FATHER'S DAY EDITION +**«*****+**:t:L.INCOLN NE 68508 NE HIST SOCIETY 1500 R ST LINCOLN NE 69508
VoL LXXTV
No. 39
Omaha, NE
1 Sivan, 5767
i Newman Funds subsidize | programs for children, teens I I
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by Pam Mohsky Federation Communications Director
, .•;•:..- by'Claudia Sherman Foundation Public Relations Coordinator
': • For decades, the Esther K. Newman and Carolyn ; Kiilly Newman Memorial Funds nave been subsi; dizing projects and programs for children, teenagers, and young adults under the age of 23 who arehbtattending a college or university. Disbursements from the Esther K. Newman Fund customarily are made to new and innovative programs designed to strengthen Jewish identity and values through educational, religious, cultural, • social or recreational activities. Carolyn Kully Newman Fund, grants help support programs for families who have children of kindergarten age or younger. Four proposals were presented to the Newman Grants Committee in May including a request by the Child Development Center at the Jewish Community Center which received funds from both ' Newman Memorial Funds for a Judaic teacher assistant to work at Camp Shalom during the summer of 1997. -The Child Development Center plans to hire an Israeli student who will be spending the summer in Omaha to fill the position. Working alongside staff members, she will teach Hebrew words and songs'and organize activities that parallel Camp Shalom summer themes. The purpose of the program is to increase Hebrew vocabulary and expand children's knowledge of Israel. Another grant for young children was awarded to the Temple Israel Sitter Service to provide • Jewish experiences for children three to' seven years old while their parents attend worship services or educational programs. Temple Israel plans to hire a coordinator to upgrade the Sitter Service • play area to a Jewish environment where children : can enjoy meaningful educational experiences. Activities and themes will be similar to what par—entff are experiencing at the same time. Specific holiday or Shabbat themes, a specific Torah portion, lesson topic or prayer will be presented to the children at levels they can understand. Hands-on activities and take-home materials will reinforce stories and discussions. A grant was also made to the Anti-Defamation League/Community Relations Committee's 12th Annual Prejudice Elimination Workshop which will be held in November, 1998. This annual event draws more than 360 public, parochial, and private high school juniors representing 26 schools from the Omaha area to the Jewish Community Center. Approximately 50 school counselors, teach' era, and staff who accompany the students participate in the workshop, too, and attend special small group sessions specific to their needs. . ' The purpose of the Prejudice Elimination Workshop is to help students better understand the dynamics of prejudice and make them aware of their own biases. The workshop focuses on the diversity of our multi-cultural world. "Night Words: A Midrash on the Holocaust" was the fourth program to receive a grant from the .Newman Committee. "Night Words" is a liturgy/script commemorating the Holocaust. Temple Israel plans to present "Night Words" during next year's Yom haShoah community commemoration. The script has 36 parts to be played by junior and, senior high school students from the Jewish community. • " - • "•_ •• • . The goal of the'program, in addition to commemorating the Holocaust,-is to keep alive the Holocaust messages of vigilance against hatred and - to foster tolerance for different perspectives in our youth and adults. An allocation was also made by the Grants Committee to the Bureau of Jewish Education for scholarships for programs including JCC summer (Continued on Page 21)
June 6,1997
Lance Polikov Shoshana Wees Lance Polikov and Shoshana Wees have .been selected as the 1997 Jewish Teen Leaders. They will be honored at the annual meeting of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Tuesday, June 24, 7:30 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center. Polikov, 18, was nominated by B'nai B'rith Youth Organization (BBYO), and Wees was nominated by Beth El Synagogue. ' Lisa Shkolnick, BBYO Director, said, "Lance not only serves as a role model to his peers, as he has actively progressed up the ladder of responsibility, but also demonstrates his intrinsic love and knowledge of BBYO, its people, its programming and its structure." Currently, Lance is President of the BBYO Corn-
belt Council, a past Chaim Weizmann AZA Chapter President, Vice-president and Treasurer. He was awarded the Shield of David for outstanding leadership and service. He is also active in United Synagogue Youth (USY), volunteers at the Jewish Community Center Child Development Center and the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, and has worked on Federation's Super Sunday for the past few years. He is the son of Marvin and Sheila Polikov and a recent graduate of Burke High School Wees, 18, is immediate past president of Beth El USY and a graduate of Central High School. Michael Levine, Beth El Programming Director, said, "Shoshana is the perfect example of how I would want my own children to turn out. This is a young lady who has been active in her synagogue's youth group since her 7th grade year, has continued her Judaic studies at Hebrew High School, is supervisor in Beth El's-Torah and Siddur Skills Program and has taken an active leadership role in her youth group." Wees has also served as a co-chair of the EMTZA Region Leadership Training Institute, and the EMTZA Israel Awareness Chairman. As President of the Beth El USY Chapter, she is responsible for, overseeing all of the programming that is sponsored by USY. Recently, she oversaw a 100-person USY Regional Convention and the USY/Kadimah Purim Extravaganza. She is the daughter of Steven and Joye Wees.
tales of Jewish journeys by Carol Katzman
Raised in a religious Presbyterian household, Nancy Wolf began questioning her beliefs in her church's yquth group at the early age of 16. Her father emphasized religion, her mother, the need to be a good person. By the time she graduated from college, she "was done with church."' Today, she is a Jew, one of a growing number of men and women who have chosen to convert to Judaism. The process usually takes no less than a year to complete, according to local rabbis, but most converts have been thinking about pecoming Jewish for much longer. ••: The Book'of Ruth is read on Shavuot, which will be celebrated next Wednesday and Thursday, and Ruth is considered the first convert.'• . . After Ruth's husband dies, Ruth's mother-in-law, Naomi decides to return to the land of Israel and urges Ruth to remain behind with her pagan family/ hi the oft-quoted passage, Ruth begs to accompany her mother-in-law, saying "Wither thpu goest, I will go. Your people shall be my people; your G-d shall be my G-d." Ruth, returns to Israel with Naomi and remarries. It is through her humble beginnings that she' becomes the grandmother of King David and an ancestor of the future Moshiach (messiah). Rabbis often remind their congregations of King David's background as a way of pointing out the commandment to welcome strangers into our community. While a stranger no longer, Nancy Wolf does speak openly of her 24-year journey to become a Jew. "I realize now that I had a fascination with Jews and their world," she recalls, "I once had a class in high school called literature of the Bible; I remember the Book of Ruth." Following her marriage to a Jewish man, the "usual discussions" arose. "Ours included the agreement that religion held no meaning for us and would not be port of our
lives," she noted. "We would celebrate the various holidays with grandparents and everything would work out because religion would not complicate our lives." The Wolf family moved to Omaha in 1989 and lived "in fairly ignorant bliss" until they enrolled their son in the JCC preschool and "soon began a more intense introduction to Judaism, albeit elementary. "Through the various offerings I soon learned that I knew very little about Judaism...(and) I discovered (my husband) knew much less." According to all of the local rabbis, this is not an uncommon beginning. Rabbi Howard Kutner of Beth Israel Orthodox Synagogue said, "When someone calls, I invite them for an interview so we can discusB the conversion process in person. "During the interview, I try to understand their motivation and tell them of the need for their commitment of time, study and practice," he added, "If the potential convert is already married, I ask the Jewish spouse to be involved. "Usually the Jewish partner needs the education just as much!" he concluded. Rabbi Kutner has asked potential converts " 'are, you here to embrace a Jew...dr embrace Judaism?* It could have started with love, but if the partner. has come to the realization that they want to be Jewish, we will accept them as sincere candidates;" Conversion is done privately at Beth Israel and usually takes more than a year. In addition to the the traditional requirements for conversion: immersion in the mikveh (the ritual bath), hatafat dam brit (a symbolic drawing of blood for uncircunicised males or a full circumcision, if necessary), the Orthodox Union also requires kabbalot al mitzvot, accepting the "yoke of the commandments." That means converts are expected to keep the dietary laws of kashrut and become shomer,, (Continued on Page 20)
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
SiFSpeediy.
