Celebrating More Than 75 Years
Vol. LXXV
No. 1
Omaha, NE
NEW YEAR'S EDITION 24 Elul, 5757
September 26,1997
Cover art py Alison Sherman
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 28,1997
Bert's E^e View
Looking
fay:0Grt Lewis
I would bet two no-fat chocolate cookies and a diet cola I enjoyed spending time with my daughter and son as When Joanie Jacobson asked me to write the foreward for this Rosh Hashanah. Edition, I couldn't believe 13 they navigated the turbulent high school years. I liked that the earliest cave dwelling family complained'about years had passed since the last special edition focused on having their, fnends congregate in our basement on the , the behavior of their: teen aged kids. Ofr course there's no - weekends and opening our homo for. BBG and AZA 'way to prove it, but itjust stands :fi reason. I mean, Jewish youth in Omaha. .I co-ordinated the Passover 1984 edition, so naturally I events. Sure; there were times when I wanted to send what generation d ^ l complain ahdat'them?': You know the arguments: they're too loud, they behave had a copy of the paper tucked away in a drawer. I slow- them to a convent and a monastery respectively along ly turned the yellow pages, smiling at the pictures of with some of their friends. But overall I look back at outragiously in public, they're disrespectful to their elders, they dress in weird fashions; they listen to their teenage years with fondness.. .;•;•... .: • teenagers and reading their stories., , I can't say the same for some of the other parents. strange music, they smoke, they drink, they do everyThen I thought back to why Morris Maline, then Editor- v " • , in-Chief, and the preaa" committee chose to honor the They looked at those years' as a time to be endured, not thing their elders find disturbing. • •• ' Well; having lived long enough to experience teen Jewish community's teensfeers. He wrote, "We are taking enjoyed, which, in my opinion, is too bad. There is much a brief look at' the variw^j^uth groups in Omaha to tell pleasure in watching unsure, immature 14-year-olds tunes personally, then to do some major parenting of ' four teens and now observing the teen behavior of my these youngsters their Jewish community is interested turn into confident, mature 18-year-olds. The Omaha Jewish community does offer many pro- grandchildren, I feel I can speak with some authority on in them and their future." the subject Not as a maven, mind you, but at least with So, for one brief moment, we focused 72 pages of grams for teens from youth groups to the ARTZA trip to some credibility.. • , •-. .•_•'••: Israel to camp to college scholarships. For this, we newsprint on our youth. And then what? You want to know the real scoop about today's kids? Life continued with little ongoing recognition of the should be commended. For the most part, they're fantastic! However, as a community we don't do enough to honor accomplishments of our Jewish youth. Once a year at the Never mind the bad apples that tend to show up in any Federation annual meeting, two teenagers who have our teenagers, to publicly acknowledge how wonderful group; I'm talking today's adolescents who are oh their exhibited leadership skills in their Jewish youth groups and accomplished they really are. Fm not just talking way to adulthood. They're smart; they are aware of just are bestowed with the Teen Leadership Award. But about scholastic accomplishments. I'm talking about about every problem facing society at present; they try to what about the other 364 days? Recently, an effort has teenagers who perform organized community service ' understand the thipkipg behind this controversial issues; been made through Teen Age in the Press to give our through their Jewish youth groups, who volunteer at many are deeply spiritual, and comfortable in religious hospitals and the Rose Blumkin Home and who help settings. These are good kids! teenagers an opportunity to express themselves and conduct services at their synagogues. ' ". . their interests. Their world is different in many ways from that of So, what's my answer? . • But I ask myself, if our children are the future of the their parents and grandparents. Computers and televiIt starts with parents focusing on the positive accom- sion and advancement in every aspect of science greatly Jewish community, why don't we do more to celebrate plishments of their teenagers. Parents need to send their affects these kids. They have so much information about their successes? With a vantage point of 37 years (since I first entered Central High School and joined Eohanu teenagers' accomplishments to the Jewish Press. The such things as outer space, information that boggles the synagogues and Federation need to join together for a minds of the older citizens, itfs just plain nmpzing So are BBG), I can say this is a question that should be asked more often. I'm not an expert in teenagers by any means, yearly community celebration to honor all of our these kids really smarter than past generations or do but I've been a teenager myself, a BBG chapter advisor teenagers, not just the ones who receive the big public they just seem smarter? : . :.;. • and spent six fun-filled and interesting years as the awards. , If youngsters are exposed to all that's available to mother of two teenagers. All of us should remember that the people sitting on them, if they have been raised to have reasonably decent I think the answer is that much of the time we look at committees and boards of directors of Jewish organiza- values, if they have been lucky enough to be part of a lovthe negatives and not the positives. Mog^. i.eens I've tions and synagogues were teenagers once. Ifs a cliche ing family, if they have been taught about respect for known are good kids who do their home'Awrk\ participate that our teenagers are the future leaders for the Jewish others (and earning respect for themselves), those must in school activities and Jewish youth groups and many . community here or wherever they settle. But that's what be some of the ingredients which made today's kids turn out so well. times work at part time jobs. Of course, there are kids makes a cliche a cliche. It's true. How important is it that you can't stand the sight of who abuse alcohol and drugs and generally exhibit poor So parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles and ' behavior. Fortunately, they are a minority of our Jewish friends. Take the time to tell your teenagers how proud those awful fashion statements," or weird haircuts, or youth, but unfortunately they usually get all of the pub- you are of them and their accomplishments. They the ear-splitting music or other such annoying things? Isn't it more important that the same kids whose pants licity and attention. • *"".'• deserve the recognition. are at half-mast are learning about lending help where i f s needed, about understanding the rewards of excelDEAR R E A D E R S : lence in scholastic achievement, about just being the best citizens they can be? -; It's important you understand what you are about to read and how it came to fruition. Aren't those things more important than earrings' on ' : boys or black fingernail polish? : ij • ' First, the Jewish Press ran several ads to recruit Maybe the elders who are around today's kids need, Jto vyriters, photographers, artists, poets—anyone 13-19 remember to get their priorities in order. Put the major years old who wanted to participate in this project. That stuff up there at the top of the list and let the annoying ad drew two responses. Next, the Jewish Federation of junk dissipate as the fad goes out of style. Maybe the Omaha and the synagogues furnished us with lists of smart mom in those early caves learned to not grant 13-19-year-olds. A letter and suggested topics and forangrily when her teen forgot to pick up his dirty animal mats was mailed, and dozens of follow-up phone calls skin clothing. Maybe—but probably not. * were made. Over 75 young people said yes. Never mind. My bottom line is simple: today's kids are Participants were told to write what they wanted to a great crop. May they-grow up to make everybody write - what was important to them or not important, : proud. •'"':. .-• i2 what they valued or didn't value, what was in, their life or out of it, what was on their mind,'what was in their hearts. If what they had to say had Jewish content, great. If not, we still wanted their contribution. '•.!. It is urgently important that we, as a Jewish communiIt's a daunting task to publish a huge issue like this ty, constantly recognize our young people, and particuone, while still publishing the regular weekly editions, larly our teenage community, for their talents, achievebut every year the staff and volunteers in this office ments, thoughts and values. If we don't show them we manage to accomplish the job. Thanks to the efforts of care, why should they care about us? If we don't demonour salespeople: Larry Axelrod, Advertising Manager; strate positive feelings toward them, why should ttfej h wish our readers : : and outside salespeople: Barbara Frankel, Dora : return the favor? We need to offer as many positive expe-.... arid the community Shefrcn and Rocky Stern, this New Year's issue ranks riences in a Jewish setting as we possibly can.'-It's no among the highest in page numbers and advertising volguarantee we won't lose them, but, at least, we'll be able ume. Thanks to the skills of Managing Editor Maurejejn to look in the mirror. That is the work of community. LaPour, more ads and pages were produced in-house If you like what you read, tell the kids: If you don't like than over before. Thanks to Bookkeeper S h e r y l what you read, but respect their right to express themFriedman, the running tab of accounts was always selves freely, thank them for their participation. We are ' accurate and current. ;; blessed with an abundance of thinking contributing,. But our biggest thanks i s reserved for J o a n i e vital, talented, intelligent and engaging young people. Jacobson, Editor of this issue, along with Co-editots See for yourself! Danny Conn and Beth Shykcn, and Youth Groups A special thanks to Carol Katzman for offering m e Coordinator Courtney Habb, for their determination in this incredible opportunity; to Beth, Danny, Courtney going after these heart-felt stories from our teens, and to and Maureen for their caring, hard work and excellence Jill Belmont for proofreading. Mazal Tov! VI as 'always, and to our teenagers... for their greatness. To all of our readers and advertisers: thanks for your continued support And L'Shana Tova, Happy New YeAr, Joanie Jacobson Editor, Rosh Hashanah Edition . Carol Satzman, Editor Stove Levinger, Press Chairman
The staff and committee members of the Jewish Press
Thank you...
prosperous
THE JEWISH PRESS (Founded in 1920) The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting , Jewish communal heeds locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of tho Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Education and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation ofOmaha. ; The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $26 per calendar year U.S.; $30 foroign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. 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 402-334-6422; E-mail «3'shpres8@aol.com>
S l e w Levfnger Chairman Carol Katzman. EtStor-ln-Chiol H a n t s KaBne Edilor Emeritus
Uaureen LaPour Managing Edilor Larry Axelrod Advertising Manager Sheryl Friedman Bookfoepor George Schaplro . Volunteer ,:
JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Lloyd Roitstein, Vico Chairman; Fred Tichauer, Treasurer; Joanie Jacobson, Secretary; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; Bob Birt; Steve Danon; Bob Eisenberg; Linda Lachin; Sheryl Lee; George Schapiro; Howard Silber. Editorials express tho view of the writer and aro not necessarily representative of the views of tho Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omnha or tho Omaha Jewish Community aa a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit letters and articles for spaco and content. Tho Jewiflh Press is not-responsible for tho Knshruth, ,o( any product or establishment ., . ;•
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Page 4 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE September 28,1997
What* difference ROSH H A S H A N A H by Heather Goldstein Rosh Hashanah is, of course, the Jewish New I knew the first time I visited Rochester, Year. It is a time of starting over for all of us. If s a Minnesota, that things would be different. The city time of joy and happiseemed so small compared to Omaha. It did not ness. If s a time for lookoccur to me then that the biggest change would not ing forward and'putting the past behind. If s a be school or friends. The biggest change would be the Jewish time to recount what we have done during the community.,., , .;.,,y • : The Jews of Ojnalia are given so many choices past year and ask for: and alternatives. There is the choice of whether to giveness. Preparing for this attend a Conservative; ^Reform or Orthodox synagogue. Every time a Jew in Omaha attends ser- momentous and special vices, they have the opportunity to hear a cantor holiday takes time and sing. Parents can choose to send their children to c o n s i d e r a t i o n . Noah weekday religious school or to a private school for a Physically, I help clean the house and prepare the food. Mentally, I must strong Jewish education. I think that my family and I never realized all think about what I have done in the past year and • the opportunities we had about asking G-d for forgiveness. As for the physical part, if s a lot easier than the 1 as Jews in Omaha. The Jews of Rochester mental part. Even though cleaning is a pain and a I have the choice to attend lot of work, I can look forward to a great dinner I Friday night services or and be consoled that I'm helping prepare for Rosh 1 the occasional Saturday Hashanah. Helping in the kitchen also passes quickly, and . Smorning services at the 1 local Reform synagogue. when the guests arrive, it's time to relax. lOr they can choose to Afterward, I realize I have to do the same thing for jjattend services at the next day of Rosh Hashanah, since my family celebrates two days. iChabad Lubavich. Mentally preparing is afar greater challenge. I The synagogue only Heather _ ^ offers Jewish education must first recount all I have done in the past year; Then I have, to admit my wrongs and'mistakes, classes to its atudeiUS'&n Sundays. Our gnu and realize my good' deeds.arid'mitzvot.'I alWayd'i gregation1 is^withtyj^tl^toritor. We are occasioJ have to be honest, and it's hard judging your own-, fortunatefei&ughJWiiiwa "song leader." Although my family has made a place for itself actions. Then I know what I have done wrong and • here in Minnesota/ wewill never forget all -the what I have doneright.jlcan.go arid -aski forgiven ness of those that Ihave wronged, and try to per-' opportunities we had as Jews in Omaha. 1 I hope the Jews of Omaha never take for granted form more mitzvot; The mental part is ; definitely more difficult. . ; • : . . ' all the alternatives the community offers them. Chag Sameach. Rosh Hashanah means a lot of different things to Heather, daughter of former Omahans Ray and me. I look forward to it, though it involves hardJody Goldstein, is a sophomore at the University ofship. I enjoy it, though many things must be accomplished. It is not a dread but rather a Wisconsin.
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a wonderful holiday. The shofar's blasts fill me with wonder and joy. The entire synagogue service and the 10 days of awe'ending with Yom Kippur are ; r filled with reverence. •' ' Rosh Hashanah means a new start for me. Rosh Hashanah is a beginning, not an end. I put my past year into retrospect and realize what to do in the year ahead: I can see what I have done wrong and right. I then can ask. for forgiveness, and try to accomplish more mitzvot .. . . Rosh Hashanah is a tune for everything. A time to look back and a time to look ahead. A time to ask forgiveness and give forgiveness to those who ask you for it. A time to remember sins and then forget them at Tashlich service. A holy holiday for all, and I wish a happy, healthy new year. . .leshana tova tikatayvu vetekhataymu to everyone. *.;W- Noah, son of Ira and Sheila Priluck, is a freshman at Central and a member of Beth Israel.
September 26,1997 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 5
?'\
tiff IT'S CALLED A TEENER
by Lisa Pitlor
..•Adolescence,,;,.: ,- :•.:,',•.. ,,n> • -.; ;,,- : ., "When a child refuses to believe that someday they'll be as'dumb'as their parents."
threatening today's youth in order to prevent them from becoming involved with such things. : ••••"• Community service is very meaningful and at every meeting, members are asked to bring in "Ask not for whom the bell tolls. If tliere's a clothing, food, or even school supplies to help peoteenager in the house* it's a phone call for ple who are not as fortunate. them," - '.-': ' ' ) ' : • ' " ; •' .;' ; • ' . . ; ••'.,.' I know what you are probably thinking. . .these What are the first thoughts that come to YOUR clubs are special clubs in which' only a small part of mind when you hear the words "teenager* or "adothe teenage community is involved. The majority of lescent?" I admit, many of us are known fop our adolescents is out there causing trouble for us all! original clothing; others would be millionaires if we This is certainly not true. were paid for the hours we talked on the phone. There are thousands of teens involved in dozens of However, most youth organizations throughout the city. teenagers today do Unfortunately, ifs the minority who makes the news, not deserve to be the few teens not involved causing the trouble. labeled as lazy, disI guess the point I want to get across is this: obedipnt, "do-nothHEY, we're really not that bad! It may seem on the ings" (as I have often exterior that we are slobbish mutants from another heard), for the teens . . .at Youth Leadership Omaha graduation dinner planet destined to control the phone and the and ceremonies. of this generation ' remote for eternity, but teens will be teens! contribute to our From holding Shabbat services with residents of community and soci- the Blumkin Home, to getting downright dirty ety more than many cleaning preschool chairs for the JCC, Jewish teens people today realize. have been absorbed in our community. During my short jDuring the past year, BBYO has also sponsored, life .as a teenager, I numerous speakers to talk about intermarriage, have had the great --"drugs and<dcph6),~and drinking and driving. Most . . .with Jeff Shyken at BBYO honorto be not only t importantly,1 the attendance to- these events has International Convention. a/part ~jof,- but' .-a . been outstanding., .& ^i• { „ leader of different organizations.throughout the .These gn&t feats;1 how.eyer, do not end with community and have witnessed the great achieved BBYO a n i the Jewish community.' For "the last two ments teens have accomplished. > years, I have participated in Youth Leadership After being elected President of BBG Corabelt Omaha and Aksarben Youth Ambassadors, both Council for Omaha BBYO last spring, I have had organizations for teen leaders in and around the .. .as pages at Cornhusfcer Giris State in Lincoln. the opportunity to work with numerous Jewish Omaha community. Let me say, these teens are Truly, although it may be hard to see, we have teens and can vouch that these youngsters are no the biggest drug dealers I have ever met1. made it our mission to spend our teenage years couch potatoes! Sure, these BBYOers are on the WAIT. Before you get the wrong idea, let me fighting for a better community in which future telephone a lot. . .that is, calling around the com- explain. Youth from these organizations spend "little mutants" can grow! munity to plan conventions, programs, or to set up months planning workshops. They "deal" out inforlAsa, daughter of Steve and Marcia Pitlor, is a community service projects for their chapters. mation on drugs, alcohol, violence and other issues senior at Burke and a member of Beth EL
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Page 6 Jewish Press, Omaha, Ne September 26,1997
BestWishes to All... for a Happy New Year Isuzu Truck of Omaha and
The Jacobs Families
Stewart and Chickie; Larry & Deanna; Kevin & Patty; David, Katherine, Molly, Laura & Jack; Jeff & Susie; Caryn, Alan & Jeri Ann; Lisa & Danny; Terri & Bryan 1408 HARNEY
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Wishing You and Yours a Happy and Healthy New Year
by Leigh-Anne Brown "Why don't you find yourself a,nice Jewish boy/girl?" This phrase can be heard echoing in Jewish homes throughout the country. Jewish teens are faced with the decision of whether or not to date outside their religion. The majority of Jewish teens attend schools where they are a minority, which adds to Leigh-Anne _ the predicament. Many Jewish teenagers realize the importance of continuing their family's Jewish heritage, yet still date outside of their faith. This dilemma begins in the home, at an early age when our parents rightly encourage us to befriend people of all backgrounds. As we mature, however, we are pressured to be selective and even exclusive in whom we date. We are told by our parents and grandparents to date Jewish people. "My parents and family prefer I date and hang out with Jewish people," says Andrea Friedman. "I was raised to believe I could date anyone of any faith. . . as long as they were Jewish," she jokes. Andrea "They mean no harm, but, they want me to keep up the tradition." : Maggie Jacobson views interfaith relationships as a timely issue. "The importance of this issue seems to be decreasing with each generation. It is a huge issue with my grandparents, less of an issue with my parents, and even less with me. My parents have never had problem with any of my relationships, but they %^ make it clear that they hope I will eventually start to date Jewish people. So far, religion, in all of my relationships has .-4 i / t. : . been far from an obvious factor. At my age, I don't * X feel as though it is a big issue." ' Indeed, it does seem to Maggie be a generational issue, as more and more Jews from generation to generation are marrying nonJews. Is our society becoming more tolerant or is our religion losing its importance? The interfaith question is ultimately answered by the teens and their relationships. Most Jewish teens have been in interfaith relationships. The majority interviewed for this article expressed the most important aspect of any relationship is the happiness of the two people. . , Lisa Pitlbr believes interfaith dating is fine,"Dating-wise, if you like someone, your options should be open. If the relationship got really serious, though, religion may be an important factor. The majority of people I have dated have -not been; f
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Jewish, but-it was never i— a big issue." Andy Itkin disagrees. It is a complicated issue. losing surrounded by . IH ople of other religions, •i is difficult to find that 11 ghtf person who is also Ii wish. Dating Jewish is < tremely important to in1;; I chose not to particip ite in interfaith rela- [_ i II nships."
Lisa
"I agree with Andy," says Michael Kricsfeld, "Interfaith relationships can be tolerated, but shouldn't be ah option for more than a couple of dates, let alone a serious relationship."
Michael
Andy
All of the teens interviewed believe that marrying Jewish would be an important factor later in life/ Many'feel it is important to marry within their faith, not only to keep customs and traditions: alive, but also to avoid unnecessary conflicts. , "My strong Jewish background has helped mold; me into the person I am today," says Andrea. "It is:: a major part of my identity. The biggest problem with intermarriage is that children become raised without any religion. They decorate a Christmas tree and receive Hannukah presents; they hunt for Easter eggs, as well as the Afikomen; they become confused as a result of ' not having a strong religious foundation. It is just easier to marry someone who shares your beliefs, views and traditions." Jeff Nogg says, "It is very important to me to marry a Jewish girl. It • keeps the Jewish culture and traditions alive Jeff and eliminates conflicts between the couple, their parents, and their children's upbringing. I think marriage would be difficult enough without these problems." Interfaith dating is an issue for all Jewish teens. It is an important issue, as eventually it will affect, the entire Jewish population. The, Jewish population, in the last generation, has lost 52% of its active participants. The mtyor cause: intermarriage and lack of converting. It is clear the rate of this drop is in the hands of today's Jewish teenagers. Leigh-Anne, daughter of Jonathan and Debbi Brown, is a freshman at the University of Arizona and a member of Temple Israel.
by Jay Kulakofsky
printers
339-3331 Fax: 339-8562 South 84th Street • Downtown Papillion
On July 12, six people from Mother Chapter AZA#1 led Saturday morning Shabbat services at the Rose Blumkin Home. The week before, Andy Finkle, Andrew Shefren, Dusty.Friedman, Brian Durmaskin and I met at Alan Josephson's to organize the service. We all received a copy of the service, and then parts were assigned. The next day we arrived a t the Blumkin Home 20 minuteB early to help organize the service. The six of us led the service with Rabbi Kripke leading the Torah portion. It wasn't a flawless service, but everyone enjoyed it. Dusty Friedman said he had a great time and felt that the residents really appredated it. .-• • ' , n
artist- Then she showed
us some of her work. It was fascinating to see not only her paintings but how she had held on to them through the years. One of the main things I observed was although some of the residents could not remember their, room number, they could remember the prayers Jay • and service. This proves that tradition and religion have always been very .', • \ Some of the residents told us it was great that we important. The residents love being with the younger generawore doing this. Afterward, we helped some of them back to their rooms. One woman started tion, and their smiles always show appreciation. telling us about when she was younger, she was an ' Jay, eon of Alan and Janie Kulakofsky, is a senior at Burke and a member of Temple Israel
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September 2S, 1997 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 7
Why be Jewish?
Perspective On
by Jacob Katzman
Black, white, tall, short, fat, skinny, rich, poor, Republican, Democrat, there are many differences in mankind. Yet, one difference means more than what is on the outside. Whether you are black or white, skinny or fat, COMPLETE FAMILY DENTISTRY tall or short should not drastically change your life. 693 No. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154 These differences are not part of the big picture, of 402-431-8844 the person you really are. We are all G-d's creaSteve, Marilyn, Amy, Andy, Alan & David tures, we are all human beings. But one difference is drastic, one difference does change our life: our religion. i i^lSw XJl/iMC . I believe, with all my heart, that G-d created every one of his people equally in his own image, BAdQER Body & and loves them all the Tiiuck EQUIPMENT Co. same. But, I also believe he created certain people Md Jacob 4 with a special mission in h'fe, people, who have a purpose greater and more ThE JAC0b5 FAMilJES T difficult than anyone else alive. It says in AMOS 3:2, You alone have I singled out of all the families on the earth. That is why I call you to account for your iniquities. This passage is speaking about the Jewish people and was said to us by G-d. We are the chosen people, we have a unique responsibility in life. The mission is not an easy one. It says in the Ateinii that the purpose of Jewry is to "perfect the Photograph by Hilary Moshman $?§,§& 3,19th,S^5utt? A. • Omaha, NE 68144 world under the rule of G-d."This is one of our Pbr'appbiritmeriC please calj Hilary, daughter of Gordon and Ann Moshman, is a responsibilities, to inspire and change the world. It senior at Westside and a member of Temple Israel 697-1700 seems almost impossible to perfect a world that Also: does not understand it needs to improve. APOLLO HAIR INNOVATION So, how do we affect the world for the better? For your hair loss problems. In order to improve the world, we must not try to Experts In hair replacement teach mankind about being good; we must each, 1328 So. 119th St, Suite B individually, try hard to change ourselves. Then by Terry Lee Salmi 697-0909 slowly, one by one, people will begin to notice us and, perhaps, change themselves. • The 1930"s and '40s were bad times for Jews; We will npt be successful in perfecting the world We were not allowed to live, for we had the blues. if we attempt to change it all at once. If we change Most of us went into hiding; ourselves first, eventually we will succeed.'People But the Nazis weren't buying! will notice and admire you for it, and, in the long • Morgan Keen Hecht, LCSW • Scottl Thralls, LCSW If it wasn't favour courage, ~ run, respect you. . • Gay Angel McTat£ LCSW • Jody Jorgens, LCSW More than the six million would have died. My chance to be different came two years ago, . • Mary Ann Wlngert, LCSW • Paul Fellmann, LCSW when I entered a non-Jewish school. From pre• Ruth Erman, L.P.C. Then there were the "Death" Camps; school through sixth grade, I had been in a Jewish • Patricia Newman, Ph.D. Some were clean, all were damp. . environment. Now, I was surrounded by people If it wasn't for our bravery, who were not Jewish and did not understand what We would have died from the German slavery! Charles Giaz, M.D., Hudson Hsieh, M.D., it meant to be Jewish. And when they shot Jewish Ladies, Michael Meyer, M.D. and On t h a t first day of school, I walked into They also shot Jewish babies! Mary Lou tfoodard, M.D. Brownell-Talbot...proud. I knew I was different If it wasn't for our courage, Supervising Psychiatrists/Medical Consultants than the people around me, and so did they. I was More than the six million would have died. wearing my yarmulke. I bad the choice whether or not to walk into a building as an obvious Jew or as We are delighted to be involved in You surely would have been gassed, someone who is not so different. And still today, honoring the work of the young people Unless you were the best two years later, I believe that decision has not only So came mass murder of Jews, ^ .:., of the Jewish community ; made my life better, but earned me respect Even though our time was NOT due. Although, at school I will never be known as just The Jews surely wanted the date .: Wishing you peace, harmony "Jacob," but "Jacob...he's Jewish," I have earned Not to be the day to decide their fate! and fulfillment in the New Year respect and made friends because I am proud to be If it wasn't for our courage, • Jewish, because I am willing to be a minority. More than six million would have died. 8610 Cass St. 391-2477 During my sixth-grade year, I visited my new school for a day; "When asked, I told a kid I was The Jews were to be eradicated wearing my "hat" because I was Jewish. He retortBecause we were not appreciated. ed, "I know, I'm Jewish, too." When Hitler came into power ; At that moment in his life, this kid, now one of The people didn't think he was a coward. my best friends, bad had very few JewiBh experiThe people were now afraid; ' ences. But, now he is involved in a Jewish youth I They gave in, not to be betrayed. group and is interested in learning more about | If it wasn't for our courage, Judaism. More than six million would have died. From one choice I made in my life, he has experienced changes in his life. I hope I have helped to The year 1945 was to be dated; • perfect the world under the rule of G-d. It was when they were liberated! • I believe in Judaism, and in the laws of Hashem. When the Winners, the allied forces, came in, But I also believe there is more to being Jewish The Jews loved'em; they had Bread Bins! than following the physical mitzvahs. It is equally Still, if it wasn't for our courage,, important to be a good person. More than six million would have died. We, the Jews, are G-d's messengers to earth, we are the chosen people. We have'a mission'in life So now the war was Finally over, above all else; Andwewerecelebrating in Dover! So, why should we be Jewish? Why should we be But the effects were still very, very powerful; different?. / vTo perfect the world under the rule of Know the Christians were kind, not being cowards! G-d," to be a role model to the rest of the world and Still if it wasn't for our courage, to be a Tight unto the nations." More than six'<million would have died. Terry, son of Michael and Lynn Salmi, is an ' Jacob, son of Richard and Juice Batzman, is a IFURNITURE SHOWCASE eighth grader at Mission Middle School and a freshman at Brownell-talbptt and a member of I OOOIDOOGE. OMAHA -393-3000 : Beth Israel. member of Beyt Shalom.
War
HAPF A
•
FORGET
FAULT EHEICHMENT,
Page 8
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 26,1997
by Michael Lerner The Old City lay before me like an ocean surrounding a tiny island. The vast view from the top of the Mount of Olives entranced my mind and soul. Fever ran high as I stared blankly at the surreal surroundings. Suddenly, wonder cleared from my mind and tears from heaven cooled my soul. . Green tinted sunglasses hid the tears welling in my eyes. Able to stand the feelings no longer, I .solemnly retreated to the bus. I remembered the promise I made to save emotional torment: Jerusalem would not ' entrap my heart. Michael Forewarned of the legacy of Jerusalem and the Wall, I prepared to avoid becoming attached, knowing the eventual separation would be as difficult as parting the Red Sea. I had been through such separation before. Sure, most individuals go through some sort of separation during the course of their lives. Not many, however, bear this hardship by the age of eight. Following my mother's premature death, I decided to forever lock my emotions inside because of my inability to express thoughts and feelings to her. Once the site of the greatest battle in Jewish history, this place became a battleground for me, also; a battle which I was destined to lose. Next stop: the Wall. The ride to this sacred spot' was like a pilgrim's journey, but with no beginning and no end. I prepared to fight against myself, but nothing could prepare me. Preconceptions of the Wall's appearance proved to be specious. I had envisioned the Wall to be overwhelming in size. Instead, the overwhelming factor was the number of people there. I squirmed through the masses like a lost boy trying to regain the companionship of his missing mother. Coincidentally, this metaphor symbolized a reality. I have difficulty describing what occurred afterward. A river of emotion poured out, flooding my heart and mind, washing away my pledge of emotional secrecy. I felt one with the entire world: heaven and earth. Jerusalem and the Wall defeated and captured my heart, taking my soul prisoner. Pure sur' render on my behalf caused the feat. The Wall negotiated an exchange. The Wall would release me as a prisoner as Jong as I made a new promise: a promise to return. The return to the Wall is always possible. I close
my eyes and there I am. The Wall taught me a lesson about separation. By definition, separation tears apart; however, this definition forgets to mention the former connection that retains pieces that can survive and overcome any adversity. I will always be connected with the Wall My goal is to tell others of my connection, to carry on an everlasting remembrance and to expose my true thoughts and feelings. This revelation made me believe I can learn and grow to aspire to the top of all mounts I encounter. ONE YEAR LATER.. The summer of my dreams chases like a rainbow stretching across the clearing sky. The unreachable ends unceasingly close, and yet, teasingly out of reach. In a futile attempt, I follow the rainbow. I pursue it as far as I can; only then, the streaking rays fade away. I am. left with only the memory of the beautiful spectacle, once just within my reach. Lost and tired, I submit to lie down. I stare unfixedly toward the glorious sun setting like slow motion before my eyes. Summer dreams are fleeting all around me as I drift away, and the chase to capture and hold on to those memories is endless. Once again, I arrive at the Wall: my safe house, the place I go when I need to find peace. The journey I take to arrive is like the one I took last summer: first, I take a lone look from afar; as I move forward, the flow of thoughts and feelings once again accompany me. The warm, gentle face of • familiarity is once again close. I run my hands gently across the surface, feeling the contours as if they were the long untouched face of a loved one.
