to be seqn as a leader and not a demagogue, he.had better stop crying "wolf about the Israelis and start instituting democratic reforms. And the Western press should follow suit in their reporting of actions in the Mideast.
BEHIND THE HEADLINES
Jewish women and breast cancer: Do special studies really matter? by Debra Nussbaum Cohen
NEW YORK (JTA) -- A new study indicates that on the relatively small Jewish population, scienpeople with certain genetic predispositions to tists are able to come up with useful data. The latest study into the risk of breast and ovaribreast and ovarian cancers-which have been identified in Jews of Ashkenazi descent—may have a an cancers among Ashkenazi Jews found that a somewhat lower risk of developing those diseases , person with the genetic mutations has a 56 percent than previously thought. of getting breast cancer, and a 17 percent chance of Despite the seemingly good news, the latest ovarian cancer by the age of 70, no matter what study on Jewish women and breast cancer, pub- her family history of the diseases. Earlier estilished last week, has sparked objections among mates were that as many as 85 percent of women some Jewish women to the focus on the so-called with the genetic mutation would develop breast "Jewish genes." These are the markers for the cancer, and that 60 percent would develop ovarian breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. The stud- cancer by age 70. ies provide no basis of comparison with the general The genes predisposing a woman to breast cancer population, they say. Furthermore, they leave are found in as many as two percent of the women wondering what to do once they find out Ashkenazi Jewish population whose ancestors that they have these mutations. It would be more hailed from Eastern or Central Europe. important, they say, to fund research for a cure for An estimated eight percent of women in the gencancer. eral U.S. population will develop breast cancer, When the two genetic markers were discovered and 2 percent will likely develop ovarian cancer, last year, "suddenly we were singled out" in a way according to reporting on the subject. some Jews found disconcerting, said Dale Mintz, a Dr. Jeffrey Streuwing, chief author of the new certified health educator and national director of ' National Cancer Institute study, and his colhealth education for Hadassah, the women's leagues studied 5,318 Jewish women and men in Zionist organization headquartered in New York. the Washington, D.C., area by taking blood sam"There's nothing really Jewish about this because ples at synagogues and Jewish community centers. no other groups have been tested" for the genetic The scientists analyzed the samples as well as markers for these cancers, said Nancy Kaufman, detailed family histories of the volunteers.. executive director of the Jewish Community Other scientists working on studies of breast canRelations Council of Greater Boston. "Why are we cer among Ashkenazi Jews faulted the Streuwing being targeted?" study for relying heavily on family memories of Not everyone shares these concerns, however. ancestors who may have had breast or ovarian can"Jews have an understandable wariness and cofe cer to determine their descendants' risk of developcern" about being singled out for medical research, ing the same diseases. given the Nazi era when Jews were selected for The critics, including Dr. Mary-Claire King, who medical experimentation and extermination, said Lois Waldman, director of the American Jewish is working on her own study of breast and ovarian cancer risk among 1,000 Jewish women in the New Congress' Commission on Women's Equality. Nonetheless, Jews are being targeted "for good York area, was quoted as saying that relying on scientific reasons because it facilitates the the memories of family members is unreliable research,'' Waldman said. She 'said that by focusing since cancer was rarely discussed in earlier gener-
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The role 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 276620) 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 •qshprcss@aol.com>
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ations. She was one of the lead investigators in the original research that produced information about the cancer-causing genes in Ashkenazi Jews. Streuwing's was one of four studies on breast cancer whose results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine recently. He was not available for an interview. . The studies have drawn considerable attention in the Jewish community. Both Hadassah and the AJCongress' Commission on Women's Equality have held seminars on the issue. In Boston, some 800 people attended a meeting at a Boston synagogue in January to address concerns over the news of the first study, Kaufman said. That meeting gave way to a Boston Jewish Women's Breast Cancer Coalition, which now meets monthly. Many women of Ashkenazi descent were being told by their doctors that if they have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, they should be tested. "The concern is once they're tested, then what? The "what' is not clear yet," she said. Some are concerned that there will be a rush of women seeking prophylactic removal of their breasts and ovaries.: Those radical procedures, according to another study published at the same time as Streuwing's in the New England Journal of Medicine, reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by 85 percent and the risk of developing ovarian cancer by 50 percent. •••"•• What everyone in the Jewish community does seem to agree on is that there needs to be some guarantee that information from genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancers, or other diseases, will not be used by insurance companies or potential employers to discriminate against carriers. "We really need to protect women from opening them up against t h a t discrimination," said Hadassah's Mintz.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Steve Levingor, Vice President; Lloyd Roitstein, Treasurer; Jane Rips, Secretary; Bob Birt; Cynthia Epstein; Steve Danon; Marri Gallner; 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 KaBhruth of any product or establishment - •'..
May 30,1997
Jewish Press, Omaha, Ne
Page 5
FOCUS ON ISSUES
Slogans, ballots and intrigue: Time for another Zionist Congress
U.S. plan would cut aid to Israel while giving a big boost to Jordan
by Cynthia Mann
by Matthew Dorf
NEW YORK(JTA)--"In one very important election concerning Israel, only Americans can vote," blares the blue-and-white form in bold black letters. "Send for your ballot today." The race is on. All across the country, rabbis are calling on their congregants to vote in the upcoming election of representatives to the 33rd World Zionist Congress. Whether they succeed, however, will depend on
WASHINGTON (JTA) ~ The era of federal fiscal responsibility has collided with the Middle East peace process to result in a likely cut in U.S. foreign aid for, both Israel and Egypt. Under an emerging U.S. plan, $50 million from each country would be redirected to a newly created Middle E a s t fund for "peace and stability." Jordan would be the primary beneficiary of the fund, as a sign of appreciation for its warmer peace If t h e Zionist arms of t h e with Israel, according to U.S. and Israeli sources. Keform and Conservative raove- The cut in Israel's $3 billion in aid could be offset additional military, spending for the Jewish ragjft&s have t h e i r way, t h e by state. Nonetheless, it would mark the first reducZionist Congresy oloction will tion since 1979, when Jerusalem began receiving i significant U.S. aid in the wake of its peace treaty with Egypt; 'pluralism in
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To the Editor: After returning from my second year in college, I feel the need to thank the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization for providing me with the education and leadership that is so important in the success of young adults in the world today. The leadership and social skills I learned from being a member of BBYO has been an invaluable resource to me, not only through my endeavors, but also through connections in the corporate world. I cannot stress the impact of the organization for. the effect that it has had on me and so many of my friends, not only socially, but religiously as well. Although separated by synagogue, BBYO gave me, and is still giving the youth of this community, a chance to interact with and learn from each other while forming valuable friendships that would have otherwise not have been fostered. The Omaha Jewish community is lucky to house this organization and should encourage its youth to participate fully. Alone we can only move stones, but together we can form mountains. Danny Colin, former AZA Council President
.-* -..the strength of a recentjy.jnbbilized opposition, h&mfe «pf>por$edl by Israel, also including the American affiliate of Israel's Likud routes a t a time vfhen some Party and the Orthodox Zionist organizations. Hore'sWhatwoDo: They argue that religious pluralism has no place have (guestlofted whether Israel, Hook-up tre MONUMENT CO. Clean & Ins at the congress of the World Zionist Organization. which is experiencing a healthy Clean drain While some want to advance an agenda tied to the Testo economy, should continue t o Frank L. Ciciulla, Jr. Test peace process, others want to see a more traditionOil _ _ . „ jreceive $1*2 biUiosi in annual 60 Years Experience operatlo al focus on aliyah and Jewish identity. antloned With Jewish economic aid. The political intrigue surrounding the elections CITIZENS $44.95 nd Opinion Lettering and Memorials exploded in the wake of a recent unconfirmed Israel, which also receives an annual $1.8 billion Israeli newspaper report that Likud was seeking a in military aid, is the largest recipient of U.S. for1439 So. 13th secret deal to garner support from the non-Zionist eign assistance. Egypt, which receives $2.1 billion, 341-2452 Lubavitch movement in its efforts to prevent a is the second largest recipient. Reform and Conservative landslide. Even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu In the last election 10 years ago, the Reform and told a joint session of Congress.last year that before Conservative organizations came in second and his term is completed, Israel would be ready to third, edged out only by Hadassah, the internation- wean itself from its dependence on U.S. aid if the BAR & BAT MITZVAH al Zionist women's organization, which has taken- Israeli