June 6,1997
3706 S. 132nd Street Phone (402) 330-5050 Fax 402 330-0789
by Rabbi Myer S. Kripke
What Does Chai Mean in Chinese? An enterprising merchant in a small Nebraska DEADUNES HAVE NO MERCY ' city sold a Chai pendant to a gentle Gentile lady Remember 2 things: " ' who wore it with pleasure. A Jewish friend asked Our Bulletin Board Strvict is open 24 hours, 7 days a week her what it was. She replied that the jeweler told Free BBS Software! • BBS: 330-3900 her it was a Chinese good-luck symbol. • Actually there was no reason -why the nonJewish lady should not-havS 'worn it'knowing what it meant. The point is -that reverence for life, which Balebusta of the Month is the point of the Chai; is a value shared by traditions outside of Judaism. That ie'obviously true. What we sometimes don't realize is'that all the values we find in Judaism are shared, or could be shared, by other traditions. When we talk blithely of a search for truth, a need for compassion, the value of sexual morality, respect for other people's property, a passion for justice, etc., we may be defining Judaism for ourSteph's Spaghetti Sauce selves; but we need not be surprised when others use the same language to describe traditions. When I was much younger, I carried a heavy 1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped suitcase for an older lady a considerable distance. 1 Ib. ground beef She thanked me and said, "I bet you're a Catholic." 2-8-oz. cans tomato sauce There are universal values that enter into the 1/4 tsp. thyme traditions of us all. We express them in different 4 cups (1 big can) stewed ways, by referring to events, persons, teachers, tomatoes, cut up objects, and other significant parts of the history of the tradition. 1 % tsp. oregano, garlic powder, salt Have you seen non-Jews visiting the synagogue pepper to taste not knowing what to do when they are offered an 1 bay leaf opportunity to kiss the Torah, as it is being carried 1 can mushrooms about? Actually they also revere the Bible. But the Sefer Torah in our synagogues is not part of the Brown meat and onion, drain and religious baggage of their religions. A book marked add rest of ingredients. Simmer VA "Holy Scriptures" might well be kissed by them. In hours, uncovered, or until thick. the courts, their right hand is raised; their left Serves 6-8. rests on a Bible. But the Sefer Torah belongs to us. This will help us to understand. Universal values belong to all of us. All religions and cultural traditions may come to them. But the way we show them depends on a specific tradition. The American flag does not rouse feelings of patriotism in a Rumanian, nor his flag in us. The Sefer Torah does not arouse feelings of piety in a Christian, nor the sight of a cross in Jews. Actually the cross'or crucifix gives a knowledgeable Jew a sudden instantaneous review of Jewish history. His reacCUP & SAVE tion is not piety, but sorrow, anger, and demands upon God for some explanation. The Chinese, the Rumanian, the American, may L FRIDAY, JUNE 6 all share the same values; the Jew and the I Visions Board Meeting, 9: 30 a.m. Christian may share the same values; the Catholic P and the Protestant may share the same values. & But depending on the background, the history, and SATURDAY, JUNE 7 shared memories, the concrete expression of those S Temple Israel Parallel Education for Parents s values differs. A Retreat, Mahoney Park 'A The real problem is in life and society: Do we act V V upon the values we profess? Was the larger Jewish E SUNDAY, JUNE 8 E community—not only a few Jews— active and dedRBJH Volunteer Recognition Brunch, noon icated to liberty, for blacks as well as whites, for Beth El USY C.M.T., in Kansas City, June 8-9 minorities as well as majorities in these United Beth Israel Cantonal Concert, 7 p.m., States? And against apartheid in South Africa? at Beth Israel And, for example, was the Christian ideal of love displayed toward Jews in the last 2000 years? These are all ideas, problems, questions we ought MONDAY, JUNE 9 to consider when the Midrash on our Sidrah sugYES Meeting, 9: 30 a.m. gests that since the Torah was given to Israel in Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts, 6 p.m. the wilderness, in no-man's land, that the Torah, JCC Final Board Meeting, ,7:30 p.m. and all the values we have been talking about, belong not only to the House of Israel, but to all TUESDAY, JUNE 10. humankind. ! Temple Israel Confirmation Class & Erev Shavuot, 7:30 p.m., at Temple Israel Professional and Caring Services Beth El Annual Meeting, 7 p.m., elections We will be glad to talk to you GIVE u s A CALL followed by Shavuot program, dessert about your concerns regarding 330-8260 L reception & services namxc • (OWING • DIGITAL HIWOW
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P THURSDAY, JUNE 12 ^ Temple Israel Sisterhood Adult Education, 9:30 ajn., at Temple Israel ® Temple Israel Synagogue 2000 Committee Meeting, 7 p.m., at Temple Israel v
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Former Omahan to speak at Temple Dr. Ron Wolfson will deliver the sermon at Temple Israel, June 13, at 8:15 p.m. His topic will be "Building Our Tents: The Synagogue of the Future." Dr. Wolfson is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Wolfson, and the brother of ADL/CRC Director Bob Wolfson. He credits his family, h i s roots in Omaha, and his early ties with Beth El for leading Dr. Ron Wolfson him to his career. He received his Ph.D. in Education a t Washington University in St. Louis. He then went to study a t the University of Judaism and joined the faculty in 1975. After serving as Dean of Education, he now serves as'^Vice-president, Assistant Professor of Education and Director of the Whizin Center for the Jewish Future. Dr. Wolfson also is a principal investigator of Synagogue 2000. Temple Israel is one of only 15 Refonn and Conservative Synagogues to be part of this project. He is author of The Art of Jewish Living and A Time to Mourn, A Time to Comfort.
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ALFRED SOPHER Alfred Sophir, 85, died May 31. Services were held June 1 at Temple Israel with burial at Temple Israel Cemetery. He started his career in the paint industry in his father's company in St. Louis and was semi-retired from the Sophir-Morris Paint Company, which he founded in 1975 with his three sons. He is survived by his wife, Audrey; sons and daughters-in-law, Martin and Kay Sophir, James and Penny Sophir, Richard and Claudia Sophir; grandchildren, Marcie and Mike Kline, John and Suzanne Sophir, Michale Sophir, Jessica Sophir, Lindsey Sophir and Tiffany Jordan. CHARLES SCHLAIFER Born in Omaha in 1909, Charles Schlaifer died in New York City on May 8 at the age of 87. An advertising agency owner and movie executive, whose promotion of the-film "The Snake Pit" inspired him to become an important advocate of mental health care, Schlaifer was one of sii chil- ' dren of Abraham and Sarah Schlaifer, according to the obituary in the New York Times on May 9.' He was appointed chairman of the New York State Health and Mental Hygiene Facilities Improvement Corporation by Gov. Nelson Rockefeller in 1963 to oversee building of care centers. He also served on t h e White House Conference on the Handicapped from 1969-1970. His first wife, Evelyn, pfeceded him in death in 1978. He is survived by his wife, Ann Mesavage Schlaifer, and two daughters, Roberta Semer of New York City, and Arlene Silk of Berkeley, CA; and three grandchildren.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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J TEMPLE ISRAEL
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
' IVJomber of tiic Union of American Hebrew Con^rrgatiom 7C23 Case Street, Omnhn, NE 08132 FRIDAY: r^M.uS.n5bbatseryice,;8:15p4n»,/ .;•,,.,• ,,:_•_......;.,., n .,;,;J^bi;Azrieijand Ija^zan Contzius will officiate. ;,{.!F>a^her pamian, Zueriein and Pastor James,Creech .iiil^iijoinJRapbi Azriel for .ft, dialqguei "Religionand The Oneg ijjfctabbafc will be\ sponsored by t h e ... (Temple, Sisterhood.; ,. .J\\ ; .;..,; : ;, . .; •:•:;•;
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... 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 aan. Simcha B'Shabbat-an informal Shabbat service that includes study and discussion of a variety of Jewish text. . SHAVUOT SERVICES Tuesday, June 10: Service of Confirmation, 7:30 pan. Wednesday, June 11: Morning service and Yizkor, 11:15 ajn. ADULT EDUCATION June 12-Sisterhood Adult Education, 9:3011 a j n , Rabbi Azriel will continue teaching from the Pulitzer prize winning book God, A Biography by Jack Miles. 7:30-8:30 p.m., "Beyond Midrash," led by Don Schwartz.
m^mmu&t FRIDAY: Family Shabbat service, 7:30 p.m. at the syna; gogue. Rabbi Sachs will officiate. 7 SATURDAY: Torah service,: 10 a.m.; Rabbi .;. Sacha.will.lead., . ,-•• . . . . . • . . , - • • . - ; • ,:
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Religious School is taking pre-registration for the • next term, which starts around Labor Day. Contact Dr. Marty Rosenberg at 390-9062 for placement.