I remember more now; the man and his infant child, the group service going on behind me, and all the others engulfed in their own completely unique experience. That is the most special part of the Wall. The power to have a different meaning and significance for absolutely everyone. I know of no other place that can mean nothing to one person, but can release the soul of another. I was so drawn by the intensity of emotion the Wall aroused that I never wanted to leave. Each time I returned, only to lose myself in the moment, but more important, to take something away with me. I drew courage and strength, I felt freedom and love, and I showed anguish and compassion: the traits instilled into every Israeli's heart. I still relate many of my experiences back to the.., Wall. Teens today have the opportunity to expert-:. • ence so many unique events. The experiences are going to differ phenomenally. What we must remember is that through all our experiences, we have the gleaming possibility of growth. Don't shut your eyes to what is around you! Find good in everything you do, be proactive, have a direction. We all are destined to fail, however, not destined to thrive. We must apply what we learn from failure and chalk the rest up to experience. It was once said that "we all know the Golden Rule, now let us apply it to how we live." We can do this. Who knows what lies in the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Michael, son of Gary and Cheryl Lerner and the late Doreen Lerner, is a freshman at the University of Texas and a member of Beth EL
Photograph by Michael Parsow
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September 26,1897 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 9
i 'm ha If -aod-ha if.
By Robyn Frank My trip to Israel is one that I will never forget. I Upon being born, every person is blessed with went on a trip; called ARTZA, with 40 other Jewish gifts, gifts that can give a baby a sense of belongteens from Omaha. ing, a personality and love. Hopefully, among these There were many highlights of the trip: climbing _ are two loving parents, a home for shelter, clothing Masada and Sinai; the Dead Sea; staying on a and food. Another is a strong religious background from their parents. Kibbutz, and just the nightlife. I remember when I was young, friends would I think the one thing that touched me the most was Jerusalem and going to the Wall in the Old ask, "Are you Christian or Jewish?" I would City. I had been learning of the importance of the answer, "I'm half.and half." They'd reply, "Cool, Wall since I was in Sunday School and then to you get double presents for Hanukkah and actually go there and put the paper in the Wall Christmas; I wish I was half and half." When I was little, I thought I had it pretty well myself was amazing.' off. Besides, what else was there to these two reliWe were there for four weeks, and I liked the fact that it was all teens from Omaha. I knew everyone, gions besides Hanukkah and Christmas, the Easter Bunny and Passover dinners at Grandpa's house? and we were all really close before the trip. After That was my image in my younger years. My the trip, we grew even closer. . mom's background was Protestant Christian and Today, we still love to sit around and reminisce my dad was Jewish. I never really went to church about the good times we had. or Temple. I guess my parents didn't think I needRobyn, daughter of Ron and Marsha Frank, is a ed to. Maybe they didn't know what they should senior at Burke and a member of Beth EL do, having an interfaith marriage. We celebrated all the main holidays and I knew the Christian religion believed in Jesus and the Jewish religion didn't. That's about it. I was born with all the gifts imaginable-two parents who loved me, a nice house, all the food and clothes I wanted, later came a brother and sister-I guess you could see my family in "Leave it to Beaver." Actually, I thought I had everything. A tragedy really opened my family's eyes. . At the end of my freshman year, my best friend committed suicide. This is perhaps the most awful experience I ever had to face, and cross my fingers, I ever will have to face. Not only has this tragedy changed my view of how precious life is, it made my family realize we needed some type of religion; a way to be close to God in a time like this. My dad took the initiative to bring our family to Temple and started to introduce, the actual religion of Judaism to our family. My mom was very supportive of him. •-.. Robyn and her brother, Adam, get in the spirit at Ever since then, my family has been very active the Roman Culinary Restaurant in Jerusalem. at Temple. There is one problem for me.'however.
Best Wishes For A
by Sarah Needlemaii
When I was. born, I wasn't blessed with a strong religious background. When my parents got our family into religion, I was 16. Growing up my whole life being "half and half," it is hard to give up half of my upbringing and traditions and have my parents, all of a sudden, focus heavily on only hajÂŁ. I see my peers at Temple, who had a Bar or Bat . Mitzvah, who knew so much of their religion and believe in it so strongly. Most of them had this religion ever since they were born. And here's Sarah, this stupid impostor who doesn't have a clue, 16year-old Sarah, who is .supposed to, all of a sudden, believe and understand this complex religion when she hardly knows the story of David and Goliath. This brings me to my mission. At 18, I still don't have a religion I can call my own. I see my family practicing Judaism, my friends all practicing their respective religions, and read of all the other beautiful religions in the world. They all share the morals I was brought up with, Sarah mainly the Golden Rule and some type of God. My mission is to put the name of a religion with my beliefs. Sometimes I say I will follow whatever religion my husband would be, so if I have children, they can have the privilege of a religious background from their parents, but that would be too easy. Religions are so complicated, so believable, yet so inconceivable. ' If one's right, does that mean the other's wrong? Or have I always had religion-a positive attitude, love, God, and the Golden Rule? What's in the name? My mission is to find out. Sarah, daughter of Howard and Laura-Lee Needleman, is a freshman at the University of Missouri.
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Page 10 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE September 26,1097
'Cabinless' at camp
TOGtTHtRNESS _ _ .
——^— — — - — by Lance Polikov By Melissa Josephson The day begins just like any other summer day van embarks from one end of camp to the other, each cabin entering into the parade. Everyone This summer I went to Olin Sang Ruby Union at Camp Herzl in Webster, Wisconsin. Institute. It was a lot of fun. Campers wake up at 7:30 a.m. for flag raising, . walks together, hand in hand, singing quiet songs. This camp experience was very different. All the morning services, and a hearty breakfast. Then, After each cabin has joined the caravan, a massive other years, I stayed in cabins; this year, I stayed everyone participates in various activities from circle is formed around the flagpole. The flags are in a tent. sailing, arts and crafts, to ultimate frisbee. Soon, it lowered, and the cabins perform the songs they have prepared. Friday night services are held on I thought tents were going to be difficult, but they is time for lunch, followed by more activities. were a lot of fun. I have But, on Friday after lunch, the daily routine is the Mercaz, the deck that overlooks the lake. This to admit they were a little different. It's the beginning of Shabbat, the day of is a special time to gather your thoughts. difficult. When you stay rest for the Jewish people. At camp, we celebrate After services, is dinner, one of the most special in a tent you have to Shabbat in a special way that brings togetherness, parts of the evening. On Shabbat, the campers can wake up in the morning makes me feel proud of my faith and heritage. sit with whomever they want. Unlike most meals, and roll the flaps (the There are many preparations before Shabbat the Shabbat dinner is formal. Everyone stays seatsides of the tents) so you begins. All,work must be completed before sun- ed and spirit cheers are not' screamed out. don't get hot. down. Campers are assigned designated areas to Excitement is in the air in anticipation of the deliWhen it storms, you clean with the intent the sections will stay that cious food to be served. have to figure out a way way. through Saturday The first course'1 is to make sure your stuff night at sundown when Matzah Ball soup, which doesn't get all wet. When Shabbat ends. Cleaning tastes great! Next comes Melissa the camp is a very salads, crisp vegetables, i t storms, the tent blows tedious job, but when the all over the place, but it's not that bad. roasted potatoes, and the I like tents better than cabins because I feel I work is completed, it is a main dish, baked chickbecame closer with my friends; you have to work sight to behold, and en. Cake, pie, or fruit is together. In tents, we were outside more and that everyone is very proud. for dessert The Shabbat was a lot of fun. Those things and many more made dinner is definitely the Since Shabbat is such a my camp experience very fun. best meal of the Week! It special day, the dining is not uncommon for two Melissa, daughter of Larry and Debbi Josephson,room is set up differentor three helpings of food is a freshman at Westside and a member of Temple ly. Instead of sitting at a Israel. table with only the peo- .. .with friend, Jason, wearing Shabbas white at to be enjoyed by most everyone. , ple from your cabin, the Camp Herzl. tables are arranged to make four long ones, so that After dinner, the lights are dimmed, candles are everyone eats together. Campers also help set the lit on each table, and songs are sung quietly, tables which have been covered with unique cloths, adding to the tranquil nature of this solemn time. plates, silverware, candles and flowers. In addiI have many fond memories of Herzl, but the tion, the room is decorated with colorful signs and Shabbat celebration is perhaps the most wonderpictures to give it a prettier and more festive look. ful. Everyone at camp contributes to help make Some cabins are required to prepare songs to be Shabbat special. Whether you helped clean the performed before Friday night services. After camp, wrote a song, or designed a picture, you everything has: been completed, campers have free added something to make this event special. time to relax, .shower, and dress for the celebraSome said the best part of Shabbat was the food, tion. The clothes worn on Shabbat are also unique. but I think it was the preparation, hard work, and Everyone wears white, which represents the the togetherness that was the most meaningful. Lance, son of Marvin and Sheila Polikov, is a peaceful nature of the holiday. . Shabbat at Herzl officially begins when a cara- freshman at the. University of Wisconsin and a member of Beth EL
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
'MARCH OF THE LIVING" I was fortunate enough to go on the 'March of the Laving' this year, a two-week trip in the spring. We spent the first week in Poland, visiting the remains of concentration camps and other historical sights from the Holocaust. We were in Poland for Yom haShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. We next traveled to Israel, where we celebrated Israel's Independence Day, Yom HaAtzmaut. It was such an amazing experience to feel so many extreme emotions in two short weeks. ; May we see the day. when war and bloodshed cease, < when a great peace / will embrace the whole world./ These are the first two lines of a prayer for peace in the Siddur Sim Shalom. I have tried to imagine this dream many times. Wouldn't it be nice if everyone could put aside their prejudices and practice loving instead of hating? If we would only take time to look deep inside ourselves and ask ourselves why we hold the prejudices that we do. Is it because we were taught these prejudices? Or is it because of ignorance? I wanted to start looking deep inside myself and understand why I, like others, made generalizations about certain ethnic or religious groups-This is the main reason I chose to go on the 'March of the Living.' The Holocaust is the worst example in history of discrimination against our people. In Poland, I set foot in the places of death where 10 million lives were brutally brought to an end, six million Jewish lives and four million lives of other minorities. In Hebrew school, I had only been taught about the six million Jewish lives. Isn't each life lost supposed to be a lesson to us? This torture should hot have happened to anyone: blacks, whites, Jews or Christians. Now. we need to focus on how, bystanders let such a horrible thing occur. Today, if the United States was going though an economic depression, would we believe the president if he said homosexuals were the cause of it? People who didn't know any homosexuals and who
by Annie Nogg
were taught to hate homosexuals might believe such a thing/People might believe anything as long as someone is promising them a better tomorrow. I know it is a far-fetched scenario, but it happened only 60 years ago in Germany. The country was very depressed, mentally and economically, after losing World War I. Hitler promised a way out of the depression by using the Jews as a scapegoat. When visiting Poland, I came across a lot of antiSemitism. Our tour guide, a non-Jewish Polish man, told us we were not wanted in their country; the people were ashamed because most of the concentration camps were in Poland. It became clear we weren't wanted because we were Jews. Swastikas were spray-painted against walls everywhere. People are much more open about their prejudices in Poland, whereas people here try to deny them. One night, while walking to a program from our hotel, we Annie (right), with a were told not to wear friend in Jerusalem. our blue 'March of the' Living' hats or jackets because it wasn't safe to walk around flaunting our Judaism. Policemen were walking behind and in front of our group. The day we visited the death camp of Majdanek, Polish school kids were there on a field trip. Many were running around laughing and playing, barely looking at what was around them. It was very disturbing that their teacher didn't scold them. One little boy spit into the mausoleum, an enormous stone structure where the ashes of the vic-
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tims were deposited. Another did the "Heil Hitler" sign to a person from my bus. It made me sick theBe children were so ignorant about -what really happened and for the simple reason of who we were: Jews. When telling of all the horrible things about Poland, I should not leave out the good. On the actual march from Auschwitz to Birkeneau, we saw the 'Polish Friends of Israel,' a church group who came to observe. They were waving to us and singing the Hatikvah. It was the first time I felt welcome. It showed me this goal for peace could someday be reached, even in Poland. Hitler did not get his job done. Some Jewish life still exists in Poland today. For Friday night services, we went to an Orthodox synagogue in Warsaw. Afterwards, the rabbi invited us to a ceremony for a newborn baby who belonged to. the synagogue. There was singing and Israeli dancing. He asked us to bring back the message to our families and friends that there is still Jewish life in Poland. I have never felt so proud to be a Jew. "For all who live on earth shall realize we have not come into being to hate or to destroy." Historically, our people know what it feels like to be discriminated against. Why then, do we still hold strong prejudices of our own? This is a question many of us need to ask ourselves. Hate can come from many different sources. In some cases, it is even taught by our own families. Prejudice is a learned behavior; we can unlearn this disease. Humans have an unlimited number of ways to include or exclude other people based on race, religion and background. Please join me and others in trying to address this problem. We can start by improving relations in our families, the Jewish community and the overall city of Omaha. Let love and justice flow like a mighty stream. Let peace fill the earth as the waters fill the sea. Never again. Annie, daughter of Steve and Patty Nogg, is a junior at Burke and a member of Beth £(.
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Page 12
JewishPress, Omaha, NE
September 26,1997
In-Depth Story: —
by David Rennard
"Two double
and an abortion ..far
Life begins. When exactly this occurs is a topic of great religious, ethical and medical controversy, but agreements do occur and are often overlooked. Abortion is never a consideration to Anne Woods, Roman Catholic. Woods served as a nurse at the University of Nebraska Medical Center until her twins were born. Her husband is an obstetrician. Her babies were born prematurely. Woods believes life starts at conception. "When I looked at my little girls lying in the incubators, one weighing the equivalent of seven sticks of butter and the other weighing just eight, you can't convince me that at five sticks, they weren't alive," Woods said. , Her nearly essential abortion was avoided when her twins were only 24 weeks old. When they were 27 weeks old, they survived birth. Not all people agree with Woods. Dr. G.. William Orr, performs about a thousand abortions a year. He described the beginning of life with the medical term "viability." "Viability is that time David in which the fetus has meaningful.survival outside the uterus," Orr said. The current medical estimation of that time is 24 to 26 weeks. However, Dr. Orr does not perform abortions beyond 16 weeks. Woods said she felt viability was becoming shorter and shorter. She argued that at 24 weeks, her twins would not have survived six years ago, but with medical advancement, they can now. Orr said 95 percent of all abortions are done before the age of 12 weeks. Religion is also very important in the abortion decision! In the United Methodist religion, viability was a consideration, said Pastor Fred Richart. He estimated the beginning of life somewhere after conception but before birth. However, he felt that abortion was a lose-lose situation. In the Evangelical Covenant Church, a Protestant branch, conception is the key, said Pastor Philip Hakanson. He summed up his position on abortion in one word, "sad."
Rabbi Paul Drazen said in Judaism, there are must be life or death. The Evangelical Covenant Church took a similar two forms of life: "Potential Human Life* and "Human Life." At conception, potential life begins; standpoint. In Christianity, the best thing you can do is make a sacrifice for someone else, Hakanson at birth, potential life becomes actual human life. He said that "Potential Human liife" should be said. "People should be concerned about the right protected just as actual life should, but in a worst thing to do, not selfishness or egotism." case scenario, the "Human life" take? precedence. Hakanson believes the weakest segment of sociAbortion becomes another philosophical battle ety, the person who needs help most, is the unborn between religious.^up£ jA^ree^TOfi &erei how- child. Therefore, there IB little reason to ever need ever. Each religions' a'a^so*;8a$5pigion. should an abortion. play a large part hithe abortiondecision. ' r ' . "Pregnancy rarely results from rape or incest, Hakanson said he would hot encourage a person' much more rarely than the media would have us to get an abortion, but would accept and forgiye believe," Hakanson said. ;,; them after they had completed the procedure. In Judaism, abortion is only appropriate when a The decision should be-a joint.venture between life is in'^danger, Drazen said. His position was that the woman, her doctor, and a religious advisor, when~a child is born with a fatal disease that would Drazen said. 3\ only cause pain and suffering until imminent Richart said religious leaders were'important for death, abortion could be considered. When the giving information on the "rules" of a person's reli- .mother's life is in danger, abortion is also a considgion, or just conviction that a person's decision was eration. correct. . •-.•;,. He said, "If a healthy baby would be born in an Orr agreed information was essential. He advises unhealthy environment, abortion should not be people only in the form of information, be it used; other alternatives come to mind," Drazen said, "namely adoption." chances of problems or'options. • •}&,• Common ground* is not just religions importance. . ~ All agreed that abortion should never be done as Most agreed that jiltimStely the decision to get an' .^convenience or used as a means of birth control. •Is abortion a solution? - ~ ' abortion should nopje.OMltowed. ^ en' should The main consensus 'was was tha thaW&nen shoul . Anne-Woods saidtoo,and so would her kids, Leah and Monica. However, Woods admits the situation decide whether or riot an abortion siould be done. ' Orr has refused to perform abortions when he felt was difficult. "It was worth it, but my kids went through hell." the woman was being pushed into the decision. Not even the father should have the right to The religious advisors do not impose their opinion make a woman seek an abortion, Richart said. on their congregations, but, rather, are sought out . Doctors who perform abortions continue to be by their congregants for answers to these difficult persecuted. Orr said people antagonize him every- questions. They pass on and interpret the word of' where. "Here, home, church, etc.," he explained.' G-d, without letting personal emotions in the way. He said the "picketers* know all about him. Hakanson said his primary concern was a per"They take the time." He does not believe in what son's relationship with G-d. He does not spend they have to say. Instead, he presents his own extra time on abortion, because he feels in the eyes argument. of Grd, it is no •worse a sin than something else. The difference is here on Earth. "My understanding of Christianity is that Jesus includes the sinners. If I am committing a sin, then "I don't think Fd ever encourage abortion, but they are the Anti-Christs because they won't help there are gradations.1 All abortion is -wrong, but me," Orr said. He called adamant rallying pro-lifers some are more wrong than others," Hakanson said. psychopathic because they feel empowered by G-d. "The more we know about something, the less When an abortion is necessary is a cloudy issue. need to discuss it," Orr said. "The less we know Woods said that abortion should only be a consid- about something, the more discussion there is." eration if the extreme choice had to be made David, son of Stephen and Barbara Rennard, is a between mother and child. Health is not an issue, it junior at Central and a member of Beth El
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Page 13 .
Jewish Press,: Omaha, NE.
September 28,1097
byMichellel.ee Editor's Note: The artwork pictured below depicts And BO on. Lee's views on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, Because of the perpetually unstable situation and explained in this article. It ia on permanent display the incendiary behavior of the responsible parties, in England as part of an exhibit of youth art. the peace' process never ceases to burn me with frustration. Fervent emotions, boiling on both sideB of the conflict, too often cause the opponents to believe their own side is correct and the other is criminal. Sadly, this near-ethnocentric attitude prevents the Israelis and Palestinians from seeing they are both responsible for weaving the intricately tangled web of conflict. The Palestinian Authority, like a petulant twoyear-old, ceaselessly whines for its desires, refusing to budge and throwing tantrums when deviations from its hard-line agenda are attempted. The Israeli government, older but not necessarily wiser, seems to oscillate between indulgence and stringency towards its opponents. It temporarily halted negotiations by approving the construction of a Jewish housing project in an Arab section of Jerusalem. Even though Israel has stated repeal edly that she will retain the entire Holy City, the Palestinians refuse to compromise on this issue; thus, this invasion of de facto Arab land infuriated the Palestinians. The most frightening of the quarrelers are the dreaded terrorists, crippling the tortoise of peace whenever it ventures forward. The situation, although it may seem irresolvable, is not hopeless; if the two sides can simply recogNeatly tucked, behind the facade of token niceties nize that both they and their enemies shoulder the and Bhallow delvings into peace talks (amounting eveivgrowihg burden' of blame/'they can begin to to little more than %{ giantsticking his.bigtoe.iiitoa work together to dismantle it. Compromise, not pooland calling it swimming) looms a seasoned tra- capitulation dr^bstinacy, istKe key to peace. dition of terror in the Middle East. " M ., : i -' ..;' Neither giving iri'hor refusing tb'budge will resolve '• -T& tHe'-chagriti -of pe'ace-iioibn'genhg Israelis andthis delicate conflict. When bdtli sides can truly recPalestinians, this sole constant in the process has ognize the other's right to exist and start to meet become' frighteningly predictable. No sooner does halfway, they can begin to formulate a beneficial '•'•.-••'.'•'• ' {he shaky hand'between the combatants manage to s o l u t i o n . Even sOj given the progress (or lack thereof) since spell "peace" than is the knife, pictured in the same hand, bloodied once again. Civilians are killed; the the famed handshake on the White House lawn, my optimism is waning. delicate balance of peace perishes.
Every time negotiations appear, to be heading somewhere, terrorist groups or individuals strike like stealthy scorpions, not caught until the damage has been inflicted. Why do they persist? The resulting emotions from both Palestinians and Israelis are a catalyst for the demise of peace talks. As many actions, both terrorist and seemingly benign, have done in the past, the attempted Jewish housing project recently exacerbated these symptoms of strife. The first glimpses of peace talks after this "violation" .were met with two Palestinian suicide bombers. Fifteen Israeli civilians perished. • As long as the two parties in the perpetuallydeadlocked negotiations indulge in pettiness and try to antagonize their opponents, as long as terror^ ists are not apprehended (preferably by their own country) before they sabotage, and as long as the Palestinians refuse to compromise and the Israelis fail to be consistent, the hand that displays a peace sign will also flash a bloody knife. And, before too long, the peace process may be drowned in a sea of red. Michelle, daughter of David and Sheryl tee, is a sophomore at American University and a member of Beth El Synagogue.
. . .working with my adviser when I was co-editor of Millard North High School's yearbook.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 26,1997
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by Anna Cotton
The lifespan of mortals is short. In deliver per'sbriaTeulogiesl Well,1 one of our lives, we each have our handful 'Ben's cousins got lip and said -that of days, little more. Mortality is frag-: something good just had to come from ile and precious, but it's funny... you this bad circumstance. ~ have to lose someone before you realI thought about that and realized ize just how true that is. the good thing which had come from You see, I attended the funeral of a "the bad thing was memories. Ben was very good, dear, wonderful friend of so vibrant, so happy-go-lucky and so mine, Ben Silverstein. Ben touched exuberant. I have many fond memomy life as he had touched many oth- ries of him. ers. I still I also realized something else: Our can't benew year, Rosh Hashanah, is coining lieve he is | up, and it's sort of like a new begingone and| ning, or a new life. Coupled with Yom I'll never \ Kippur, a day for introspectipn,ufc>r 1 see him atonement and for making pfeace again. I; between yourself and both the people keep want-f around you and with God, it's like , ing to wake everyone has a chance to start over, up from with, a fresh, clean slate. . this nightTo sum this up, Ben, in his life and mare. through his death, has taught me Anna many things. His death has taught As I write, tears well up in my eyes and there is me that "life ifl like a box of chocoa lump in my throat. Still, 111 try to lates. . .you never know just what get a' grip on my emotions and write you're gonna get;" that mortality being what it is, both fragile and prethir 'article. Bear with me, OK? . When my mom first told me the cious, I should live each day to its news on Aug. 4, I thought it was a fullest. Ben has taught me that if I cruel joke, but I knew she would have a dream, I should go after it, like never joke about something like this. he did. Ben has taught me that doing When reality finally hit me, I was too well in school, in the subjects I don't stunned to do much of anything; but like, is the "dues" you pay to enable then, tears rushed out of my eyes yourself to reach a goal. . Ben has taught me that caring about and I cried myself to sleep. The funeral was held at the First family and friends' is the most preUnited Methodist Church. As we (my cious gift that you can give yourself. mother and I) were walking into the Ben has taught me to stop, "smell the sanctuary, Ben was laid out for all to roses," and to let those around me see. He looked like he was asleep. know how special they are. Thanks, Ben. You're a great teacher. The service was very eloquent and beautiful. In the middle, Ben's Anna, daughter of Ira and Marcy Mends were given the opportunity to Cotton, is a junior at Westside and a express their thoughts, feelings and member of Beth El Synagogue.
Decisions Decisions are very crucial, but more so in the lives of teenagers. The time of adolescence is very confusing; making the right decisions will affect how well a person develops-from when to study to whether or not to take drugs and alcohol. These are things we teenagers face in our always-evolving society. • Our parents never had to worry about AIDS or other STD's (sexually transmitted diseases). They faced ! alcohol and drugs, but those pres• sures didn't seem as difficult as today. They lived in an era of freedom. But that era has slipped through the cracks for the young I generation of today.Teenagers have to worry every day. They worry about how they did on their math test or whether or not they got into the school play. They worry about life-threatening diseases and gang activity. We can't let ourselves succumb to the pressures and stresses of our lives. Decisions are very important They dictate every aspect of our lives, and, to say the least, our futures. Choosing where to go to college, what club to join, who to hang out withthese decisions are around us daily, : .and it's our responsibility to make sure our choices are the best for' us. In my experience, high school has. been a real challenge. Jumping into the highly academic level of Central's, .honors program, I undertook-drastic changes from junior high. I was involved with some very high level academia. The decisions I had to make were bard but necessary, like
by Alex Wolfson
when to study and when to have fun. Perhaps along the way, I made some poor choices. Suffering the consequences of those choices was tough, but it forced me to realize that school is not a joke but a very serious issue, definitely not to be taken lightly. So, now with some positive adjustments, high school is - much better. All these j things were the result of either positive or negative decision making. • Choosing a Alex college will be my next major decision-is the Jewish community large enough?. . .are academics, up to score?... .these are things teenagers face. Alcohol and drugs have become a more serious part of the teenage society over the last decade. Kids in high school are put in lots of situations where they have, to decide what they want to participate in. Hopefully, they have sense enough to steer clear of these and other harmful things such as cigars, cigarettes and chewing tobacco that can only lead to negative results and consequences.. So, by making good decisions, if s easy to be a successful and productive member of society. ^ .Alex, aon of Bob and Sibby Wolfson, is a junior at Central and a member of Beth El Synagogue. ' ' ,V
September 26,1997
man
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
camp
At the start of summer, all my thoughts were focused on finding a job for which I would get paid. I figured the more money I could hoard now, the less I would have to work in about a year when I turn 16. Since I have two younger siblings (Jenny, 11, and Steven, 6), I figured my years of childcare could be put to good use in the form of a camp counselor. So it was said; so it was done. From July 20 through August 3,1 was a Junior. Counselor at Camp JCC. Since I wasn't.far removed from being a camper myself, I figured I could relate to the campers, making my job easier. These were my thoughts before 1 left. I thought it would be an easy way to make money, and I would be ajile to get by on 11 years of experience. It couldn't have been farther from the truth. I now have the utmost respect for any single parent, especially those with seven boys, ages 8-10. All my memories of camp; as a camper, were of
by Andy Fin We fun, carefree activities. I now know why they were like that; there was always somebody to make sure ofit.' I had no problem lathering seven backs with suntan lotion twice a day or cleaning up red juice spills or 10 other daily tasks. Those I was prepared for. What was not expected was after hearing a ghost story, dealing with seven horrified fourth graders thinking that a real kidnapper was out to get them. These, I feel, are parental responsibilities; I was only ready for a set oibrotherly responsibilities. Handling delicate situations was not necessarily a problem, but it provided a learning experience. At the start of summer, I was looking for an easy way to make money and a little work. What I found was much more.
. . .keeping the campers happy at Camp JCC.
Wind
Andy, son of David and Jitdi Finkle, is a sophomore at Burke and a member of Beth EL
by Jennifer Friedman 1
It whipped around her chilled, round face, It toyed with her soft, brown hair, It pushed the snow to sting her cheeks, But It wasn't really there. It stung her eyes, It chapped her lips, It pushed her along, It ran around and swung in'dips. •Though It didn't stop teasing her, And It never thinned, She never said a word, Because It was the wind. Jennifer, daughter of Scott and. Debbie Friedman, is a sophomore at Central and a member of Temple Israel.