economy continues to be strong. ENTERTAINiMENT itself out of the running this year. So delicate are the talks on the plan to cut aid One hundred years ago, Theodor Herzl, Zionism's t h a t Howard Kohr, executive director of the COMPUTE(MUSIC, offers the founder, convened the first Zionist Congress in American Israel Public Affairs Committee, traveled Basel, Switzerland. It was hailed as the first inter- to Jerusalem last week-for consultations, according l/LTIMATE national parliament of the Jewish people. The to Israeli sources. For almost two decades, AIPAC, Entertainment Package featuring the State of Israel was only a dream and the hall was the pro-Israel lobby, along with many other Jewish PARTY MOTIVATOR filled with memorable and passionate debate on , organizations, has made aid to Israel the corner- with more lights, more give-a-ways and more music. Jewish destiny. stone of its political activities. For that reason, even 339-3535 Most American Jews have little understanding of if the new fund is well-intentioned and supported the role or the workings of the WZO, and even if by Israel, a cut in aid to the Jewish state would GRASS MASTERS they do understand it, many believe it is irrelevant require a significant shift in lobbying efforts. to contemporary Jewish life. But that has not Clinton and Netanyahu have spoken in recent "Your Lawn Professionals' stymied the Reform movement's Association of weeks about the proposed aid cut, and Israeli • Mowing • Trimming Reform Zionists of America or the Conservative Foreign Minister David Levy confirmed • Edging movement's Mercaz. Netanyahu's support in principle during a meeting • Spring & Fall Clean-up Both are using the elections as a battleground on with Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. • Scotts 5-Step which to wage their fight against the official "Aid to Jordan is a mutual desire of the United Granular Fertilization Orthodox monopoly of religious life in the Jewish States and Israel. It's an important link to state. These organizations say the election provides strengthen the peace process," Levy told reporters a chance to seat people in positions of power who before meeting Albright. "I'm sure we will find a will allocate more of world Jewry's resources to common way in order to achieve this goal." Conservative and Reform institutions and pro- When asked about the plan, Albright said, "The . gramB in Israel. • ; . . • prime minister shares an interest in establishing a Probably the biggest boost to their campaign to fund for Middle'East peace and security." She ASK FOR... date was the Israeli Knesset's recent preliminary added, "We are now examining, with the Israelis, passage of legislation to codify exclusive Orthodox details on how best to move forward on this." control over conversions performed in Israel. The The.plan arose out of a desire to increase aid to Knesset initiative has. hit a nerve among non- Jordan, which this year received $47 million in U.S. MULflMILLION DOLLAR CAREER SALES Orthodox Jews throughout the country, and some aid. The Clinton administration has asked for $75.6 are responding through the election process. million for next year. Under congressional budget For Experienced Professional Service in Registration forms a r e streaming into a rules, new spending must be offset by an equal cut The Sale Of Your Home Westwood, N.J., post office a t a rate of about in' other programs. Given the current budgetary Res: 15,000 a week.' Prbih there, a computer service is pressures, Congress would be unlikely to approve creating a central registry of voters in the election," as part of the Foreign aid package as much as the REAL ESTATE CO. BUS! 498-3500 which is being administered by the American administration thinks the Hashemite kingdom Zionist Movement : ; - : ••.•.;.-• needs. The Middle East already receives nearly half But,unless the current registration deadline of of the total $12 billion in global U.S. assistance. June 1 is: extended,^the total is unlikely to top In addition to providing Jordan with a substantial 75,000. The Zionist Congress, scheduled for ampunt of U.S. aid, the.fund would send an impor> We Appreciate Your Patronage December in Jerusalem, will select the leadership tant signal to Arab countries that making peace > Every Party or Event Is Equally Important to of the WZO and will help set its policies and priori- with Israelstill carries a "monetary dividend," AAA Rents (from S to 500) ties. The WZO has the power to implement priori- according to a State Department official. ties with its! joint authority over the ,$400 million Officials said that in addition to the $100 million ' We Specialize In Party Planning and Arrangements, budget of its partner, the Jewish Agency for Israel., taken from aid to Israel and Egypt, the fund would Trade Shows, Exhibitions and Special Events That $400 million is contributed by the central include $150 million contributed by U.S. allies: Let Us Add That Special Flair Jewish fund-raising establishments around the The majority of that $250 million fund would go • and Touch to Your Entertaining world. The lion's share is spent for the resettlement to Jordan to show appreciation, Israeli and U.S. ; and absorption of immigrants. Much of the rest is sources say. The United States hopes to ultimately JACKIE LAW spent for Jewish-Zionist education. About $1 mil- provide Jordan with close to $500 million in aid PRESIDENT Lincoln .Omaha lion is allocated each to projects of t h e over five years from the Egyptian and Israeli reducBus.W02)467-4151 Bus.(402)339-3707 • Conservative and Reform movements and about tions. With European and' Japanese contributions, S620 S. 72nd Street* O m a h a ; NE 68127-3974 $500,000 to those of the modern Orthodox. the total couldtop$1 billion. .
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Page 6 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE May 30,1997
Rabbi Sidney and Jane Brooks reminisce as Temple Israel celebrates its 125th anniversary
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Rabbi Sidney and Jane Brooks, 1981. As the oldest Jewish institution in Eastern Nebraska and the second oldest of any of the Omaha's religious institutions, Temple Israel enjoys a prestigious place in the history of the Jewish community. And probably no one knows that history better or has influenced it more than Rabbi Sidney and Jane Brooks. Initially meant for the Passover edition of this paper saluting the volunteer contributions of individuals and families to synagogue life, the story of the Brooks family and their impact on the community was too extensive to be contained in one page. Sitting in their sunny dining room, surrounded by some of the 1750 volumes in their vast library collection, we talked about the events of the last 45 years and their lives in Omaha, Nebraska. "There is no such thing as a risk-less life," Rabbi Brooks said. His track record of speaking on the burning issues of the day are proof of those risks. In speaking about the Red Scare prevalent, Rabbi Brooks said one Friday night from his pulpit in 1962, "Whenever the method of fighting communism does this by reducing our solidarity as a nation', by injecting sectarian religious issues into a common national American concern, by casting suspicion upon everything and anything liberal or social or international in scope, that method is selfdefeating...These times demand nothing less than clear, calm and deliberate thoughtfulness, This is no time to get caught up in slogans or clever phrases or to be swayed in political judgment by social and religious group loyalties. "The question is not at all who is right, but what is right." Those sentiments can certainly be echoed in today's battles as well. Since arriving in Omaha in 1952, Brooks has spoken out in support of civil rights and a woman's right to choose, and against the actions of the House Unamerican Affairs Committee and the Vietnam War. His efforts were recognized in 1957 and again in 1962 when he was awarded the George Washington Medal of honor from the Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge for sermons "contributing to better understanding of the American Way of life." Jane Brooks has been no stranger to controversial causes either. She has been a supporter of Planned Parenthood since the 1950s and pushed for mental health services more than 35 years ago. That led to her 1963 involvement in founding the Eastern Nebraska Mental Health Association. Her impact-has not been only in the general community, either. Her volunteer service to the Jewish Community Center, where she served as president, to the National Council of Jewish Women, where she acted as State Public Affairs Chairwoman, and her national position on the National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods (now Women of Reform Judaism) are proof of her commitment to improving the world in which we live. But one event that stands out in their recollections was the tornado of 1975. Both Rabbi and Mrs. Brooks were in the Temple that day, along with tenth-grade students of the Confirmation Class. Fortuitously, it was the only time the rabbi had asked his wife to assist with the class. The minute they heard the sirens wailing, Rabbi Brooks reacted quickly and hurried the teens and and adults down to one of the rooms on the lower