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DOSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME
SATURDAY: Services, led by Yale Halperin, start at 9 a.m. Members of the community are invited to join residents for services and Kiddish.
CHABAD HOUSE An AffUiate of the Worldwide bbdLbith M t tvm Pacific, Oraafaa, NE 68144 697-1124 „ v , ,
9:30 ri:in., follbwed by WEDNESDAYS: Talmud classes, 9:30 lessons, 7 p.m. ? THURSDAYS:
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FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m.
Member of United Synagogues Member of the Union of of Conservative Judaism Orthodox Jcwisb Congregations of Ara«rica 1502 No. 52nd St., Onuiha, NE 68104 14508 California, Omaha, N1S (IB154 492-8550 550-6283 WEB"http://omniiafrceiiet.org/bethcl .r •Serrices;cpn4ucjb4 hy,Ba^bi Howard Kutner. Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. O ^ i J ^ 4 k h Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5.^.&jTFriSVy. 9 a.m; to 4 p.m. r/8 g,jj»-. ,to 2 p.m. Servites are'conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and ^ vice, 7 p.m. >'; • ,.o-,SAT.lBiPAY:HServicea#art at 8:45 a.m.; Jr. CantorEmilBerkovite. ; • FRDDAY: Services,.6 p.m. /Congregation; T-UfcSO rfcnh, Kiddish sponsored by SATURDAY:'Services,; 9:30 aan. Sisterhood; PirkeiAvos class with Rabbi Kiitner,, Sitter service, 10 ajn. -. , . 8:05 p.m. at the synagogue; Mincha, 8:35 p.m., • Shabbat Story Time-first and third Saturday at followed by Shalosh Seudot, Ma'ariv and 1 1 a j n . • . • ' . ' . - • • • ' • •'•."• ' ' •• -';. •"'• . -: ''.;. • Havdalah. ICtantan-second and fourth Saturday at 11 ain.. SUNDAY: Morning service, 9 a.m., followed by Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 8:50 pan. breakfast; 10 a.m.--a discussion group on Pirkei SUNDAY: Services, 9 aJm. Avos with Rabbi Kutner; Concert, 7 pan., "Three Beth El Summer Games, 12:15 p.m.: .The Cantors and a Rabbi," in the synagogue social hall. Early Childhood Committee will sponsor a lunch A reception will follow. Mincha, 8:40 p.m. MONDAY: NCSY/Talmud Torah Recognition and games event for children kindergarten through third grade and their parents. Reservations by night, 8 p.m. June 6 to Laurie Remer-Phifer, 496:3891. WEEKDAYS: Services at 7 a.m. and 8:40 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.nu and 5:30 p.m. ANNUAL MEETING TIFEfllETH ISRAEL The Beth El Annual meetdng,and election of offiMember of the United Synagogue cers will be Tuesday, June 10, at 7 pan. The study of Conservative Judaism, session on the holiday of Shavubt starts at , 8219 Sheridan Blvd. 7:30 pan.; a reception will follow. Lincoln, NE 68502 SHAVUOT , ,,423.8569 , Tuesday, June 10: Services are conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Services, 8 p.m. . Rosenbaum. Wednesday, June 11: Minyans on Mondays and Thursdays, 7:15 am. Services, 9:30 a.m.; Minha-Ma'ariv, 6 p.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m.; Lara Stephanie Thursday, June 12: • Cahan Bat Mitzvah. ' Services, 9:30 a.m.--Yizkor and dedication of SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Oneg Shabbat memorial plaques; Minha-Ma'ariv, 9 p.m. and Kiddish luncheon hosted by Jean and David Cahan. SHAVUOT Tuesday, June 10: A a r o n J a c o b Wolfson, s o n o f Sara and Doug Torah study with Rabbi Rosenbaum, 7:45 p.m.; Wolfson, will celebrate J"" J W S K r T — " ! Mincha/Ma'ariv with confirmation of Aaron Bowers; h i s B a r M i t z v a h Sat-srefreshments; Tprahstudy with Irv Goldenberg. urday, J u n e 14, a t ; Wednesday, June 11: Services, 9:30 a.m. Temple Israel. . Thursday, June 12: Yizkor, 9:30 a.m. An eighth-grade.stu- j , :
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BEYTSHALOJUI . ; AnAffmateofthe . \ . Jewish BeconstructloniBt Federation , P,O:Box:24JULS0, '
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BETH EL SYNAGOGUE
CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURUN \ \ -'; "SOUTH STREET TEfllPUE! • : . Meittber of the Union- '
of American BteUr*w Congregations ' '
• ZWt S. 20th St. " '''• ;
Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. TUESDAY: Adult Education, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Shavuot services and confirmation of Marc Berger, 7:45 p.m. THURSDAY: Choir practice, 7:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Shabbat services at 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Torah study and service, 10 a.m. SUNDAY: Hebrew school, 9 a.m.; Religious school, 10 a.m.; Jewish community picnic, 11 a m.,
B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 E-MAIL: docjcb@juno.com FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. The discussion topic is "How Does t h e Age of E n l i g h t e n m e n t Relate to the Tenets of Judaism?"
L* You can. prepare your autobiography iji a limited amount of time with assistance from a professional writer. • Frank Sullivan is experienced in helping to craft autobiographical books, including those of Holocaust survivors. For information and references, call
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dent at Westside Middle j School, he is a published | author, and scored in the top 5% nationally on ACT for D u k e University TIP Program. He has received a scholarship from' Creighton University ana a summer scholarship from Westside Schools. He enjoys collecting sports cards, playing basketball, music and golf. •",.-• Aaron has a sister, Naomi, and a brother, Avi. Grandparents are Rose and Harold Wexler and Bernice and Alan Wolfson. M a t t h e w Uehling 1 , son of Barbara and Fred j U e h l i n g , will celebrate | his Bar Mitzvah Friday and Saturday, June 13 and 1 4 , a t B e t h El , Synagogue. An honor-roll student i at Millard North Middle School, he is a member of the swing choir: He is also a Boy Scout, a member of the cantors youth choir a t B e t h El, and participates in footbalfand baseball. Matthew has a brother, Michael. ''•'•.. t Grandparents are, Sam Goodman of Omaha and ,the late Dehna Goodman and the late Emina, and Wayne Uehling.' ''"{J IO'JLHV?M1; ;'-f 'Ar.:?". ^ Great-grandparents are'the late Monie and Alan Zalkin.