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. Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Page 17
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 26,1997 by Jennifer Rifkin
In the midday breeze, I felt the promise of sum- • find myself looking at my feet when trying to recite mer as I leisurely strolled up the path to school the Hebrew alphabet that used to be so familiar on with my gym class. I heard my name called and my tongue. Yet, its importance in my life is very turned to smile at my cross-training teacher, Mrs. minimal. Christiansen, who My energy level rises as I discuss my personal was making her way relationship with Judaism. These, hazel eyes light through the other up as streams of thoughts flow from my lipswalkers up to one.; becoming as familiar as the Hebrew alphabet used "Jenn,I have a to be. • : \. question," she- paused I believe in G-d. When I pray at night, however brieflyj.gathering/her absentminded and routine, I think G-d cares just thoughts: "16 shmuck the same. I have strong views on very controversial a bad word, because I issues such as abortion, underage drinking and sex use it often and before marriage. People look at me wide eyed—how someone just incan it not have anything to do with religion? formed me that its meaning is crude?" Her eyebrows were crinkled and her blue eyes looked at me Jennifer (right), with a friend from Millard curiously. "I don't suppose I'm North. getting asked this question because I'm Jewish or anything?" I jokingly prodded. She smiled, still awaiting my response. I shook my head explaining that as far as I knew, it wasn't terribly harmful, just some Yiddish slang for a jerk'; she sighed with relief. The random conversation gathered a couple more members as it transmuted into one on religion. I have found as I continually g^ve djeScHg^tihS; ° | faith, I gain more clarity witHevery^s^^lW^ I have had friends who held tSeJ^Telijjious: beliefs very closely and would be mystified that, in many I find it hard to express, adequately, that at 16, cases, my views on life come more from my heart my own beliefs are based on only my heart, not than my religion. Most outsiders wouldn't consider words in a Bible. The truth is that I have never me a very religious person. My family has instilled searched the Torah or any other books for those certain imperishable things in me, but I am very answers, the ones considered "right," because I lacking in others. don't think it has anything to do with it. All the years of Hebrew school, my Bat Mitzvah That day, walking with my gym class, I found and BBYO are a big part in my life, but sadly, I myself looking at Mrs. Christiansen and saying,
May the New Year bring you and your family health, happiness and prosperity i
Jennifer in Chicago, visiting Camp Beber friends. "Religion isn't something I believe should run your life, it is there to enrich it," and she. looked at me as if I had said something profound. "Exactly," was all she said, and I felt as if I had placed the last piece in an intricate puzzle. I have adult thoughts and mature feelings, but of course, I am still much a child. In those simple words, I found something I can wholeheartedly trust, just as I can always trust that if I choose to - sit in the hall during high holidays and talk with my friends instead of participating in services, the synagogue will always hold security .for me. As a teenager in the world, filled with decisions and growing, it is hard to find something so solid that you feel it will never leave you. It is a relief to be so comfortable with my own Jewish practices, one less thing to think about. I am thankful that if one thing was to be instilled in my life, this was it. Jennifer, daughter of Gary and Caryn Rifkin, is a junior at Millard North and a member of Beth EL
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 26,1997 by BenGonsher
prayers, the ones then* teachers taught them. And perhaps, although they are being kept from the synagogue, they are raising their children to do not as they' do, but as should be done. : : Yes, perhaps their children will return. But, it would go beyond positive thinking to assume they will - similar to denying the spherical shape of the world. Unfortunately, the sftul isn't the only aspect of their faith they have abandoned. Kashrut prayers and the'f Jewish way" of raising children are being lost by such marriages. - •., : I have read:that of all members of intermarried families, only one out of 10 knows he or she has some sort of Jewish identity, and only one out of 35 has'any idea what to do with i t If shul was the only thing that was depleted by such a defiance of, our tradition, then perhaps we should cut our losses and move on. But the results aren't so. The results are that the Jewish nation,' which has survived long past any other nation of the earth, the nation that has managed to thrive when the powerful Greeks fell, the people who prospered even after the mighty Romans were put into the history books, the community which managed to preserve itself longer than any other on our planet, the Jewish people are now destroying themselves. The unity that created our grandfathers, our fathers and us, that rose above every evil force that ever tried to detroy us, is being broken from within! Wouldn't we expect to find some other force coercing us to remain less than one percent of one percent of the population? It's shocking to see it isn't anti-Semitism causing us to disappear from other faiths'; drawn 'away'from the « ' the face of the earth, despite, our longevity of two that raised them. But perhaps I am overly critical and too ready to thousand years - it is ourselves not-staying who point out failures. Maybe, although they can't we are. It's a cancer called intermarriage. - .... Our intermarriage rate has reached 52%. That make it to -the service on Shabbat morning, they are still keeping the laws of Kashrut, the ones in means one out of every two people we know, one out of every two classmates in Hebrew school, only which their parents raised them. Perhaps, while they have only been absent from one of them will stay Jewish, will live Jewianly and our prayer house, they are still saying their will raise a Jewish family. As I sit and listen to the Rabbi's sermon on Shabbos morning, I look around. I am forced to acknowledge the extreme changes the hand of time has brought. '" The once young-andfeisty peers of mine, who would 'either excuse thernselVtsJp'riof ttf'tfye0^ sermon or'ijijfckiy be-'' asked to leave, sitting; If'ft t aware of thV sibilities placed on BarMitzvahed shoulders. : .The men, jwho are our fathers, quick to dance Ben on Simchat Torah, have slowed down as their heads and beards have gone gray. Sadly, those heads have either gone whiter, come in accompanied by a walker, or worse yet, are not even there.. But what I am shocked by, even more than those who are there, are those who are not. Where have my older friends gone? Some, thank G-d, have gone off to Israel or to further their education in yeshivot. But where are the sons and daughters "of our. congregation, those I looked up to and desired to be like? Where are those who are beginning that new journey of marriage and family life, and where are their children? I would, inevitably, come tor one cold, frightening.
I look around a t my group of friends, much changed from the rambunctious terrors we used to be, and try to prevent myself from asking, "Who will be the one to wander off the path of truth to satisfy their spouse's demands? Who's it gonna be? Who's gonna be the one, the one to survive?^.. ^ ^ .-.c.-.'.'-c )>•••.: Please, please, Hashem, let it be me. . . . .
Ben, son of Allan andRiniGonsher, is a senior at the Margolin Hebrew Academy in Memphis, TN, and a member, offigth Israel Synagogue.
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me Being an Orthodox Jew in a mostly non-Orthodox . community raises many questions about my everyday life and the customs I observe. Orthodox Jews believe the Five Books of Moses (written law) was given by G-d and every word is taken literally, with the help of the Talmud (oral law). This is what I believe and on what I base my way of life. The most frequently asked • question is, "What is that 'hat'- on your head?" or "Why do you wear that hat all the time?" Mainly, I get this question from nonJews because they do not, know, maldng it a very good question. The "hat" is called a yarmiilke or a kippa. One of its meanings is: Evan in fear of G-d. G-d is the mighty and all-powerful, and we are his "servants." I answer,-"I wear iriy yarmulke all day to express my fear of G-d and to show my love-for my religion." There are different styles and colors of kippotf.butibr the most part, they do not mean anything. . ..: . The next question (well, it really is not a ques. tion) was asked by my family doctor. I went in for a physical examination and she had to check my back; I had to untuck my shirt. Then she said, "You have to tell me what these strings are all about." The strings that she was referring to are called tzizits. There is a commandment in the Torah that says, "You shall make for yourself twisted threads ' on the four corners of your garments with which you cover yourselP (Deuteronomy 22:12). So, to fulfill the commandment of tzizits, we do exactly that. I mentioned to my doctor that the tzizits are supposed to remind us of G-d's Torah that he gave to' the Jewish people and the 613 commandments that a Jew has. I explained that the numerical value (Aleph = 1, Bet = 2, Yood = 10, Kaf =. 20, etc;) of
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 19
by Evan Saltzman
the word tzizits equals 600. On each corner there are five knots and eight strings. If you add the numbers together, you get 613! We rest from doing any kind of work. There are 39 categories of 'work' prohibited on Shabbos. These categories refer to work that was necessary for the construction, of the.Afisfefton (Tabernacle). From these 39 categories come subcategories where today's."work! ifffdefiried, for example: turning on lights, driving a car or writing a letter. : . Picture this.-It was 90 degrees outside, hot and humid on a Shabbosi afternoon. I was going to walk over to my friend's house for the traditional Seuda Shlishit, the third meal.,My next-door neighbor was outside playing baseball with his sons. I was talking to him and.his wife about my experiences in Israel, and the time came when I had to be going. It was about a 15.-minute walk. My neighbor said he would be happy to give me a ride. I said, "No, thank you. I will.walk;" He said, "Come on, its hot." I simply saidy "No thanks, it's a religious thing?" MyrieighTrar was aJ/fotpon; he understood completely. /,{<' • '^. /'/ Withput.going into much explanation and detail, andthere.is plenty, driving or riding in a car is forbidden on Shabbos unless for a life-ahd-death situation like childbir'thjeven then-,.there are additional do's and -flon'tsf Tjiis i s a difficult issue for a lot of people, arid! do not want to get into an argument about it--Many people do the best they can to do what is right. •'••".•• The last question is one many people, Jewish and non-Jewish, ask, "Are you studying to become a rabbi?" It is a valid question because they see how 1 act and the customs I observe. I assume they are talking about a pulpit rabbi, which I do not intend to become. In my opinion, to have the title "Rabbi," whether a pulpit rabbi or not, is a great achievement. It is given when one learns to perfection, and is tested on certain parts of the Talmud. I do what I do because it feels right. I feel a closeness to G-d by being his "servant" and obeying his
commandments. Every day, I learn something new, whether it be haldcha (law) or Mishna. There are many things I do without knowing the reason, but I do it because it's the law. This is exactly what B'nei Yisroel (the Children of Israel) said at Mount- Sinai when G-d gave them the Torah. Na'aseh v'nishmah. . .We will do and we wjll obey (Exodus 24:7). First, they will do the mitzvah, and .then they #ill learntwhyithey do the njitzvah. ^ > '• "w! ' ,.">"• Iwant to know more aboiitmy-jieritage. I want to know more about mysplf7'Kani .'not1 learning in order to become a rabbi,* although' th'e tifle: would be a great accomplishment.. :, .!.;.•,•!,;.. I am learning for myself and the ability to teach others. It is through Torah 1 that youi grasp,-an understanding-for life and find that path youiwatit to lead. This is why I do the things I do. .••••••• <'•• ."> Evan, son ofEfrol and Lynne Saltzmatif iv.a sophomore at Yeshiva University in New York-City and a member of Beth Israel. . , -,,!.-,-,; ..,,..,
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September 26,1997 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 21
by Erin Malashock My earliest camp experiences were at the Jewish Community Center. I spent a few summers at Camp Shalom and a few more at Camp Ghaverim. Every day, I would be very excited to pack my little backpack and go to camp. • - . . - ' Next came sleepover at Camp JCC in Fremont. I remember my best friend being so homesick. I could never understand why anyone would not like camp. I was having such a great time. The following year, I went to Camp Herzl in Wisconsin. I was so excited to ride on a plane without my parents. It was so cool! Unfortunately, it rained-the entire three weeks I was there. For the "mat five summers, I have been a camper at B'nai B'rith Beber Camp in Mukwonago, Wisconsin. Every summer there has been different but fantastic. I've had the opportunity to try many new things I probably would not have done at home and learned valuable, lessons along the way. One exciting E r i n (left),'and her cousin, thing wag learn- Michelle, w-a-a-a-y back at ing how to water- Camp JCC. ski. For two years, I tried my hardest to get up. Finally, my third year at camp, I got up on two skis. I skied all around the lake; I was so proud of I learned Ihard work and practice have
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their rewards, especially when things don't come easily at first. I have also shown improvement in sailing. I learned immediately that itis easier to sail downwind. The same thing is true for life in general. Sometimes it is necessary to go against the wind, or against popular opinion, but it can be done. ' . Wall-climbing and high-ropes taught me to face my fear of falling. With the right education and a safety line, I was not too afraid. This past summer made a big impression on my life. I met many people from all over the United States whom I feel will be my friends forever..It is,, not easy being away from family and friends for four weeks, but. the people at camp became my good friends and extended family. We found we shared many common experiences. Many belonged to BBYO, and I learned about missions to Israel and The March of the Living" from counselors who had already made the trip. Unfortunately, something terrible happened to my two closest camp friends. They received news that their best friend at home was hit by a car while riding her bike. She was in a coma. It shocked everyone in my cabin. We kept receiving news of her condition./Everyone was trying to think positively and wished for the best. . As a friend, I just tried to keep their spirits high and their minds busy. We eventually got news she died, My Mends held a memorial service, and we planted a.treein her honors., ,.,•:......-. Camp has taught me to be more independent. Being away from< my parents; I.learned to. make • better choices for myself.because I know I have to live withiny.choices;-••;••, .<..•;• ',:'• I have also learned to be a good leader. I was chosen captain for our camp competition; it was a very big honor;.I had always looked up toithe kids who were captains. This job was a big responsibility, but I felt I handled it well.: My. team, won, and I was very proud of everyone as well as myself. Be-
cause of this competition, I learned how to manage a big group of people. Going to camp is such .a. good experience, and everyone should have the opportunity. Camp is dot only fun, it is a chance to meet new people and learn more about yourself. Although this summer was my last year as a camper, I would like to go back a s ^ counselor. Hopefully, I can help otlierAlrittle.:pampers aay, "I lovecamp!" v/pfsXr.'"-'-i •",' Erin, daughter of Buzz and.jfyly UfaUuhock, is a sophomore at Burke and a member oftieih ML
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Erin (right), enjoying a bub ride'&t Cam^Bebfetf with her" friend,'Courtney Goldsteiiufralmo Beachwood,Ohio. >, " -i ( , • , .J, ,
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Jewish Press, Omaha,NE
September 26,1897 by Ryan Malashock
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I would like to play college baseball. My team Ever since I was a little kid, I have always loved sports. When I was only 3 or 4fc I would watch (Burke Blackstone Bulldogs), despite a losing record in the regular season, had a great postgames on TV. It didn't matter what game it was! As I got older I would sit in front of the TV for season and qualified for the American Legion State hours and do the commentary. It has been a long Tournament. and interesting journey from T-Ball at: the JCC to I play center field and pitch. Baseball has helped playing in front of hundreds of people in the me learn abfcfut hard work and its rewards. I made Junior Varsity in the spring, but after a week, I got American Legion State Baseball Tournament. I'm sure many people, young and old, remember' called up to Varsity, and it's been going well ever -their first experiences with Chuck Arnold (Uncle since. Chuck!). He was the man who worked with all of the kids in basketball, baseball, soccer, etc. With a lot of enthusiasm, he really got me to want to play sports and to have fun. Now, it's funny when I go to the gym and dunk on the small 8-foot baskets, the same baskets I learned to shoot on. I remember how I first \ I learned to throw a base- ' ball. I just could not do it. Over and over again, I '__^, threw about five feet and '"V off target. The person who was demonstrating was right-handed, and 1 tried to imitate his moves exactly. Once I put the ball in my left hand, I discovered it worked much better! I remember I won some events in a sports competition at the 'J.' The winners were announced, and I was so embaruuii'Ji rassed, I just sat down •Go, Ryno!" and cried. I have seen the kind of commitment it takes to Sports still play a large participate. Not only do the players make sacrirole in my life. I've fices, but the players' families also invest large learned to deal with competition and adversity. I gave up football after my amounts of time. I appreciate all the support I get' freshman year, but I've continued with basketball from my parents, sister, grandparents and friends. My mom, who is probably my number one fan, and baseball. and actually knows a The way I've dealt with basketball hasmade me has grown to love baseball ; a'bettef person; I-know il'don't have the physical "can of corn"' isn't just'fbr dinner. I' now' recoghizie l ! presence or the kind 'of talent to be an outstanding her "Go, Ryrio!" yell from the crowd! My dad is very supportive and helpful with-'my player, but I do know that hustle and hard work can sometimes outweigh talent. Being a team "game. He attends every game he possibly can and leader doesn't mean being the best athlete; it helps me understand the mental aspect very well. I guess my love for sports has in some ways means being a team player and motivator. Learning how to balance school and sports is shaped my personality. I've never tired from probably the most important thing I must do as a watching, playing, or talking about sports. If s good student-athlete. I am still getting used to manag- to have something to keep me driven and detering my time between studies, practices and games. mined. I look forward to more challenging and It has always been the motto in our household that exciting sports experiences. Ryan, son of Buzz and Jody Malashock, is a if I don't get the grades,. I don't play. I'm excited to take on a very tough schedule of classes this year. junior at Burke and a member of Beth EL
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Michael son of Barry Erics{eld and Cheryl Ericsfold, h a freshman at the University of Miami and a member of Beth Israel
September 28,1897
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 23
by Whitney Taxman One of the things I wanted to do for my Bat Mitzvah, was to help children. I was also very interested in the Holocaust. So, I put two and two together and decided to commemorate children' who were murdered in the Holocaust. When Danny Siegel came to Omaha to get high school teenagers involved in the community, he told me about another man in New York, Teddy Gross, who collected eight million dollars in pennies. He suggested I call him. After speaking with him, I decided to collect 1.5 million pennies, one to represent each child murdered in the Holocaust. Wow! What a brilliant idea! So I started collecting all the pennies, not even realizing how huge thiB project really was. $7.31. Thatfs it. Well, this was going to take me a little longer than I expected. I searched our whole house: under the sofa cushions, in my drawers, in my piggy bank, in my brother's piggy bank, everywhere. How was I going: to find theother 1,499,000. pennies? ; We called the Jewish P r e s s , the Omaha
by Michael Fineman
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you see the word GAMBLING? Is it money, fun, more money, excitement, even more money, winning, or wealth? Well, what should be coming to your mind is family disruption, divorce, impoverishment, mental break; down, and even suicide. 1 Compulsive gambling, also known as "Patholog[ ical Gambling" by Gambler's Anonymous, is an illness that affects , everyone close to the j gambler. It is known as I the "hidden illness," 'because 'unlike drug abuse or alcoholism, this disease cannot be detectMichael ed. There are several signs and symptoms. If a person experiences loss of tune at work due World-Herald, Danny to gambling, a strong urge to return to the casino Siegel and the Temple after a big loss, disruption of home life, or wanting Tidings to inform peoto sell their own personal items for "gambling ple of my outrageous money," then he/she might have a gambling addicproject. I started tion. The addiction usually begins when a person receiving letters and uses gambling to escape other problems. checks from all over A person's addiction to gambling develops in Omaha. Danny Siegel published an article three phases. The first phase is the winning phase. about me in his ZIV According to Nebraska's Gamblers Anonymous, a newsletter. I then person with several significant problems in his/her received checks from life may turn to gambling for solutions. These probother B'nai Mitzvah lems may include inefficient money, little Belfkids, their parents and esteem, a strong feeling of boredom or failure, and others who read defeat. This phase usually starts early among children who gamble for fun on a football game or an Danny's newsletter. innocent game of poker. One might experience a One of the letters I "big win" and suddenly become hooked. At this received was from point, unreasonable optimism of winning develops. Larry Denenberg, who The second phase JB. the losing phase. The gamcelebrated his Bar bler who isn't aware that there is a problem, only Whitney Mitzvah on the same thinks about gambling. His or her relationships day as mine and even shared the same Torah por- start to deteriorate, and ithe now compulsive gamtion. He sent me $18 in pennies. bler loses thousands, even millions of dollars at the .. A woman from Omaha sent me a note: 1 always casino or racetrack. A banker in Toronto stole and wondered why I saved pennies. After all, what can then gambled away $439 million before he recogyou buy with a single copper penny? Today's paper nized his probfem and received help. • • answered that question. You can buy love, kindThe third and final phase is the desperation ness and comfort when some very special little girl phase. Gamblers start getting bailed out of their decides they do indeed carry a lot of power when debts legally and illegally^ Personal costs of gamcollected for the world's children." bling might include family disruption, child Then, I got lazy and things started heading neglect, divorce, mental breakdown and impoverdownhill. People forgot about my project, and the ishment. A combination1 of these might lead to suipennies stopped coming. Then I went off to camp, cide. All the gamblercan think about nowis getand we heard a speaker, pn child abuse and third ting even. world countries.. A bell went off in my head. Businesses and the general economy also feel the (Actually, it was -the bell to go to lunch). effects of gambling. JSillions of dollars worth of proI sat down and figured out how I could inform ductivity are lost due to peoplo'sbending more time • people ofviny project again. This article is the in casinos and less tune at their jpbs. Along with n • beginning of a new PR campaign^To refresh all of drop in productivity, there is also a great increase your memories, the charities selected to receive the in criminal activity.. People are impris6n$d~for pennies will > include: The Pediatric AIDS- stealing to pay back gambling debts, and taxpayers ' Foundations'foi* research, TherAiden O'Neil pay more to keep them in prison. ' Foundation to prevent childhood cancer; Camp Now you should know several of the poBaiblfe!, Rainbow, a summer camp for seriously ill kids; The . \fi '^Mt '< . Weizmann Institute of Science, where underprivi- solutions to this problem. One is to promote federal legislation ip complete- < leged children learn about optics, plastics, electronics, astronomy, meteorology, medical research and ly^utiaw^gambling. To increase the effefifivenes^Bf'••_ other things; and the ABC at Cassid/s House, a ' this solution, penalties fol- breaking thebe l a w i program to get young kids away from problems like would also be made more strjafci A second'solution : would be to provide; education,-to. children as well • neglect, abuse, sickness and homelessness. ' My project is back up on the road again. With as adults.- Education haa already; been initiated m '£•-..'_ ;/ \> \ less than a million pennies to collect, I am anxious the Omaha-Council Bluflffl'area.! According to .the Omiiha. World-Herald .since Ji to complete my project before I graduate from high icaainos opened in Council Bluffs, the number<^f I school in May, 2000. people receiving help foil problem gainblirig-nas i' I am still trying to collect the rest of my pennies increased from 1,131 to 8^97. The number^fifeciK- ' to help children in different areas all over the . tie3 available has increased as well. ' :- ' world. I hope to someday make a difference in this Hopefully^youMauM^nowtJiat gambling ia a [ world by teaching children to deal with children in severe problem that can lead.to "many other life- \ an effective.way. threatening problems. It is more difficult to detect"; titan drug abuse or alcoholism'and almost always, t . t.Deathalone is horrible. the consequences are worse.' • ~\l 'But murder is inexcusable. '.'•..'•' Remember, the next time you make an innocent May this one red cent be. . bet on a football game or play poker with Mends, one step closer to its fulfillment. A Mother the best way to stop gambling is to never start. Whitney, daughter of Jeff and Sherry Taxman, is a sophomore at Westaide and a member of Temple Israel
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Michael, son of Glen and Uollie Fincman, in a junior at Millard North and a member of Beth EL
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bangs and bruises from the fouls that should have Editor's Note: Last month, 20 Omaha Jewish teenagers repre- been called but were not, you still have to manage sented our community at the 1997 JCC Youth to knock yourself into it somehow, and we did. Maccabi Games. The delegation consisted of one By the end of the first half, it was a toss-up. St. tennis player, one golfer and two basketball teams. Louis only held us by two. Team Omaha was still This is one of the stories: determined as ever. Nothing held us back. The This summer, I spent five days in Kansas City third quarter came, and all hell broke loose. We for the 1997 Maccabi Games. X lived an experience just couldn't play smart basketball. It was a very that will be a part of me for a long-lasting time. frustrating quarter. Sunday, Aug. 10, the Omaha vans arrived in When it came time for fourth quarter, we were front of the JCC of Overland Park, Kansas, at confused inside and beaten, too. St. Louis had us in about 3:30 in the afternoon. Team Omaha wasjone that third quarter, and it really let us down: As you of the last to arrive. I might figure, St. Louis defeated us by l i . Time wasn't up yet though. Along with us were teams from Akron, The next game was against Chicago. That afterCincinnati, Indianapolis, noon was one I would not like to recall. To put it Rockland County (NY), •this way, Omaha took a woopin' from the boys of - Southern Jersey, HousChi-town. . . a big win by 60 points. The whole ton, Chicago, St. Louis, game was a feeling of total humiliation. Baltimore, Las Vegas, The first day was over, and team Omaha was and even athletes from 0-2. We sure didn't leave a good first impression for Israel. That night was the teams we were facing ahead. opening ceremonies. R. jlHliilli ' , ! Tuesday was Tisha-b'Av, therefore, there was no Opening ceremonies playing. The whole day was a day of caring and Was such a rush. I disRobbie sharing, doing community service around the tinctly remember our team being called and run- Kansas City metropolitan area. ning onto the floor of Kemper Arena. To my sur- "Wednesday was very similar to Monday. We got prise, one of my teammates, Jon Zoob, did "the beat twice, and there was no way we could be in a worm" all the way across the court. How could I medal round. However, it really didn't matter. I ever forget that? It was such a celebration and a was having fun out there and learning new things. welcome to the Maccabi Games, those opening cer- It was the experience that mattered to me. That emonies. • night, we went to Worlds of Fun and enjoyed ourAs you look around Municipal Auditorium in selves with games, rides and roller coasters. Kansas City, you see a sight you cannot explain. A Thursday, the day of the medal rounds. Omaha sea of green, scarlet, crimson, blue, purple, gold, had a game against the Kansas City blue team, navy, grey, black, white, orange, every shade you which was, to put it shortly, the Kansas City cut can imagine. The greatest feeling is that you are a team. It was the first game Omaha won the whole part of those many colors. One athlete represent- week, and it was a good feeling to know we ing your community, your city, yourself. Although wouldn't be placed last. you are a small part, it releases a feeling of pride, Next game was against Houston. A tough game; MACCABI MEDALISTS JULIE COREN Tennis 2 Gold Medals ADAM RICH Golf 2 Silver Medals BASKETBALL (15-16 years)......:......... ......^.Silver Medal K-
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and that is whatthe Maccabi Games are all about. Monday, the first day, the games have begun.' Now it's time for business. I was on the younger basketball team, and my story is from our perspective. We had nothing to lose during our first game against a defensively tough St. Louis team. Preparing for the game, we were all excited inside. I had a knot in my stomach, which isn't anything unusual for me before I play a game. This one, however, was a big one; it was the start of the whole thing that really shook me up. I knew once the game started, I would calm down. The game had started, and we were playing St. Louis tough. When out there on the court, you are basically semi-unconscious, when you should be 110% conscious. With all the hustle and bustle, the
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however, Houston pulled out victorious with a win by three, leaving us placed at sixth. The rest of the time was spent watching other events, meeting people from far places, and having fun. Thursday night was closing ceremonies and a final evening of dancing and comedy sports. The evening lasted about five hours, and then it was time to go to our team buses and say our goodbyes. All in all, the Maccabi Games were a fantastic experience for my teammates and me. I plan to attend the games in Charlotte next year and will strive to win a medal. Even though our team didn't touch gold, silver, or bronze, we still had a packed weekend of athletics and memories, some of whichTil never forget Robbie, son of Gary and Visa Epstein, is a freshman at Burke and a member of Beth EL
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September 26,1997 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 25
Happy New Year
by Robbie Epstein Far left: Julie Coren shows off her gold medals in tennis. Left: Adam Rich plays a winning round of golf. Below: The Omaha delegation waits for the games' opening ceremonies (back row, from left),. Andrew Yale, Corey Kirshenbaum, Cory Epstein and Matt Kutler; (.middle row): Ben Jacobson and Jon Zoob; (front row): Josh Wees.
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For tickets, call 402.342-3560 by Adam Frank Freshman year in high school. A big, new school, lend a helping hand. new faces, more homework, all the stressful things During the first few months I was going throu li you hear people talking about when you ask them chemotherapy, I really realized how lucky I was I how they like their first,"""" "~ ^ b e a part of the Jewish year of high school. And ] community in Omaha. My J family was in a particularthat is how it was for me, ly bad situation because at least at the beginning at the same time I had of the year. , cancer, my grandmother I was going through • also had cancer. •'..'• •' all the same feelings and i But everyone seemed emotions that-all the! eager to help out a little other five hundred or so \* bit. People visited us confreshmen were going, stantly, and since my through, except for one mom didn't really have a little twist. lot. of time on her hands to Shortly into my second cook dinner and things semester of my first year like that, all the other in high school, I was Jewish mothers took time ' diagnosed with .Hodgout of their days to maybe kin's Disease, which is a cook us dinner or take us form of cancer. out to eat. . When the doctors first diagnosed me, I missed During the times I'spent about two weeks of Adam (right), and his best friend, Andy Robinson.in the hospital, I would school; I had been in the hospital for almost a week get frequent visits from people every day, which after they did the biopsy that confirmed that I had always cheered me up. Hodgkin's. After that, I almost couldn't move for Four years later, I'm now a freshman in college. I another week. think one of the reasons I won the battle against So, I got back to school, and I was really behind cancer is because of the Jewish community and my in" all of the work. From there, it just got worse; I Jewish friends. had to miss a day eacluveek because of the chemo. What I experienced changed my life forever, and Of course, I had. to explain to everyone where I whenever I'm asked if there really are Jews in had been for the past two weeks. Let me tell you, it Omaha, I always answer with a smile on my face, wasn't easy. And it seemed like I heard the same . "Yes, yes there are." thing from everyone, "The doctors say if you're Submitted with undying love for the past and gonna get cancer, Hodgkin's is the best, because it present men of Mother Chapter, AZA # 1. iBcurable." \ . . • Adam, son of Ron and Marsha Frank, is a freshBut I really didn't have to explain anything to my Jewish friends. They were just concerned man at the University of Kansas and a member of with howl was doing arid were always willing to ^
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Page 26
Jewish Press, Omaha, Ne
September 26,1997
•AN IMPORTANT
SUMMER-
About this time last year, I was interviewing for a position with Avodah Corps, the work/study program at my Jewish summer camp Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI). The director warned me this would be hard work and could make me never want to return to camp again. He told me how some people hated Avodah slimmer. '. He then left the room, after telling me I had five minutes to-contemplate Lmy decision to move forward with the- application1 process. Sitting alone, I laughed at how dramatic he was making it sound. I had been attending this camp for seven years, and I doubted I would hate it after one summer. The threat of very hard work scared me a little, but I figured if I was with my best friends, it would be fun rather than work. Seven months later, I.boarded the plane with two months worth of luggage and tears streaming from my eyes; I was leaving my family and friends for the entire summer. Boy, was I in for a surprise. The camp looked horrible. I had never seen it so disgusting. That is when I realized we were the ones who were goingto fix it up before the campers arrived. That first week we built docks, weedwhacked, scrubbed, hammered and washed, not to mention cleaned toilets. I soon discovered a new meaning for the word "work." We were forced to rely on each others' strengths and help each other through weaknesses. I have never completely depended on a group of people as I did that sunfflifet:'" ly ' UA Wyi.} Every opening and closing day-of £ac'n:c'kdipvse"s^ sion, we were responsible for the campers' luggage. We unloaded it from their cars, divided it between units, loaded it onto tractors, and finally dropped it , off at their living areas. The things I learned from this will remain with me forever. First, I learned to hate the campers who packed 10 pounds of water or 10-pound weights in their bags. Second, I became an amazingly good tractor driver. Third, I developed a great
by Karen Kazor by Jennifer Rifkin That light , that iridescent ethereal light evil foretelling light - creeping in through shutters ramified through the blackness the pervasive, .blackness" of my peace Forcing my eyes to blink open. I'm awake. ' I swear, I scream, I'm listening. G-d, make me deaf to those words, make me blind to that wicked, yellow light.