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Rabbi Sidney Brooks, third from left, is one of the guests of honor at the dedication dinner for the new Temple Israel building on 69th and Cass in 1953. Also seated on the dais were: Rabbi Myer Kripke, Jane Brooks, Toby Lelyveld, Rabbi Arthur Lelyveld, Corinne and Milton Livingston, Blanche Rosenfeld, Sophie Wice, Rabbi David Wice, Sylvia Mayer and Al Mayer. level. There he created a 'body mound.' "I told the boys it was the only time I'd give them permission to have such close contact with the girls," he said with a smile, "We certainly,; needed a levity at that moment." When the tor-1 nado siren stopped, Rabbi I and Brooks quicklyt inspected everyone for injuries Tfjr and, finding h e 1 9 6 7 consecration of kindergartners at Temple Israel included, first row, nothing major, Sl enf at rtio "Sht: Gigi Milder, Richard Krasne, Doug Friedman, Laurie Kotzen, started to tour B r u c e Roffinan, Nancy Rosinsky, Pamela Bloch, Jeanne Stern, Sharon Brodkey, the building Goldberg, Philip Ginsberg, John Lehr, Sally Pollack; second row: David What they R°sen61> 8Sarah Jane Ross, Emily Milder, Valerie Wolf, Carolyn Cohn, Marjorie saw,frightenedWAH* "* * Howard Marcus, Mark Dann, Gregg Engel; third row: Stacy Corp, them. The J aeyn dy Zweiback, Tom Vann, Andrew Robinson, Steve Friedman, Gary Cohn, Sax; back row: Cantor tornado had Manfred Kuttner, Rabbi Sidney Brooks and Rabbi o u t Lawrence Rubinstein. blown nearly every pane of glass in the building, includ- tions when other disasters strike them." ing the stained glass windows in the sanctuary. The board agreed and Rabbi Brooks estimates The rabbi and Marvin Brookstein rescued the that the fund has been used dozens of times to Torahs, miraculously untouched, and took them to assist area churches and synagogues. the Brooks' home that afternoon. One congregant brought her child in to see Rabbi "The caring that poured out of the community, Brooks; the little girls asked him, "Why did G-d not only from Temple members, but from all parts destroy His own house?' of Omaha and the country, truly touched me," he Rabbi answered, "He doesn't live here like you noted. live in your house. G-d lives everywhere." From that point, Rabbi Brooks never again hi the weeks that followed the clean-up, Dundee Presbyterian Church was one of many that sent referred to a synagogue, church or mosque as a donations to Temple Israel. This particular check house of G-d. In looking back across the years, Rabbi Brooks was for $5000. The accompanying note from the late Gerald gave special mention to the great scholars with Hazelrigg, senior minister, read, "Thank you for whom he studied. "The Hebrew Union College helped save the lives allowing'us to have the privilege of sharing this of such men as iLeo Baeck and Abraham Joshua burden with you." Between the insurance and the other donations, Heschel," said Rabbi Brooks. "Baeck was a big more funds were collected than needed for the man; he used to pace up and down the halls at reconstruction. So Rabbi Brooks went to bis presi- HUC before each lecture. Apparently he composed dent, Joan Lehr, and said to her, "I can't keep this, his lectures in German and then had to translate them into English. but it would be insulting to send it back. "Let's put it in a fund and loan it to other congrega(Continued on next page)
May 80,1997 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 7
Rabbi Sidney and Jane Brooks reminisce (Continued from previous page)
Aerial shot of the 1975 tornado that devasted Temple Israel. One of Temple's classrooms showed a scene of destruction. "Heschel used to wake me in the middle of the walk the patients around the grounds and then moral issues, and "being decent." night," he recalled, "to ask the definition of English take them back to assist with projects like stuffing "The three most important decisions I've made in words. He was a master of languages; his words envelopes. One patient told me it was the first time my life were: to marry Jane, become a rabbi, and in. were like pearls on a necklace." anyone had ever asked her to do anything!" 1985, to retire," Rabbi Brooks said. "And I don't His mentors have long since departed and even Both Rabbi and Jane have served on the board of regret any of them." many of his colleagues are no longer here, but Planned Parenthood and Jane considers it "the He continued, "A synagogue's traditional role Rabbi Brooks himself became a mentor to others. most well-run board in the city." used to be one of religion, education and social Three men who grew up at Temple Israel credit Well-run still describes the lives of both of theni- cohesion out of authentic Jewish knowledge. him with influencing their decisions to enter the today. Though he would like to teach more, Rabbi "I think we must open our Jewish institutions to rabbinate. . . . . Brooks still writes and he and his wife are contem- the entire Jewish community. Rabbi John Spitzer, rabbi of Canton's Temple plating putting together a manuscript of his ser"I'm not going to close my door to anyone. It's up Israel, speaks fondly of Rabbi Brooks and his ser- mons. Mrs. Brooks is the collector of the hundreds to us to preserve the Jewishness of the Jews here. mons. He notes that Brooks never shied away from of newspaper and magazine articles written, by In this way, our community will survive." controversial subjects and '"always, always, urged them and about them over the years, And, of Temple Israel begins its 126th year with 780 famcourse, they are involved in the lives of their two ilies and a school with more than 300 students. The us to question everything." congregation has survived two World Wars, a Now the senior rabbi at Baltimore's prestigious 'children and grandchild. Daughter Miriam lives in Boston and works for depression, a tornado and reconstruction and a sucHebrew Congregation, one of the oldest and largest Reform Temples in the country, Rabbi Rex MIT. She volunteers one day a week at the local cession of leaders. It appears that Rabbi Sidney Perimeter, was a student of Rabbi Brooks in the AIDS center. Her marriage this summer in Boston and Jane Brooks will continue to have an impact on 60s and 70s. Third-year rabbinical student Josh will be performed by family friend, Rabbi Stanley the congregants of Temple Israel, their children Zweiback also looks to Rabbi Brooks as having Dreyfus and Rabbi Jonathan Krausc, leader of and grandchildren and generations' to come Beth El Synagogue. influenced his career choice. 1 , ?! Son Joel is a social Rabbi Brooks expects more rabbis, and cantors, too, to come out of Temple Israel in the future, worker in Tampa and is / "And women!" he added. "Now that we've had two married to Naomi; they generations of women graduating from HUC to have a 13-year old son, / serve as role models, I do hope we'll see some Joseph. Omahans choosing the rabbinate, too." "No doubt t h a t his Jane Brooks has had and continues to have an choice of career had influence on volunteer leaders across the spectrum something to do with of the Jewish and general communities. Elected to growing up in this the National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods house!" joked Jane. Board in 1963, Mrs. Brooks is proud of the resoluGrowing up in the tions that group passed then on abortion rights and Brooks' family.for everycivil rights for homosexuals. one in the Jewish com"I would hate to see the Sisterhood as a non-func- munity connected to tioning organization," she said, "It still needs to be them meant several t there as a place for women to serve their temple; things: no "pediatric Judaism," having "a com- The congregation celebrates Erev Rosh Hashanah, Sept; 5, 1975 at not all of them want to be on the temple board." In recalling her work for the Nebraska mitment to right" and "a Boys Town. Father Robert Hupp- accepts a plaque of gratitude from Psychiatric Institute, Mrs. Brooks said, "We used to duty to bring attention to Rabbi Broolcs on behalf of Temple Israel.
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J The Brooks' led a study mission to Israel in 1979 with members of Temple Israel.
A young Howard Marcus was on the scene that day to' shoot scenes of the aftermath of the tornado.
Page 8
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 30,1997
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SUNDAT,JUNE1 \^sions at the Playhouse, 2 p.m. Boy Scouts Picnic, 4 p.m. YJO City Sprouts, 10 a.m., at 40th & Franklin St. Temple Israel Congregational Annual Meeting and Champagne Reception, 7p.m., at Temple Israel MONDAY, JUNE 2 YES Meeting, 9: 30 a.m. Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts, 6 p.m. TUESDAY, JUNE 3 BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Beth Israel Sisterhood Study Group, 10 a.m., at Beth Israel Temple Israel "Tbrah on Wheels," noon Temple Israel Confirmation Class, 6:30 p.m., at Temple Israel WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4 JCC Spa Experience Informational Meeting, 7 p.m. Breadbreakers, noon, Highland Country Club NCJTW Installation Luncheon, noon, Erin Court Annual Meeting, 7 p.m., Beth Israel THURSDAY, JUNE 5 Walk-in Drop-in, 9: 30 a.m. Friedel Jewish Academy Graduation /Reception, 7:30 p.m. Temple Israel Sisterhood Adult Education, 9:30 a.m., at Temple Israel
FRIDAY, JUNE 6 Visions Board Meeting, 9: 30 a. SATURDAY, JUNE 7 Temple Israel Parallel Educatii Parents Retreat, Mahoney P* SUNDAY, JUNE 8 RBJH Volunteer Recognition Brunch, noon Beth El USY C.M.T., in Kansas June 8-9 Beth Israel Cantorial Concert, 7 p.m., at Beth Israel MONDAY, JUNE 9 YES Meeting, 9: 30 a.m. Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts, 6 p.m. 1 JCC Final Board Meeting, 7: 3(1 TUESDAY, JUNE 10 Temple Israel Confirmation Ck & Erev Shavuot, 7:30 p.m., at Temple Israel Beth El Annual fleeting, 7 p.m elections followed by Shavuot gram, dessert reception & ser THURSDAY, JUNE 12 Temple Israel Sisterhood Adult| Education, 9:30 am., atTennj Temple Israel Synagogue 2000 mittee Meeting, 7 p.m., at Tei
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FRIDAY, JUNE 13 Russian Club, 9:30 a.m. SATURDAy, JUNE 14 Beth Israel Youth Shabbos, at Beth Israel MONDAY, JUNE 16 YES Meeting, 9:30 a.m. Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts, 6 p.m. TUESDAY, JUNE 17 Foundation Board Meeting, 4 p.m., RBJH Conference Room BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Temple Israel "Food for Thought," 11:30a.m., at Tfemple Temple Israel Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Temple Israel WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18 Breadbreakers, noon, Highland Country Club Beth El Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., atBethEl NJHS Board Meeting, 7:15 p.m. THURSDAY, JUNE 19 Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. Library Book Discussion Group, 1p.m. Temple Israel Sisterhood Adult Education, 9:30 a.m., at Temple Beth El Merit Scholarship Advisors Meeting, 7 p.m., at Beth El
SATURDAY, JUNE 21 Beth Israel Shabbos Kiddish honoring Howard and Laura Bloom SUNDAY, JUNE 22 In-Line Skating Workshop, 2:30 p.m. Amit Women Mother/Father in Israel Luncheon, 12:30 p.m., atBethEl MONDAY, JUNE 23 YES Meeting, 9: 30 a.m. . TUESDAY, JUNE 24 Federation Annual Meeting, 7:30 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25 Breadbreakers, noon, Highland Country Club YJO Speaker, Gil Mann, 7 p.m. THURSDAY, JUNE 26 Walk-in Drop-in, 9: 30 am. Jewish Press Board Meeting, noon ""Temple Israel Sisterhoddskdult i: Eduction, 9:30 a.m., at Temple FRIDAY, JUNE 27 Russian Club, 9:30 a.m. Beth Israel Scholar-in-Residence Dinner, 7 p.m., at Beth Israel SATURDAY, JUNE 28 Beth Israel Scholar-in-Residence Luncheon, at Beth Israel SUNDAY, JUNE 29 Rabbi Silver "Discovery Program," Presented by Beth Israel, 7 p.m. MONDAY, JUNE 30 YES Meeting, 9:30 a.m.