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JTS to honor Kripkes In honor of the 60th wedding anniversary of Rabbi Myer and Dorothy Kripke, the Jewish Theological Seminary of New York will sponsor a reception on Sunday, June 15, 2-4 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center. • The Kripkes recently made a $7 million gift to JTS, tho Conservative rabbincal Bchool. ,
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 6,1997
Marking the top 10 values guiding modern Jewish life We're all Jews-by-Choice Another name for Shaviiot is Z'man Matan Torah-taynu, the time of the giving of the Torah. It doesn't say: the receiving of the Torah...that's up to us as individuals. The holiday arrives seven weeks aflx Pesach, 49 days after celebrating our freedom from slavery and our exodus from Egypt. But freedom also means responsibility. Some people in this community have chosen to receive the Torah. Some are Jewish by birth;-some studied to become Jews. In choosing to take on the mitzvot, the commandments of the Torah, all who do are making a statement which affirms Judaism. We should not feel threatened by those who choose Judaism, rather we should support their decisions, praise their efforts and welcome them into our community. For some, the road has been difficult, filled with opposition from some nonJewish relatives, misgivings by a Jewish spouse or skepticism by some Jewish family members. Conversion calls into question a lifetime of beliefs, rituals and holiday celebrations. We, as Jews, should stand in awe of the strength and courage it takes these newcomers to adopt our way of life. How fortunate we are in Omaha to share the blessings which these new Jews bring with them. They add vigor and promise to Omaha's Jewish community, helped,by the support, encouragement and wisdom of all our rabbinic leaders. This Shavuot, as we celebrate the gift of Torah, let us accept it with the same excitement and hope as the newest members to our Jewish family.
Letter to the Editor To the Editor: We are parents of two teenagers in BBYO; one of whom will be going to college in the fall. There has been much said in recent weeks of the negative aspects of BBYO, but we would like to try and explain to the parents of incoming freshmen just what BBYO has done for our children. BBYO has made them much more aware of their Jewish identity than ever before, and they have made friendships in Omaha, Kansas City and St. Louis that, hopefully, will last a lifetime. They came home from the last convention the same way they came home from Israel—with a better understanding of who they are and where they are going. The BBYO kids are good kids, but not perfect, and mistakes have been made, but any problems you have heard about is not just a BBYO issue. There are alcohol and drug-related problems with some of the teens in all the Jewish youth organizations. Hopefully, we, as' parents, have given our children the proper information with which to conduct themselves, and the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse, but what they choose to do with that information when they leave their front door is up to them. Please, if you are considering not letting your children join BBYO, I hope our comments will help you reconsider. Marsha and Bon Frank
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by Rabbi Irving Greenberg, president of CLAL and author of The Jewish Way
NEW YORK (JTA) - In the 16th century, the mystics of Safed revitalized Shavuot observance with a brilliant form of adult education — an intellectual seder called tikkun loyl Shavuot. They put together a selection of the entire Jewish tradition that could be studied in one night. In an age of sound bites, an all night test is too long. A contemporary version of the mystics' study session can be modeled on Shavout, when God and Moses transmitted only a sampling - 10 out of the hundreds - of commandments in the Torah. In this spirit here are the top 10 Jewish ideas and values to live by for study and acceptance on' Shavuot. * The Triumph of Life: Judaism teaches that we are living in a universe that is moving from non-life to life. Contrary to the impression given by the universal presence of death, life is growing stronger and richer. Life is the most precious form of existence. Our human task is to contribute to increase life. The great command is to "Choose Life!" in everything that we do. Ultimately, Judaism promises that if we live appropriately, life will triumph. * The Image of God: Life is expanding quantitatively and developing quantitatively. It is becoming more conscious, more powerful, more capable of love and relationship, more free. Every human being, male and female, is created in the image of God. Therefore, every human being is born with the intrinsic dignities of infinite value, equality and uniqueness and should be treated accordingly. . * Redemption, Tikkun Otom; Poverty, hunger, oppression, war and sickness are enemies of life. Therefore, we must work to overcome these conditions. Judaism promises that if we take on this task in partnership with God, the world will be perfected. * God: There is a hidden but universally present force which creates, sustains and unifies existence every second — God. God is totally on the side of life, goodness and justice. ... . This divine presence — inexpressible, indescribable except in human terms -- really cares for, indeed loves, every creature and human in a special way. When humans suffer, God suffers.
God is pledged to work with humans to overcome evil. Therefore no one is alone in pain or triumph. Humans who worBc to perfect the world will flanfl tliem-holv »s sustsiitted by their cKviie partner. * Covenant: The perfection of the world will not
be bestowed upon us by some divine gift. The goal can be realized by nothing less than a partnership, or covenant, between God and humanity. Both pledge to sustain and work for Life and full human dignity in every way for as long as it takes. Since the task cannot be completed in one lifetime, the covenant is also between the generations. Each promises to improve the world as best it can, and then pass on the mission to the next generation so that all the preceding efforts are not lost until the efforts of all shall be redeemed and the dream fulfilled. * Affirmation of this life: Although life is full of imperfection, one should not release from this life or, religiously, dismiss it as illusion. This life is intrinsically good. It is our human calling to live this life in holiness. This means to orient everything toward God. Every act of life can be raised to the intensify of positive creativity as against destructiveness or mere routine. This is what halachah (the laws of the Torah) seeks to do. Halachah sets how every a c t o f l i f e c a n b e m a d e h o l y . •'•-•'•
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* Family: Judaism affirms that perfection and higher consciousness will develop iri the natural human context. Then the family is the hatiiral vehicle of this development.' -•"...•! The family is the necessary medium for creating and nurturing life. It is the most powerful mechanism for transmission of the covenant to the next generation. Therefore, the family and its related acts of communication, sexuality, eating, grooming, caring and celebrating are central in every aspect of Judaism's way of life. ' At this point, I hesitate. There are so many central Jewish values clamoring for recognition, but ' only three slots remain. I would guess that love is one value that must be included. Shabbat is another, as is Torah. But if I include all these, how can I leave out tzedakah - the obligation to help those who need help. Or tzedek - the cosmic law of justice and the requirement to live up to it. • .-. Or chosenness — the special role of the people of \ Israel to teach, to model, to work alongside human- \ \ ity towards perfection and the unique agency of every people and faith called and loved by God. On second thought, to complete the task is not my obligation alone. Help me pick the definitive top 10 Jewish values which "a human being shall do them and thereby live." Send your reaction to me at CLAL, 440 Park Avenue South, New York, New York, 10016. BERGMAN'S PAINTING & DECORATING Interior / exterior painting, woodwork rellnbhlng. enameling. wallpaper removal, diywal repair. Free Estimates, Insurance, 20 yosis oxpoftoncQ, foforoncos,
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June 6,1097
Father's Day It has now been one year since I lost my father. The pain has begun to diminish, but memories of him will always be with me. He set an example for me, as I try to father my own three children. Now, as the second father's day without him approaches, I want.to reflect a little bit on fatherhood. • What does it mean to be a father? Some would claim that it is no different from being a mother. I recently read a sermon by a prominent rabbi who claimed that there is no such thing as fathering or mothering, simply generic parenting. In a society which tends to erase all gender differentiation, I believe it is vital to concentrate on the unique qualities a father brings to his children; Biologically, it is easy to be a father. A moment of passion, a man's seed impregnates a woman, she carries his fruit for nine months, and he becomes a father. He might not.even know about the baby. Or if he knows, he might not care. She haB the ability to tell him, or keep it to herself, to let him into her life and that.of her child, or to raise the child on herown.