Karen (right), with her camp friend, Naomi Shapiro from Champaign, Illinois. appreciation for the Hobart, the camp dishwasher. My eyes were opened to the great amount of effort and caring by the camp staff to create a great camp experience. They did everything from arranging airport pick-ups, to swim lessons, to working with handicapped children. ~ Every staff member dedicated his/her summer to creating a positive atmosphere for Jewish kids to learn and grow. The impact my own camp experiences had on my childhood pushed me to give back that summer and make camp as special to other kids as it was to me. Avodah helped me develop spiritually, physically and mentally. For that and so much more, I will be a different person, and the significance of that summer will remain with me for the rest of my life. Karen, daughter of Louis and Renee Kazor, is a freshman at Tulane University and a member of Temple Israel. Uiappy C?Vew "flear
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Go away! I It's flooding into my room | close the door I turn it off | time has passed-don't be afraid | just make it black again. | Spirits are hanging above me, % smiling and closing my eyes. | I am sleeping on a pillow wet with tears. § One year I Whenlawake, | May darkness be my cloak I That evil light
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A story of two girls ' "Congratulations, Lauren! You made the jazz band for next year!" .. Making the jazz band was a very big thing for an incoming seventh grader, since the group was mostly comprised of eighth graders. But I knew I would not be alone-there would be this girl, Lema, with me. Oh the first day of seventh grade, as I was walking to band class, I "1 introduced myself to i Lema. That was the beginning of our friendship which blossomed into a bond that could r * »•«• . not be broken. The thing that made Lema special was the fact t h a t she was a Muslim. We used to think it was funny that KLTAULJ!.- _„, * ..i the three flutes in the Lauren jazz band each represented one of the major religions in the world—one was Christian, one was Muslim, and one was Jewish. As we grew closer and became better friends, we started talking about our religions, only to find out „ that out of anyone at school, we were the most alike. We would talk for hours on the phone about holidays and laws and customs. Every summer, she and her family would go to the Middle East to visit her relatives, and every summer we would correspond with each other. • . During the school year, Lema' and I always ended up sitting right next to each other. We would challenge each other for the higher chair placement in band and beat each other time and time again. After constantly challenging each other for two years, we finally figured out we would co-chair our seat number. That settled all disagreements. Then we started Central together. Throughout high school we remained friends, even though we each had new friends. We still played together
Sheldon and Judy Brodsky Joel, Jodl and Rachel Brodsky Peter Brodsky tfarenBrodsjcy ,
Page 27
by Lauren Paley
and co-chaired our seat number. When it came to the flute, Lema and I were inseparable. We did everything together. Whatever we auditioned for, we both made it; whatever we played, we played the same part. At the end of our sophomore year, Lema decided to go to Israel and live with her grandmother in the West Bank. She needed to find herself, and she needed to leave America to do it. She needed my support to understand her decision, to understand her-andldid. ;••'.. We would talk about how different we were from the other kids at school. She was one of the. only Muslims, let alone religious ones, and I was one of
: -—i
Lauren (left), and her friend, Lema, making beautiful music together. the only religious, Jews. I kn,ew how it felt to walk, down the hallways thinking to yourself, "What ain I doing here and not in a place with more people like me?" So did she. I knew how it felt to have people look a t me and ask questions about my lifestyle. So did she. For two 16-year-old girls living in Omaha, Nebraska, we understood what peace meant, though we were not living in Israel. We understood
it meant we will always he different, but that I can still go to her house filled with Islamic things, and she can still come to mine filled with Jewish things. If peace were to happen in Israel, where brothers are killing brothers, we always said it would start with a relationship like ours. Maybe in our own small way, we were helping others to be more understanding and tolerant:;: •'••••-.:-..,-.•?'.••: In a world of hatred and-.violence for others : because of their religious difTerenee£,-:two girls, one Arab and one Jewish, found-eachother and became friends. Two girls passed the external differences and found the internal warmth and love and meaning of the word "friend."-; If they say music is the universal language, these two girls proved it. I love you, Lema. ' Lauren, daughter of Dennis and Susan Paley, is a freshman at Stern College in New York and a member of Beth Israel '
Friends are people to count on whetfier you're sad or « bit depressed. If you need sonfeq^fp talk to } • , .o^r.^irjl Vi?
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. . . and bring us to Zion in joy • *« /
Page 28
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Judaic Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln wishes you a Happy and Healthy New Year.
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SUMMER IN SAUDI If I told you that you would be spending an entire summer in the blistering heat of the deserts of Saudi Arabia, momentarily think of what your response would be. Well, for David Cohen, the long haul to the Persian Gulf is becoming oh so frequent. My stepbrother, Dave, is a captain in the United States Air Force, a job which takes immense training, effort and exertion. •Currently, Dave is stationed at Prince Sultan AFB in Saudi Arabia for the third summer in four years. He is assigned to the 4408th Air Refueling Squadron.
Captain Dave Cohen on the job The squadron's mission is to provide inflight refueling support to coalition Navy and Air Force aircraft. The coalition includes forces from Britain, France and the United States. David is the assistant operations officer. His main duty is to keep the mission on schedule and on task. Dave Cohen may be continents away, but he is no stranger to Omaha. He grew up in Omaha, graduating from Burke High School in 1983. He went on to graduate from Boston University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering. He has been with the Air Force for almost 10 years. David's plane is the KC-13 5R Stratotariker. This is a 4-engine jet that is capable of refueling U.S. and NATO fighters,'bombers and cargo aircraft. The plane carries a crew of four. Up to 200,000 pounds of fuel can be carried on the plane, an aircraft that can fly more than 15 non-stop hours. Currently at Prince Sultan AFB are 4,000 U.S., French and British troops. All personnel on the base live in tents. The tents can get extremely warm with average daily temperatures in the 120's, sometimes reaching 140 degrees. David says the area he lives in is called "Tent City," which'looks very much like. M*A*S*H on TV. You may recall the terrorist bombing in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, last summer. Since then, Air Force
by Eric Goodman
protection has dramatically stiffened. The troops are no longer able to leave the base. It is completely isolated. All vehicles entering the base are checked thoroughly. Any activity looking at all suspicious is not tolerated. David says his typical day is "odd." At about 5 a.m., he wakes-up and goes for a jog, then hits the gym. Waking up**early is absolutely necessary to stay clear of the extreme temperatures. After a quick shower, it's chow time. David gets to. the,base early to verify schedules • and resolve any conflicts. If he is flying on any particular day, he arrives at the office about two-anda-half hours early to check the weather and prepare for takeoff. About an hour-and-a-half prior to takeoff, the pre-flight schedule goes into action, Dave starts the engines, they taxi, and take off. Strict rules must be obeyed while in Saudi Arabia. General Order #1 bans alcohol, pornography and any "overt" displays of religion. The last item means no crosses or Magen David pendants can be worn outside the shirt. There are no Jewish chaplains; however, there are Catholic and Protestant chaplains. The study of religion can be very difficult, if not impossible there, and all church services are kept low-key. The troops have no contact at all with the native Saudis. '•'-.. Holding a job in the Air Force can be very tough when assigned to such missions. Staying away from the family for such a lengthy time can be most difficult. David is happily married to his wife, Pamela, has a son, Connor, and another child is on the way. He has followed .his childhood dreams of fly-,, ing his own aircraft. He has been around aircraft his whole life. His father, Paul, has over,35 years of experience infthe Air Force. Dave wants to continue flying for a few more years, but don't get him wrong, he would like this to be his last mission to the Gulf. • After his flying days are over, David wants to hold a job at staff headquarters. Next spring, he will be considered for promotion to Major. Anyone who has met him knows that with his skills, confidence and personality, he will go on to have a highly successful career, hopefully reaching all of his goals and aspirations. Fly'em high, Dave, and come home safely!!! Eric, ton of Robert Goodman and Arlene Cohen, is a junior at Burke and a member of Beth EL
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September 26,1997
1
'The Chosen
NCSY impressions
by Chaim Potok, Simon and Schuster Rockefeller
by David Shrago
Jewish Press, Omaha, NB
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Page 29
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When I look back on the. last 18 years of my life, I can say, without a doubt, that one element has had by Melissa DeBruin a greater impression on me more than anything. MIDDLE EASTERN That element is NCSY (The National Conference & PERSIAN CUISINE of Synagogue Youth). •Casual Dining In a recent NCSY study, it was shown that 99% and Cocktails of all NCSY graduates marry Jewish partners and •OpenMon-Sat live" Jewish lives. This is especially striking today, Live Music Lunch & Dinner when, to most people, it seems as though Jewish Thursday evenings •Take Out Available values and Torah living are things of the past. Try a variety of Ksbobs, Vegetarian Dishes Today, over half of the Jewish people marry non1712 N. 120th Jewish spouses. This is a scary thought, when only three or four generations ago, most of our ancestors Candelwood Shopping Center studied Torah in yeshivot and would not consider 493-3080 having a. non-kosher home.. Saturday was Shabbos, and intermarriage was almost nonexistent So, why is a religious way of life only looked at as what the guys in the black hats and long beards do? The answer is that most people have never had The Chosen starts out in Williamsburg in a neighborhood of Brooklyn. Two boys that have the chance to learn and experience what Judaism is about. Most of us only grown up within a few blocks of each other meet for know about sitting in the first time as rivals in a baseball game. long, boring services. Reuven is standing out in the outfield waiting to Hebrew school means catch the ball that Danny Saunders hits. Before sitting in a classroom, Reuven knew it, the ball was coming straight at listening to a teacher him. It hit the left lens of his glasses. Reuven felt a talk about Judaism, sharp pain in his eye and was very dizzy. They while students think rushed him to the hospital and doctors had to operabout anything but ate to remove a piece of glass. what is going on in that When Reuven woke up, he started to remember boring class. the baseball game and Danny Saunders. How could In NCSY, you don't he forget that horrible Hasidic Jew! learn about this thing One day, Danny came to the hospital to visit, but David called "Judaism;" you it wasn't a very friendly visit. Reuven ended up have a chance to experience Judaism for yourself. calling Danny names and screaming at him. Four times a year, NCSYers from all over the There is a'turning'point when Danny and Reuven become friends. The two of them learn about each country get together with their region for a fourother's background. Reuven is modern Orthodox day weekend to meet people, have a great time and C O N T BM P O R A B V experience Shabbos and Judaism. WOM E N ' S and Danny is Hasidic. CLOTHING The weekend begins with an event like laser tag Danny and Reuven split apart and stop talking to _ _ .—, —_ each other again when or trips to an arcade, giving everyone a chance'to } J Danny learns the meet new people in a familiar, relaxed, atmosphere. But Shabbos is, where it really begins. Just get633 N o R T H ; H 4 ' T n S T . Orthodox Jews want 402.493.7343 Israel to become a state, ' ting dressed up changes the whole mood. Shabbos and the Hasidic Jews do is special from the first minute the girls light the not, until the Messiah candles and the boys prepare to daven (pray) the comes. Then, Israel Kabbollos Shabbos service to greet the Shabbos becomes a state, and Queen. Then we all sit down for a special Shabbos Danny decides there is dinner and sing songs of praise to G-d and words of no point in staying Torah that truly come from the heart.;:;, •".• . Although most kids do not come from religious apart, since the issue homes, they cannot help feeling there is something , 'has been settled. This book was very divine that goes along with all the Shabbos experiMelissa easy to read and under- ences. Rabbis are everywhere to answer questions stand because the author used good descriptions about the holiday or the importance of keeping kosher. There is an awareness that Judaism is and had a good setting, conflict and climax. The characterHhat had the most impact on me something spiritual and special. Sessions are held was Danny, because in the beginning when he to discuss and learn about a variety of topics!:' At the end of the Shabbaton, everyone sits in a swung the bat low, purposely to make the ball hit •'. Reuven, I was really afraid of him. It made me candlelit room and sings songs about bringing upset how he treated Reuven just because he Jews together. Inspirational,stories are,told, such wasn't'a Hasidic; Jew. He had no right, because aB ones about Jews in the Holocaust who risked everyone should be treated the same, no matter their lives just to keep Shabbos or to put on tephillin. Kids speak about the privilege of keeping who they are. ,, Maury He finally changes his attitude and his opinion. Shabbos and a newly discovered way of looking at and life. After this, I realized he was really trying to make Madeline Over the years, through the inspiration of NCSY, an effort to be friends with Reuven. Katzman The Jewish elements in this book are history and py family and I have made great strides in pur the customs and differences between the Hasidic Jewish lives. My older sister, Shifra, spent two and Orthodox movements. It also talks about the years learning in a girls' seminary in Israel. She has graduated from college now and will return to Holocaust and the importance of Israel. Michael I learned from this book that you should give Israel. My little sister, Shoshy, attends the Friedel and everyone the same respect, no matter who they are. Jewish Academy. My parents,,aro constantly learnAlso, you should* never be afraid to show who you ing, Torah and recently moved to accommodate a Carol more observant lifestyle." really are. Katzman I have spent the past two years in a yeshiva in I would recommend this book to people who like to read about friends and the risks you can Skokie, IHinoiB, where I "spend half the day learning Gemorah, Jewish law, and Chumash. Following encounter. Friendship has many things to offer. Rick The book teaches about the different kinds of my high school graduation, I plan to continue my and friendships: how Danny's and Reuven's fathers Torah growth in a yeshiva in Israel. were friendly for the sake of their sons; how I am certain that with the foundation NCSY has Julee Reuven became friends with Danny's father and given me, I will continue my Jewish studies and Katzman how Danny became friends with Reuven's father. way of life. When I have my own family, I hope to Through all these relationships, Potok teaches us give my children what I have learned from all my rabbis and my mother and father. to judge people by the inside, not the outside.
A Book Review
ciumn.
Melissa, daughter of Lorry and Hannah DeBruin, David, son of Leon and Dani Shrago, is a senior in a sophomore at Millard North and a member of at the Skokie Yeshiva High School and a member of Bath Israel ••
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Page 80
Jewish Press, Omaha, Ne
September 26,1997
Dream twodreams and call me in the morning
by Courtney Rabb
how to deal with crying children to how to get a child to trust me. . The relationship a pediatrician has with his or her patient is extremely important and must extend to the parents as well. After all, they are not only the most important .people in a child's life, but their sense of their child is often critical to accurately identifying a problem or illness. I observed how Dr. Ellison developed this special relationship with both the children and parents. As a pediatrician, you still get to hear the stories (the ones I have grown to love) and also feel the reward of healing a sick child. This experience has helped me confirm that I do, in fact, want to be part of this most heartwarming profession. Being able'to make children well so they can go back to their imaginary worlds of play is exactly what I believe I was meant to do. Courtney, daughter of Steve and Lori Rabb, is a sophomore at Millard North and a member ofBeth EL
I know it is unusual, but at the age of 15,1 can say I want to be a pediatrician. When people ask how I know, I tell them the experiences in my life so far have guided me toward my career goals. I have always had an extreme love for children. At the age offive,I discovered this love. My brother, Benjamin, was born, and I became his second mother. He was like a toy. I played with him, fed him and watched over him. Since then, there is nothing I enjoy more than playing with kids, whether if s my younger brother...or the baby next door. At age 10,1 spent a summer volunteering at the JCC Child Development Center. One summer stretched into four, swimming, playing dress up, eating make-believe food, pretending to be a spaceship or a train, and singing songs. I loved my summers of stories, answering the question "why?" and living imaginary dreams. These summers were some of the best of my life. As a volunteer, the It all started with Ben... only thing I did was to play with the children, inside or outside. Of course, I developed favorites like most people do. There was the toddler who always had to have her sunglasses on when she went outside; and,the little boy who continually trie(j to make guns out of ^egos. Yet, each and every child was special. Children live in a world of fantasy. They have no
- .. .then on to babysitting worries or cares. They are innocent people who have not yet learned to hate, only to love. Maybe it is the good-bye hugs or the shrieking of their excited voices, anxious for me to taste their favorite • soup that makes me fall in love with them. Perhaps it is their constant curiosity or even their vulnerability which intrigues me. Whatever reason, my love for children has had a huge impact on my life. I have always planned to work with children, and becoming a pediatrician will fulfillthis desire and more. I will be able to combine my love for children with my love for science and satisfy my own curiosity about the world. This year, I volunteered at my pediatrician's office. I was able to shadow Dr. Joseph R. Ellison as often as I liked. It taught me everything from
Courtney with Dr. Ellison
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
thai "I'm not cynical, I'm truthful," says Omaha jazz icon Preston Love. Cynical is just one of the terms used to describe Preston in the local media, along with words like bitter and angry. After sitting down with him, letting him speak his mind, it is easy to see how one could misjudge him. For lack oT^'beliter wordj Preston is definitely.a purist when, it comes to music, particularly jazz music, but never call him bitter; he just takes an old-school view on jazz. It is hard for me to see how someone like Preston, revered by many, myself included, could have a bad label attached to his name. Hopefully, I can introduce you to the real Preston Love, an intelligent, likeable man. He prides himself on playing in what he called "the best swing band ever," Count Basic's Big Band. Like most jazz greats of the '40s and '50B, Preston was self-taught on the saxophone. Following many trips around the world with his and other bands, he became one of the best known saxophonists in the jazz community. After his career with Count Basie, he made his move on Motown. He Alan played saxophone with many popular artists in the '50s and '60s. After over 40 years of touring, Preston finally settled down in Omaha. I used to cringe at the mention of the term 'race pride.' Some consider it another phrase for racism. Preston, however, has shown me that it is possible to possess a high level of race pride, and still be a fair, kindhearted-individual. I believe it is this race pride that gave him his purist views on jazz.
L' Shanah Tovah
by Alan Josephson
Preston Love (first saxophone), performing with the Count Basie Band in the '40s. To him, jazz is a black art form, and he resents school, many of his friends were white and Jewish; the fact it has become so mainstream. Don't get me He said he probably would not have survived childwrong, he did not say that white people have no hood had it not been for the generosity of Jews. business in jazz, he just would like to see more • His family was so poor that sometimes they could blacks involved. He thinks it's a shame so many not even afford food. When this happened, Jewish consider themselves "jazz musicians' when, accord- store owners would lower their prices or forgive his ing to Preston, "Some of the greatest musicians in family their debts. the world couldn't play jazz." In fact, Preston You can see this influence when you hear him doesn't even like to label himself a 'jazz musician.' utter Yiddish phrases you would not expect a 70-something, black jazz musician to know. He resents how political jazz has become. "If s fraud," he says. "Presenters build up certain Some people Call Preston cynical, some call him performers who can't play jazz at all." • . bitter. I think he may just be misunderstood. He's "Most people know nothing about jazz; they rely an honest man who possesses a high amount of on the media to tell them. If you don't play the pol- integrity, and that's why he never sold out. itics game, you don't get the gigs, you don't get the Now that Preston has settled down, he sells recognition,, and more importantly, you don't get advertising for the Omaha Star. You can also catch the money." him playing a mean sax on Friday and Saturday It is because of Preston's openness and honesty nights at the Bistro in the. Old Market. that he receives so much scrutiny from the media. If you like what you've heard about Preston, be Preston, himself being black, has a close tie to sure to check out his soon-to-be-released autobiog-' the Jewish community. He grew up in extreme raphy,A Thousand Honey Creeks Later: : ' Alan, son of Larry and Debbi Josephson, is a poverty in North Omaha. In the '30s, his neighborhood had a large number of Jewish people. At senior at Westside and a member of Temple Israel.
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Page 32
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 26,1997
A page from my Journal: llaniiili Israel Seminar 1997 Wednesday, July 30,1997 Rishon Letzion, Israel We visited the factory where they publish Yediot Aharonot, which is the newspaper that's both the most popular in Israel and the most widely circulated in the world (relative to population, of course). We walked through the plant and then went to a park for lunch. The staff divided us up into two teams and we played some little-kid games. I retreated after a while, my friends and I sat under a tree, and I wrote in. my journal.
activity; all of Seminar is divided into different groups, and I'm in Rishon Letzion while all my close friends are in Jerusalem. I knew they were spending most of the day at the archaeological excavations at Tel Marisha, but it was four in the afternoon. What were they doing? Where were they? My friend who's sick? I knew she hadn't come to Rishon, but I had no idea where she was. My Israeli host and her family watched me sympathetically as I twisted on the couch in front of the repeating news footage of the carnage and" bit my nails. "Call your family," they kept saying. My parents had decided to take that day to travel home from' camp, though, and I knew I wouldn't be able to get a hold of them. "Call someone," Hadas said. "Call your grandmother, your aunt, someone..." But I couldn't tear myself away from the coverage on CNN; couldn't leave my post until I had heard my friends were safe; couldn't be brave for my family until I could be brave for myself. And then Hadas said the strangest thing. "Now you know what it is like to be an Israeli,"
by Gila Hava Drazen she said to me. "Now you know how it feels to watch the coverage and be scared every time you Bee pictures of the same stretcher. You know how frightening it is not to know where your family and friends are. Part of the idea for this week was to know what it's like to be part of an Israeli family. Now you know, Gila. You know." • And I did know, to a certain extent. But I knew,
Rachel Slutsky from Evanston, Illinois, and I share one last Shabbat hug. Me with Hadas Baitel, my Israeli host who lives in Rishon Letzion. Shosh, who was part of the Israeli staff for that week's programming, came over and said something in Hebrew that was aimed at the Israelis I was sitting with. I caught most of it...the only word I didn't understand was piguim. I said, "There were two what in Machane Yehuda?" That's when I learned my vocabulary word for the day. I found out that piguim means bombs. Shosh didn't want me to know; she just said, "Get on the bus." We listened to the news on Kol Yisrael~listened as the body count went from eight to 10 to 13 to 18 (and back to 13). . This week is the week for the special interest
From left: Ann Lesley Hamas from St. Louis, me, and Anna Tarkoff from Chicago, stand in the hallway of our building at the Goldsten Youth Village in Jerusalem. We were about to give Shabbat flowers to our bus group on our last Friday night.
really, that my friends had probably been deep inside a cave, digging. I knew that the possibility of them having been injured was small, and I also knew that they probably didn't even know what was going on yet. But I had also learned what it's like to be the one waiting for news. I really hadn't known what it was like to be on that side of the fence until I was on the bus that afternoon.. .my training as a-member of an Israeli family told me that I couldn't keep my own family hanging. I went to the phone and dialed the international operator so I could call my grandmother and tell her I was okay. Gila, daughter of Rabbi Paul and Susie Drazen, is a senior at MiUard North and a member of Beth EL
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Page 33
Limud Veretz.- learning iii the tad The Judean hills of Israel easily capture a Rashi teaches that "with all your soul" means a tourist's eye. Beautiful sunsets and cool clear person should be willing to give up anything for the nights are often found when near Jerusalem. sake of Judaism, even his life in extreme cases. For I was fortunate to spend six weeks in those same example, the famous Rabbi Akiva was put to death Judean hills, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. by the Romans. Just before he died; he recited the However,' I didn't spend my six weeks there like Shema and remarked that now he could love G-d many of the other tour trips to Israel; in fact, I , with all his soul; he was giving up his life by refusspent much of the time indoors, in a yeshiva in ing to serve the idols the Romans forced upon him. Efrat, learning about the source of these wonders ,* | However, the third, "with all your might," is diffiand His commandments. '#] cult to understand. One explanation is that a perIt was here that I got a taste of real learning, of £f son should try to use his inner might, his character trying to begin to figure out concepts in Judaism, . traits, even the bad ones. For example, if a person gaining skills in reading texts and translating, but tends to be selfish with money, he should try to use most of all, beginning to figure out the kind of perthe money to buy something that will help him person I am. form a mitzvah better, like buying good food for There is one thing unique about learning in a Shabbos and therefore inviting people for meals. yeshiva in contrast to learning in high school or colThis is just one of countless examples; it is possible lege: it is in a yeshiva that people learn for the ben- Jeff (left), with Rabbi Shlomo Rislrin, Chief Rabbi for a person to improve his negative qualities by efit of themselves and their growth in Judaism, and of Efrat and Rosh Yeshiva of Ohr Torah. simply using them for the benefit of other people or not for grades and tests. I still have a long, long to do a mitzvah. way to go, but at least I had these six weeks to try . When 1 first started learning Torah, it was very to figure out how to improve myself. boring; I had to get past much of the grammar, the There is a famous sentence in the Torah, in the translating and the busywork. In fact, I still I . book of Devarim' (also found in the Shema), that haven't reached past that level and still have a long reads, "You shall love Hashem, your G-d, with all way to go. your heart, with all your soul, and with all your But once a person gets past the slow, tedious might." memorization of words and phrases, the deeper Rashi, a famous commentator on the Torah and meaning of why we do certain things and how we the Talmud, explains these three aspects. do them is revealed. This example was just from a The first two were easy to understand. "With all few words written down somewhere in some book. your heart," is clarified to mean that one should not But the books are not just books, they help a per"divide" his heart and have doubts about G-d; son figure out who he really is. ; rather he should try to believe that G-d exists with- _ Jeff, son of Michael and Carol Katzman, is a out a doubt. senior at Westside and a member, of Beth Israel.,
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JewishJ^e^s, Omaha, N E .
September 26,1997 by Michelle Malashock
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As a member of the B'nai "B'rith Youth turned in, and that we had enough ads sold to fit Organization for a year, I can say it is, indeed, a the budget/The job could get a bit stressful at times, but when it was over, I had a great feeling very positive experience. The BBYO handbook states, 'The B'nai B'rith of pride. During the second term, I was elected co-historiYouth Organization helps young people in their an with Jennifer Rifkin, personal development, and we had to make a according to their indiscrapbook for our chapvidual capacities, so that ter. Jennifer and I would they may lead personally take pictures at prosatisfying and socially grams. We spent many useful lives in the Jewish afternoons putting community and in the together the scrapbook, larger community... which was entered in a "This development is contest at Spring Conattained through their vention. It was one of the participation in democramost fun jobs ever, and tically functioning groups to top it all off, our under the guidance of scrapbook won first mature advisors and proplace! fessionally qualified During the year, a lot staff." of talk was stirred up My chapter, Ediar BBG among parents about the #710, has done a wide ; range of community seruse of drugs and alcohol vice programs. The Michelle with Eryk GUinsky at Ediar's Beau Dance. at BBYO functions. largest ongoing project has been with the JCC However, at all of the sanctioned programs I have preschool. We have helped out in the classroom, cut attended, I have never witnessed or been faced i out soup labels and cleaned chairs. I now volunteer with drug or alcohol use. at the preschool on my own. . ' The BBYO handbook states there is to be There is also an enormous feeling of sisterhood. absolutely no drugs or alcohol at events; if there is, We have had many bonding programs including severe consequences are to be taken. I don't understand why people would blame sleepovers, lakeside Havdalah, and dinner and a movie. Because of these, I have become close BBYO for teens getting involved with drugs. As Jay Lewis said, "Teens who abuse will do it, BBYO friends with Jewish teens from all over Omaha BBYO also offers conventions where you meet ornoBBYO." I will continue to stay active in BBYO. I hope to Jewish teens from all over the country. I attended the Winter Regional Convention held in Omaha be a positive role model for the incoming freshmen, and met people from Kansas City and St. Louis. as past members were for me. I hope the next There were also workshops dealing with racism. three years will bring new challenges, opportuniSo, the convention was not only fun, it was a won- ties and memories that will last a lifetime.. .with undying love for Ediar BBG #710 and BBYO. derful learning experience for everyone. Within the year, I was faced with many different challenges. The greatest was becoming a chairperMichelle, daughter of Larry and Diane son of the ad book for the annual Beau Dance. I Malashock, is a sophomore at Burke and a member had to make sure that ads were being sold and of Beth EL
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by Mendel Kurland Imagine for a second that you fly into a New Jersey airport, ride a bus to one of the nicest hotels in the state of New Jersey and then get off the bus to meet up with 47 Jewish teens who would soon be your best friends for life. This is not a dream; this became a reality, and it was one I was lucky enough to participate in. TJSY on Wheels' is a unique six-and-a-half-week trip which takes you on an action-packed bus trip around the country. There are five staff members and about 47 kids on each bus. Together we traveled the outer edges of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico as Jewish teens. ..... , , jt Shacharit (the morning service), Mincha (the ;'"^^}'' afternoon service), and Ma'ariv (the evening ser- ***"*---•• vice), were recited daily, it didn't matter where. In some cases, we stopped at rest stops and prayed
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Mendel (second from left), at Disneyland in California, with friends from USY On Wheels. right in the middle of the parking lot One day in Salt Lake City, Utah, was a little different. We were going back to our hotel room after listening to a speaker and eating a very good dinner. As we approached our rooms, we noticed that a small group of people were huddled together in a small corner of the hotel. ."•. .; As we got closer, we realized that small group of people was Israeli Jews praying together. We all ran to our rooms, got our siddurim and kipot and ran back to the group of people to pray with them. . Later, we found out that the group of people from Israel was also oh a tour of our country. We invited them to be part of our minyan the next day.
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Some nights, we stayed in home hospitality which meant that one of the local synagogues had its members put us up for one or two nights. All of the people were very nice. As the trip progressed, our friendships grew more intense; our bus was starting to shine as the best bus in the TJSY on Wheels' program for 1997. As we made our way back to the East Coast, it was time to start saying good-byes at thefinalbanquet. As it rolled to an end, we knew we were losing some good friends for a little while, but we would be keeping in touch forever. USY on Wheels' is an unbelievable experience whether you want to meet new people, learn new things about Judaism or about yourself. I would strongly encourage this program. The friendships and memories that you will make, you will remember forever. Mendel, son of Allan and Sandra Kurland, is a junior at Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs and a member of Beth El, andB'nai Israel in Council Bluffs.
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Page 36
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 26,1997
Following in the footsteps of the Levites Editor's Note: This article is a reprint of Rachel's vice of the tent of meeting, but at age 50, they shall D'var Torah given at Beth El Synagogue on the retire from the workforce. They may stand guard at fourth anniversary of her Bat Mitzvah. the tent and continue teaching in the community, On June 2 this year, I turned 17. What does that but shall perform no labor, 50 is the age of retiremean? What privileges do I earn each year that I ment. They were not allowed to participate even in the singing at the service after 50. God set these am a whole year older? When I turned 16,1 earned the privilege to drive ages to ensure the best of service. a car. Next year, I will earn the right to vote. Who sets these age limits? Who detennines that "16" is old enough to drive? In this morning's parsha, Bahaelptecha, we learn about the Levites' service to the tent of meeting. The Lord set aside the Levites and had them devote themselves to him. The Levites went through a cleansing process. They sprinkled themselves with water, shaved their whole bodies, and washed their clothes. According to Rabbi Judaism says to honor the "face of an old man." It David Lieberman, the is tradition to show respect and consideration for Torah records that the our elders. Who else would pass down their knowlLevites were to be in edge to their children? In return, it is our commuactive service between the ages of 30 and 50 Rachel practicing for nal responsibility to watch after them. According to Midrash, at her Bat Mitzvah. Today, we follow a similar kind of tradition. age 25, they began to When I was younger, I was a student in T.S.S. learn their duties, and at age 30, they began to per- (Torah and Siddur Skills) here at Beth El. form them. It is similar to receiving your driving Teenagers like Bobby Shapirp, Holly Friedman and permit at 15 and your license at 16. When learning j Greg.Greenberg taught, me. Their knowledge t o drive .you get a year to practice before the real i helped prepare me for my Bat Mitzvah. . . . test. ' ' °' '" ' j At age 13, I had my Bat Mitzvah, which began ToFservice to Gbd';y6u receive fiveyears to "prac- my service to God. I have continued-the tradition, tice:' Midrash tells us if a student does not improve the past few years. I am passing down my acquired within'fiVe years, he will'hever improve. During- skills to the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th graders who are this time, the Levites shall'participate ih the ser- preparing for their B'nai Mitzvah.
by
Every Saturday morning, students spend a little time in the sanctuary listening to the service; then, they lead their own service in the chapel, and later, break into groups to learn and practice prayers. As head of this year's 4th and 5th grade, I believe the kids learned a lot. Many of them have finished learning- the Torah service and are now learning Shaharit. The program has definitely : grown. When I graduate high school, like a Levite, I plan to participate in the service at a Hill el on a college campus. I hope to continue to perform my duties and to learn, even past the age of 50.