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Page 10 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE May 30,1997
Positive image wins positive experience by Shana Novak
"I wanted to give Israel a positive image," she said."I did great things in Israel. You can't judge a Herald, the New York Times, or the London Times. place on what's heard in the media," she added. Leigh's positive article about Israel brought her Often times, the media will portray Israel as a war stricken country, riddled with bombs and terror- to the semi-finals-and after a personal interview, she went on to the winner's circle. . . and Ireland. ism. One Omaha teen recently visited Israel and dis- As a recipient of the Young Columbus Award, she covered a very different side to the country. She spent two weeks touring Ireland with 100 teen didn't see bombs and terrorists-she saw sunsets winners from other cities. "Ireland is totally different from the United and synagogues. After seeing a beautiful, peaceful Israel on last States," Leigh said. While in Ireland, she visited Dublin and other summer's Artza trip, sponsored by the Jewish Community Center, Leigh-Anne Brown decided to cities and met with Joanne Kennedy Smith, the do something about Israel's negative image in the American Ambassador to Ireland. She saw castles and learned about Irish sports. She. said the Irish media -- and she was sent, to Ireland for it! •Every year, Parade Magazine—W\a insert in the people were kind. Leigh entered the contest because she loves to World-Hera /d--holds a writing contest. Participants must write a travel article about a travel and had nothing to lose. But she also wrote country anywhere in the world and design an ad to the article to expose Israel in a new light. "It's important to try to educate people on the promote this location. Participants must base their writings on 20 photographs or clippings of their positive aspects of Israel," she said upon her return from Ireland. chosen country from the newspaper. She is the daughter of Debbi and Jonathan Brown took the challenge of using clippings of Israel. She was aware of the country's negative Brown; She graduated from Central High School reputation-she had just been to Israel and knew last week and will attend the University of Arizona in the fall. the image wasn't completely accurate
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Leigh met an assortment of Ireland's residents.
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Leigh stopped for a peaceful moment in the Irish countryside.
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SHELDON/RAFFEL Wendy Joyce Sheldon and Adam Seth Raffel, both of Chicago, were married Sunday, May 25, at Beth El Synagogue in Omaha. Rabbi Paul Drazen and Cantor Emil Berkovits officiated. A reception followed at the Omaha Marriott Hotel. The bride, daughter of Dr. Norman and Suzy Sheldon of Omaha, is a Children and Family Events Coordinator a t ' t h e Heller Jewish Community Center in Chicago. She is a graduate of the University of Kansas in Lawrence
The groom, son of Ronald and Shelley Raffel of Highland Park, IL, is a district sales manager with Toto, USA. He graduated from the1 University of Maryland in College Park and has a master's degree in Business Administration from Loyola University in Chicago. Honor attendants were Lisa Sheldon of Scottsdale, AZ, sister of the bride, and Adam Ciralsky of Bethesda, MD, friend of the groom. Following a honeymoon in Hawaii, the newlyweds live in Chicago. OTFoFSafetv'siSdkettt
American Heart Association 7
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Fighting HcBfi Disease and Stroke
Afresh Idea In lodging.
I^^IIPI^^^ Complimentary Features include: • • • •
Among the sites Leigh visited were the castles of Ireland.
Take advantage of oar group rates
Daily full, hot breakfast buffet • Bar-Bat Mitzvahs Daily 2-hour guest reception • Weddings Health Club passes. •Reunions Cable movies Call the Sales department Have breakfast and cocktails on the house 11515 Miracle Hills Drive (402)496-7500 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 (North of 114th & Dodgo St.) 1-800-258-246G
Having a break with friends, Leigh toured Dublin.
Omaha Jewish teens needed ASAP by Danny Cohn and Beth Shyken co-editors, 1997 New Year's Issue
For the first time ever, the teenagers of the Omaha Jewish community will be in charge of the Jewish Press. The New Year's issue is totally devoted to Teen Age, and we need help to make it work; we know teens have stories to tell, art to share and opinions on issues that count. The Jewish Press is asking every teen, between the ages of 13 to 19, to submit something of their own; themes and subject matter are due to this office by June 15, with final drafts due Aug. 1. Art and photos will be returned. Don't pass up this unique opportunity! , . .. A list of.suggested topics is available in the Press; offfice. To participate or for more information, call us at 334-2308 or 393-2426 or call' Teen Ape Managing Editor Joanie Jacobson, 554-0500.
There are many worthy Jewish publications, locally, regionally and nationally, but the Jewish Press (of Omaha) is the only Jewish media that reaches all Jewish households in Omaha, Lincoln and Council Bluffs. If someone tries to sell you an ad by claiming their publication reaches a larger Jewish audience in our area than the Jewish Press, please call our office. With proper documentation and the help of the Nebraska Attorney General's office, we can put these 'ad scammers' out of business. Thank you. Larry Axelrod, Advertising Manager, 334-6451 Jewish Press Advertising Sales Staff: Barbara Frankel, 333-7920; Rocky Stern, 393-4952; and Dora Shefren, 496-0867.
May 30,1997
_____ Karen Kazor, daughter of Louis and Renee Kazor, is one of 10 outstanding high school seniors from Southwest Iowa and Southeast Nebraska who will each receive first-ever Iowa West Foundation Scholarships for $20,000! She is a senior at Central High School and will attend Tulane University. Robbie Epstein and Jamie Hamburg's eighthgrade Future Probe team (a creative problem-solving team) at Beveridge Middle School won first place in the citywide competition. Beth C. Rips is among the Creighton University graduates earning a Master of Arts degree. Westside High School has announced 1997-98 staff members for the Shield/Lance publications. For the Lance: Jeff Shyken, a Business Manager; Travis Lewis and Louie Newman, In-DepthEditors; David Rosen, staff of Opinion Editors; Jessie Krieger, an Advertising Editor. The Shield staff includes: Jenny Patton, an Editor-in-Chief, and Kari Epstein, a Managing Editor.
The following students from Westside High School were among those who received President's Education Awards: Sarah Needelman, Max Newman, Matthew Rosenberg, Lois Schrager and Alison Sherman.
The first exhibit created by the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society in 1984 will again be available for viewing in the JCC Gallery beginning June 2. Fifteen panels will be interspersed with smaller timeline boards describing concurrent events in the world and in the United States outside of Nebraska. The exhibit was prepared by Alan Potash, Mary Fellman and Karen Pollak to tell the story of the early congregations, Jewish Federation, youth, fraternal, and women's organizations and sports groups. In 1984, this exhibit was the winner of the Jewish Federation's Community Service award. The Jewish Historical Society continue^ to collect memorabilia related to the organizations displayed in this exhibit. Contributions of photographs, documents, posters and other forms of memorabilia from the Jewish community for the Carl Frohm Archives are needed. Please contact Barbara Bresler at 334-6442, or come by the Archives located at the JCC.
Anna Raful, a junior at Central High School, auditioned and was accepted to study her senior year at the Idyllwild School of Music and Arts in California. She will study theater and music. She is the daughter of Larry and Dinah Raful. . Deborah Besser, daughter of Jakob and Susan Besser, has graduated from Bellevue University with a Bachelor's degree in Art History. Trenton Magid has recently been named president of World Group L.L:C, a full-service commercial Real Estate Co. Rachel Slosburg is among the Omaha-area high school students who won first place at the 1997 Nebraska High School Journalism state contest. A student at Central, she won for newspaper layout.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR JUNE SR.NCSY Sunday, June 1 Partners in Torah, 7:30-8:30 p.m., at Friedel Jewish Academy Monday, June 9 Final NCSY Banquet/Awards, 7:30-9 p.m., at Beth Israel Tuesday-Wednesday, June 10-12 Shavous learning Saturday, June 14 Youth services at Beth Israel Friday-Saturday-Sunday, June 27-29 Rabbi Silver/Introduction to S.E.E.D. at Beth Israel
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One hundred years of Jewish organizational life
Summer Reading Club
Alison Eggers of Council Bluffs, a senior at Abraham Lincoln, is the first female state debate Glen Fineman, Jewish Family Service Director, champion and qualified for the National Debate has announced his association with Tournament. She also qualified for nationals in Omnia Summa Mental Health extemporaneous speaking at the state speech conCenter effective June 2. The Center test. She is ranked 32nd nationally in Student offers a full range of comprehensive • Congress. Alison is a National Honor Society member and psychiatric and psychological ,,,. assessments, counseling and thera- debate president. ffl peutic services for families, adolesMichael D. Cohen has graduated from tuk iiM cents, individuals, children, couples Creighton University with a Doctor of Medicine and groups. degree. .
BBYO Ediar and Chaim Weizmann programs, TBA Every Tuesday night BBYO Night, 6-9 p.m. at the JCC Saturday, June 14 MZ Yoshanah program, TBA June 23 thru July 20 Israel Summer Institute: 28-day (Jeff Shyken and Larry Radloff will attend) June 23 thru July 30 Israel Summer Institute; 38-day (Adam Kohn and Ali Lerner will attend) • Saturday, June 28 AZA #1 Program, TBA • For more information, call BBYO adviser Lisa Shkolnick, 334-6404.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
The Omaha Public Library has announced its Summer Reading Club will start June 1 with a big party at the W. Dale Clark Library, downtown, from 2-4 p.m. Everyone is invited to two hours of fun with clowns, face painters, magicians, dancers and special entertainment. The Reading Club lasts for eight weeks, ending July31. For more information, call your local branch library or 444-4800.