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Fatherhood, biologically, demands minimal commitment. It is civilization, and the religious.values at the core of that civilization, that creates fathers. On the other hand, it is possible to be a father without any biological tie. I know, because I am such a father. I am raising three adopted children created by the sperm of other men. Someone else was the progenitor, but when I teach my. oldest son to drive, help my daughter write a report, or throw a ball with my young eon, I am their father. So fatherhood must be something besides biology. The biological links between a mother and a child are easy to see. She carries the child, gives birth, nurses, and usually takes responsibility for much of the day-to-day nurturing. Even my children, when they want comfort or care, run to my wife. Mothers can do this nurturing and care without a man in sight-Murphy Brown proved that Often, fathers step in and out of a child's life. The father of baby Richard in Illinois stepped into his son's
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 6
by Rabbi Michael Gold, spiritual leader of Temple Beth Torah in Tamarac, FL, and writes for Heartfelt Communications
life, wrenching him away from his adoptive parents. Then he stepped out again, leaving mother and son without a father's presence. What do fathers add to the family constellation? Some would say that fathers simply give the mother a second pair of hands. But a good Norwegian au pair can do the same thing. There must be qualities that a father brings into a relationship with a child beyond;,the jnotfyerft Her'e.I^inust turn to my own da<},$8 ^example.,' v *'' ''. '~'^l, Hrst.^a'ifa.ffieV'piu^.foa provider. My dad worked harid.his eistire]lji£e to ibring in an income for my mother -aijd, brothers.' Often, we did'not see him, as he stayed late at* trie office, There was not always the quality time we speak of today. Nonetheless, some: of my fondest memories of childhood are going with my dad to the office, or traveling with him on his business trips. Today, we tend to downplay the provider aspect of fatherhood. The phrase "a good family man" used to mean a, good provider; today it sounds hopelessly archaic. After all, most mothers work today and do much of the providing. Our society tells moms, "go out and work," while it tells dads, "spend more time at home. No one ever went to his death bed saying, 1 wish I spent more time at the office'." Too many fathers are hearing the message loud and clear. They are stepping back from the responsibility of providing. Divorce and single moms have increased opportunities for men not to take seriously their financial obligations. The results are clear —more children living in poverty, more women struggling to make ends meet. The Torah places the responsibility on the man to provide for his wife and children, whether or not his wife chooses to work. The Torah teaches that a man may not diminish his wife's food, clothing, and sexual rights. (Exodus 2:10) Bav Hisda used to stand outside the synagogue and say, "Even the raven provides for his young. But so-and-so does not provide for his young." (Ketubot 49b) Often we forget that to provide for a family financially is an
act of love. "Jacob worked seven years for his wife-to-be, Rachel. And they seemed like a few days because of his love for her." (Genesis 29:20) Fathers are important as providers. Nonetheless, they bring something more to a family. If not, it would be sufficient just to send a support check each month. A father is a mentor for a child. The Talmud teaches that a father must teach his child Torah. Certainly a mother can also teach Torah'. Stiil,', much of her energy is taken up with the day to'day nurturing demands of children. A male father role can also increase the child's possibility for success. Conversely, as more fathers have stepped back from their male responsibilities_' more of our children seem to be floundering, umjcused and rebellious, lacking the fundamental moral values to succeed in our society. To paraphrase columnist Don Feder,- if mothers are primarily responsible for a child's survival, fathers are responsible for that child's success. The Bible teaches that human beings are quantitatively different from animals. For animals, it is the biological success of the species that is important. A male animal provides the sperm to create a new generation, to ensure the survival of the species-then he has done his job.. Not so with people. Biology is only the beginning. Humans need culture, civilization, moral responsibilities, as well as survival skills. These are not instinctual or inborn in humans. They must be taught. That is where fathers are indispensable. That is why, only for humans can we say, it is more important to be a mentor than a progenitor. My father taught me a great deal. Right up until his death, I would turn to him for moral guidance and practical advice. 'Now it is my job to teach my children. On this father's day, I only pray that I prove worthy of the task. Rabbi Gold can be reached at: Heartfelt Communications, 1-888 HEART15, or visit his website at http://www.heartfelt.com.
The Reconsfrucfionist Rabbinical College Salutes
Recipient of its Keter Shem Tov Award The College's highest honor for her lifetime as a Jewish author, educator and leader Her husband
accepted the award on her behalf at Graduation Ceremonies in Philadelphia on June 1, 1997
pmrui prn prn "May you go from strength to strength"
Reconstructionist Rabbinical College 1299 Church Road Wyncote, Pennsylvania 19095
Page 6
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 6,1997
Sweet ways to learn
Shavuot: entering through the kitchen
by Abigail Pickus, staff writer, JUF News, Chicago
by Erica Meyer Rauzin
To food writer Penny Eisenberg, Jewish desserts To me, dairy food is comfort food. Creamy quiche. aren't just a sweet way to end a meal-they're also Thick puddings. Ice cream marbled'with fudge or a way to learn about Jewish traditions. "I think it's important to tell your guests and bulked up with chocolate chips and walnuts* family what makes your dessert Jewish. What does Cream cheese on a bagel. Ricotta propped up by lasagna. noodles. Grilled cheese. Brie. Qreme it teach?" said this author of Passover Desserts. So this Shavuot, as you bite into Eisenberg's low- Briilee with burnt brown^ sugafonjjtop; Seei^doh't fat spiced fig pastry, remember; our angjs^ors the you feel bette? already, ^rfg^aya^j' Israelites, who had to be revive<ij»itlrsplees after ; ; Even though. I love ^ ^ w f f m Moses finally returned with th'sSlorah. (Too bad Tneals are'based on meaf^^gtattoyeek. ^ Tradition calls for a rastrvVflairy meaPon they couldn't have been revived with cheesecake.) Combining first fruits of the season, dairy, spices, Shavuot, and I'm delighted to comply. My problem and honey, this pastry is perfect for Shavuot. is that I end up preparing enough food ifor Shavuot Although puff pastry is usually thought of as a to last as long as Passover. We have blintzes rolled around a sweet cheese high-fat dessert, each of these tarts uses so little filling, blinis to serve with sour cream and a dab of that the dessert is low in fat but high in flavor. caviar, homemade grav lax to go with whipped FIG AND SPICED YOGURT PUFF TARTS cream cheese, pasta primavera with cream sauce 1 sheet frozen puff pastry shells and lots of veggies (a brief nod to healthful dining), Filling: 1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt 1 tsp. honey or to taste a thick spinach lasagna (such a production I only 1/2 cup apple butter 1 can figs or 8 fresh poached figs make it this one time each year), and lots of side Garnish 8freshraspberries dishes, all featuring cheese or cream or both. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Defrost a sheet of We have company coming and I hope they're dough for 30 minutes, according to directions. Unfold really, really hungry, because we have the comon a floured surface. If using homemade dough, roll bined output of a farm full of.dairy cows all cooked out on a floured surface to a 10x10" square, 1/6" thick. up and waiting for them. And I haven't even menCut dough into four 5-inch circles (use a tioned dessert, but I hope they like Key lime Pie. Rubbermaid #7 top as a guide). Line a cookie sheet Why is Shavuot known for dairy foods? One theowith parchment paper, place the pastry on it, and ry is that, since the holiday marks receiving the freeze for at least 15 minutes. Set on center rack of the oven; bake for 25 minutes or until browned. Remove Torah, the Jewish people didn't have the laws of pastries from parchment; place them on a rack to cool. Kashrut until Shavuot, so they refrained from . In a small bowl, mix yogurt, apple butter and honey. meat and ate dairy instead. Of course, there is much more to Shavuot than Cut each fig in half, and then into thirds, so that you food. Shavuot means "weeks," and ends the seven have six wedges from each fig. Cut each pastry in half; place on a plate with cut weeks between the exodus from Egypt and the side up. Divide filling among the pastries (about 2 events at Mount Sinai. Just tell your boss that tbsps. per pastry). Arrange figs, seed side down, like when you inform .him that you want to take petals of a daisy (tips almost touching the center); Shavuot off from work. place a raspberry in the center of each daisy. Unfortunately, for many modern Jews, Shavuot Decorate plates with powdered sugar mixed with cin- barely exists. It is unimportant or unknown. If you namon, fresh raspberries or strawberries slices. haven't experienced it, join in. This is a joyful, and Abigail Pickus is the niece of Nancy and delicious, holiday. In our modern Orthodox comShel Rips, Dick and Bev Fellman and Tom munity, there are all-night Shavuot study sessions and Darlynn Fellman. for men and for women.