"It will be my responsibility to pass down the knowledge..." "' \ My parents and grandparents have guided me to where I am. I thank them for giving me the opportunity for such a beautiful learning experience. As a future parent, it will be my responsibility to pass down the knowledge and traditions so the process will be ongoing for generations to come. ,, ,; Good morning and Shabbat Shalom. i...:;.,.--... Rachel, daughter of Jerry and Sindie Katfhee, is a senior at Burke and aniemberofBethEL
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— a wfiok new meaning Life: What a beautiful choice. A familiar slogan dealing with the issue of abortion. I find it very valiant that so many people care about the rights of the unborn, but shouldn't this slogan start pertaining to something else, some-. thing that is already here, the youth of America? Kids killing kids, this is one of the biggest problems in society today, but no one wants to admit it is happening. One just reads the newspaper, or better yet, flips on the television to find that more teenagers, or • ... J even younger children, . . .Josh are dying because they are killing each other: Youth violence is one of the fastest growing problems in our nation, and it seems as if nothing is being done to stop it. Imagine going away for the summer and coming back to your hometownthrilled to be back, cannot wait.to see your parents, your friends, your room. Imagine coming home to find that some punk kid shot and killed a very close friend of yours, and you had no idea it had happened. Imagine that he was murdered for no reason, just because the other guy had a gun. He did not even know my friend who was just going for ice cream at the local Dairy Queen with his girlfriend and another friend. How would that make you feel? I felt empty, powerless;' sad and angry because there was nothing I could do but weep for him. : . . Some friends of mine were in West Omaha playing basketball at 11 p.m. at one of their; houses. A car rolled up, real slow, with its Lights off. A kid inside the car rolled down the window, shouted obscenities at them, and then proceeded to pull a
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 37
by josh
gun and fire at them. Thank G-d he didn't hit any of them as they ran for the safety of the house. It is stories like these that one can find every day in any major newspaper. It is time to start educating our children and teenagers that life is the right choice. We cannot go on as a nation 'with half of bur children dead and the other half in prison for murder. Education is the only tool we have as a society to cease the senseless violence that occurs daily in almost every city in the United States! ; life is the only thing we really have' as human beings. And our great nation in its Constitution guarantees us the right to life. One might go through life without money, cars, expensive homes or anything else people see as necessities today, but' one thing remains - vye all-live. ; To try and save unborn children is very noble, but it is time to save those who are already living, time to save those children who may become just another statistic, time to save those kids on the:' street who might have no means of saving themselves. We must start with education, first at home, then at school. Education about drugs, gangs, guns, sex-everything. More effort needs to made to educate the youth of America about this growing problem. . No matter where you are, violence is everywhere today, and there is nowhere you can run to escape it or hide from it. • Not even west of 72nd.
Drawing by Scott Saltznwi
Scott, son of Errol and Lynne Saltzman, is a Josh, son of Carl and Isabel Cohen, is a freshman junior at the Margolin'Hebrew Academy in at Washington University. Memphis, TCN, and a member of Beth Israel.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 26,1997
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 28,1997
Here in Nebraska, U S WEST" is working harder to make life better. There's a whole new world of telecommunications.coming for the people of Nebraska. And the number one priority of the 2,900 women and men who work at U S WEST* is to deliver the benefits of this new era to you, our customers. In addition to offering fair prices and new products and services designed to meet our customers' unique communications needs, U S WEST employees are dedicated to achieving another goal: Making life better here in Nebraska. We are, and always will be, committed to improving the quality of life in the communities where we live and work. U S WEST supports local community efforts in the areas of education, economic development, arts and culture, human services and civic improvement throughout Nebraska. It's a legacy and tradition we will always uphold. "After all, to U S WEST—Nebraska means home. "'."-, \ >,
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THE
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 41
Illustrated by Naonii Katskee
Bubbe was walking down the street with her two grandsons...
. when another woman passed them by.
\The DOCTOR is four, and the LAWYER is six!!
"Aye, such LOVELY BOYS1 Tell me, how old are they?"
Naomi, daughter of Jerry and Sindie Katukee, is a freshman at Burke and a member of Beth EL
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mately 4.00%.
current provisions. Five Certificates
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in the same name and held for one
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•
will
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|$2,500 or $2,000 for IRAs only). '•
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.
year old may be cashed In Israel, up to $2,500 a month per person,
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October 1997. Bonds purchased in
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State of Israel $100 Certificate
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interest rate is 4.00% per year, rate
October.27, 1997.
will
Seventh Development Issue (DIJ Bond
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Page 42
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 26,1997
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Page 44. Jewish Press, Omaha, NE September 26,1997 by Naomi Leiserowitz by Dr. Richard Freund. They accept volunteers from later, we're excavating that invasion shortly after around the world for as long as they choose (or as the Syrian invasion of the same place. The archaeological work, together with being in long as they can pay!); this is the capacity in which sites like Gamla, gave me a sense of continuity I joined the dig. I had several favorite parts of the dig: the archae- with Jews thousands of years ago and thousands of ology, the community and the setting. From what I miles from my home. The perspective I found in the was told, Bethsaida is excellent for the inexperi- trenches at Bethsaida let me look at the condition enced to attend. ,:: ' ' . " ' ' of the people Israel and my place in it with new clarity. I'd like to thank Temple Israel for giving me the Bethsaida had some brilliant experts staffing the dig. Among these were;Rajid:'Arav, the dig's direc- financial support to make this trip. I could have never gone without that aid, and I am grateful for tor, and Sandra Fortner, apotfery analyst.5; -•" , I found myself fascjpatejjdby;. me Oxford'student this opportunity that has changed my life forever. who measured daily; eieyaCion ^changes': I apprenI would enthusiastically recommend volunteering ticed myself to him for a week, so when he left, I at Bethsaida to anyone who has the interest. I hope was put in charge of recording the stratigraphy: everyone takes the chance at least once to find the . I also learned how the dig was organized: how the peaceful and genuine side of Israel. Naomi, daughter of Martin and Bonni Leiserowitz, pottery and finds from each locus are carefully collected, washed, recorded both in computer and note- is a senior at Abraham Lincoln High School in book, marked and laid out for reconstruction. Even Council Bluffs and a member of Temple IsraeL those participants who came without a red-hot interest in archaeology coiildn'thelp but.get caught up when they dug up preserved Iron Age barley, or when Dr. Arav taught them1 how to identify shards as Roman casserole dishes or Turkish pipes. Even p i o n e e r s t o build kibbutzim. ,.•.;•..-', V.;/'"/.• "••' •'•.",' •'• t.ie consistent diet of tomatoes and cucumbers grew . :A kibbutz is run in two parts: the business and on us after a while! the community. The community is about keeping a A community of people 10 to 75 years old, from at tightly knit family of people committed to the ideal least eight different countries and three religions, ' VJ. << -v ,;.-;«S»=«! of sharing responsibility and joy. all sharing archaeology as a passion, can only be 'The business part is increasingly important since found at a place like Bethsaida. Living in close many people are drawn away from kibbutzim by. the quarters with people from around the world brings put new understandings cross-culturally. For example, we Americans learned not to talk about our new advancement. " striped pants to the British, because our "pants" •'How^ery^rig^ss&f.-ki^^^ trying to adapt old ideals to modern demands by translated into "underwear!" renting kibbutz land to non-members and allowing Each morning we rose at five, dug at the site until t.S •••» / 1 the members a greater degree, of autonomy., ., 12:30, free time until 4:30 at pottery reading, then - ' . 1 • * * l ' - ' -The extent of these concessions surprised me. For usually an evening lecture. During free time, most example, one spouse might work off of the kibbutz, people either slept or swain in Lake Kinneret and in . ; and the allotment of money to each family may not the evenings, took taxis to Tiberias. be exactly equal as was in the original socialist idea. We had organized tours from the dig, guided by I love the kibbutz for its sheer daring to exist, the Dr. Freund. My first weekend, we hiked up Gamla, openness of the concept, and the warmth of commu- a mountain city in the Golan that the Roman army nity so essential to its life. had besieged before going to Masada. It struck me After my stay at Yahel, I joined, a very different how'little had changed in thousands of years. community a t Bethsaida. Bethsaida excavations Oamla's day, Israel was'threatened by the Roman Naomi in iseihsaida holding a piece of an ancient began in 1987, and are sponsored by UNO and led firmy invading from the Golan. Now, 2000 years Roman casserole., '•'•'•
The news carries some story about violence and • terrorism in Israel almost every day. These reports are impossible to avoid, and Americans are now eager to give their opinions. The bombings and attacks on both sides are reprehensible and rightfully demand world concern. Yet, for five weeks this summer, I grew familiar with another facet of Israel that deserves equal prestige. This is "the'Israel where teenagers on liibbutzim graduate high school to contemplate their future careers, and Israelis work with international volunteers, to excavate archaeological sites. Originailyi* 1 planned' to visit my friend Shira, whom I had met at Kutz UAHC camp two years ago. I stayed with her family for two weeks at Kibbutz Yahel. This kibbutz is a Reform Jewish kibbutz. While most kibbutzim are secular, Yahel has a synagogue, and more importantly; integrates Judaism into the life and community of the'kiBbutz. I.Yplunteered various places,ori the kibbutz during the cjay; the pomelo; orchard,;llie dairy, and the diniog-;hajli/and Shira and I had run in the:eyenings. Ffomvh;errparents; who helped-foynd;Tfahel, and i)$her$,'I caught an;inkling of thes'pirit'tKat'led the
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Taking lessons from the family Tulane University. . My first year away at college, and for the first time in my life, I will really be on my own. My parents reminded me that while of course it's important to make new friends at college and have a good time, I'm not going down there for a ninemonth party. My parents reminded me how fortunate I am to be going to the college of my choice and that I should do very well. I've given a lot of thought as to what I'm going to do to be successful in college and have tried to look for role models. 1 realized there are two very successful people I know in my family, both are successful in their own ways.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 45
by Jeremy Friedman
^-^?-?s-
After taking a look at my daii and brother I realized that there are a couple of qualities that the' two of them share, persistence and dedication. These are very key to being successful in today's world. There are countless people who are intelligent or are very ambitious, but I believe that even more important to doing well at whatever you do is that "stick to it" quality. ','3fi'1 j , ' ^ ' ' - , ' * . ' ! ;.':". ]• I remember the countRss^^purs'my'brother spent learning how to sigh ; ' anij then when he started to talk, how much'( time5 fie speftf learning to speak correctly. Even now,1 'Benji still spends hours a week outside of school working on
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Jeremy with his father in Las Vegas before the Holyfield-Tyson match. • My younger brother, Benji, has learning disabilities. A doctor told our family when Ben was two, that he would never speak. Today, 12 years later, Benji knows sigh language. He also speaks perfect English and learned enough Hebrew to have had a Bar Mitzvah last fall: When I stop to think, it's just amazing what he's done with his life. Most people don't realize that
Brother Benji, left, Jeremy and Dad enjoying their vacation in Hawaii. Benji even has learning disabilities. Another person I have come to respect for being successful is my father, Steve Friedman. I've learned a lot about what it takes to be successful from him. He works hard at everything he does and has made a career for himself. How he did it is what has impressed me.
. . .persistence and dedication. . .key to being successful in today's world. My grandfather had a heart attack during Dad's last year of college. He immediately left college to come home and take over the family business. He spent the next seven years working almost every day in the family's liquor store and taking care of the rest of his family. Since those days, he has done amazing things with his hie.
Steven celebrating at Benji's Bar Mitzvah.
language, math, and many other things the doctors said he would never do. •-;•-; •'" ."-: >:'-~''-i>~< :-'.' Now, as I'm preparing to leave for college, I can only look at my dad and my brother and hope that I do as well in my pursuits as they have in theirs. Jeremy, son of Steven and Gail Friedman, is a freshman at Tulane University and a member of Temple Israel.
The New Year brings hope for a new beginning. May it bring health, peace, happiness and prosperity to ail.
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Page 46
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 26,1897 by Sarah Grossman
Ice skating is a sport that a lot of people don't take time to understand. They think all it involves is just dressing up and spinning and jumping around. • Well...that's not quite all there is! I have been skating for a little over five-and-ahalf years. At first, I,went through a program called Basic, Skills. J learned forward and backward skatjng, turns^and skating on the edges (no, a skating Jlade:iA'il<>|;flat -it is like an upside down letfet-IJatyl-HaS/two edges-an inside and an outside'edgej. Using the different edges is really important. Once I finished the Basic Skills program, I started working with a coach to learn jumps. There are six different jumps, and an axle is the hardest. Now I can do all double jumps (except the axle), and of the double jumps, I can land three of them in a row without any steps in between. I actually do three different kinds of skating-Freestyle, Movies in the Field, and Ice Dance. There is also off-ice training, which includes off-ice jumping, dance, stretching and fitness training. My first competition was in St. Joseph, Missouri. I was eight years old and my hardest jump was a half-flip. I had really bad stage fright but managed to skate well and got third- andfirst-placeribbons. My parents were even more nervous than I was! When we sat down to watch the videotape, I noticed it was out of focus and shaking. Mom startDad;^'s3json^W0^«he ed laughing and told me Dad;^'s3json^W0^,« was shaking while taping inyjpe.ifQrmancbf j"?'^ By now, I have conque^e'd-'my^-s^ge'ffirint^a have been to St. Joseph five tunes to skate at the yearly competitions. I have also traveled to St. Paul, Kansas City, Des Moines, Dallas, Colorado Springs, Denver, and there is a competition here in Omaha each January. From all the competitions, I have won more than 50 medals and 25 ribbons. About the only really bad thing about skating is
My coaches have been a great help. They are very strict, but that's good because they work you harder, and you become a better skater. I've worked with many different coaches, both regularly and in skating camps, who have given me a variety of options to help me progress. My parents have been just great with my skating, too. Besides the terrible hours, this sport isn't cheap! A pair of skates coats about $500. My mom also has to find ways to weave her busy schedule around practices, skate sharpening, having dresses made, etc. Also, my brother Josh plays hockey, and my brother Daniel is in his last level of the Basic Skills program. Right now, he wants to figure skate and play hockey! I hope ice skating will someday be added to the Maccabi Games. In the last few years, many ice skating rinks have been built in Israel. In last year's World Championships, Mishna Shmerkin of Israel finished 14th. Who knows, maybe I will get the chance to represent Omaha at the Games! Some people think we are all a bit crazy to be involved with such a sport, but that's their opinion. I have absolutely fallen in love with skating and expect to keep it up through the years. •: Sarah, daughter of Mary and Alex Grossman, is a seventh grader at King Science Center and a member of Beth Israel. ".. .people think if s craay.. .thaf s their opinion." the hours you have to keep. During the school year, I have to wake up at 4:45 a.m. to be at the rink to skate before school. I'm pretty tired by the time I get to school, and I do remember falling asleep a few times during class. The days with religious school are real killers! This summer, the hours were a bit better, and I could sleep until 5:30 or 6 a.m. My dad usually took me in the mornings; I still don't know how he dealt with it. -
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Growing up Jewish ' Many of my Meads do not know what being raised Jewish means. They know I get to miss three days for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. They see me eat matza instead of my usual doughnut or two. Some know I cannot attend meetings or practices on Saturday mornings because I go to the synagogue. • •. • Obviously, being Jewish is a lot more. It includes everything from going to synagogue and. Hebrew school to the way you eat. Allow me to tell you how and why I am glad I have been raised Jewish. Three things affect my life equally: religion, social and family. The religious side is important because it separates me from any "Joe" on the street. It's the thing that pushes me out of bed early.on Saturday mornMichael ings to go to the synagogue. It is the reason I do not feel the slightest guilt for not attending school on the High Holidays and' other important holidays. Keeping my religious identity is just as important as school. It played a major factor in my decision to go to Israel to explore the land and learn about Judaism. This religious drive is also responsible for my attending years of Hebrew school and sacrificing countless afternoons and nights to learn about Judaism. The social side of being raised Jewish is more fun. For me, it started even before preschool. I was introduced to a group of Jewish kids who, to this day, are still my best friends. We went through Hebrew school together. Although what we were taught was always important, at times it got a bit tedious. But sitting through all those Tuesday and Thursday classes strengthened our friendship.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
— _
Most of us continued our education in Hebrew High School, making ourfriendshipseverlasting. I got to know other kids through BBYO and other Jewish organizations. The community should be thankful so many Jewish youth groups exist. They are a great way for Jewish teens to get to know one another and build leadership skills. As a member of AZA #1,1 had the opportunity to hold several positions, plan a dance and meet new people: We played sports, did community service projects and held Shabbat services on occasion. The fact we were Jewish brought us closer and built an indescribable bpndjSV' •• My non-Jewish friends were most astounded when they heard of our Sweetheart dances, with ad books and sweetheart candidates. They could not believe it was all done by teens, with little or no help from adults. v Finally, my family has played the biggest role in raising me Jewish. Of course, we have mezuzzahs on the doors and the full schpeil, but a true Jewish home has more than that It is knowing that on Friday night, your family will get together to light the Shabbos candles and have a good, home-cooked meal. It is cleaning your entire house before Passover. It is spending hours in the kitchen cooking and baking, so the entire family can enjoy thehohdays. Sure, cleaning the house is a pain, but that is why I enjoy Passover so much more. Anyone can go to the Passover section and buy gefilte fish, but it just would not taste the same unless my grandparents and I labored over it in their garage with a 40-year-old mixer; tearing, partly because the horseradish root was so strong, and partly because I was so proud to be continuing a family tradition. ' So, the next time someone asks what it's like being raised Jewish, tell them we go to services on the High Holidays, and then we sit as a family for:; hours, enjoying a home-cooked meal. Tell them we can't eat bread for eight days, but we spend hours
Page 47
by Michael Kricsfeld
making some of the best foods of the entire year (when else do people eat Manischevitz Coffee Cake)? And don't forget those countless renditions otAdori Olam at shul. I am proud I was raised Jewish, and would not trade it for ANYTHING in the entire world! Michael, son of Barry Kricsfeld and Cheryl Kricsfeld, is a freshman at the University of Miami and a member of Beth Israel, T
L A SYNAGOGUE IN SAFED. Photograph by Michael Parsow
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Page 48 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE September 26,1997
Vn mois magnifique en France9 This July, I spent four weeks living and studying in the Parisian suburb of Lisses, Prance. I will remember what I saw, felt and learned for the rest of my life. My voyage was the highlight of my summer and the most exciting thing I have done in a longtime. I went with an international cultural exchange organization called NAG^EL. In my case, the word "exchange" is misleading, since no one from the family with which I stayed spent time in my house in the United. States. I Jike to call my journey a "half-exchange."
There were th>reeicon^)OrftMftS|ipI*«ie program. The first was a homest^y wit$i a French family. The second was French language classes four mornings a week. Finally, the students in my group went'on daily.visits to;landmarks in Paris. From learning table manners to formal instruction in grammar, to reading the title of the Mona Lisa in French, each part of thd day afforded opportunities to experience France, its language, its culture and its people. I spent most of my time in my French home. I lived in a three-bedroom, two-story townhouse with my French parents, their two sons and a Turkish exchange student also with NACEL. In addition, there was a dog and a small white rabbit. Although it was a petite maison, it was clean, warm, and every bit as welcoming as our home in Elkhorn. The structure, like every French home I saw,
was made of creanvcolored stucco with a red tile roof; it had several small windows, a little patio in back and a pot of flowers in front. Downstairs, there was a tiny kitchen, a living and dining area with a large couch and television, a half-bathroom and a laundry/storage room. Above, there were three bedrooms, a full bath and a closet. Inhabiting the house was the Martins family: Francis, the father, an auto mechanic; Veronique, the mother, a housewife; Christophe, 16 years old and Sebastien, 10. Christophe is a go-cart fanatic. He and his father attend races weekly. I was invited to go along and found it to be very hot, noisy and smelly, not to mention boring...around the track and around the track and around the track. Perhaps the most consistent and fascinating ritual was the meal. Each morning, no matter how late I might be for my classes, I would always be expected, without exception for illness, fatigue, • death, or nuclear war, to eat breakfast. The petit dejeuner consisted of a hot beverage with a choice of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate (I chose tea), a glass of fruit juice, two kinds of bread and two kinds of jelly. It tasted so much better than Wheaties. I always knew exactly what to expect in the lunch Madame Martins packed each day. I t consisted of a sandwich on a fresh baguette filled with a type of meat (not commonly eaten in America); a bag of potato chips; two or more plums, peaches, apples, bananas or other fruit; two or more desserts, usually cookies, mini-cakes or pudding; and a bottle of French mineral water. Diner was never eaten before 8:00 in the evening,' but usually before 8:30. We would have a salad or vegetable (cucumber, tomato or endive) with dressing, the juices of which had to be mopped up with a slice of baguette. The main course was nearly always meat (pork, rabbit, fish or sausage) along with rice, more veg-. etables and fruit. Dessert would likely be pudding, yogurt or splendid strawberry or cherry cakes. To drink, we had water, sometimes Coke or juice, and wine for M. Martins. In addition to learning and speaking my second language, eating was the most intriguing activity during my trip. Each meal not only gave me a chance to see what the French normally eat, but also to observe their table manners (it's acceptable to keep your elbows on the table). The preparation
by Charley Landow and consumption of food and with what hand they held the fork was fascinating. The most important thing about the gastronomic aspect of French life was that bread is the staff of life. Judging by the infrequency with which a flourless meal occurred, it must be against the law in France to dine without bread on the table. At just under four French francs (about $0.63) at the neighborhood boulangerie, the baguette seemed the only food for sale at under a dollar. Its crust was a lot crunchier and its middle a lot softer than any raisin-nut-cranberry-oat-wheat-honey loaf at the most trendy and expensive American bakery.
The Eiffel Tower seen from across the Seine River, with a sign showing the number of days before the year2000. Even though I always love being home after being away, few hours rarely pass without dreaming of France and the people I met. This first-hand exper rience taught me things which would have been impossible to learn any other way. I truly enjoyed my month in the beautiful French Republic, and I'm already trying to figure but how to get back!
Charley, son of Paul and Susie Landow, is a: junior at Phillips Academy at Andover, Massachusetts, and a member, of Temple Israel.
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by Anna Cotton In the beginning, the universe was a dark whirlpool a void nothingness black and cold ' ' , ' ' . - And then.:': GOD created the world: '":''•' ' :
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He created the grassy rolling hills with their carpets ofwildflowers; each flower, with its'fragrant perfume He created tlie scorched earth of deserts and then made the cooling breezes to soothe the arid conditions He created skies of blue speckled with fluffy white clouds, like lambs in a sapphire pasture He created beasts, all which walked, crawled, swam, and flew; those with talon and beak, those with claw and mane, those with hoof and horn, those with hoof and no horns at all He created water, vast quantities of liquid delight and pleasure andpeace He created icebergs, floating chunks of silent love and mountains, strong, still, and understanding He created trees, sturdy, thick trunks and canopies of emerald leaves He created the moon, the mysterious silver orb which bathed tlie lands in an eerie yet comforting light ' , He created the stars in their multitudes, silent and sure, the sentinels of the skies ' He created Man and Woman arid He created children — all colors, each full of love, peace, delight, joy, and the sweet innocence of youth Ml this GOD created, when once the world was as gray as hate,
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 26,1997
A student's perspective
BAR MITZVAH
by Jennifer Friedman -' Miriam Ben-Yaacov was born in South Africa toward the end of World War II. She has been writing for most of her life. "Writing, for me, is a compulsion and an embarrassment. It makes me say what I rather would not say. It also clarifies how I feel about issues,". Miriam states in one of the packets she Handed out to our class. Miriam recently moved to Omaha. She is a yoga instructor, and 'Tethpfe* Israel's Artist-in-Residence\ She teughVa^as^OJi'^tjTig and the Holocaust to the eighth grade'situcfehts*? ' On thei'itoBtfd^r-Qf HeBrew School, she handed out the box&'SrNi-vkr Saw Another Butterfly. We each got to pick a poem and read it aloud to the class. We also watched a plethora of videos with subjects ranging from Holocaust survivors to the anti-Semitism episode of "Law & Order." "It taught me more about the Holocaust and seeing it from the children's view. It taught me to express myself through writing, too," Ally Freeman stated. I also liked the class. It enabled me to create some of my best writings about the Holocaust. I hope her future students enjoy class with Miriam as much as I did. Jennifer, daughter of Scott and Debbie Friedman, is a sophomore at Central and a member of Temple Israel. •
Jennifer (left), with her cousin at a family Bat Mitzvah in Minneapolis.
by Josh Levine
It was in late July; I just came back from Camp Sabra. I was on my way to the synagogue and really excited to start my Bar Mitzvah'lessons. What Cantor Berkovits and I did at first was study Torah trope. This helped me learn my Torah portion and Haftorah. At first, the trope was very difficult. With Cantor's help, I had no problem with them both. He was really great.' I went to Cantor on Tuesdays. When I went out of town, I sometimes had to have lessons on Thursdays. . w *-..'• - I have to admit that some'of the days I never studied, but I always said I did. Cantor usually knew. Then I found out that he found out I did not study my materials. After that, I studied all the time, and it really paid off. About three months before my Bar Mitzvah, I started to work on my speech with the Rabbi. It was a very good experience. Rabbi Drazen knew a lot about the Torah. That made me really under- Josh with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Gardner stand, and you know what that means, a really Lerner from Albany, N.Y., during the candlelightgreat speech! ing at his Bar Mitzvah. We worked, for about two months. I studied with Rabbi the same day I worked with Cantor. A few cause it was all going by so fast. Saturday morning came, and I arrived at the syndays after I finished my speech, I started practicing in the sanctuary. We went through the whole ser- agogue very early. I was excited, but yet a little bit vice. At first, I was a little bit shaky, but then it nervous. When my name was called to the Torah, I had became more and more relaxing. I just remembered it was the same stuff I studied in Cantor's office for shivers go down my back. But I had to do it; there was no turning back. six-and-a-half months. My Torah and Haftorah reading went beautifully. The day before my Bar Mitzvah, I had to leave school halfway through the day because I had to I was very relaxed. In no time, the service was over practice. It was a very easy practice and I knew and I was very relieved. The luncheon was good, I really loved all of the everything. Friday night was very nerve-racking because I presents...that was one of the best parts. It was over. I was now a Bar Mitzvah and the had never done something Ijke this in my whole party was great. life. I only made one mistake. I would relive that day any time. After services, everyone came to our house; they came on a school bus. We all had dinner, and Josh, son of Cheryl and Michael Levine, is an I talked with everyone and had a very relaxing eighth grader at Kiewit Middle School and a memevening. They left about 11 p.m. I was upset be- ber of Beth EL
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Changing the may I liue One experience that has had the most impact on my life would have to be the "March of the Living,' a two-week intense Holocaust study program: Six thousand Jewish teens from around the world traveled to Poland for one week and to Israel for one week. While in Poland, we visited the concentration camps'and ghettos and learned about the horrors of the past that occurred in these areas. The reason the trip is called the 'March of the Living* is because we participated in a march from the concentration/work camp, Auschwitz, to the concentration/death camp, Birkenau. Afterwards, we spent a week in Israel touring the country and seeing what. Jewish life is like today. This trip not only changed the way I look at life, it also changed the way I live my life. . Before actually going on the 'March of the living,' I had some knowledge of the Holocaust. We were required to take classes to prepare for the trip. We studied a detailed history of the Holocaust and learned what to expect. , However, what I saw can't be described in a history book or even in my own words because what I experienced was a feeling. I was not only looking at these concentration camps, I was also experiencing what the Holocaust had been like. We saw the gas chambers in which our ancestors were murdered. I was able to touch the shoes that were worn by the people who had been there. By holding and seeing these types of things, I was able to picture what had happened. In Poland, I was forced to face the horrors of the . Holocaust. This caused me to feel emotions I did not even "realize 1 had. After Poland, I began to look atlife from a different perspective. I not only looked at life in general, but I looked at my life as a Jew. ' , When we went to Israel, I had mixed emotions. I felt happy to be in the Jewish homeland, but at the same time, I felt a little guilty and a little enipty because of my lack of knowledge of my religion.
I did not have a lot of religious background prior to participating in this trip, and learning more about my religion was a tremendous obstacle I had to overcome when I returned home. Although it is a lot of work, I am taking my studies one day at a time, and every time I learn something new, I feel just a little more fulfilled.
I realized life is not guaranteed. Since I am young, sometimes I feel like I am going to live forever, but the 'March' made me realize this is not always true, and for six million Jews, it wasn't. I am fortunate enough to have come from a loving family, and sometimes I take them for granted. However, when I think about it, I don't know what I would do without them. My life seems to be in perfect order; everything is going as well as I could possibly hope for, and because of this, I take life in general for granted. This trip caused me to think about those people whose perfect lives were disrupted for no reason. When I think about what could have happened if I
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. by Jessica Chait had been alive during that time, I realize it is my job to inform people and to make them give the Holocaust one extra thought. Informing people is just another obstacle I must tackle because it is the one extra thought that could keep something like this from ever happening again. I feel incredibly fortunate I. was able to participate in this trip, and have learned one of life's valuable lessons, one that will never be forgotten. Jessica, daughter of David and Laura Chait, is a freshman at the University of Indiana.'.'
Jessica (right), with another participant from North Carolina, helping to perform the mitzvah of cleaning a cemetery in Poland.
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September 26,1997
Life is like a Box of Chocolates by Allison Gordon A box of chocolates that sits by me With sorts of fragrances and tastes galore, The thought of wanting one and then some more; Before the mouth ends with the choice ofthee, Anticipating more for every soul to see. The sights are set and taste buds cry for more, Beginning now to hurt and feel so sore: 'Finishing the box and setting up the fee: A box of chocolates with time on mind, Ideas of knowing present and past And time is slipping outrageously fast. Souls keep on waiting with nothing to find, Setting up sights for a medley of men, The time will pass being never again.