JR.NCSY Sunday, June 8 Mini Shabbaton (tentative) at Gonshers Monday, June 9 Final NCSY Banquet/Awards, 7:30-9 p.m., at Beth Israel Friday-Saturday-Sunday, June 27-29 Rabbi Silver/Introduction to S.E.E.D. at Beth Israel For more information on Sr. and Jr. NCSY, call adviser Rabbi Allan Gonsher, 330-4014 or 5582767. YACHAD For more information, call adviser Linda Novak, 493-8575
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 30,1997
Tickets available for Itzhak Perlman concert JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES YES Jewish Senior Services will host a volunteer • Members will meet Monday at the JCC. English class for new Americans starts at 10 a.m.; recognition luncheon Sunday, June 8, at noon, in exercise and bingo both start at 10:30. "YES Talk" the auditorium at the JCC. Residents of the home discussion group will meet at 11 a.m. Following and volunteers will be guests of JSS. Eve lunch at noon, Tom Arnold from Camp Quality will Handleman will provide a musical program. Cost for additional guests is $6.95. Make check speak. For transportation, call 330-4272. • Don't miss Vaudeville Omaha at Grande Olde payable to Jewish Senior Services and RSVP to Players Theater Sunday, June 22, 2 p.m. Cost is $8 Lois Wine by June 2, 323 S. 132nd St., Omaha, NE per person. Transportation is an additional $3. For 68154, or call her at 334-6530. HADASSAH reservations, call Margaret by June 16, 334-6521. Omaha Chapter of Hadassah will host its month• Deadline is June 19 for the WinnaVegas trip scheduled for June 26. Cost is $5. For reservations, ly Oneg Shabbat for residents of the Rose Blumkin Home on May 31. Joe Cherek willentertain on the call Margaret at 334-6521. clavicord. The 2 p.m. program will be held in the VISIONS Home's auditorium, followed by a tea in the main Reminders: • Members attending Tony 'n Tina's Wedding on dining room; Anyone available to entertain resiSunday, June 1, at the Omaha Community dents with music or help them come to the proPlayhouse should meet in the parking lot on the gram, please contact Mary Fellman at 393-3144. WALK-IN DROP-IN south side.at 1:30 p.m. Anyone unable to use steps into the stage door entrance, please enter in the Members will meet Thursday at the JCC. East side doors to the elevator. ' English class and exercise both start at 10 a.m.; • Deadline is June 4 for Les Miserables at the bingo starts at 10:30. Bring a dairy sack lunch to Lied Center for Performing Arts scheduled for eat at 11:30. At noon, the movie The Mirror Has Sunday, Sept. 28. Cost is $65 and includes coach Two Faces will be shown in the Blumkin Home transportation, theater ticket, dinner at Misty"s, auditorium. Invite a friend; popcorn will be served. tax and gratuities. For reservations, send form with full payment to Sam and Rosaline Epstein, Fifty-year members honored 9205 Western, #325, Omaha, NE 68114. • Board meeting is Friday, June 6, 9:30 a.m.
Russian Club visits DeSoto Wildlife Refuge
Members of the Russian Club recently visited the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge. From left: Marksina and Lina Levit, Petr Ginzburg, Mariya Poluekotova, Lyubov Kivianaskaya, Aron Blyakher, Margarita Treskunova, Ida Bronsteyn, and Olga Sitnyakovskaya.
Don't park in places reserved for the handicapped
JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES You Don't Have to Keep Kosher to Enjoy Our Delicious
KOSHER MEALS TO GO Send Order Blank To: Jewish Senior Services 323 S. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154
330-4272 JUNE 5 Meat Loaf/Gravy Whipped Potatoes French-Style Dinner Roll Green Beans Lemon Bars JUNE 19 Garlic Baked Chicken Potato Kugel Broccoli Dinner roll Peach Cobbler JUNE 26 Barbecue Ribs Baked Beans Garlic Bread Cole Slaw Cream PufT NO MEALS JUNE 12 due to the holiday of Shavuot
MEERffillflfM f t Me§jsfava ija B.i e^fie r|5jp M | JUNE 5 • I _. Number ot meals @ $6 eacn: Name: I Phone: — | Name: _
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JUNE 26 - Number of meals ii $7 each [ • Name: | Phone:—
Jewish Poetry Award announces 1997 competition
The Anna Davidson Rosenberg Award for Poems on the Jewish Experience announces its 1997 competition. Sponsored by the Judah Magnes Jewish Museum in Berkeley, CA, this is the only nationwide competition for unpublished poetry in English on the Jewish experience. . Writers wishing to enter should first send a self-addressed stamped envelope for entry form and guidelines by July 31 to: Poetry Award, Judah Magnes Museum, 2911 Russell St., Berkeley, CA 94705. Sponsored by the Magnes Museum, the Rosenberg Award is endowed by the descendants of community leader Anna Davidson Rosenberg to encourage poetry on the Jewish experience. Awards include: first place ($100); second place ($50); third place ($25); Emerging Poet Award Life Membership certificates were presented to ($25); and honorable mentions. those who have been members of B'nai B'rith Writer? under age 19 are also eligible for a Youth for over 50 years. From left: Yale Halperin, Bill Wolfson and Abe Schloff. Executive Director of Commendation, and poets over 65 are also eligible • B'nai B'rith Alan Lessack (right) made the pre- for a senior Award. Winning poems will be read in a ceremony at the sentations. Also honored, but unable to attend, Magnes during Hanukkah. • was Rabb'i Myer S. Kripke.
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A limited number of •» tickets is available at a '! group rate for the Itzhak Perlman concert Saturday, Sept. 13, 8 p.m., at the Orpheum Theatre. Cost is $35 for ticket on main floor, section B; $40 'or ticket and roundtrip bus transportation, from the JCC; for seniors: $34 for ticket on main floor, and $38 for ticket and Itzhak Perlman transportation. For general tickets and transportation, call Gloriann Levy, Jewish Cultural Arts Council • Director, at 334-6403. For senior ticket and transportation, call Margaret Conti, Older Adult Program Director, at 334-6521. Reservation deadline is Aug. 1. '
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Beit's Eye View
by Bert Lewis
I read a funny article the other how it works? It's carrying superstiday, written by a woman who com- tion to the highest level-warding off plained about causing bad luck to an "evil eye." As if by saying that, occur. nothing terrible will befall either the She wrote that no sooner had she healthy child or the elderly mother. admired her freshly-washed car I'm reminded of an old joke about an when a bird anointed it with a spe- adorable little girl being asked her cial blessing. She also mentioned age. She replied Tm three and a half, setting her table for company and kayn aynhoreh, poo poo poo." The poo kvelling over her lovely new wine poo poo is sometime added (I guess) to glasses. According to her, after the really enforce the guarantee of safety, dinner, one of those glasses was bro- it was originally a motion made with ken while being washed. the lips simulating spitting. Since this She went on and on, giving various is socially unacceptable in most comexamples. She told of complimenting pany, it gradually was refined to the ' her hairdresser on the perfect triple syllable mishagoss. styling job, then getting caught in a \ I'm not laughing, I'm just explaindriving downpour of rain,' ruining ing. I feel qualified since I come from the hairdo. She insisted that calling a long line of very superstitious Jews. attention to something nice or pretty There were more than enough kayn of happy just acted like a magnet to aynhorehs to go around generously . the bad luck gremlin. It's obvious while, I was growing up, only the' she missed an important area of phrase usually came out in an^abbreinformation somewhere along the viated kinehora. Because it was such way-clearly, nobody ever taught her a familiar business to me, I knew why tosay kayn aynhoreti. ' the lady who'courted bad luck was • For the uninitiated, this' is the having such problems. phrase used by superstitious Jews It was so simple-she just had to' learn to say kine aynhora and if she : for centuries, and if s meant to ward off disaster. How? Well, take the really wanted to be safe, she should Mother who says, "My child is in. add a soft "poo poo poo." After all, it/s perfect health, kayn aynhoreh°...Bhe been, . working for generations, why not wants the kid to remain healthy, so g i v e i t a t r y ? ' '••'•'•''". she "protects" by using the phrase. , The user doesn't really have to Or perhaps, when answering the' believe in such a thing as an evil eye, question, "How old is your dear but what the heck, why take chances? Mother?" A devoted child might say Isn't it better to be safe, kinehora, "She's kayn aynhoreh 94 years." See than sorry?;
May 30,1997
Book Review by Oliver Pollak, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Smart Jews, the Construction of the Image of Jewish Superior Intelligence by Sander L. Gilman (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press) 246 pages In Spring 1994, Willis Regier, then Director of the University of Nebraska PresB, invited Sander Gilman to deliver the inaugural Abraham Lincoln lectures, six public presentations on "smart Jews." Gilman, a Professor of liberal arts in human biology at the University of Chicago, comes to the subject of the Jewish mind after several ventures on the Jewish body. Then in 1995, the controversial study, The Bell Curve: Intelligence and Class Structure in American Life by Richard J. Hernstein and Charles Murray, correlating race with intelligence, appeared. Gilman traces identification and selfidentification of Jews as smart from the 19th century social, anthropological, psychological, and philosophical studies, culminating in contemporary popular culture. Critics slighted Jewish intellectuality. They were clever rather than creative, productive rather than original, prosaic rather than poetic. Praise becomes blame in the politics of stereotyping. The resultant anti-Semitism contributed in no small part to the Shoah as Germans resolved their anxiety about the myth of Jewish superior intelligence by unprecedented violence. Quotas were established in European Universities and at American east coast schools in the 1920s. This was less a phenomena of a superior gene pool than the urban immigrant experience. Moving from discrimination to freedom, from religious to secular education, they took advantage of academic opportunities, much as Asian students do today on the Pacific coast. Gilman concludes with American popular culture that reaches millions. Media presentations like "Schindlers List," "Quiz Show," and "Northern Exposure" continue to focus on Jewish brains. He maintains that the image of superior intelligence associated with Jews is projected on them by the cultures in which they lived and internalized by Jews as part of their reality. "They are smarter and different only if the cultures in which they dwell need them to be smarter and different." This is a challenging book worthy of attention by those interested in Jewish studies and the wider debate of multicultural stereotyping, and is available at the Jewish Federation Library.