The subject is the Book of Ruth, which we cover in exhaustive detail. The image of Ruth, grandmother of King David, gleaning wheat in Boaz' field levels our perspective as we clear the dessert; dishes off .the dinner table and spread it l40& tfeese n i l ^ t i n ^ ipjftly sessions, and they ma^Bd^hQ-'hpuday.'ia^ nlore^QBeaningful. But, I can
sifeabwn fo~i|judyg|)|en to l i n i n g more about the holiday's deeper aspects, because I have prepared myself. I entered through the doorway of my kitchen. Here, everything is tangible. If you want merengue, eggs must, be separated. If you want custard, cream must be whipped. If you want to be kosher, you have to keep the dairy stuff away from the meat stuff. This isn't a distant idea; this is work right at hand. Preparing the food for a yontif gives it extra reality. It shows me that this didn't all happen to somebody else. We received the Torah. It is ours everyday. But to make that real, I have to get involved, one of those steps you can't take at the last minute. After all, if you want grav lax for a holiday, you have to season, marinate and keep turning the salmon three or four days ahead. Thus,.through the mundane and messy avenue of food, I can approach the holiday with participation and anticipation. This is happening to me. It is personal. I am celebrating getting the Torah; I am engaged on several levels, from preparing my lesson for the study hall to making custard pies. Shavuot is not outside of me, distant and formal. It is here, with the scent of baking cinnamon rolls, with the melted butter splattered all over the counter top, here in my kitchen; here in my life, and yours. Taste i t In the kitchen, everything is tangible. If you want merengue, eggs must be separated. If you want custard, cream must be whipped. This isn't a distant idea; this is work right at hand. Preparing the food for a yontif gives it extra reality.
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Page 14
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 6,1997
A KING) Which gift would he like best?
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Page 16 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 6,1997
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Page 18
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 6,1997
HAPPY
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 19
BUSINESS NEWS
Fourth-generation meat purveyor writes cookbook t b;i,
by Carol Katzman •
TV talk" show, the hosts ^ has been often eat the results as Bellinapremjum meats soon as they're ofT-camfor E i g h t y years. era. ,% , , Fowip^d in 1917 by J.J.v,; "This dish only calls Sinlbn/and his son, B.A. for four ounces' of lean SimiojJp Omaha Steaks beef per salad," he said, sold cbrnfed Midwest"so this is a fairly lowern,,^!^' to local Omaha fat easy summer dish to restaurants. Today, prepare." Fre%*«frick J. Simon, gre&t;grandson of the Red meat sales in this founder, is executive country dropped to a low vice-president of the point in 1993, but havlargest marketer of ing been rising ever steaks* and other goursince. According to met foods, serving some Simon's figures, there 1.2 million customers. has been a 50% increase in the number of steak In honor of the compahouses across the counny's 80th anniversary, try in the last three and in a collaborative years. effort with more than 20 "The cookbook is now American celebrity another product in our chefs, he has written line," Simon noted, "and, The Steaklover's if it's successful, we hope Companion. it will become the first This cookbook features 170 tested recipes in a geographic tour of steak in a series." Contributors to the cookbook include Cajun chef traditions' in the United States, South America, Paul Prudhomme and Michael Lomonaco of the Europe and Asia. Fred Simon spoke to the Jewish Press while "21" Club, as well as advice from Merle Ellis, a syndicated food columnist and expert on beef. on a book tour in California. A typical day for him starts at 5:30 a.m. in Simon has also studied with famed chef James preparation for an early morning radio or televi- Beard. Once, when preparing Beard's recipe for sion talk show. That's followed by a newspaper pepper steak, Simon nearly set his kitchen on fire interview, lunch with a free-lance food writer, with flaming brandy. 1 usually stick with the grill at home and Eve maybe a book signing, and another radio or afterprepares all the side, dishes," Simon added, "but noon TV talk show. "Then I fly out of one market and do it all over lately, I have been encroaching into her territory!" The Steaklover's Companion is available at all again," Simon said in the recent interview. "We've worked so hard to develop our company three Omaha Steaks locations (Westroads, Eppley as an authority on steak and red meat," he noted, Airport and their corporate offices) as well as "so this cookbook became a natural extension of Borders and the Village Bookstore. It retails for $20 and Simon is only too happy to sign copies how to prepare steak." When Simon demonstrates preparation of (though hell be in and out of town for four weeks Pacific Rim Beef Salad (one of his favorites) for a on his next book tour).
Senior speaks to graduates Katie Kaplan graduated with honors recently from Benson High School. The fallowing-is the speech she delivered at Commemcement. She is the daughter of Clary and Sally Kaplan.
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comes once in a life time, a time when everyone can be together. There will be many other personal achievements and celebrations throughout our lives, but this is one where we all come together and feel united. It will be in our memories forever; we must not dwell on the past, however, but move on and learn from our previous experiences. Graduation can be seen as an end or as a beginning, but I see it as both. Every moment holds the end of one journey and the beginning of another. This is actually the end of one journey and a beginning of another journey into reality. Today we end .the times that we attended classes together, tomorrow we begin to wake up to our separate paths. At this moment we honor our past accomplishments, as individuals and as a class, and we look ahead to new and exciting adventures. Do not wait for things to happen or cometoyoumake them happen. I hope that you will look back on these years of laughter and tears and realize how much you have learned from Benson High School. I wish you all, the class of '97, the best of luck and happiness. Tonight we let go of our past, but will not forget it, and begin the journey towards making our own future. ' ~
I am honored to stand before you representing. the class of 1997. I want to share my own thoughts with you tonight, which is the end of the journey we had together and the beginning of a new journey. I hope to inspire you to continue along the path that awaits us as individuals. Four fantastic years, a walk across the stage, a shake of Dr. Hoy's and Dr. Sherman's hand and we will be graduates. Our high school years are just the first step, a time of trial and error helping us to find our own place in this world. Tonight our class is gathered with family and friends in one room. We have shared many experiences, some good, some bad. We have watched each other change and grow throughout the years as we have pushed our ways through those crowded halls. Now the time has come for us as individuals to begin our new journey by following our own dreams and finding our own paths through life. Every day we have the opportunity to start livBirthday celebration for centenarian ing the- life we want. We are each capable of conSophie Kaplan will celebrate her 100th birthday trolling our actions and our lives. Tomorrow you can be closer to being the person that you wish to Friday, June 13, 2:30-4 p.m. at the Rose Blumkin be. Buddha said, "What we are today comes from Jewish Home. The reception is opentoall. She was born in Bessarabia, Russia, and immiour thoughts of yesterday and our present thoughts build bur life of tomorrow our life is the grated to the United States with her brother Eddie creation of our mind." It is. with our minds and Tepperman when she was sixteen and he was our hearts that we are able to shape our lives.: fourteen. Their father was already in New York Our years at Benson High have prepared us for City, and the mother and younger children soon this night, but tomorrow we are on our own, followed. In 1921, she married David Kaplan of starting a journey filled with more adult choices Omaha. From the 1920s through the late 1940s they owned a grocery store in Missouri Valley, IA, and responsibilities. . Do not be sad because these four years are < and then retired to New York City and later to over, be happy because they happened and Miami Beach. Nieces and nephews from many because we were able to share them with one states will attend the celebration, accordingtoher another. I want to let the class of'97 know that • niece, Marcia Kushner of Lincoln;
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Tales of Jewish journeys
June 0,1097 life in a rural community. When he took on the prayers were recited.