Allison, daughter of Peter and Jenny Gordon, is a freshman at the University of Vermont and a member of Beth EL
My favorite place inthe world _ „,
Sarah Raful
My favorite place in the world is not the Western Wall or any place in Israel, even though many. places in the Holy Land mean so much to me because of the history behind them. My favorite place in the world is not Niagara Falls or Yosemite Park because of their beauty. My favorite place in the world is not Los Angeles because I was born there, or New York because of the Broadway shows. . : My favorite place in the world is a place with only 51 years of history, only beautiful if you like the color orange, and only presents two plays a year that do not compare to Broadway. My favorite place in the world is Herzl Camp. Herzl Camp is just an amazing place. The feelings I have there are ones I have nowhere else. I feel comfortable, happy, loved, excited and proud of who I am 24 hours a day. I found the person I want-to be at Herzl Camp and then, because of camp, I became that person. That person is someone who has ruach (spirit), is proud of being Jewish, who changes the lives of people, who lets people change her life, who takes criticism well, who is a leader, who is a follower, who stands up for what she believes, who is coopSarah with one of h e r campers a t Herzl. erative and helpful, who puts things into perspeccompletely on your own (with a little help). When tive, who knows what will make her happy, who you have these experiences with one group of knows when and when not to not take control, and Mends for summers and summers,.the group has a is someone who had all these qualities inside, but bond. This kind of bond is unbreakable. Nothing in had to have Herzl bring them out. the world can tear apart the relationships I have As I was going through my teenage years and a with my friends at camp. They understand me betcamper, my role models were my directors, my ter than anyone. / ozos (Counselors in Training) and my counselors. Maybe it's the ruacH, maybe it's the feeling .of When I became an ozo, those role models became comfort, maybe it's the white we all wear on my peers and my friends a year older than I. I Shabbos. My new best friend (of last summer) says realized then, at that point in my.life, I was the the best thing about Herzl Camp is "it is truly a person I had wanted to be for so long. Utopia where everyone is valued...and lifelong For the next two years on staff, I found myself friendships are made every day." being a role model for other staff, which was scary Herzl is a magical place and will always be in my and exciting at the same time. I could not believe I heart.The people I have met there and the results was that old; it had gone so fast. .. of meeting them have made me the person I am The relationships at Herzl are completely pure. today. , Friends become friends because they really and truly get along. They see each other every minute . Herzl Camp is and always will be my other home in my head, in my heart and in my soul; it is my of the day. They all have the same common love: , favorite place in the world. . . H e r z l . • • • ; , • • • • • •:. , : • : • • • ; - . .;.• Sarah, daughter of Larry and Dinah Raful, is a The experiences at camp are different from anysophomore at the University of Illinois and a where else. You, staff and campers, in a sense, are member of Beth EL
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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by Jennifer Lee When I began volunteering at. the Nebraska seven months, a man walked through the kennels Humane Society (NHS), I had no idea what it would and suddenly declared, "This is the dog I want!" lead to or how I would like it. ; ' We were all happy Basil finally had a home, yet we Thanks to all the wonderful people and the great were sad to see her go and concerned about how feeling I get after a long day of volunteering, it has she would react to her new owner. been a fulfilling experience. Another prominent experience is the story of a Feeding and watering homeless and lost animals, mother dog named Cassidy who had a litter of pupgiving them love and attention and helping to piesat NHS. She and her puppies went into foster match them with care for six weeks until prospective adoptive the, puppies were old families are some of the enough to be adopted into jobs I do that make a difhomes. After foster care, ference in the world of we put Cassidy and her pet overpopulation. puppies up for adoption. One example is the The puppies all got homes amazing story of a dog within the first day or named Basil. I remember two, as most puppies at listening intently to one NHS do. Soon after, of the kennel attendants Cassidy was adopted as as she unfolded the story well. A few days later, we of the dog that I was were all surprised.when holding in my arms. one of our animal control °fficers come through the When Basil first came d° or with her at the other to NHS, she was obviousend of his lead rope. She ly writhing with pain had run and so scared that she run away back to wouldn't take her tail NHS, as if she thought her from between her legs; As well as volunteering at NHS, Jennifer home was with us. also enjoys petsitting. Above, she is playone of our animal control After we held her for the officers had to coax and ing with one of her favorite 'clients.' half-carry her into the building. She had a shoelace tied so tightly around her neck that it was literally embedded into her skin! Her owners had obviously put it on her as a puppy, and as she grew bigger, well, let's just say the shoelace didn't grow with her. "Consider yourself lucky to hold her, because she was so skittish around people, it's taken months to get her to this point!" the attendant said. In the beginning, I helped gradually rehabilitate Basil by working with her, being very careful when exposing her to customers. Eventually, she became comfortable enough around me to wag her tail. Finally, after Basil had been at NHS for nearly
required 72 hours, in which time her owners did not come to claim her, we again put her up for adoption; she was adopted very quickly. Thankfully, she hasn't run away from her new, happy home. I have volunteered at NHS for two-and-a-half years and plan to continue for many years ahead. The work is so enjoyable that I have become a frequent, open-till-close volunteer. The staff now treats me as one of them. My one unfinished project? Convincing my father to let me adopt a dog of iny own from NHS. Jennifer, daughter of David and Sheryl Lee, is a sophomore at Millard North and a member of Beth EL
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I Ben, son of Dale and Kay Weinstein, is a i senior at North and a member of Temple Israel.
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Intermarriage: My Opinion by Melissa Shapiro There are always two choices, people, we have survived a long and two paths to take. One is easy. And glorious past. Jews have been through persecution in the past, but today we are its only reward is that it is easy. Author Unknown a strong and proud people. These things Judaism so important to me. Love relates to this quote quite makeam a link in the long chain from well. People can choose the easy myI Jewish predecessors, who had road and simply fall in love with important values and morals, to future anyone. generations. It is necessary to pass on The diffi- the I have learned from my parI' cult road, entsthings and grandparents to my children. however, As a link in this chain, I have many involves choosing responsibilities to keep the chain conthe right nected. One of the most valued obligations as a Jew is passing on the reliperson, w i t h • gion, the culture and the heritage to my descendants. I would like the thought given to things I have learned front my Judaism to remain a part of my family other tradition. things Melissa Carrying on my religion is not the that hold lifelong importance. For me, one of the first things I sole reason I do not agree with interconsider is religion. Intermarriage marriage. I can imagine that marhas long been a critical topic, but riages can be difficult because of dayas a teenager, it has recently been to-day things like bills, careers and brought to my attention. Over the children. When background differlast few years, I have thought ences and vastly different beliefs are deeply about my feelings regarding thrown in with these situations, mututhis important issue. I have al understanding and common ground formed the opinion that intermar- are hard to maintain. Without that mutual understanding and common riage is not for me. ground, marriage is harder than it Judaism, as a religion and as an needs to be. ' • ethnic, cultural heritage, has Antoine de Saint-Exupery, a French always been an influential part in and poet once said, "And now my life. From going to synagogue, pilot here is my secret, a very simple secret: to the interesting holidays, to the it is only with the heart that one can youth groups, Judaism has given see rightly, what is essential is invisime not only these opportunities, ble to the Bye." but also an identity. Unlike other After reading this quote and analyzreligions, when I go to services and pray, I pray directly to G-d, not ing it, I found it related to my feelings on intermarriage. I know in my heart through another person. what is right for me. As a cultural relationship, whenDoesn't it scare you that if over half ever I meet other Jews, I immediof my generation of Jews intermarries, ately feel a connection to them. Our religion antf our heritage have the Jewish religion could possibly be meaningful traditions and life- only a chapter of history? Melissa, daughter of Larry and styles associated with holidays, Sherry Shapiro, is a junior at Burke services and every day life. As a and a member of Beth EL
September 26,1997
ONi
SCHOOLFOOTBALL
High school football is life in many parts of the country. It is important to everyone who plays it, watches it and coaches it. Every player knows it is important; but not every player has what it takes to reach his/her goal. The regular season and off-season are what count. Not only must -players' have the drive to thrive in both those seasons, but they also must be mature enough to accept loss and be gracious in victory.
.
like a kid at dinner—the child must eat his broccoli before the steak. Game days are what all players dream of, the anticipation all day and all night. Rookies do not
Other players give up after tough losses. To succeed in football, one must have an inner hunger either way. Victory is what every player plays for. When it happens, there is no feeling quite like it, but the true victory comes in the work to achieve it. It takes dedication, drive and many other intangibles to be a star high school football player. When you get down to it, many of the same rules apply to studies, a job or even one's religion.'That is what is so great about high school football, it prepares one for life. It builds character and molds one into a better person. A person goes through many deaths throughout his/her life, and must be able to accept them. By going through a tough loss, one is prepared to deal with adversity and survive it.
Jason (right), last year at Brownell-Talbot know how to approach it. The veterans lead them to battle. The key to being game ready is to have envisioned the game and focus on it. • Putting that jersey on and walking out on the field is what football is all about. Eleven players at one time all working for the same goal. Usually the smartest team and the team that worked the hardest in the off-season wins. Even those players who work hard in the off-season must combine that with intellect and have ice in their veins. Finally, there is victory and there is defeat. One of the most important parts of football is how you react to each. Some players sit on their laurels after a championship season and fall to the pack.
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by Jason Kohll
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Each player must be able to compete well under pressure. The seasons, maturity arid the ability to block everything else out are the keys to, becoming a great high school football player. ' There are two seasons in high school football; the off-season and the regular season. Neither is more important than the other, but to be good at one does mean that you will be good at the other. The off-season is when the real players are made. For every touchdown scored, .hours and hours of weightlifting and running occur. Some Jason play high school football for the fun, camaraderie and competition. These are the ones who are poor players in the off-season and no better than average in the regular season. Others play to be the best and reach the next level. They will themselves to be great players in the offseason. During the off-season, nobody is watching and nobody is cheering. That is why the realplayers are made at that time. Some football players are like night owls, they sleep all day and when night comes, they wake up. They want to skip the day and go to the good stuff without putting in the work. Other players are
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE.
A team player on the court This is the primary reason so many people treasure their football playing days. Football is a game that is a part of every person's life, one way or another, and will continue to be for eternity. Jason, son of Jerry and Gail Kohll, is a freshman at Nebraska Wesleyan and a member of Temple Israel
The New Year brings hope for a new beginning. May it bring health, peace, happiness* and prosperity to all.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 26,1997
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Back row, from left: Boris Davidson and Jacob Katzman Front row: Tiffany Eiscnman and Annelise Ocanto^
September 26,1997
TO NCSY?
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 57
NEW /EARS GREETINGS to all of our friends
Choice Carp and Buffalo lor the Holidays
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 20,1897
Tut by Andrea Friedman
by Stephen Kotok
Making the transition from junior high to high school is a hard process in itself. Worrying about making new friends and how to deal with more homework are two main concerns for every incoming freshman. I had all of these baBic worries, too, when I made the big leap from Beveridge Junior High to Central High School. However, once I began my freshman year, I realized there had been one major change for which I wasn't quite prepared. After going to schools where there were always plenty of Jewish kids, I entered Central as one of only a handful of Jews. As I began to make friends, i t took me by surprise t h a t most of them had never met a Jew before. This was a huge change from Bev, eridge where my nonJewish friends attended Bar and Bat Mitzvahs on the weekends and knew some of the prayers better than I did. My new Andrea friends at Central had never heard of a Bar Mitzvah and were curious to learn about the religion. I remember kids asking me questions like, "Why don't you wear that beanie thing on your head?" (meaning, why don't you wear a yarmulke?) Another popular question (my personal favorite) ""Do you celebrate Thanksgiving?" I would simply answer, "Yes, I am an American, just like you!" ,„' They also thought it was unfair that Jews got to skip schooL.to "party? in.celebration of the Jewish New Year. That waV^,easyVone;'|(},answer.;<<Trust {he, it's no-party!" All^orthes'^jq'tifisliphs gave me a |enBe"Df,-prjde abbut'jny religion, but-at the same timeV'ma'deime realize how ignorant many people ; aire about minorities; , ; People need to be better educated about other religions, races and cultures. As I became better friends with these students, they started to get interested in Judaism. They realized our differences and respected them, but at the same time, saw many similarities. This experience taught me, that strangers see differences in each other, while friends see similarities and respect what makes them different.
I opened up my soul and asked for light to enter. Instead I was infiltrated by the suffering of the world, As the sun set, I mourned for humanity. My eyes broke open like an old faucet. Thoughts devoured my mind as I thought about my fathers and mothers. I could feel the scraping of the iron combs as the Roman ruins tortured my evening walk. The candlelight burned away with it the life that perished before, yet continues to die as a constant reminder. And there's me standing there. My suffering is only defined by what I see rather than what I have felt. Yet having the knowledge of suffering often leads an individual to burden himself with the pain of others. I was life surrounded by the blood red martyr stone walls. I had so much to be happy for, yet my heart was a burning bush. The sky came down and caged me in. I turned and turned like a fly that didn't know where to die. Finally I stormed the Bastilles of myself. My conclusions soothed me, yet I knew my surreal smile possessed little reality. • Despite all of this I continue to walk through life asleep, and when I awake, I stumble blindly, feeling my way. One day my alarm clock will hopefully ring and slowly push my golden gate open. Stephen, son of C. David and Shane Kotok, is a freshman at the University of Wisconsin and a member of Beth EL
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Andrea, daughter of Sandy and Amy Friedman, is a freshman at the University of Missouri and a niemherofBeth EL V.'
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Stephen (right), and camper at Kiryat Yovel Community Center in the Western Galilee.
by Anna Raful
Anna at her new school You've practiced your song a dozen times. You can sing the words in your sleep. You've stretched your muscles to be ready to dance. You warmed up your jaw muscles by doing several tongue twisters. But are you really ready? The torture begins. . You sit in the theatre waiting and anticipating. Will your name be called next to sing? Who will be next? You sit waiting and even if you are the 78th person out of 80, many of-whom have sung the same song as you, you stand up on the stage and show them what you've got. Exaggerated head motions, funny faces, so the directors remember you, remember your face, your voice, your name. Next, on to dance. Eighty people standing on a stage built for 40. Learning the steps, moving, trying to see the choreographer's feet and praying the music will magically slow down. You learn the steps. Two more times with the choreographer. One more time. All by yourself now. Then, everyone sits down. Groups of four, five or more called up on stage. Two chances to show the director your feet. So they remember your name. Remember your face, your feet, your name. Finally, the acting. More waiting and praying,: hoping you will be able to read for the part of the comic sidekick or leading lady instead of the 80-J year-old grandma. You read your lines clearly and' with all the emotion you can add to this character' So they remember you. Remember your face,'your emotions, your name. Then a weekend slowly progresses, and you're waiting to see whether or not they remembered. Monday morning, you see your. name. They remembered your face, your voice, your feet, your emotion, your name. Because you showed them why they should. . Anna, daughter of Larry and Dinah Raful, is a senior at the Idyllwild Arts Academy in California and a member of Beth EL
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 26,1997
Jashion passion I was thrilled when a counselor at school informed me of the fashion/apparel marketing class. My immediate reaction was a clear indication of my interest. She handed me a course catalog, and pointed to the correct description. I couldn't believe it. Reading the information about the class was like' reading my objective statement on a resume. Without any hesitation, I closed the booklet and said one word, "Definitely." , My mind has been fixated on the world of fashion since I was two. It began with just colors, everything had to match perfectly. But as I grew, so did my outlook. Of course, I still paid attention to color, but I began to incorporate that with style. Now I notice nearly everything-colors, styles, trends, classics, designers, displays, promotions, fabrics, quality, and most important of all, the consumer. My fashion marketing class expanded on all of the elements I was aware of, and put them into terms I could better understand. I learned a lot about clothing in general. I was introduced to a multitude of textiles, many with which I was previously unfamiliar. We related situations and styles to the fashion curve, studying each stage from innovative to obsolete. We took a.close look at many of today's top designers, and each student chose one on which to report. I have never researched and written on a more interesting topic than Donna Karan. I was so intrigued by the material, it hardly felt like homework. The class also focused on promotion. This involved matching a product to a target market, finding the most effective means of promotion, and carrying out those means to attract the consumer to a sale. Our period-three class was assigned a display window in one of the hallways. Every month, groups rotated the responsibility to create a display. We chose a store whose clothes we wanted to advertise to the student body. ... Often, the display would incorporate the time of year-homecoming, spring break, etc. We were then
THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA
WISHESyOU . AHAPPVANDHEAIIHy NEWyEAR Jewisliigederation Board of Directors Jo ward Kooper, President t Kruttcr, Vice President ; Epstein, Vice/ftes.ident >Lepn,W Ton ELECTED DIRECTORS Joel Alperson, Jill Belmont, Carol BIocIiTDcanFrankel
by Maggie Jacobson
Moggie in charge of picking out the clothes, dressing the mannequins and adding other touches necessary to • complete the display. The activity called for a great deal of creativity, something I enjoy putting into all that I do. Many things I did in fashion marketing required creativity, along with a good eye, careful thought and a great deal of work. Not only was it by far, my favorite high school course, but also a key factor that increased my love for fashion. That class,.along with my present job at a local clothing store, has taught me many things about the industry and given me a more than sufficient structure to build on. It's been an incredible feeling to have had no doubts about my career, interest for nearly 15 straight years. If I enjoyed my 42-minute fashion marketing class as much as I did, I can only imagine how much I will thrive on ah entire major. I can't wait.
Maggie, daughter of Richard and Joanie Jacob8on, is a freshman at the University of Texas and a member of Beth EL '.
Wishing You and Those You Hold Dean A Yean op Veace, Heahh, . Happiness and Tnospeniry
CENTEROFEXCELLENCEPRESIDENTS ;. . , : V. Spencer Brookstcin, Gloria Kadow, Jerry Kohll, Steve Piuor, Larry Raful
coNsrrrtrnoNAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN Bobbie Epstein, Israel; David Goldberg, YJOj Sorin Juster, Building and Grounds; Forrest Knitter, Israel; Steve Levinger, Jewish Press; Trenton Magld, YJO; Margo Riekes, Human Resources; Harley Schrager, Foundation; Marty Shukert, Planning and Evaluation; Arnie VVeitz, Budget arid Allocations CAMPAIGN CHAIRMEN Paul Epstein and Steve Simon Men's Campaign Chairmen
Sandy Epstein and Barbara Flatt Women's Campaign Chairmen
SENIORRABBIS Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Paul Drazen, Rabbi Howard Kutner Jan Pcrclman, Interim Executive Director Sheldon Bernstein, Endowment Director David Kampschneldcr, Controller Carol Kutzman, Jewish Press Editor Sharon Klrshcnbaiim, YJO Director, Women's Campaign Staff Associate Pam Monsky, Communications Director Kathy Watklns, Men's Campaign Staff Associate
The Jewish Federation of Omaha 333 South 132Elraol• Omaha,NE 60154• (402)334-8200
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September 26,1997 .
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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SHARON AND JON "I can't believe it," stated Senator Penske, "We're ' : actually ahead in the polls." Senators Penske and Morris were running in the 1996 presidential election. Sharon Penske was running for president; Jon Morris, as vice-president. Isn't it strange, a woman running for president and a man behind the scenes as vice-president? Sharon continued, "I guess there are a lot more feminists out there than we thought." They both' knew that wasn't the case. Sharon was a slim, beautiful woman that the men of America loved so much. Jon wasn't so bad himself. He was also slim, gorgeous, and loved by the women of America. They were both single and not involved in any relationships. Politics is very time consuming. "If we win, I'll be the first woman president in
An original short story by Rachel Javitch
the United States ever," Sharon selfishly thought. two electoral votes of She was sure the PenskeMorris campaign would win. Rhode Island go to the The other party, the Democratic party, was Penske/Morris campaign. Barker/Everitt, two old men who weren't nearly as Sharon Penske and Jon Morris win the 1996 prestalented, creative or pretty as they were. It was 9 p.m., the polls closed an hour ago, votes idential election, brought to 1/4 counted, and nobody knew what the outcome you by Zest- 'You're not would be. When i t came down to the final minute, fully dean, unless you're everyone was tense. I t was Barker/Everitt 277, Zest-fully dean." and Penske/Morris 277. . "That's it! We did it!" It came down to Rhode Island, the last two decid- cried Jon. ing votes. Tom Brokaw. of NBC News announced The Penske/Morris that the Rhode Island electoral votes went to campaign won again in~ ' Barker/Everitt. Everyone-in the Penske/Morris 2000, b u t n o t a s v Rachelcampaign office was stunned. They were so silent, Penske/Morris, ;as Morris/Morris. Not only was you. could hear a pin drop. -...-.:: \. ; ' - v.::;- , i Sharon the first'woman president, but she waa the Tom Brokaw, pushing on his earpiece stated, • first president to marry a vice-president in the White House. ..''>• "I'm sorry, what you just heard was incorrect.":. Sharon's eyes started.to light up when s h e . Jon and Sharon!.were zqarried in 1998. They had I thought for just one second there might be one • a little baby girl in12000,-Penny.6ki Morris. ounce of hopeleft.' • •.: ; • i••.-. i , Rachel, daughter of Gary and Karen Javitch, is "The last two electoral votes: of Rhode Island go , an eighth grader at Westside Middle School and a to the Penske/Morris campaign. Repeat: The last member of Temple Israel.
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Page 62
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 26,1997
A SALUTE Jenny Gates
SPRING CONCLAVE Adam Schwartz
JYG CONCLAVE Diana Manvitz
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SPRING CONCLAVE SET-UP: Jessie Itoieger, Adam Schwartz, Amy Willensky and Aaron Hardfrick.
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WINTER CONCLAVE: Amy Willensky and Morgan Denny
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 63
TOOTYS! SPRING CONCLAVE Whitney Taxman Julie Coren
BOARD MEMBERS-ftocft row, from left: Amy V/Ulensky, President; Mark Gelbman, Regional Treasurer; Max Kparber, Adviser; Morgan Denny, Social Action Vice-president; front row: Diana Manvitz; Jennie Gates, Religious and Cultural Vicepresident; Nikki Flatowitz, Treasurer; and Jennifer Fiiedman; at right: Mark Spizman, past Adviser, and Rabbi Debbie Stiel; not picturedi Adam Schwartz, Programming Vice-president; Tamara Meyers and Ally Freeman, Junior Youth Liasons; Julie Coren and Whitney Taxman, Secretaries.
JYG !HAVDALAH from left: Mark Spizman Chelsea Taxman Whitney Taxman
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 26,1997
I JEWISHI WOMEN
TO YOU AND THOSE DEAR TO YOU A HAPPY, HEALTHY NEWYEAR
(Formerly B'naiB'rith Women-of Omaha)
National Council of Jewish Women
wishes the community a healthy and happy New Year
extendsits warmest wishes to the Jewish community for a healthy, happy, and peaceful New Year.
Happy New Year to the Omaha Jewish Community
as we celebrate 15 years of gathering and preserving trie history of Nebraska's Jewry
333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154 334-6441 and 334-6442
GOOD YOM TOV from
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SENIOR
Our best wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year .
AJHEBICAN
from
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OMAHA SECTION
YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS/ OLDTIMERS Omaha Chapter-at-Large
Monday, JCC
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Wishing you a year of health, love and peace, happiness and joy Omaha Chapter of
HADASSAH
SERVICES The Students, Parents, Faculty and Board of the Best Wishes for a Happy New Year
Henry Monsky lodge B'nai B'rith
Kalah Franklin Hatikvah Chapter
Aiflfe
Friedel Jewish Academy wish you a healthy and happy New Year
formerly American Mlzrachi Women
JEWISH WAR VETERANS
Best wishes for a.' happy and healthy New Year
Epstein Morgan Post 260
young Seniors •wiih'Vision.
rp
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An organization ot the Bureau forth* Aging
The Congregation of Temple Israel wishes its friends in the Jewish community many long years filled with involvement, good health, happiness and peace. Sisterhood Men's Club Jr. and Sr. Youth Groups Outreach Religious School Parents
mia rutr? isnan BETH ISRAEL SISTERHOOD
Beth El Synagogue Best wishes for a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year We welcome new members
BEYT SHALOM RECONSTRUCTIONIST SYNAGOGUE As we celebrate our Second Anniversary and our affiliation with the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation, '*'•• we extend wannest holiday wishes to everyone in the Greater Omaha Jewish Community
Sincere Wishes for a Happy, Healthy NEWYEAR
eETHIIRMLSYNAOOODE
Sisterhood Kadimah USY BESTT .
Men's Glub BILU USY TSS
Wishing all our friends a "Shana Tova U'metuka." SAay &-d grant us all our most fervent glorious year
wish - A
in which we will
merit the coming of tAoshiach.
:.
"Rabbi Mendel Katzman, Chabad of Nebraska
B'nai Israel Synagogue Council Bluffs, Iowa "The little Synagogue OffBroadway"
A LiberaNewish Tradition For All
September 26,1907 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 65
CandBeBighfing
'TEMPLE ISRAEL
Member of the Union of American Friday, Sept. 26... 6:57 p.m. Hebrew Congregations Wednesday, Oct. 1 6:48 p.m. 7023 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68132 Thursday, Oct. 2....... ...no earlier than 7:46 p.m. 556-6536 Friday, Sept 26 BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Shabbat services....... ....8 p.m. Member of Union of Orthodox Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Debbie Stiel and . Jewish Synagogues of America Hazzan Erik Contzius will officiate. New members 1502 No. 52 Street, Omaha, NE 08104 will be welcomed and Hazzan Contzius will pre550-6288 sent "A Sermon in Song." Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to • the Sisterhood. . •s 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept 27 Friday, Sept. 26 Shabbat Morning service... 10:30 a.m. Kabbalat Shabbat....... ....7 p.m. Simcha B'Shabbat - an informal Shabbat service Saturday, Sept. 27 that includes study and discussion of a variety of Morning service and installation of new Board of texts. • • Commissioners...... , 8:45 a.m. Selichot Service. 9 p.m. Jr. Congregation ....10:30 a.m. A dessert reception will be followed by a Kiddush following.sponsored by Sisterhood Havdalah service and a special ceremony for Shabbat lunch follows, approximately 12:15 p.m. preparing sefrei Torah for the Holy Days. Selichot Pirkei Avos class with Rabbi Kutner ....6:20 p.m. services in the Chaple will follow. Mincha, followed by Shalosh Seudot, Ma'ariv and Rosh Hashanah, Wednesday, Oct 1 Havdalah.. , 6:50 p.m. First service. ..;....6:15 p.m. Selichot Second service 8:30 p.m. Social Hour.. ...7 ;....10 p.m.' Thursday, Oct 2 "Entering the Days of Awe," lecture by Rabbi Morning service......... '. .10 a.m. Kutner 11 p.m., Young Children's Service............. 1:15-1:45 p.m. Selichot services........ 11:30 p.m. Family Youth Service...... 3-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28 Morning services.... ....'. 9 a.m. TEMPLE ISRAEL MEMORIAL SERVICE Mincha.. ,.,.....: ...:..... 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5
BETH ISRAEL MEMORIAL SERVICES Sunday, Sept. 28: Kcver Avot Services Golden Hill Cemetery.. 11 a.m. B'nai Jacob Cemetery ......11:30 a.m. Beth Israel/Mount Sinai Cemetery. .12:30 p.m. BHH (Fisher Farm)................ ............1:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29-Tuesday, Sept 30 Morning service... 6:30 a.m. Evening service........: ..................6:55 p.m., Erey Rosh Hashanah, Wednesday, Oct. 1 Morning service.. ..'....._......;... 6:30 p.m. Mincha...... .6:50 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2 Morning service .,..; 7:30 a.m. Torah reading ....9:15 a.m. Sermon ...10 a.m. Shofar.. ...10:30 a.m. Musaf. .....10:45 a.m. Tashlich at Elmwood Park 5:30 p.m. Mincha... .'......... ........6:40 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3 Morning service........; 7:30 a.m. Torah reading. 9:15 a.m. Sermon. .' .....< ......10 a.m.Shofar.......'.......... 10:30 a.m. Musaf. : :..'. 10:45 a.m. Mincha and candlelighting.j......... .....6:45 p.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of the United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism ' 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE. 68502 423-8569 Services -are conducted by. Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Friday, Sept. 26 Services. 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 Shabbat Services 9:30 a.m. Selichot discussion, "What it means to be a Conservative Jew," with Rabbi Rosenbaum, followed by coffee and refreshments...8 p.m. Selichot services. , ; '....10:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28 . Memorial service, Mount Carmel Cemetery..1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1 Erev Rosh Hashanah.... 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2 and Friday Oct. 3 , Morning service 9 a.m. Junior Congregation ...11 a.m. Mincha, Ma'ariv 7 p.m.
Memorial service..........'. 1p.m. Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Stiel and Hazzan Contzius. will conduct services at Temple Israel Cemetery, 6412 North 42nd Street.
CONGREGATION, B'NAI JESHURUN The South Street Temple Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations 2061 So. 20 S t , Lincoln, NE. 68502-2797 435-8004 Services conducted by Cantor Michael Weisser. Friday, Sept 26 Shabbat Services .....; ; 7:45 p.m. Saturday, Sept 27 Selichot service.... 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct 1Erev Rosh Hashanah service..... .8 p.m. Thursday, Oct 2 Morning service......;., ...10 a.m.
B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE . 618 Mynster S t , Council Bluffs, IA., 51503 322-4705 e-mail: docjeb@juno.com Friday, Sept 26 Services and discussion, "Dersho^yitz, Right or Wrong".... ... 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct 1 Erov Rosh Hashanah, Dr; Michael "i-hlon'ski officiating, Zeph Telpner speaking on "What is the Jewish Destiny?"...... 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct 2 Services, Dr.Yablonski officiating, Dr. Oliver Pollak speaking on "The Binding of Isaac...10 a.m.