SNAP! Productions will present the Midwest by Alice A. Weiss, L.C.S.W., Social Worker premiere of the off-Broadway show Whoop-DeeIf you are an Omaha Jewish single age 35 and Doo June 7, 8, 9, 14 and 15 at the Jewish Over, exciting things are happening for you. Community Center Theatre. Since last February when a group of Jewish sinThe mission of SNAP! Productions is to promote AIDS awareness and diversity tolerance through gles got together to plan events, under the sponsorthe arts, and donates proceeds to support ship of Jewish Family Service, there has been at, Nebraska AIDS programs. Whoop-Dee-Doo allows least one function each month. • • In March, a beer-tasting party was the kick-off us to laugh at ourselves, be proud of who we are event where people became acquainted and reconand most importantly-to celebrate life! As Howard Crabtree, one of the authors said, nected with old friends. For April, Jewish Singles attended the Beyt "We didn't want to ignore the AIDS crisis, we couldn't, but what we did realize is that laughter Shalom congregational seder. is so important. In this war against AIDS, we feel A potluck/game night was held in May at a prithat we're here to entertain the troops." vate home where those who attended played cards For information and reservations, call 342-9053. and other games and were entertained by one of the guests, who happened to be a magician. 'Anniversary of Jerusalem'art Later in the month, many enjoyed a fun and informative talk by Rabbi Howard Kutner of Beth to be exhibited in Omaha Israel Synagogue on dating from a Jewish perspective. • June 27 will be the first "Restaurant Night," where a volunteer arranges a date, place and time ki i_l»-_?ir f.j < Y ? ' t S v H ' . "* and acts as host for a fun-filled evening. k w t •few ftf * ] & L $ & r T i f L ~ , T 1 >rv Future events include a pool party and a "happy •"'ViVi 1 --..-A_-*J_i 4'_u—- ,A-2 r*~ hour"social. In August, a jazz concert is being planned in memory of Mike Milder, who, as a volunteer, was very active and involved in Jewish singles programming. If you or anyone you know would like more, information, have an idea to share, or would like to help out, please call 330-2024. We at JFS would love to hear from you.
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Original lithograph-"Jerusalem of Peace" Israeli artist Ari Gradus will exhibit his artwork for the first time at the Countryside Village Art Fair June 7 and 8. Listed in "Who's Who in American Art, he has just completed a large three-dimensional artwork commemorating the 3000-year anniversary of Jerusalem, which he will display.
We aren't under new ownership, but we do have a new name...
Jewish Senior Services instead of Bureau for the Aging
ELECTION 1997 INFORMATION for the Jewish Federation of Omaha and Urgencies
JOINT ANNUAL MEETING Tuesday, June 24,1997 - 7:30 p.m. Jewish Community Center, 333 South 132nd Street
New novels in the Jewish Federation Library has not yet been dropped-nor will if be for 40 years. The Allies have punished Germany for its war times by forcing it to revert to a preindustrial age: power stations, railways, factories and all the machinery of technology have been destroyed or abandoned and left to decay. Put in charge of the town of Moor is a survivor named Ambras, who lives in a derelict villa surrounded by wild hounds (thus the title Dog King). He chooses a bodyguard, Bering,' a loner. Soon they are joined by a young woman and all three try to escape. The novel ends with an account of their flight and this brings the novel to its extraordinary plimn-y
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SNAP! Productions Jewish Singles 35+ to present Whoop-Dee-Doo are making things happen
What's new in the stacks? Snow in August, by Pete Hamill. Set in 1947, this poignant story evolves around two diverse characters: an 11-year-old Irish Catholic boy named Michael Devlin and Rabbi Judah Hirsch, a refugee from Prague. For Michael, the rabbi's stories of ancient magic and wisdom capitivate his imagination and transport him to times and places even his beloved comic book heroes have never visited. For the rabbi, Michael's patient instruction on language and American culture opens up an equally strange and magical world. Mrs. Hornstein, by Fredrica Wagman, is a novel of family, of passing generations, of love and striving, of grief and loss and renew-, al. It is the story of a young woman meeting her future mother-in-law, Mrs. Hornstein. She ends her tale many years later, now a matriarch herself, poised to meet her own son's future bride. , The Dog King, by Christoph ' RanBmayr, who recently was award ed the prestigious Aristeion Prize (Europe's most sought after award). along with Salman Rushdie. World War IT has ended, but only in the WeBt. Central Europe is slipping back into its agricultural past. The bomb
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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The Nature of Blood, by Caryl Phillips, is a novel which intertwines four tales, each sufficiently rich to have furnished the stuff of a novel in its own right: This complex and moving tale is about four seemingly disparate lives that are connected across boundaries of societies and centuries by circumstance, spirit and blood. Mr. PhillipB has received many awards for his writing; they include the Martin Luther King Memorial Prize, a Guggenheim Fellowship and the James Tair Black Memorial Prize.
NOTE: Nomta^oMofjddldoi^caiidldattsfaomcOTuxibomlportions^ peUUoaslgD^byaileasl5FaloaiioiimembcnaiidfiIedwli]iUieFedeiailoiiSa3tuiyinlaarihaii June 13,1997. The candidates must endorse the petition. . • Nominees as presented by the Federation and Agency Nominating Committees: JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA OFFICERS 4 CHAIRMEN: President . — Howard Kaoptx Vice President ~ - . Forrest Kroner Vice President -—..Bobbie Epsldn Treasurer ——.Robert Lepp „. JtD Scbnelderman Secretary. -TomFellmaa PastPrcsk a _ _ . Paul Epstein, Steve Simon Sandy Epstein. Barbara Plan. FooodatiQbC-zalnruia Harley Scbr-ger Bo-Set and A""" 1 1 "^ n»i»-«-, An-iM Wcta BuDd—g cod Grounds f*h-<imn * Snrin Jotter MirjoRkke. Human Resources OcnCbainttca A Jin Scoaddennaa Imel OvOuinncu BcttfcEpuein ft Fonesl Kroner Sieve Levin jer Jewish Pros Chitanio Planning god Evaluation GyQtatnncn ManiaStoJcat aRobetlLepp
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE OFFICERS! PresidentFrank Flanwkx Treasurer.. _-_.SunMlu±cIl Secretary— Julie Frank Irnnyrlltm Past President _ _ _ _ _ ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS] AUyson Bradln, Al Ootmse. Judl Finkle, Mangle Caber, Joe G-uberf. RotenGorcUck,Tr»cjCitauad-Eveily,Gary Kudym. Jom Marshall. Patrida Newman, Mania Pltlor, Zoo Rlckes. Sheila Rajm. Larry Shapiro, Susie Shykca. Andi WBlensky
JEWISH EDUCATIONAL AND LIBRARY SERVICES OFFICERS! : President.——SpencerBrookstdn ' „ Mitd pelmsa V i a Pits. Educational Services _ Jean Ann Kraplnsky Vice Pro. Library Services Immedlaio Past Presidents ^ MicbaelUua Nancy Rips ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS (Toms cndtiii 1998) Junta Cooper, Pan DtPone, Murray Frost Stan Mitchell. Jod Rich. PhyDli Sflbersteln. Steve Wees. Ph-up Wolf CTenns ending 1999) Joyce Cobeu, EUen Fctmkfc Mary Oraamm, Gloria Kaslow, Jeff-_x_ta_
JEWISH COMMUNITY C O f l E H OFFICERS: _ . Steve Pi-cr President. _M-rkS-r_ijrd President Elects _EUd>atdJacobs<n Vice President.-. Vice President-Carol Parsow Vice President. — G a r y Epstein Vice President; .-PaulCbnen . Immediate P u t PresidentJEWISH SENIOR SERVICES ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS: OFFICERS] (Terms ending 1999) Jerry KotD Presida Ton tJaker.JonFettmaa. Divid Finite LtrryHeniurUotalxar. .Silvia Roffima Vice PresidentMaida LJpsnao, Prwr ^*IM *'"'"' • ' • «. Joss Dcnutdo (Terms ending 2000) ' __YaleRkhardl Bob Belgrade. Gary Epstein. Rldmrd Jacobsou. Mary Rica Robert Lepp Past President—~TobyKa|ga Honorary M e m b e r — _ . ,—-__. ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS. ADL/CRC (Terms ending 1998) Tbo ADL/CRC Board is currently in munition. Beth BrotOxy, IJene Beta. Ben Lewis, Steve Route Toe board b expanding and new board members should be : (Terms ending 1999) . Dominated and elected in the Fall. Debbie BroolatelrkJackB.Colicn.j£rold Dana Stanley Edelstctn OFFICERS: (Terms ending 2000) . Lorry RaM President __—. ~— Susie Dratcn,Mc«Glas5,Bruo!Goldt«g,Jormlxlir,IayParsow, „ .nilBelmont Vice President Tim Zwdback „ Ann Goldstein Vice President .... Mark Belmont Pall President Irv YalTe Member at Large
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 30,1997
Volunteer wants more for community Mona Jones and Ron Beach of Harlan, Iowa, members of Beyt Shalom, announce the May 9 birth of their son, Wil Cory Beach. He has a sister, Dm Sara Anne, 2. The baby is named in honor of his paternal grdridFather, Willis C Beach, and maternal great-grandfather, Willem Miller. Because the baby is currently in stable condition at Children's Hospital, the Brit Milah will be held later.