(Continued from Page 1) (Sabbath observers), among the many other mitzvot (commandments). "We do tell conversion candidates that there other options available to them if they do not feel they can fulfill all our requirements," noted Rabbi Kutner. "In addition, we tell them that if they plan to marry or live in Israel, they may want to consider studying here in Omaha, but having their conversion done by a recognized Beth Din, like the Chicago Rabbinical Council or the Va'ad Hnrabbomn in Queens."' Both Rabbi Paul Drazen of Beth El, a Conservative Synagogue, and Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Rabbi Debbie Stiel of Omaha's Reform Temple Israel, also discuss other options with potential converts. Not only do they inform them that Reform and Conservative conversions are not accepted should the convert choose to marry or live in Israel, all of the rabbis encourage potential converts to visit Omaha's other synagogues. Beyt Shalom, Omaha's Reconstructionist Synagogue, currently uses the services of Rabbi Elisheva Sachs, a student rabbi who travels to Omaha approximately once a month. When a fulltune rabbi has been hired, Beyt Shalom, too, will be able to offer conversion to those interested in becoming Jewish. In addition, the Jewish Community Center offers a national program, Derekh Torah, this year taught by Dr. Scott Bresler. That class follows a 20-week curriculum which includes a lengthy reading list, lectures and mandatory attendance at Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist and Orthodox services. After completion, some students have then chosen to become candidates for conversion through one of Omaha's synagogues. "Before Christmas and Easter, I get a lot of phone calls," said Rabbi Drazen. "When I send out a packet of materials, most people realize that making a statement of faith is a real commitment." Beth El's Guide for Choosing Judaism is an eight-page explanation of the private course of study taught by Rabbi Drazen. It includes six units . of self-study questions that require research by the potential convert and, like Beth Israel, a description of the traditional conversion requirements. "I work with men and women who've been raised in religious homes and those raised in secular homes," Rabbi Drazen commented, "They often don't speak the same language. And there are those who are interested in the spiritual side of religion and those who are not." Daniel L. Christensen was raised with "the knowledge of a Jewish lineage. "The religion and lifestyle always held a fascination for me," he recalled. "Becoming Jewish, halachically, was both the end and new beginning of a spiritual quest. Tve thought lately that there should be another term in reference to people (like me), other than convert. Maybe 'revert?*" he suggested. "Dealing with non-Jewish relatives is not always easy for some," he added, "but I've been very fortunate to have the support of most of my family.'' Christensen, a single man who lives in Arlington, NE, reflected on the difficulties of leading a Jewish
obligations of a Jew, he started keeping kosher and changed his employment as well as his attitude toward work. The most rewarding change for him was "the concept of an obligation of involvement in the community," Christensen said, "Organic Judaism.
&Mfieitt vf tfeat; expected-'of'jtfe, their 1 toaew I w^.Ja<tMMe,<a real foeiober of the family." That family acceptance is what Rabbis Azriel and Stiel try to promote at Temple Israel. When potential converts inquire, both rabbis respond by inviting them to be interviewed, whether they are members ornot. ••'•..'. like Beth El and Beth Israel, Temple Israel conducts private study sessions with conversion candidates. However, Rabbi Stiel notes that "we want them to feel they have someone to turn to" and Temple's Outreach Committee becomes not only a programming committee for all synagogue members but a "support system to potential converts to relate to others who've been there" and "to share solutions. Members of the Outreach Committee often move on to other synagogue committees and to the Board of Directors as their comfort level increases. Rabbi Azriel notes the changes he sees in a family when a non-Jewish partner studies for conversion. And he has observed the changes in relationships when these new Jews become involved in Temple activities. "We should celebrate," he said, "they're the "yeast in the dough' and help us to define ourselves in a positive way. "Their journeys enhance ours." Jewish Senior Services Executive Assistant Lenora Lancaster's journey to Judaism took nearly ten years. Questioning her upbringing for years, she finally knew she had found a new spiritual home when she began to attend services at Temple Beth El, a Conservative synagogue in Richmond, VA. "Rabbi Gary Creditor gave a sermon erev Rosh Hashannah on the Itsy Bitsy Spider," she recalled, "and compared our lives with the struggle of the spider. He explained that G-d gave us the strength to pull ourselves together and move forward even after something had "knocked the spider down.'" After years of study which involved reading, studying, questioning and discussing the tenets of Judaism, Lancaster was finally ready for her "graduation day." A bus load of people, including two rabbis, a cantor, four other conversion candidates and several friends, traveled to Norfolk, VA, in order to use the mikveh there. After her immersion, Lancaster told the group, "I wished every Jew could be as happy as I am about being Jewish." Returning to Richmond, the group joined another 150 gathered at the synagogue to witness Rabbi Creditor welcoming a new. Jewish woman into its family.' He announced her Hebrew name, Leah Chaya, from the bima, after which poems and
. "If we say that every Jew is a Jew by Choice," Rabbi Stiel said, "then we want to see all Jews affirming their Jewish heritage." After a trip to the mikveh, located in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, each of Temple Israel's conversion candidates meet with a Beth Din, a "court" of three, usually Temple's two rabbis and Hazzan Erik Contzius, for questions and a discussion on the "impact of accepting the mitzvot." And, like Beth Israel and Beth El, male converts are required to be circumcised or to have a symbolic drop of blood drawn. A certificate is signed and often a ceremony for friends and family is held that evening. "Fifty years aftier the Holocaust," noted Rabbi Stiel, "that people choose this 'accursed' religion as a vibrant component of their lives is amazing." Rabbi Azriel added, "Converts add a dimension of belief for us that Judaism has potential." .'.'".. , Conversion is for life, say all Omaha's ;rabbjs, •, Rabbi Azriel asks potential converts, "What happens when your Jewish spouse dies? "Will you continue to raise your children as Jews?" . Andall of the rabbis stated.theirwish for more conversions, noting the impact these new Jews have had on Omaha's'jewisn community. They expressed more concern about the lack of knowledge by congregants who were born Jewish and who have not emphasized Jewish beliefs and practices in their own lives and as examples for their children. , In responding to the alarm being experienced in the Jewish community about assimilation, Rabbi Azriel continued, by stating, <S
W© will not tolerate the hypocrisy by parents who want t h e i r Idds to marry <£ews but cry where their sons-inlaw 0s1 daughters-in-law become *too Jewish,* *
Nancy Wolf, in recalling her conversion at Temple Israel, seemed to sum up the feelings held by many who make this monumental choice to become Jews. "The actual point when I recited the Shema will always remain in my memory," she noted, "The room was filled with people, but the only beings in my consciousness were G-d, Rabbi Azriel and myself. It was a blur, of vision, not of concentration and I cannot convey adequately the importance, the sense of wholeness, the shalom (peace). "And I, at age 40, found G-d," she continued. "And I am not embarrassed to say I believe in G-d and that this belief is not only meaningful to me, but will be an important, integral part of my life and in the lives of my children. . ,: , •-•.'••••••.•. "Twenty-four years were spent in incompleteness for me. I can't help but wonder how many others there are who feel the same wayT* '' " ; v <••••-•
For information about conversion, contact' the JCC about the DerekjiTorah course, ,3346403; Beth El Synagogue; 492*8550; Beth Israel Synagogue, 556-6288; Beyi[Shalom, 758-9233; or Temple Israel, 556-6536. \.:< .,-.:. •; -n-.vi-i v
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June 6,1997
Jewish Press, Omaha, Ne
Newman Funds YES YES will meet Monday at the JCC. English class starts at 10 a.m.; bingo and exercise both start at 10:30 a.m. Bring articles to share for the "YES Talk" discussion group at 11 a.m. Following lunch at noon, Ann Goldstein, from the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, will speak. Call 330-4272. WALK-IN DROP-IN There will be no program Thursday. RUSSIAN CLUB
Page 21
In 'the Mews'
(Continued from Page 1) camp and Friedel Jewish Academy. Myra Oberman is chairman of the Grants Committee. Other members who attended the meeting were Dani Shrago, Roxanne Kahn, Rosalie Saltzman and Mary Rich. The Newman Memorial Funds are administered by The Foundation of .the Jewish Federation. For more information, contact Sheldon Bernstein, Foundation Director, at 334-6440.