ROSE BLUWIKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street; Omaha,NE. 68154 330-4272 Saturday, Sept 27 Morning Services, led by Harry Noodoll.........9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct 1 Erev Rosh Hashanah Services..... ........7p.m. Thursday, Oct 2 Morning services.... .............9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3 Morning services... • 9 a.m. Rosh Hashanah services led by Don Schwartz
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California, Omaha, NE 68154 492-8550 httpV/omahofrecnetorg/bethcl Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m; Services ore conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and Cantor Emil Berkovits. • . . • Friday, Sept 26 Services 6 p.m. Saturday, S e p t 27 Services, followed by kiddush......... 9:30 a.m. Sitter service, TSS (Torah Siddur SkiIls)...v.10 a.m. kV1Shabbat story time , .......11 a.m. Mincha, Ma'ariv and Havdalah ...5:30 p.m. Morgan Solomon, daughter of Jeffrey and Ardyne Solomon, will.celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on Shabbat.Selichot Discussion program and refreshments 9:30 p.m. Selichot Service .....11:45 p.m. Erev Rosh Hashanah, Wednesday, Oct 1 Ma'ariv..... ; 8:15 p,m. Thursday, Oct 2 Morning service .8:30 a.m. Alternate Service.. :.;..... ..9:45 a.in. Tashlich Service '. 5 p.m. Mincha, Ma'ariv...... , :.6 p.m. . Friday, Oct 3 Morning Service ..........8:30 a.m. Mincha, Ma'ariv.........-..;........ 6 p.m. BETH EL MEMORIAL SERVICE • Sunday, Oct 5 . Memorial Service........... 11a.m. Rabbi Drazen and Cantor Berkovitz will conduct a memorial service at Beth El Cemetery, 84th and L Streets.
BEYT SHALOM RECONSTRUCTIONIST SYNAGOGUE An Affiliate of the Jewish Rcconstructionist Federation PO Box 24-1130, Omaha, NE. 68124 758-9233 http://www.omah afreenetorg/beytshal Friday, S e p t 26 Kabbalat Services.every Friday night at 3012 South 119 Street .................: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct 1 Rabbi Lisa Freitag officiating. Erev Rosh Hashanah Services...... .....7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct 2 Morning services., ;..]..,: 9 a.m. Tashlich, TBA, and conclusion of services.5:30 p.m.
OFFUT 25th and Capehart, Bellevue, NE 294-6051
CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Movement 11923 Pacific; Omaha, NE. 68144 697-1124 , chabad@abl.com Wednesday, Oct 1 Erev Rosh Hashanah Thursday, Oct 2 Morning service.............. Children's program Shofar service....... Tashlich. Ma'ariv... Friday, Oct 3 . Morning service....
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Page 68
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 26,1997
These are momentous times by Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Temple Israel Senior Rabbi
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Around the world, the possibilities for good or evil seem overwhelming. There are political crises, increasing violence, ethnic hostility, rampant nationalism, brutalizing inhumanitydaily confronting us. In cities and towns, crime, family conflict, joined to economic and social decline, seem to threaten the fabric of civility and patterns of decency. The tide must be turned. Each of us, as we begin the New Year,' must vow to make a difference. In the small circle of our lives, let us cast small pebbles into the moving waters with renewed commitment to personal and
integrity, compassion; faithfulness and devotion. Those small circles can become larger ( . circles. \l We must | believe in -"ourselves. And we must see the goodness in each other, beyond the maimed and mutilated souls in our (Continued on page 67)
Shanah Tovah Umtukah (for) a good and sweet year
May the New Year be a blessed one
by Rabbi Lisa Frietag, Beyt Shalom Reconstructionist Synagogue
by Rabbi Debbie Stiel, Temple Israel Assistant Rabbi
We often think of the period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as a time for individual reflection. A season in which we are asked to slow down and think about who we have become during the previous year. In fact, the month of Elul, one month before the high holi-" day month of Tishrei, is entirely dedicated to the inner journey of selfreflection. We are expected to arrive at Rosh Hashanah with our human apologies... already offered and with heightened anticipation for our annual meeting with G-d. Maimonides teaches that no request for forgiveness from G-d can be fulfilled until each person has confronted themselves and the people they have injured. Nor will G-d refuse to forgive any wrong which a person has committed against G-d as long as that person has been sincere in changing his or her ways. With this knowledge, we can approach this holiday season with confidence in our success. The importance of making amends offers us a hint concerning the centrality of the Jewish community in the process olteshuvah (spiritual and psychological improvement). We are expected to confess our wrongdoings and offer restitution in order to rectify our relationship with the injured person and with G-d. Through this process, we restore the breach which has occurred among us. When we have taken responsibility for our actions in the human realm, we can approach G-d in the divine realm. The community, therefore, depends on its individual members to respond to their shortcomings and to repair any harm which hris been caused. As Reconstructionist Jews, we inherit a tradition which stresses the importance of Jewish peoplehood. •, We look to the Jewish collective for strength and guidance in our path toward change and growth. Each member, young or old, strengthens the light of teshuvah. As the New Year drawsl near, we seek the unique gifts which come from each person and offer a special place for our teens who are being honored during this season. Shanah Tovaht
I am amazed and uplifted at times when I reflect upon how our religion shines forth with, optimism and belief in human ity, even knowing first-hand the atrocities that humanity can perform. Perhaps especially knowing the evil people can do, Judaism reminds us to reach for the best in ourselves. The Days of Awe are literally a spiritual opportunity for rebirth. We, as Jews, believe that one can start over. One canmuster the best that is with- ; in and change one's actions. Hope springs eternal in Judaism, but it is not a naive hope. We know, from centuries—even millennia—of existence as a people, that human beings can and do change - daily and yearly. As we seek to being again, here is a story to keep in mind. A monastery had fallen on hard times. It had shrunk with the rise of secularism until there were only five old monks left in the decaying motherhouse. In the deep woods surrounding the monastery was a hut that a rabbi from the nearby town would occasionally use for a hermitage. . The abbot decided to go to the hut and see the rabbi. The rabbi welcomed him in and upon hearing of the problems, commiserated. "I know how it is," he said, "The spirit has gone out of the people. It is the same in my town. Almost no'one comes to synagogue anymore." They talked and studied and laughed and cried. Before the abbot left, he asked the rabbi if he had any advice to give. "No," said the rabbi, "but I. can tell you this-the Messiah is one of you." When this message made its way around the abbey, each monk started to treat the others with extraordinary respect on the off chance that one among them might be the Messiah. And on the off chance that each monk himself might be the Messiah, they treated themselves this way as well. When people came to visit, they sensed this aura of respect and were drawn to the place. Within a few years, the monastery attracted new students and became again a vibrant center of light and spirituality. May we rememher to treat ourselves, our children, and all people as individuals with unique and divine attributes.
September 26,1997 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 67
These are momentous times .
Extra time for the holidays
™"
(Continued from page 66) midst whose presence so disorients us to life's , beauty and precious meaning. We must not allow the negative to overwhelm us. There is so much good for which to be grateful So shall we inscribe ourselves, our families and humanity in the Book of Life for a Year of Life. With God's help, let us rejoice in life's promise...together. ., •'..;.
has for centuries. by Rabbi Paul Drazen, Beth El Synagogue Still, we perceive The word around town is that "the holidays are we have had extra time late this year," Since our focus tends to be aligned to prepare for the holiwith the secular calendar, that way of looking at days. With that as our the timing of the High Holy Days is a natural one. perception, have we done We know, of course, that is not the case. After all, so? Rosh Hashanah begins on 1 Tishrei, in 5758, as it Have we made the effort to use the "late start" to think about the The bright side of the story message of the holidays? Hebrew reading and by Rabbi Howard Kutner, Beth Israel Synagogue Have we given thought basic Judaism, beginto the lessons taught in The cover story of New York magazine, July 14, ners' services at synaour community and its children by the events of 1997, asks, "Are American Jews Disappearing?" gogues, and the "Turn the past year? Friday Night into My answer is, "I certainly hope not." !f The year 5757. was one of tension between Jews. There is a dichotomy in American Jewish life. A Shabbos" programs. The message, given over and over again, was one large segment of the population has been the vic- The organization plans tim of assimilation. The bright side of the story is to reach 500,000 Jews"in of intolerance and judgmental activities. that religious life is on the upswing. More are dis- the next five years and While many of these events were in Israel, at the covering the richness and meaning of Judaism and engage them in Jewish Western Wall and the Knesset, the ramifications of are returning to a traditional lifestyle. life. I believe the time is those events are felt in Omaha, too. The reports Most assimilated Jews never had a real choice ripe for kiruv (outreach) are heard, our conversations are heard, and the because they were never given a proper. Jewish in America. There's a impact has an effect on us, our children and our education. They may have grown up thinking thirst for spirituality. I've witnessed this with my grandchildren. Judaism was merely a Sunday School experience own eyes right here. People are now searching for What have we done with the extra time we have for kids only, and not terribly attractive or excit- meaning, direction and purpose to their lives. had this year to set the record straight? Have we ing. Today, there are dozens of organizations And Judaism provides answers. taken the extra time to explain why.we feel diviwhose purpose is to bring back as many Jews as The major cause of disenchantment with siveness is wrong? Have we taken the time to say possible to theif roots and heritage. Judaism is lack of education. When Judaism is why declaring certain rabbis as "misleaders of peoOne of the major groups engaged in this work is revisited on an adult level, people discover the the National Jewish Outreach Program (NJOP). depth, comprehensiveness and vastness of Jewish ple" is wrong? Have we taken the time to say why Its founder, Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald, says, "This learning and literature. And that usually leads to the disruption of services at the Western Wall is wrong? •;,*" _^. > - " ' is a spiritual Holocaust. The American Jewish com- commitment and Jewish continuity. Or, have we shown our acceptance through our munity is committing suicide.'' I take this opportunity to urge all of you reading He believes that American Jewry will lose four this column to join adult education programs, read silerfce? Those around us, family and friends, learn much million souls in the next decade unless a dramatic books on Judaica, speak to your Rabbis; take your reversal takes place. (Rabbi Buchwald will be the Judaism more seriously than' you did in the past. about who we are based on what we choose to take Scholar-in-Residence at Beth Israel Synagogue It's a New Year; don't be afraid of changes for the a stand. May the message ofour actions be one in which good. After all, isn't that what Rosh Hashanah is from Oct. 31-Nov. 2.) ' NJOP has launched a major attack on assimila- all about? Ketivah v'Chatimah Tovah; may we all we can take pride. Shanah Tovah. tion. You may have seen ads for some of their suc- be blessed with a good and sweet year, both physicessful programs, offering free "crash courses" in cally and spiritually.
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Page 68
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 26,1997
The significance of Rosh Hashanah His,creatures and their actions and judges them accordingly,,.but when, just as importantly, we remember Him.' .:,, ,, • |h,.pur'High Holiday During the rest of the year, we are buffeted by so prayers, tw> significant many corporeal and material 'blows' to our^'heads,' aspects ,;,'of Rosh that which is most important and vital, our spirituHqshanan are menality, that we tend to suffer from spiritual amnesia tioned:' it celebrates and like an amnesiac, we forge,t. . • Creation-^"ThiB day is tlie beginning of Your .We forget who we ;truly are and what we all are C r e a t i o n i ^ ""rerfiemabout, what our purpose is. in life and why we were bpice of^he EirstDayV '• placed here in the first place. And if the blow is and it isVtin^wHen the truly severe, w.e may even forget our name-Jew. entire worl<j,Ts judged— Comes Rosh Hashanah and our/amnesia clears "All of Creation passes' and it all starts coming back to us. We remember before You in judgment." who we are and why we are—and on Rosh These two aspects are Hashanah; the" "Head of the Year," we get our own interdependent, two sides of the same coin. He who heads screwed back on right. believes in creation believes in a Creator before And in that spirit, we resolve that in the coming Whom we are answerable for our actions-"An Eye year, we will wear enough protective head gear that sees, an Ear that hears and all your actions the study of Torah; the performance of its comare recorded." . . . mandments-to protect us from the cruel blows of Indeed, these aspects are not limited to Rosh corporeality that constantly rain on our heads durHashanah: "A person is judged every day," com- ing the rest of the year. ments our Sages. Too, we proclaim daily in our G-d, on His part, remembers as well; He rememprayers, "He Who in His infinite goodness renews bers to give us, our families and the entire family each day, continuously, the work of Creation." of Israel, a year with all manner of abundant and What, then, is so special about Rosh Hashanah? revealed goodness. And we, on our part, remember Another name for the festival of Rosh Hashanah where all this goodness comes from—and act is "Yom HaZikaron," the Day of Remembrance. It accordingly. Ketiva v'Chatimah Tovah, I'Sharia is a day when not only G-d remembers Creation, Tovah u'Metuka; happy and healthy New Year! by Rabbi Mendel KMzman,- Chabad of Nebraska
Beyt Shalom Tmr?
,
Births Wil Cory Beach
1
Vide-president.;:../.'.^....^.....:.:..^. ....^.'.Michael Salmi Treasurer.... .......;..........;..Marina Konfisakhar Ritual Chairperson..............:...: Marti Nerenstone Education Chairperson: Marty Rosenberg . ,.- . Trustees Jean Goldfein, Dan Marcus and Philine Wangemann
Bat Mitzvah Valerie Rosenberg
Deaths Len Schultz
' •. JT 1 ••.•.^•'••. '& *s£; j S i & l s i S S JJiialiiiSasaiS^SSiSa
B'nai Jeshurun Co-presidents...
David Rosenbaum and Eva Sartori Secretary. SimGurewitz Treasurer.... .........:.. .........;.... Jeff Emil Financial Secretary......... ........MarkRosenberg Immediate past-president................. .Alan Frank . \ ' ' • T r u s t e e s - . - . . •..• • Audrey Berman, Peter. Hoffman, Steve Robinson, David Schor, Brian Schor and Rob Tobin ... Honorary Trustees Bonnie Lapin, Elaine Wolf and Jim Wolf
B'not Mitzvah Sara Doran, Stefanie Tompkins and Meggin Williams . -
Tifereth Israel President. ..Gerry Schuchman Vice-president.......... ..Eye Hqmnan Secretary...*.,. .........^.................^CeceHill: Treasurer........ ..Howard Feldman Youth Group President ...Adrienne Graham Board of Trustees David Brockman, Helen Misle and Albert Weiss.
B'nai Mitzvah Zachary Bryant, Lara Cahan, Leah Keller, Jordan Kenyon, David Mellen and Anatoly Zlotnik
Births Amos Chaim Pomp
Deaths Nate Bernstein, Sarah Breslow, Rose Friedman, Clara Gaiter, Leon Keller;, Stanley Kully, Shu-ley Schafler'anidiMariin SchwaVt^n'an^ ' ! i!l Vlli
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Beth Israel Synagogue President. > Rick Katzman President. .......Larry Rofiman Vice-president/AdminiBtration Donald Cohen ,. Vice-presidents Michael Walts, Vice-president/Financial Dennis Paley ' ' £aul Epstein, and Dennis Do Porte Vice-president/Membership David Kohll Secretary. Sally Kaplan Secretary. Myra Oberman Treasurer. ,.' Spencer Brookstein Treasurer. ...............Jack Kozlen Honorary Vice-president .Ajon Farber Board of Commissioners Past-president .Jane Rips Harry fierman, Sheldon Cohen, Howard Board of Directors Gendelman, Shirley Goodman, Barry Kricsfeld, Thdmas Baker, Beth Brodkey, James Clark, Marvin Parilman, James Polack, Alvin Rosa, Susie Jerold Dann, Steve Danon, Mitzi Delman, James Shyken, Sheila Tomps Farber, Diane Graul, Debbi Josephson, John Lehr, Lisa Lewis, Sally Malashock, Mary-Beth Muskin, Beth Israel Sisterhood Ann Noodell; Jeffrey Patiser, Steven Redler, Cabinet Members Rosalie Saltzman, Amy Willensky, Andi Willensky, Frieda Elewitz, Beverly Franklin, Charlotte andTimZweiback '' Kaplan, Susie Shyken, Georgia Ann Steinberg, Tibe Stoller; Advisors: Annette Fettman, Jeanette Men's Club Nadoffand Nadine Kutner President Jim Clark Financial Secretary. Leah Siegel Vice-president and Publicity Steve Danon Recording Secretary Frieda Elewitz Treasurer:...........'•..i.......1.........;.; „.Alan Fredericks Membership Bernice Cohen Membership...^ Harry Gates Publicity : Helen Schwartz Social Action/Community Service Treasurer. Charlotte Kaplan Howard Needleman Synagogue Services...... ...........Sheila Tomps Past-president Alan Fredericks Corresponding Secretary Mary Grossman
g Karen Barash Gregg g d ; ^ Miriam Brooks Philip Wriget^ ;' Stacie Chesen Marc Brodke^'^' Julianne Dunn David Hereof 5y. Rikki Epstein .Alon Mar,, • Robyn Epstein Jim Belgrade v • Lynda Frank. Lee Sloan.; ,-, Mandy Frost Donald Beckfcp " Elizabeth Hansen S^l.Ma^n Cohen,',. Jacqueline Hantgan .'.^.'."...''.'.Irosli Zweiback" " Patty Herek. ^ . ^ f l f e v i i Gilinskyi ' Lisa Hobennan ;. ^ . ^ l . ' ^ . ^ a ^ ' C o h ^ " JaneKasner. ?,....'.'...'. ?..Eric Spitz Roseann Smaage-Killian David Christenseiii Angela Martin...,, Paul Hornerr Tracy Moore .Jeff Schrier' Terri Sadofsky , Bryan Davb. Leslie Simon Curt Myers.
Deaths
;
Philip Becker, Florence Belraont, Alan J. Blotcky, Rae B. Brodkey, Martha Cherniss, Julius', Cohn, Frances Coren, Saul Z. Davis, Ann •Epstein, Eileen Erman, Maynard Finkle, Harold',, Sisterhood 'Skee' Fisher, Fannie Flaumenhauft, Julius " Sr. NCSY President .....:.... ...;........ Diane Graul' Frank, Sidney Frieze, Rose Friedman, Nettie M, i ' President Tiffany Eisenman Vice-president/Education Ann Noodell Gladstein, Ethel Greenhouse, Eleanor Hansen/ r' Vice-president....!... Zac Gonsher Vice-president/Membership.Stacie Chesen Brodkey Bella Harrison, Esther Horst, PearJ Hurwichy*;.,.. Secretary. Annalisse Ocanto - Vice-president/Programming Helene Holmberg Morton A. Ives, Mildred G. Jacobs, Gertrude?^ Treasurer Jacob Katzman Treasurer...,., „......, RickiSkog Kagan, Ida Kaiman, Dr. David Kaplan, Pearl,£'NCSV National Board/Vice-president of Out- Gift Shop Treasurer. Debra Sherman Kaplan, Ruth Kavich, Leon* Keller; ' B e l / j 1 reach r. ."....Jeffrey Katzman ' Gene^aTAsaistant..^ Wendy Manvitz Kohn,-Mlton-M: KrasneT-Ethel-Krieger, Adviser...'. .Rabbi Allan Gonsher Leibov^,pflltfiK Levine, Oscar Levinson, Berni^V,> ,-- ; OTYG Levinsoh, Roselle Livingston, Fany Luefschue&C>,' Bar fMifzvah President '. : Amy Willensky Shirley Margules, Ruth' Marks, Bertha BassiVr.j' Derek Passer Vice-president/Programming. Adam Schwartz Melnick, Edwin G. Milder, Myron H. Milder JUM% Vice-president/ReligiouB-Cultural Jennie Gates Miriam Nacht, Joseph A, Nanfito, Marian Sadis^K B'not Mitzvah "Vice-president/Social Action Morgan Denny Newman, Rose Novak, Clara Parker Novick^.,% Sarah Grossman, Rachel Katzman, Tamara Secretary. > Whitney Taxman Sarah OsofF, Eva Passer, Dorothy Plotkin, Doria', \ Schnciderman, Renata Yurikov Treasurer Nicole Flatowicz Poder, Divera Propper, Bernard Raskin, Normal?- . JYG Liaison Allison Freeman Julian 'Nick' Rips, Samuel Rubens, Margj'e,»'Births and Tamara Meyers Samualson, Shirley SchaiTer, Barbara Scuddef^i'" Sons Mollie Shelton, Arthur Sherman, Charles' •* • B'nai Mitzvah Elyahu Meyer and Yechiel Michel Kutner Sherman, Elaine Sherman, Alfred -Sophir, Jim'/"' Benjamin Bleicher, Nathan Bordy, Adam Gerber, Spitzer, Betty L. Urbach, Dora D. Weinber£,''';r Jared Max Polack Max Goldberg, Nicholas Jacobson, Scott Langnas, Norman J. Weincr, Irving J. Wurtzel, and Samuel "- < Deaths Daniel Moshman, Jacob Roberts, David Schneider, Zedick. ', V Elsie Dienstfrey, Joseph Dienstfrey, Ann Stephen Sternberg, Adam Waldbaum, Andrew Epstein, Martin Hochster, Ida Kaiman, Fany Weinberg, and Aaron Wolfson (Continued on page 70) Luefschuetz, Ruth Mazey, Dorothy Ratner, Ethel '¥• Rosenstein, Paul Sacks, Louise Sherman, Mary B'not Mitzvah Wine. Valerie'Brewer, Lauren Feigin, Rachel Javitch, Allie Lepp, Ally Shandell, and Sandra Shrier
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Page 68
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 26,1907
The significance of Rosh Hashanah His creatures and their actions and judges them; accordingly,:..but when, just as importantly, we
by Rabbi Mendel K&tzman, Chabad of Nebraska
J
Holiday
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prayers, two' significant aspects:'.; ."of Rosh Hashanah are men. tipned: ;it celebrates Creation-ri<Thi8 day is the^egip!ni.ngj of Your Creation^^'a- ."remem"' brianceof^&e. First' 'Day;''' aitd it ia'a^tme^when'the' entire worhj'.Is judged-"All of Creafionpasses" before You in judgment." ' These two aspects are interdependent, two sides of the same coin. He who believes in creation believes in a Creator before 'Whom we are answerable for our actions-"An Eye that sees, an Ear that hears and all your actions are recorded." Indeed, these aspects are not limited to Rosh Hashanah: "A person is judged every day," comments our Sages. Too, we proclaim daily in our prayers, "He Who in His infinite goodness renews each day, continuously, the work of Creation." What, then, is so special about Rosh Hashanah? Another name for the festival of Rosh Hashanah is "Yoin HaZikaron," the Day of Remembrance. It is a day when not only G-d remembers Creation,
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During the rest of the year, we are buffeted by so many corporeal.and material lilows' to oura'heads,' that which is most important and vital, our spirituality, that;we tend to suffer from spiritual amnesia and like an amnesiac, we forgqt. , • We forget who we truly are and. what we.aJliare about, what our purpose ia in life and why we were placed here in. the first place.; And; if the' blow is truly severe, we may even forget our name-Jew. Comes Rosh.Hashanah and our, amnesia clears and it all starts coming back to us. We remember who we are and why we are—and on Rosh Hashanah; the "Head of the Year," we get our own heads screwed back on right. And in that spirit, we resoU/e that in the coming year, we will wear enough protective head gear the study of Torah; the performance of its commandments—to protect us from the cruel blows of corporeality that constantly rain on our heads during the rest of the year. G-d, on His part, remembers as well; He remembers to give us, our families and the entire family of Israel, a year with all manner of abundant and revealed goodness. And we, on our part, remember where all this goodness comes from—and act accordingly. Ketiva v'Chatimah Tovah.l'Sharta Tovah u'Metuka; happy and healthy.New Year!
T r u s t e e s
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:
Wil Cory Beach
B'nai Jeshurun Co-presidents...... ......David Rosenbaum • • .-_ -. andEyaSartori Secretary...... f, ., ...;Sim Gurewitz Treasurer..........,....,,,;.....;.... •.,;.:....;JeffEmil Financial Secretary..., .....MarkRosenberg Immediate past-president....: ............Alan Frank Trustees Audrey Berman, Peter Hoffman, Steve Robinson, David Schor, Brian Schor and Rob Tobin ... Honorary Trustees Bonnie Lapin, Elaine Wolf and Jim Wolf
B'notMitzvah Sara Doran, Stefanie Tompkins and Meggin WiUiams
Tifereth Israei President..... ....Gerry Schuchman Vice-president....... -Eye Hoffman Secretary................. .......,..^........,,........J3ece Hill Treasurer..... ...Howard Feldman Youth Group President....... ...Adrienne Graham Board of Trustees David Brockman, Helen Misle and Albert Weiss.
BatMitzvah
B'nai Mitzvah
Valerie Rosenberg
Zachary Bryant, Lara Cahan, Leah Keller, Jordan Kenyon, David Mellen and Anatoly Zlotnik
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Jean Goldfein, Dan Marcus and Philine Wangemann . , , •.-. : ,
.-.-,;- :.,. l ... ... andMndiKot^en Vice-president...........'..v;.;.....»...i;;,v.,;].lioraTeipner Secretary/Treasurer „"....'...... l..Peggy DeLand , •:•.< •;•• Board of Directors ' . David Deland, Lee Eveloff, D/s. Tfvonne and Eugene. Freund, Scott. Kotzen, Alan and Sandra K l d '
Deaths Len Schultz
Births
Amos Chaim Pomp "•
Deaths
Nate Bernstein, Sarah Breslow, Rose Friedman, Clara Gaiter, Leonu Keller;, Stanley Kully, Shirley
Happy New Year Harvey and Ann Pickel
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Belli Israel Synagogue PreBident............................................Rick Katzman President..'. Lorry Roffinan Vice-president/Administration...........Donald Cohen . Vice-presidents Michael Walts, Vice-president/Financial......................Dennis Paley , ' Paul Epstein, and Dennis De Porte • Vice-president/Membership...................David Kohll Secretary. Sally Kaplan Secretary.............. ;...........;......,....Myra Oberman Treasurer..! ,.. Spencer Brookstein Treasurer................................................Jack Kozlen Honorary Vice-president ^VjonFarber Board of Commissioners Past-president Jane Rips Harry Berman, Sheldon Cohen, Howard Board of Directors Gendelman, Shirley Goodman, Barry Kricsfeld, Thomas Baker, Beth Brodkey, James Clark, Marvin Parilman, James Polack, Alvin ROBS, Susie Jerold Dann, Steve Danon, Mitzi Delman, James Shyken, Sheila Tomps Farber, Diane Graul, Debbi Josephson, John Lehr, Lisa Lewis, Sally Malashock, Mary-Beth Mustdn, Beth Israel Sisterhood Ann Noodell; Jeffrey Passer, Steven Redler, .•-,:• Cabinet Members Rosalie Saltzman, Amy WillenBky, Andi Willensky, Frieda Elewitz, Beverly Franklin, Charlotte andTimZweiback Kaplan,' Susie Shyken, Georgia Ann' Steinberg, Tibe Stoller; Advisors: Annette Fettinan, Jeanette Men's Club NadofT and Nadine Kiitnef ' President Jim Clark Financial Secretary.....................'. ......Leah Siegel Vice-president and Publicity... ..^.....Steve Danon Recording Secretary...............;.....;..i;.Frieda Elewitz Treasurer .Alan Fredericks Membership ...'.........i......,'..-..;.........Bernice Cohen Membership..., Harry Gates Publicity.... .....•...'.......:...;........r......Helen Schwartz Social Action/Community Service Treasurer.. .Charlotte Kaplan Howard Needleman Synagogue Services..... Sheila Tomps Past-president. ......Alan Fredericks Corresponding Secretary. .....Mary Grossman
Sisterhood
Sr.NCSY
President... :.... ......: ......Diane Graul President..; , Tiffany Eisenman Vice-president/Education Ann Noodell Vice-president........ ..........Zac Gonsher Vice-president/Membership.Stacie Chesen Brodkey Secretary. Annalisse Ocanto Vice-president/Programming Helene Holmberg Treasurer. i".Jacob Katzman Treasurer..., RickiSkog NCSY National Board/Vice-president of Out- Gift Shop Treasurer. Debra Sherman reach ', r. .....Jeffrey Katzman * General Assistant...'.'. Wendy Manvitz Adviser...'. , .Rabbi Allan Gonsher
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Bar tVh'tzvah
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OTYG
President ] Amy Willensky Derek Passer Vice-president/Programming. ,Adam Schwartz Vice-president/Religious-Cultural Jennie Gates B'not Mitzvah • "Vice-president/Social Action Morgan Denny Sarah Grossman, Rachel Katzman, Tamara Secretary. Whitney Taxman Schneiderman, Renata Yurikov Treasurer...!.,,........... Nicole Flatowicz JYG Liaison............... ....Allison Freeman Births and Tamara Meyers Sons B'nai Mitzvah Elyahu Meyer and Yechiel Michel Kutner Benjamin Bleicher, Nathan Bordy, Adam Gerber, Jared Max Polack Max Goldberg, Nicholas Jacobson, Scott Langnas, Deaths Daniel Moshman, Jacob Roberts, David Schneider, Elsie Dienstfrey, Joseph Dienstfrey, Ann Stephen Sternberg, Adam Waldbaum, Andrew Epstein, Martin Hochster, Ida Kaiman, Fany Weinberg, and Aaron Wolfson Luefschuetz, Ruth Mazey, Dorothy Ratner, Ethel Rosenstein, Paul Sacks, Louise Sherman, Mary B'not Miteyah Wine. Valerie Brewer, Lauren Feigin, Rachel Javitch, Allie Lepp, Ally Shandell, and Sandra Shrier
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Deaths Philip Becker, Florence Belmont, Alan J. Blotcky, Rae B. Brodkey, Martha Cberniss, Julius' Cohn, Frances Coren, Saul Z. Davis, Ann' . Epstein, Eileen Ennan, Maynard Finkle, Harold)', 'Skee' Fisher, Fannie Flaumenhauft, Julius/, Frank, Sidney Frieze, Rose Friedman, Nettie M,^;,' Gladstein, Ethel Greenhouse, Eleanor Hansen|:;Bella Harrison, Esther Horst, Pearl Hurwicfc'^s Morton A. Ives, Mildred G. Jacobs, Gertrude^ Kagan, Ida Kaiman, Dr. David Kaplan, Pearly;Kaplan, Ruth Kavich, Leon' Keller* •Beraaftf.ftUKphn.-MiltorrM:- Itxasue, Ethel Krieger, DianeWj,, Leib'i^.aHlriH • Levine, Oscar Levinson, Berni^.^v Levirisoh, Rdsblle Livingston, Fany LuefBchueta1,'-,:' Shirley Margules, Ruth Marks, Bertha Bassi^"'! Melnick, Edwin G. Milder, Myron, H. Milder IL^.;,, Miriam Nacht, Joseph A. Nanfito, Marian Sadi^'.u: Newman, Rose Novak, Clara Parker Novicl^fit Sarah Osoff, Eva Passer, Dorothy Plotkin, Dor4'.^ Poder, Divera Propper, Bernard Raskin, Nonnaiju Julian 'Nick' Rips, Samuel Rubens, Marg)e;'^<r Samualson, Shirley Schaffer, Barbara Scudder,%'! Mollie Shelton, Arthur Sherman, Charles.;';/ Sherman, Elaine Sherman, Alfred -Sophir, JinV-y Spitzer, Betty L. Urbach, Dora D, Weinberg;^ Norman J. Weiner, Irving J. Wurtzel, and Samuel "V Zedick. S
(Continued on page 70)
Wesleyan University We're helping students meet Hielr college expectatfotis! * Our students are satisfied with their •* 25% of Weslcyan studcnls paiiicipalo education experiences ' ' in intercoUcgtote athletics; 609b in (92% retention rate) intnmunls , •Rerognized by U.S. News & World .* 4 7 tnajon in 18 academic departments Report in "America's Best Colleges" ( u one of 163 outsianding national * Listed in the "Peterson's Competitive Colleges" guide and "Banon's Best liberal irts universities ' Buys in College Education" a Ranked by Money magazine as one of ( 1 N&ned to the Teinplctob FDundatioQ ' tha top 1(0 collego values in the nation Honor Roll (or Character-Building '. Colleges. .•/.'•, ( * 8 0 f clubs, bonorariea ind , organizations to develop students' which , ' • : ' ; , ; • leadership and communicaiioo IIUUJ •.iwogniirs. _ ^ _ ^ _ ' _ _ ^ * 85% o f faculty hold Ph.Djl 13:1 student/faculty ratio; avenge c l u s .' sluing h u 19 itudcnts •' • ' ' . . • OOflttQitOtCO I jj ' tocharacter-I * 6 5 % o f Weslcyfiflitudenu gndualo building La 6 yean (01 In Nebraska) pfOgf&IBS * 66% o f graduates purtuc graduate or probsskmal dopjess '
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Page 70 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE September 26,1997
T e m p l e Israel (Continued from page 69)
Totally ecnfl«t«l/cl
7 Olnada Location
Happy New Year To All Of Our Friends
Births Sons Daughters Mr. and Mrs. Larry Budwig Mr. Mike Coyle and Mrs. Pam Bloch . ; Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Burkhardt Dr. and Mrs. Lew Eirinberg Mr, and Mrs. Bob Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Dan Faryniarz Mr. and Mrs. Roger Edheimer Mr. and Mrs. Rob Friedman Mr. and Mrs. Steven Goldberg Mr. David GilinBky and Mrs. Katherine Finnegan Dr. Michael Goldstein and Dr. Debra Lyddon Mr. and Mrs. Jon Glazer . Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Harris Mr. and Mrs. Kenny Jacobs Mr. and Mrs. Neil Joachim Mr. and Mrs. Steve Katzman Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery Kavich Mr. and Mrs. Robert Merritt Dr.. Joannes Koch and Mrs. Debra Lyddon Mr. and Mrs. Mike Norton Mr. and Mrs. Howard Kutler Mr. and Mrs. Allen Pearson Mr. and Mrs. John Mason Mr. and Mrs. Neal Rauhauser ." : Dr. and Mrs. Alexander Miller Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Rochman Mr. and Mrs. Michael Miller Mr. and Mrs. Jon Rosenberg Mr. and Mrs. Michael Poscover Mr. and Mrs. David Rosenthal Mr. and Mrs. Jim Rubin Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Rudy Mr. and Mrs. James Simon —Mr. and Mrs. Scott Schneidennan Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Somberg Mr. and Mrs. David Slosburg Mr. Marc Warren and Mrs. Barbara Benenson Mr. and Mrs. Howard Tanenbaum Mr. and Mrs. Mark Weaver Mr. and Mrs. John Vann Mr. and Mrs. Todd Zimmerman Mr. and Mrs. Ted Zetzman Mr. and Mrs. Michael Zoob Mr. and Mrs. Burton Zwick Mr. and Mrs. Adam Zweiback
Beth El Synagogue President.... Vice-presidents
Bruce Shackman ,. Hollie Fineman, Michael Abramson, Michael Linn Secretary. Ron Feldman Treasurer. ..Howard Epstein Past-president....... ....Bruce Friedlander Board of Directors Harvey Cooper, Justin Cooper, Gila Drazen, Dr. David Finkle, Richard Fellman, Glen Fineman, Beth Friedman, Susan Friedman, Margie Gutnik, M'Lee Hasslinger, Dr. Fred Kader, Rachel Katskee, Ilene Klein, Janet Klein, Karin Levine, Sheila Polikov, Phil Ratner, Mary Rich, Gary Rifkin, Hyman Sukiennik, Eadie Tsabari, Sylvia Wagner, Joye Wees and Martin Wolf
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President Vice-president Treasurer Past-president
Glen Fineman .....Michael Linn Andrew Friedman Steve Rabb Board of Directors Andrew Friedman, Larry Hasslinger, Les Kay,' Joe Ginsberg, Larry DeBruin and Hyman Sukiennik
USY Co-Presidents Gila Drazen and Rachel Katskee Religious Education Vice-president. "Mendel Kurland Membership/Kadimah Vice-president........ Sarah Hasslinger Social Action/Tikkun 01am Vice-president.... Courtney Rabb Programming Vice-president.......Michael Fineman Communications Michelle Hellman
B'not Mitzvah Amy Cotton, Sarah Edelstein, Cari Green, Jessica Hasslinger, Rebecca Murow, Leah Raful, Natasha Sadofsky, Ariel Shukert, Morgan Solomon and Naomi Wolfson
B'nai Mitzvah Jeffrey Baum, Yonah Drazen, Benjamin Friedman, Ben Koval, Daniel Lercher, Joshua Levine, Andrew Spiegal, Matthew Uehling and Josef Wees '• . .