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Residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home said. "Now I would do anything for them, I'd hide enjoy her company. Two Russian families now live them in my home if I had to." in Israel because of her generosity. She is Omaha's Czerwinski said that her religion and G;d are very own Joyce CzerwinsM and she volunteers her responsible for her respect and understanding of time to the Jewish community out of love and Judaism. respect for the Jewish people. Czerwinski believes strongly that a bridge of "I believe they are G-d's chosen people," better understanding must be built between Czerwinski, a Christian, said of the Jewish people. Judaism and Christianity. She noted that understanding is possible even though the two religions "And my bible says to love them."^ . Czerwinski loves spending "time in the Blumkin believe in different things. Czerwinski reaches out to the Jewish people, Home. She works in the gift shop and visits with the residents on a regular basis. She has gotten to understanding that their beliefs are their own. be quite close with several of them. This year she Proselytizing has no place in her- volunteer activiattended their Passover Seder. "It was a blessing," ties. Her love grew strong enough with the resishe said. "I couldn't have imagined anything so dents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home that she even extended her generosity to Jews in other awesome." Every time she. visits the home, she reaches out parts of the world. to more residents. "She brings a special quality of Along with her husband, Czerwinski personally life to residents by being there for them," observed paid for two families to leave the former Soviet Barbara Gottlieb, Executive Director of Jewish Union for a new life in Israel. Although she had no Senior Services. contact with the families, she received pictures. "AH they need is a little encouragement," One husband and wife were united with their children who already lived in Israel. Czerwinski has Czerwinski said. She is happy to spend her time with the seniors also done missionary work with Russian because they "need to be recognized and are so Christians. sweet." But she is very much saddened to hear When commended on her generosity, Czerwinski their stories of the Holocaust. As a Christian, she modestly responded, "There are others who do is upset by the prejudices people hold towards more than I." Jews. But Joyce Czerwinski has a lot to be proud of in "I ask forgiveness on behalf of all my people for the Jewish community as well as the Christian anything they have done," she said. She is not community. Her love and understanding for her happy with the name calling and anti-Semitism religion and the Jewish people make her a volunthat people are often guilty of these days. teer respected by many. Joyce Czerwinski may 'To think I could have been one of those people choose to make light of her volunteerism, but her when I was younger .. .G-d changed my heart," she respect and understanding run deep.'
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home provides necessary respite care
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When a caregiver must leave on a business trip, or a much-deserved vacation, who will care for mom, dad or another family member in that person's absence? Yes, one might consider home health care, but, if you are not there to be assured that someone "show up," leavingan individual who must receive 24-hour-a-day care can be so stressful that one's business trip or vacation can become a negative experience. - The staff at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home is excited and pleased to provide the Jewish community with a much-needed program that meets the needs of the above individuals. A call to Bert Benson, Director of Social Services, or Shane Kotok, Director of Community Outreach Services, will begin the process of admission. There is no waiting list at this time and we are happy to welcome guests who need our assistance for 14 days or less. A respite care stay is perfect for individuals who do not plan to live at the, Home for. more than two weeks.
The process is simple. An application for admission, a history and physical from your primary physician, and assessment of the overall care needs are all required parts of the process. The facility offers a full range of social and religious programming, and short-term guests are welcome to attend any and all activities. The facility offers individualized skilled nursing care 24 hours a day, supervised by licensed nurses. The staff works directly with your primary care physician to design a plan of care to meet all aspects of your needs. In addition to specialized nursing care, the Home provides 24-hour pharmacy services, a full range of rehabilitative services, physical, occupational and speech therapy. The Home can also arrange for any unique equipment required and can accommodate special dietary needs. This has the possibility of turning out to be a mini-vacation for both the caregiver and our new guest.
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May 30,1907
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 15
Investment in the Divine -— Wealthy by chance, a rabbi chooses a legacy by N.R. Kleinfield, The New York Times
in similar ways. We both felt that the business of Reprinted from The New York Times life is to be decent to one another and to live with Friday, May 9,1997 One man speaks to God. The other speaks to the compassion and not indifference." Mrs. Buffett invited the Kripkes to Thanksgiving stock market. Both of them hear things that no one dinner at their house. The Kripkes adhered to else does. The rabbi knows precious little about business Jewish dietary rules, and so told her that they would be glad to accept but and is fine with that. The that the Buffetts had to investor, an avowed understand that they agnostic, bought his first would have to pass on the stock when he was 11, turkey, which would not be and his acumen for makkosher, and feast on rolls ing money seems diyjne. and coffee' and nothing else. They came to know That troubled Mrs. Buffett, each other oh, so many so she enlisted a gourmet years ago in Omaha, jcpok to make a decidedly through their wives and | gourmet tuna salad for the through Rotary : Club j Kripkes. It became a tradimeetings. Paths cross ' tion: turkey for the Buffetts and things happen. , and their other guests, Theirs is an uncommon gourmet tuna salad for the story of riches and extraKripkes. ordinary magnanimity, of Mr. Buffett was modermoney made and given ately wealthy at the time, away, and ultimately, oft" and was operating limited a New York seminary Dorothy and Rabbi Kripke partnerships with select tower, in shambles for 30 years, about to be resurrected. investors. His acumen was known in Omaha but Pretty much everyone knows the gilded story of little outside the city. Warren E. Buffett, the investor from Omaha with The Kripkes had inherited some money from the other-worldly nose for stocks. But how many their parents and had saved a little of their own-a know the interlocking tale of Rabbi Myer Kripke total of about $65,000-but what did they know of and Warren E. Buffett, the man of the cloth and stocks and debentures, puts and calls, the arcana the man of gold, the man who turned over a Bmall of portfolio theory? His wife told him, "Myer, invest inheritance to a friend, and the friend who is now the money with your friend, Warren." worshiped on Wall Street as the god of Btock pickThe rabbi did not want to be embarrassed. In ers? .'•••.. those days, Mr. Buffett was accepting investments Best to first meet the rabbi and appreciate the in chunks of $150,000 to $200,000. "He doesn't road he took. He was born in Toledo, Ohio, in 1914, want the kind of money we have," Rabbi Kripke one of seven children. His father was in the busi- said. ness of buying and selling containers—bottles, barFor three years, Mrs. Kripke repeated the mesrels-and the Kripkes had a middle-class life. sage until it became a chant.^They were all friends^ i.Myer Kripke came to New York in 1930 to study she said j he will take the money. at New York University and the Jewish Finally, Rabbi Kripke went to Mr. Buffett, and Theological Seminary at Broadway and 122nd St. Mr. Buffett took the money. He discovered both higher learning and romance. "I wasn't admitting many people in the 1960's," In a class on Jewish religion at the seminary, he Mr. Buffett said. "But I liked Myer." It made little met a student from Brooklyn named Dorothy Karp. difference that for Mr. Buffett's league, Rabbi They were married at the seminary in 1937, a Kripke's investment was on the meager side. "I week after he was ordained. wanted people who, if it went bad, we could still be Rabbi Kripke accepted jobs at synagogues in friendB," he said. Racine, WI; Patchogue, L.I., and New London, CT, The rabbi did hot ask Mr. Buffett what he investbefore learning in 1946 of an opening at the Beth ed the money in, and it was just as well. Mr. El Synagogue in Omaha. It was a good salary— Buffett would not have told him. That was the way $7,500~and he took it. he did business. As he tended to his religious duties, his wife And over the years, as his stake swelled, Rabbi wrbte children's books that elucidated Jewish Kripke was never the hectoring client. "He never beliefs. One of them was called Let's Talk About asked me "Why didn't we do better last year?' or, God. Mr. Buffetts wife, Susie, very much enjoyed 'How are we going to do this year?' Mr. Buffett ' '• ..