Saul Kripke, in recognition of his contributions to intellectual life over the last three decades, has recently been awarded the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, by The Johns Hopkins University. By 1963, after Harvard and Oxford, Kripke had been appointed to the Society of Fellows at Harvard; since then, he has held faculty positions at Rockefeller University, Harvard, Cornell and Letters written during Holocaust Princeton, where he is now McCosh Professor of Members will meet Friday, June 13. Exercise Philosophy. In recognition of his achievements, the needed for research project with Larisa starts at 10 a.m.; lunch is at 11 a.m. A Guggenheim Foundation has twice awarded him a An author is seeking letters written during the fellowship. Russian-speaking movie will be shown at noon in Kripke is the son of Rabbi Myer and Holocaust for a research project and needs your theadultlounge. Dorothy Kripke. help. Letters and postcards written (in any lanReminder: The annual Baseball & Barbecue is guage) prior to the correspondent's deportation are Hospice Services of Nebraska has announced Thursday, June 12, 5:30 p.m., at the Stadium View of particular interest. Copies, not original letters, the formation of Jewish Hospice Services, which Club at Rosenblatt Stadium. will be used. Please contact Carla Wittes: (416) will cater to the special needs of the Jewish comBREADBREAKERS 631-5689; Fax: (416) 635-0925; e-mail: munity. For more information, call Hospice There will be no program Wednesday. minute@interlog.com Services of Nebraska at 397-9990.
National Nursing Home Week celebrated
CORRECTIONS In the May 30 article, "NJHS collecting wedding photos,"' Jerry Simons was incorrectly identified. He is the son of Dr. Milt and Marine Simons. The wall of 50th wedding anniversary photos is also being endowed by the Simons' children, including their daughter, Carol Parsow, and the children of Sol and Lee Jane Parsow. The information was incorrectly submitted to the Jewish Press.
Place your baby on his back. .-,' to sleep...
.
Millie Wine, "Prettiest Hair;" Dace Bernstein, "MostAthletic? andTiUie P/offtin, "Hostess With The Mostest." Bottom: 10-14-year employees: Bert Benson, Shane Kotok, Maureen Neumann, Mary Lou Phillips, Sonia Cooper and Diane Chapo. (Not picturedJ-Employees at the Home for over
15 years: Sharon Conlon, Dale Layton, Dot Mattern, Carmen Burr, Darlene Golbitz, ;Marcy Jones and Julie Hoffmeier. . . , . 'The Rose Blumkin Jewish' Home celebrated National Nursing Home Week (NNHW) recently. Events planned throughout the week reflect the relationships and camaraderie between residents and employees in a nursing home setting,' and ' ; ; ;
• •;
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Thirty-seven Visions members traveled to Branson, MO, recently. They enjoyed a variety of entertaining shows, scenic vistas of the Ozark mountains and a side trip to Silver Dollar City. Back row, from /e/fc Wally Elkon, Rosalie Meiches, Bess Hornstein, Lester Waxman, Morey Landman, Lois Endelman, Sonny and Harriet Marco, Bob Endelman, Harold and Etta Epstein, Selma Sadofsky, Al and Reva Oruch and Leo Sivin. Middle row: Sam Epstein, Pauline Hoberman, Rosaline Epstein, Yale and Ida Halperin, Pauline Landman, Myra Sivin, Jean Elkon, Bess Katzman, Mace and Elaine Jabenis, Lorrie Bernstein, Marcia Gallner, Sheldon Bernstein, Marilyn Sacks and Jeanette Salkin. Front (kneeling): Margaret Conti, Older Adult Program Director, and Maurice Meiches. Not pictured: Esther Waxman, Pearl Jabenis and Marty and Frances Kimmel.
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"Academy Award" winners included, top photo: Sylvia Ross, "Best Personality/* Middle, from left:
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Visions 'on the road again'
ELECTION 1997 INFORMATION for the Jewish Federation of Omaha and Its agencies JOINT ANNUAL MEETING Ttaesdar, June24,1997- 7i30pjn. JraUi Coaumnll; Cnkr, 3J3 Scolh Ufcd Street NOTE: -NamLoationf of addtdooal candidales fac-fllcea and board poddona for Ibe Indention nMUlbebuidkdt^wriCtoprtlUMdjiiabyalleullSrWcTilIotJminbCTaBlfilcilwiaibl J no tier torn Jane 13,1997. The candidates gets! endorae toe pedlloB. NooaWte m premted by Ux Federation and ApneJ Noraln^lni Conaltlteai
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A visit by local dignitaries, including Brenda Council and Hal Daub; a picnic lunch and sherbet party; employee recognition party; "Academy Awards" event where certificates were given in over 25 categories, including. "Best Dressers," "Zaniest Dressers," "Most Talented," "Friendliest," and "Most Helpful." Everyone had their picture taken.
— MarkSannnl . RUbrdlacotaca - Carol Paraow ..OaryEpeleta ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS: (rcraaeBttat !9»)Tom B«to, Ion ftllnaoTDirid Ridds, Liny lfcnnui, Jobi Lehr, MvcU Linsnan, Brace Sbacbuii (Tcnnt eotfint 2000) Bob Beltnde, (biy Epaeb. Rlcbard Jacobsoo, Mu; Rldi ADUCRC The ADUCRC Board la currently In tramllloa. The board is expawSnf and new board mertiben aboold be Dominated and elected In the Fall. KERS: loenl,, • ' i f —ryRaflil VloePreiidml • •
OAXTONRREPLACE CENTER "Answers F a Altoui Burning Question? 132 » Dodgn (HadtoM>Vb«) •491-0500 nw4itd{|B SbopplDQ Center
Pllte Member at LarpFlsidnl.. Tressmer -
VINYL GRAIN MASTER ALLOY SIDING Is a bland of 7 instate and Mated with 6.0 mils of vinyl plastraol, bakod-on at 470*.' Skiing lengths are 32" long giving a seamless appearance. Siding ; la .024* thick; 71 % thicker and 46% ttronoer than steel siding with groator resistance against abrasion, impact, stain, and corrosion. Siding, soffit, and fascia has a Limited Ufotimo Transferrobla Warranty ogainst rusting, cracking, chipping, peeling, flaking, and blistering. Call for a- free In-homo demonstration. Easy financing and no Gales pressure. Wo also offerremodelingand installation. Exclusive distributor for Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa.. Other products: Oarage Doors/Oponors • Storm Doors • Potto Doors • Entry Doors • Windows
A division of OMAHA DOORftWINDOW CO., INC. ( 7 3 3 - 6 4 4 0 ) Centrally located (Take 1-60 to 60th or 42nd SI. Exit, 2 blocks south to F SI. then to 46lh St.) 4665 0 Street • 402-733-8440 • OPEN SAT. 9:00 A.M. -1:00 P.M.
•20 varieties of bagels •16 cream cheese spreads •Cappuccino/Espresso •Great soups and salads •Deli sandwiches •Catering
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE OFFICERS'
_ Gloria Kailow BankFUtoMca _SunMHd»B honedla'lePaslFietldal. —-. Julie ftank ft ELECTEDBOARDMEMlEES!Ally>onBniln.A10tiim«.JoeCJmbn|. RtDctl .; OoreB* Tracy OrinskaoVEmW, JoanMudall, Mania PlOor, ZooRJeb*. Sbtlla^^Ro«n, U S b l S l Stifl A » W l l f c k JEWISH EDUCATIONAL AND LIBRARY SERVICES OFFICERS. FltTsipctit ••MMminrtnri»»iii»p»M
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Page 22
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 6,1997
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June 6,1997
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page S3
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University of Kansas University of Illinois (Undecided) University of Nebraska Linco'n
Larry Slref
Randi Tlchauer
Ehoshana Wees
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 6,1997
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