• . it. She learned that the author lived in Omaha, two said. Rabbi Kripke retired in 1975. Since then, he has blocks from the Buffetts. She called her and was been teaching at Creighton University, the Jesuit invited over. Just like that, they became friends. That was in the early 1960's, and Mrs. Kripke school in Omaha, and he writes a weekly column .' was ill with a brain disorder that sapped her for the local Jewish newspaper. Across 30 years, except for a few withdrawals to strength. She spent much of her time in bed, coming into the kitchen once every few weeks to pre- make charitable contributions, the Kripkes kept pare a backlog of meals. They were piled into the their savings with Mr. Buffett. Early on, the limitfreezer. Rabbi Kripke warmed them up day by day. ed partnership they had set up was terminated Once a week, Mrs. Buffett drove her hew friend and the rabbi's stake was converted into shares of to physical therapy, and all four of them occasion- Berkshire Hathaway, the investment company run ally played bridge. The men also saw each other, at by Mr. Buffett, which has risen in value in unheard-of fashion. : ' the Rotary Club. The world came to know Mr. Buffett as arguably Differences about doctrine and dogma did not matter. Mrs. Buffetts father was a minister in a the most storied investor of all time. The rabbi did Disciples of Christ Church in Iryington, NE, where all right, too. By last year, his shares were worth she and her sister comprised most of the choir, $25 million, an unimaginable sum in a field in though she is now a personal theist, with strong which enrichment is customarily measured in but non-denominational beliefs. Mr. Buffetts par- nourishment of the spirit;. He bad no personal use ents were observant Presbyterians and he, too, for it. He has never owned any property, and he sang in the choir, •;..••• . very much liked living in.a three-bedroom apartment he rented for $900 a month in the Richland Early on, though, he became an agnostic. He Park development in Western Omaha. avoids houses of worship. His concerns are entirely To him, a suit is a suit, a car is a car, bedsheets secular. "The nice thing about an agnostic is you are bedsheets. A few weeks ago, he bought a new, don't think anybody is wrong," Mr. Buffett said. suit. He got it on Bale for less than $250. "Dorothy What attracted Mr. Buffett to the rabbi? "He's a once asked me, "Wouldn't you like to buy a better sincere guy," Mr. Buffett said. "He can be quite car?' I said, "There's nothing wrong with a funny. He's quite likable." Chevrolet." Rabbi Kripke said of Mr. Buffett: "We both lived (Continued on page 16)
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Page 16
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 30,1997
Chabad House to have its first permanent residence in'Nebraskaby Morris Maline
Rabbi Mendel Katzman has announced the purchase of land and a building at 120th and Shirley Street for the establishment of Nebraska's first permanent Chabad House. "This purchase will provide the community with a full-service facility offering a mikvah, classrooms, a sanctuary, lodging for out-of-town visitors and a kosher kitchen," said Rabbi Katzman. For the past 10 years, Lubavitcher supporters have utilized Rabbi Katzman's residence and later on some vacant stores in West Omaha for services and a variety of programs serving children as well as adults. Last September, Rabbi Katzman attempted to purchase a residence at 117th and Pacific St., but was unable to obtain a needed change in zoning. He said this problem does not exist at the 120th St. location since the building is currently being used by a non-Jewish congregation. However, the need for funds still exists, he pointed out, inasmuch as the cost of the 120th St. property and modifications plus construction of a mikvah will boost capital requirements much higher.
Release of Palestinian journalist (Continued from page 1) BTselem is an Israeli independent, non-governmental organization estabh'shed in 1989 to monitor human rights violations in the Occupied Territories. BTselem publishes reports, conducts advocacy campaigns, engages in public education and serves as a resource center.
Underwater archaeological parks open in Israel
"We estimate that by the time modifications and improvements have been made, nearly $1 million will be required. If we can reach out to the com-
munity for that kind of support, we will be able to offer a first-rate facility for an ever-increasing mix of programs and activities," Rabbi Katzman added.
From left, Maury Udes, Jerry Rosen and Rabbi Mendel Katzman look at blueprints of the building on 120th St. that soon will become the new Chabad House.
Building and land at 120th and Shirley St. has been purchased by Chabad Lubavitch of Nebraska and its lay leadership for Nebraska's first permanent Chabad House.
Israel appoints new U.N. envoy
A rabbi chooses a legacy
(Continued from page l) Ze'ev "Benny" Begin resigned fr,om that, post in protest after the Hebron agreement was signed with the Palestinians. Finally, Middle East expert Yossi Olmert publicly accused Netanyahu of breaking his promise to appoint him to the U.N. post, while Moshe Arena, Netanyahu's political patron, censured him for his handling of diplomatic appointments.
Domestic violence campaign launched
by Naomi Segal
by Naomi Segal
- JERUSALEM (JTA) ~ Israel's Antiquities Authority opened this week two underwater archaeological parks in Ashkelon and Haifa. Remains of more than 10 ancient ships, some dating to the Bronze period, have been discovered off the Israeli coast. Some of the finds are believed to date back to when Philistines arrived at the ancient port of Ashkelon. Among the treasures found in the hulls of ancient sunken ships are a monkey figurine with its hands clasped over its mouth, a bronze trumpet and a lead oven. Ehud Galili, the head of marine archaeology in the Antiquities Authority, said the unique conditions of the Israeli coastline contributes to the rich archaeological finds along its shores. Because there are few places for shelter, boats caught in sudden storms sunk off the coast, creating, over the past 4,000 years, "a massive boat graveyard."
JERUSALEM (JTA) - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a public awareness campaign against domestic violence this week, saying that the only difference between the battle against family violence and terror is that the former is hidden and fought within the home. Netanyahu said the only way to fight violence in the family is for the victim to decide to stop being one. He called on women to take their fate into their own hands and seek help. Some 200,000 Israeli women, or one out of seven, are physically abused, but only 18,000 complaints are filed with police each year, according to government statistics. The campaign will include televised public service messages, with a hot line number for women seeking help. "It is hard to get exact figures, because much domestic violence is hidden," said Ronit Lev Ari, head of the department against family violence in the women's organization Na'amat.
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A Comical Musical Revue unlike anything you have ever seenbeforel
Beautiful dancing... colorful costumes... enchanting music... terrific family fun! Starring Omaha's o w n © T C DANCERS plus guest soloists YlNG L i and JlABIN PAN PiuNcn>ALnANCEESf RTTSDUEGH BALLET THEATTIE • FORMER
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June 7-9,12,14 a 15 at the Jewish Community Center for ticket information call
' PRINCIPAL DANCERS, CENTRAL BALLET OF CHINA
These performances will celebrate the dedication of the SYLVIA ADLES BRODKEY MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT FUND
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(Continued from page 15) Having entered his 80's, the rabbi felt it was time to put his affairs in order. His wife's condition deteriorated last year and she had to be moved to a nursing home. Both felt a debt to the Jewish Theological Seminary. It shaped their outlook on life. They had met one another there. Besides, the couple were never charged anything for the wedding. About a year ago, Rabbi Kripke called the seminary and spoke with Rabbi Carol Davidson, Director of planned giving. He mentioned that he might want to make a gift, he threw out a figure of $100,000. "That got my attention," Rabbi Davidson said. Last September, Rabbi Davidson sat at the table in Rabbi Kripke's den in Omaha. She suggested he do something he could enjoy in his -lifetime—fo£ instance, finance the repair of the seminary's 13story tower. It was the mainstay of the entrance to the seminary but had stood in ruin since an inexr plicable fire raced through it in 1966. Rabbi Kripke remembered the tower fondly. It had housed the library when he was a seminary student. "How much would it cost?" he asked. ' "Seven million dollars," she said. He looked at his wife, and said, "Dorothy, would you like to do it?" She said yes. He turned to Rabbi Davidson, and said, "We'd like to do it." The seminary received the gift in December, and restoration of the tower is expected to begin this summer and be completed within a few months. The seminary is also the beneficiary of some trusts it helped the.rabbi set up, which will mean additional millions. • "•••-. . ••.',• Ultimately/ the Kripkes plan to give the rest of their money to various other charities, including the Beth El Synagogue. Some might say that it was one of life's coincidences that the tower burned down in 1966, the same year that Rabbi Kripke entrusted his money to Warren Buffett. But what do they know? • "Listen, I'm a rabbi," said Rabbi Davidson. "I believe it was destined. No such thing as coincidence here," The Buffetts and the Kripkes don't see so much of each other anymore. Mr. Buffett is.extremely busy with his work. While the Buffetts say they remain close, Susie Buffett now lives in San Francisco. When Rabbi Kripke called Mr. Buffett to say he wanted to come see him and tell him about the gift, he had to settle for chatting on the phone. Mr. Buffett found nothing unusual in the destination of the money he had made for the rabbi. "I thought it was quite terrific," he said. "It's quite in keeping with the family." : To Rabbi Kripke, it was just one of those things. "Most people would have considered putting every^" thing into one investment stupid," he said of the f 3 decision 30 years ago. "I guess it was stupid. It was chance, juBt chance."