Marriages Kim Rifkin .............Larry Novak Beth Bailen ......Jon Rich Wendy Sheldon... Adam Raffel Amy Mann ......Ron Ref Michelle Wirth ....Jon Fellmani. Deborah Fellman...................... Craig Weinstein Inna Goldman... ....Alex Nachimovich Julie Gutnik Michael Levine Rebecca Ruetsch.. .David Finkelstein Ann Silverman Don Osborne Jodie Feldman Robert.Fleishman Suzanne Joffe ....Hap Pocras Melissa Pulver..................... ...Michael Bloch
Births Sons Jacob Baron, Alec Epstein, Maxwell Gendler, Andrew Klein, Alexander Pichik, Tyler Schneidennan, Zachary Stein, Benjamin Snyder, Max Weiner and Samuel Zack ' •'' • Daughters : Isobel Goodman, Emilia Kaslow and Jessica Shandell
Deaths
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Happy Sfew1f ear
Edwin Milder, Martin Milstein, Rose Novak, Sarah Osoff, Gertrude Pfeffer, Ida Potash, Marilyn Pred, Pearl Wolfson Price, Esther Rice, Norman J. Rips, Myer W- Rosenbaum, Edwin Rosenblatt, Lee Ross, Eileen Sax, Shirley Schaffer, Alvan Senal, Charles Sherman, Ed Silver, J e a n Soshnik, Morris Stalmaster, Isabel Graetz Theodore, Nachman Tsabari, Calvin Weinberg, Dora Weinberg and Mary Wine
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September 26,1997
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 71
Calendar of Events for October BBYO
OTYG
Every Tuesday night: BBYO Night, 6:30 p.m. attheJCC • .. Saturday, Oct. 4: Ediar BBG program Tuesday, Oct. 7: Applications due for AITMIT (New Members Convention), Nov. 7-9; scholarships are available. Sunday, Oct. 12: BBYO Council sukkah building, 11:30 am. at the JCC Saturday, Oct. 18: MZ Yoshanah BBG program Saturday, Oct. 25: Chaim Weizmann AZA program, TBA . Sunday, Oct. 26: BBG Council garage sale, l-6p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28: Joint BBYO - Jewish Family ' Services program, featuring Olympic wrestler and silver medalist, Dennis Hall, 6 p.m. at the JCC
Thursday, Oct. 2: Rosh Hashanah Youth Service, 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, 3-4 p.m. and Wednesday, Oct. 8, 5-6 p.m.: Rehearsals for Yom Kippur Youth Service. Saturday, Oct. 11: Yom Kippur Youth Service, 5-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26: Paintball activity, meet at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26: OTYG dinner All events at Temple Israel.
For more information about programs for BBYO or the Senior High Department, call Director Lisa Shkolnick, 334-6404.
Jr. and Sr. NCSY Sunday, Oct. 12: Sukkah building and lunch, noon - 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19: Sukkah hop and lunch, noon 2 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Oct. 23-24: Simchat Torah celebration. All events at Beth Israel Synagogue. For more information about Jr or Sr NCSY, call adviser Rabbi Allan Gonsher, 558-2767 or 330-4014.
For more information about OTYG, call adviser Max Sparber, 556-6536 or 343-0857. '
USY Wednesday, Oct. 8: Kadimah meeting, 6:157:45 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8: USY Night, 6:30-8p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18: USY Movie Night, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19: Kadimah program, 12:153 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30: USY Program, Trick or Canning, 6:30 p.m. . . •All events at Beth El Synagogue.
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by Beth Goldberg Two roads diverged in a yellow wood And sorry I could not travel both • And be the one Traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far I could To where it bent in the undergrowth;
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Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first:for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever comeback... The question, reader, is this: What do you and I have in common with Robert Frost's protagonist in The Road Not Taken?" To answer this, we ask another question: What is the protagonist, doing, other than taking a nice walk in the countryside? > Exploring the many possibilities stretched out before him, Frosfs traveler sees two roads, looks down the first as far as he can see so as to familiarize himself with the surroundings without actually haying the experience of walking that road. Then he takes a look a t the other and finds that it
doesn't lack any of the qualities he found appealing in the first road and concludes that the path he has chosen is the superlative one. You and I find ourselves making decisions that affect us and those around us in the most profound ways, sometimes without even realizing i t Now, think about your own path and why you chose it. Beth . i .Two roads diverged in a wood, and II took the one less traveled by, And that has made the difference. : ' Robert Frost like Frost's character, I, too, was given a choice of which path to take. My life was lacking a focal point. I anticipated what I would find on the first road and found it to be unsatisfactory. It was curiosity of what I would learn from traveling the second path that drew me to a small Yeshiva in Memphis. Beth, daughter of Manny and Carol Goldberg, is a freshman at Touro College in New York and a member ofBeth Israel and Temple Israel. •
•Wish AllfiHappy, Healthy New: Year Harry Wolfson Cleo Wolfson Paula Wolfson Kessler Rod R. Kessler •'
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Page 72 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE September 26,1997
National Council of Jewish Women
BBYO Officers AZA Council Godol.... Mike Cohn S'gan , Jeff Shyken Maz/Giz Andy Pinkie Moreh Eryk Gilinsky Shaliach Mendel Kurland "jr. ; ; J B B G : C o u n c i l N'siah.....,...,,.*......,,,.., -Lisa Pitlor !^''^... I...AH Lerner : Melissa Shapiro Mazkirah .....Nikki Romanik Shilicha Rachel Katskee Gizbarit Aryn Brechwald
Chaim Weizman Godol.. S'ganim Moreh Gizbor Mazkir... Shliach
Jeremy Ivers ..David Pitlor and Mendel Kurland Zach Jacobson RyanTichauer Michael Pineman ;..... Dan Varkony
EdiarBBG#710 N'siah , Melissa Shapiro S'ganiyot Elisa Gerber Aym-Hachaverot Annie Nogg Mazkirah Erin Malashock Orechot....Jennifer.Rifldn,and Michelle Mal|shock
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President Cindy Goldberg Vice-President(community services)..Cheryl Lerner Vice-President (fund-raising)... Susan Lehr | Vice-President (education/public affairs) , Jennifer Meyerson I Vice-President (membership) Roxanne Kahn Vice-President (public relations) Cindy! Kaufman | Treasurer Marcy Ruback: Financial Secretary. Keri Workman Membership Secretary..... Laurie Remer-Phifer : Recording Secretary ....Nancy Schlessinger | Parliamentarian & By-Laws ..Sara Juster ! Nominating Chairwoman Dottie Rosenblum Section Awards ...Debbie Friedman '. Planning and Evaluation Chairwoman Vicki Sanford Thrift Shop Chairwomen Kate Kirshenbaum and Margaret Linden Finance Chairwoman Ellie Penner State Public Affairs Chairwoman Carol Bloch NCJW Nati Vice-president. Jan Schneidennan NCJW Nat'l board members .Carol Bloch and Carol Katzman Directors ; Robyn Belgrade, Jodi Epstein, Sandy Epstein, Pam Friedlander, Kim Noddle and Sally Zipursky
JCC Oldtimers President .' Vice-president/Reporter Treasurer
.
Kaplan Arthur Grossman ....Lester Waxman
Yes President Lester Waxman Vice-President..... Reva Oruch Recording Secretary Millie Altaian Treasurer '..... Ann Margolin Membership... Frieda Krizelman Committee Chairmen Bess Rothenberg, contributions; Charlotte Kaplan, historian; Dr. Mil|on Margolin, program; Reva Oruch, newsletter; Dan Greenfield, Maitre d'; Kate Ferer, hospital report; Bess Hornstein, telephone; Al Oruch, Sergeant-at-Arms; Esther Waxman, courtesy. .
Visions Executive chairman Wally Elkon Advisor Harry Alloy Treasurer Marilyn Sacks Recording Secretary. Doris Alloy Publicity. ...Dee Fox Trips/Travel Sam and Rosalie Epstein Historians Irving and Milton Chudacoff Social Programming...Maurice and Rosalie Meiches Membership..... ...Lois and Gerald Bernstein Cultural ....Jean Elkon Mitzvah.. Elaine Feldman and Dorothy Perilman Luncheon Meeting.... Vera Lewis
Ads'Kohn
Jewish War Veterans Andy Finkle a; Epstein-Morgan Post #260 Eryk Gilinsky' Women's Jay Benton '. ....Andrew Shefren Commander President........ Sr. Vice Commander...... Dr. Bill Aronson Todd Robinson Jr. Vice Commander Jacque Dolgoff •Vice-president MZYoshanahBBG Lester Waxman Treasurer. N'siah Rachel Shukert Quartermaster ; Chaplain Dr. Milton Margolin Secretary S'ganit .....'.......Whitney Taxman Parliamentarian v.........Sam Kaplan Aym-Hachaverot Nikki Flatowicz Judge Advocate
Gizbor Mazkir...... Shliach...; Editor.
;......;.Samuel
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American ORT ......:...... .Roni Palmon ...Julie Stein ..Robbi Kuydm Beth Michnowski .Lesli Shrago
Best,Wishes hv a Healthy & Happy New Year y the New Year bring increasing strength and courage, to those engaged in the struggle to preserve the ^freedom and dignity of free men. We wish for men of good-will everywhere, bountiful blessings of good health. • happiness and security. "•
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September 26,1997 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 73
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Pride. That is one word that comes to mind when people ask what becoming a U.S. citizen means to me. We brag of our equality, that everyone is worth it. After seeing my name in the paper announcing We brag of our system, that makes everybody fit. the initiation ceremony, a couple of people asked We brag that we love all people me why I did it. The only answer I can come up and everyone loves us back, with is, naturalization is more than a privilege, it's But, it seems someone is lying; my right. Malcolm X still lies flat. If I plan to live on the American soil for the rest of my life, why shouldn't I be a citizen? How am I If we truly have an image of G-d in our heart different from the other Mankind should never, ever be apart. people living i n t h e U.S.? Why can't I vote Neo-Nazi, the KKK and white supremacists for the political leaders are among us. of this country? I want A black might run for president . my voice to be heard. I and we make a fuss. want to be a part of the American Jewish comHatred cannot be overpowered munity. by any earth-drawn force. How hard is i t to Hatred will always be a tolerated course. become a U.S. citizen? It So, stop lying and trying to make us believe you... takes a little bit of studying. One needs to know Hatred is a Sin admitted by so few. the background of the U.S. The.test itself is not very detailed, it consists of multiple-choice'questions. So, now, what is 'next? Nothing has really Jacob, son of Richard and Julee Katzman, is a freshman at Brownell-Talbott and a member of changed for me. My everyday life is still routine. I Beth Israel still do all the same things I did before. Only now I ' am a proud United States citizen. I am very fortunate to live here and I am now a part of this country. That is why I became a citizen. Lena, daughter of Leonid and Irina tiaksin, is a freshman at the University of Nebraska at Omaha MAY YOU BE INSCRIBED FOR A GOOD YEAR. and a member of Beth EL
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Becca Helwig and Beth Radloff, studying Hebrew in a class of youth and adults, lead a prayer with two of their classmates, Alice Weiss and Jean Goldfein.
Valerie Rosenberg (above), and Larry Radloff (not pictured), serve as aides in the religious school. Valerie is helping teacher Sarah Tuttle.
Marti Nerenstone, Ritual Director, works with youth to coordinate participation in synagogue activities.
Debbie Radloff chats with her mother, Ellen, at one of Beyt Shalom's many communal celebrations.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 26,1997 l"f_
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The Answer
The Prelude
by Erinn Mellen
As far back as I can remember, every school year begins with the question, "How was your summer?" . Finally, this year, I was able to answer with a statement other than the usual, "Fine, and yours?" I answered not only with confidence, but with a sense of pride. I was able to say, "I went to Israel this summer." The eyes belonging to the inquiring mind- open wide with amazement and wonder. It is during this moment that I am able to stand up against another, content with satisfaction of a longing and now fulfilled dream, to travel to a country that has forever been known as "The Promised Land." My journey began on Erinn June 23. I flew to St. Louis and met the people with whom I would be spending the vast majority of my summer. After an overnight in a local home, we left the next morning for Poland. Following a 17-hour traveling period, my trip began to take its turn. During our luckily short stay of four days in Poland, we traveled through many Judaic and Holocaust memorials and three concentration camps: Auschwitz, Bergen-Belsen and Treblinka. This had to be one of the most difficult aspects of the trip; the only feeling left within me leaving the country was empty.
by Sara Doran
However, my emptiness was soon filled when I stepped off the plane and felt the warm Israeli breeze embrace my body; it let me know I was welcome. Beginning with the tour of the city of Jerusalem, my senses were opened to a new aspect of Being part of the majority than of the minority. It is an absolutely amazing feeling to know that every person you encounter takes along with them the same religious history and lifestyle as you. This feeling right away assured me I was going to have the journey of my life. It would physically last six weeks, but would forever remain an utmost distinct feature in my memory. The highlights would most definitely be climbing Masada to watch the sunrise, swimming in the Dead Sea; descending from the many Omegas, holding our breath going down; hiking/camping on the most beautiful mountains; and visiting some of the most extremely spiritual/religious areas known to man. Of course, my journey included more within the itinerary. While the trip let me explore lands with incredible historical significance, it holds even more value today. So, if ever the question comes around at the beginning of the school year, "How was your summer?" you, too, could open the eyes of inquiring minds as they listen to what lies behind the meaning of "The Promised Land."
It was a cold April night. The wind was howling, snow was flying and the; ground was sheeted in ice. All across Lincoln, intrepid members of the South Street Temple Youth Group ventured out into the storm. It was the worst blizzard of the year, but this group of kids had invested hours of discussion, planning and preparation for the Dinner Theatre Fundraiser and their future trip to Minneapolis/ St. Paul depended on it. It was a trying evening of song and dance, but, in the end, the group had raised enough money to go to Minneapolis. They had been through a lot together: lock-ins, B'nai Mitzvah celebrations and endless renditions of the Aleph Bet Song. But it remained to be seen whether or not they could travel together. • (More on next page)
Erinn, daughter of Jeffrey and Betty Mellen, is a freshman at Northern Arizona University and a member of Tifereth Israel in Lincoln.
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September 26,1997
Jewish Press, Omaha, Ne
Page 79
ii he Impact by Stephanie Tomisins
With a grant from the Jewish Federation of Lincoln, money raised by the South Street Temple Youth Group and nn individual contribution from each youth, five Youth Group members accompanied by two adults traveled to Minneapolis/ St. Paul. While the focus of the trip was to expose members to Jewish experiences not available in Lincoln, a primary goal was to view "Unpacking on the Prairie -• Jewish Women's Experiences in the
Enjoying Unpacking on the Prairie... exhibit
Posing in front of the Capitol Building, from left: Leah Margolis, Sara Doran, Stephanie Tomkins, Katie Tobin and Ben Cohen. Upper Midwest," an exhibit at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul. The exhibit was preparedly the Minnesota Historical Society in partnership with the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest, and partly funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
The exhibit on Jewish women from the Upper Midwest was great. It was put together very nicely. I think all the girls from the Temple Youth Group could find a connection between some of the women and ourselves. The exhibit showed two points of view. In the Midwest, like everywhere else, there are poor families and wealthy families. In one of the displays, you could hear what a wealthy woman and a poor woman did on the Sabbath. \ The poor woman explained how they were using the traditional tablecloth, candlesticks, kiddish cup and challah cover passed down generations and generations. The wealthy woman told her family to finish getting ready, that it was time for Temple. There was also a scrapbook on display. My favorite photo was taken in the '40s, I think. It was a picture of these nicely dressed women with thenhair done very nicely, but they were bowling! They had on bowling shoes and were holding bowling balls! They looked ridiculous, but they were having a great time. It was a good thing for some of us girls to see this exhibit. It made me feel as though we were carrying on the tradition that all these women were part of. And the great thing is, I really think we ore.
The group attended Shabbat services Friday evening at Temple Bet Shalom in Hopkins. During the Oneg, a group of Israeli scouts performed Israeli songs arid skits. On Saturday, the kids attended the exhibit at the History Center. Dinner on Sunday was at the Old City Cafe in St. Paul, a restaurant where the rules of Kashrut ore observed. Other activities included a trip to the Mall of Americad), a tour of the Walker Art Museum and Minnesota Sculpture Garden, the Minnesota Folk Art Festival, a walk along the Mississippi River, a tour of St. Paul Cathedral and a medley of Shabbat and camp songs as the group drove back to their motel. It was a beautiful serenade! ' Stephanie, daugher of Alan Tomkins and Vicki These experiences provided many opportunities for discussions regarding Judaism, Reform Weisz, is a ninth grader at Irving Middle School and a member ofB'nai Jeshurun in Lincoln. Judaism and other religions. The South Street Temple Youth Group appreciSara, daughter of Rita Babbitz and John Doran, ates the support from the Temple Board of is a ninth grader at Pound Middle School and a Directors as well as others who assisted in plan- member of B'nai Jeshurun in Lincoln. ning, funding and preparing for the trip. (More on next page) .
"\x>.u Can Afford To Send lfour Gkild O r Grandchild To College. You don't have to he discouraged by news that college costs continue to rise faster than the rate of inflation. And you don't have to worry about whether you'll have to sharply curtail your lifestyle when it's time to pay for your child's or grandchild's college education. B By establishing a family higher-education fund now, you can gradually build a financial base that will provide a comfortable, dependable way to pay future college costs. * The investment professionals at Kirkpatrick Pettis can show you all the availahle options for huilding a college fund — plans you can select that specifically fit your financial situation, earning potential .and the dreams you have for your child's or grandchild's future. 0 Let us send you a free college planning kit, including a detailed worksheet that will help you calculate how much money you'll need for your child's or grandchild's education — and information on how you can start saving today to take the worry out of tomorrow. Just call Cheryl A. Clark, Vice President and Branch Manager, at 402-392-7879 today.
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paths are? We can follow G-d's instructions as written in the Torah, but we are unable to literally "follow in G-d's paths" because we cannot observe G-d directly. If we follow G-d's Commandments, we will be "walking in G-d's paths" because that is what G-d told us to do. V '-.. • How do I love and serve G-d and keep the Commandments?.. .by loving and respecting all. of G-d's creations. We serve G-d every time we do something good for someone else, our community or our world. You could offer to help a person having difficulty in
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DVar Torah by Natalie Tavlin My Bat Mitzvah is a chance to provei responsibili- school. You could volunteer to help clean tip the ty by learning and practicing my religion and to environment. There are lots of things you can do. show.I am responsible for my own decisions conKeening some of the Commandments is not too cerning religious matters. It's an opportunity to hard, like Thou shalt not kill." Others can be more show what I have learned and accomplished. difficult to follow, like, "Thou shalt not lie." Learning to read Hebrew and the prayers was Sometimes, it seems easier to stay out of trouble fairly hard. So, this is also a celebration of becom- if we lie. Sometimes we stretch the truth to avoid ing a religious adult and successfully completing hurting people's feelings. Would this be something the challenges of becoming a Bat Mitzvah. G-d would want us to do? I think it's possible to re• We read in the Torah that G-d demands only word our sentences in a kind way, so we don't have. this: To revere G-d, to walk only in G-d's paths and to lie, and avoid hurting someone's feelings. I plan to continue learnto love and serve-G-d i In i my relili withall our hearts;, and '*•; Ing andd growing •souls by .keeping,) the gion by participating in Commandments. things that have meaning I revere G-d by respectr personally. With Reform ing all living things, Judaism, my family can some more than others.! practice the rituals that are respect people more than enriching, instead of thefritanimals, even though I uals that don't have rduch care very much about meaning for us. My family animals. There are , doesn't keep kosher bethings I have no respect '• cause we don't feel it would strengthen our religious for at all. . . people who beliefs, but many Jewish murder or are cruel to families do. animals. How do I follow in Judaism really has only G-d's paths? Do we real- Natalie and her father, John, share a dance one requirement. This is : ly know what G-d's at her Bat Mitzvah celebration. quoted from a piece my
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Member of The Rutnenhlp for a Drag Free America
mom cut out of the" Temple Bulletin and put on our refrigerator: "I have heard much in praise of your Torah," said the stranger. "Tell me if you can-in the time it takes me to stand on one leg—what Judaism requires." ': "Take your stand," replied Hillel. "What is hateful to. you, do not do to any other person. That is the entire Law. All the rest is merely commentary."
Natalie, daugher of John and Laurie Tavlin, is an eighth grader at Irving Middle School in Lincoln and a member of B'nai Jeshurun.
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Faiffl by Danny Cohn, Co-Editor Ever since I was old enough to read the Jewish Press, I have wanted my own column.'The world had Erma Bombeck, the World-Herald has Kate Cavanaugh, and the Press has Bert Lewis. . .now
' She always-wishes she had something for me to eat when I come'over, but that's riot whyTvisit; I go for her loving heart and soft shoulder. She' has taught me to face each day as it comes and fear not
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I was fortunate enough to be born into a loving family; of manygenerations^i^gp^ tp.in,pw,^Ujaiy grandparents, great-aunts and -uncles, two greatgrandmothers and. a plethora of cousins. But of all my relatives, I've had a very special love for Mishpacha Katz. From my birth, Grandma Rose Cohn Perelmon has been one of my best friends. Every Saturday night; we'd go over for dinner (she makes the best potato salad) then watch Lawrence Welk, She'd help me with art projects and hang everything I made. It got to the point we'd run out of wall space. Sunday breakfasts Danny were made tp order, then we'd make the rounds shopping... onion rolls at Sherman's Bakery... whatever... We still talk about twice a week, more if I'm lonely. My.grandmother has given me the most precious gift in the world: her love, compassion and the ability to wipe me a clean slate if L screw up. . She has also taught me that no matter what, you can always be happy. Besides my parents, she. has had the biggest influence of my life. Aunt Phyllis .prandell. is my. grandmother's younger sister and a second grandmother to me. I can share my most outlandish thoughts, and she will never prejudge or look down on me. I talk to her about real-life.issues, my fears and fascinations (she. still doesn't believe we only serve punch and cookies at fraternity parties!).
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• My Uncle Moe (Maurice) waa a great man. One major'word suiris-him up: humor; At 85, he was the oldest Katz in the world (get it? :.. Gat!). He had . the most pleasant disposition of anyone I know. He always had a slapstick joke arid never, once complained about anything. Many knew, him from his grocery business or his one-of-a-kind penmanship, but below the exterior was one of the most kind and gentle men of his time. Last, but certainly not least, Aunt Sara. Someone once told me if you said the name "Sara ZaUrin" to anyone in Omaha, you'd hear nothing but glowing compliments. Fd have to agree. ' Aunt Sara was the first important person I lost. I think of her often - her sponge cake, sticky perfume, M&M*s and heart of gold, not only inherent but also worn around her neck. She made me feel like the most special little boy in the world-always had stuff to play with and a snack in hand. She's been gone for almost six years, but her ideal of firm.family ties is the reason I feel so strong about having a close family. 'Family, G-d's moist important gift besides life. Years go by, and now the family grows apart. Wedding arid Bar Mitzvah invitations don't get exchanged. I don't know half my cousins, but I still feel rich in family because of those four very special people. I end iwith one closing thought: family cari!t-be replaced. They are there through' good and bad. When family is ignored or overlooked, it is time to look back and remember those special people who help your family grow. • ' r :' . 7, Family is like foundation. Without it, you crumble.
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Danny, son of Jeff and Pom Cohn, is a junior at the University of Kansas and a member of Beth EL
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
. September 26,1997
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September 26,1997
Jewish Preso, Omaha, Ne
by Sarah Hasslinger A, ~ ~ * 7 : »1L\
by Beth Shyken, Co-editor Telephone rings. "Hello." "Hi, this is Beth Shyken, I am calling in regard to the Rosh Hashanah edition of the Jewish Press." "Oh, OK" "Well, this year's edition is going to fcaturrp, Teen Aj1' The teen < of the Jc • ish comniu nity s ri going to iln all o f H, and Iw i wonderim1 if y»" j would HI ' to c o n t n l ' ute soni • thing?" One might
Beth think most responses would have been: "No, I don't have time," or, "I really don't care." But this was not the case with the Jewish teenagers of Omaha, Lincoln and Council Bluffs. These teens had something to say. It is sometimes forgotten that teens have opinions on things other than curfews and allowances. It is inevitable there will be a generation gap. There will always be things teens don't understand about adults and adults don't understand about
teens. But this doesn't mean we can't try to understand each other. We can create links and build bridges between the adult and teen worlds. This was one of our goals. Another was for the adults to meet the teens of the larger Jewish community. The phrase "typical teenager" is overused. We have many teens of many talents with many stories that surpass "typical." This edition is an outlet for us to tell what is on our minds-about our lives, hobbies; experiences and goals. It is also an illustration of the gifted artists, photographers, poets and cartoonists among us. Rosh Hashanah is a holiday that brings family and friends together through support of one another. Our teens are lucky to have the support of adults. It is our hope, however, that this edition enhances the community's involvement in teen life. My parents and I may disagree on some things, but I always look.forward, to coming home for the holidays. We sit around the table, put aside our disagreements and simply enjoy the quality time we spend together. - I wish everyone a happy New Year and hope you have enjoyed this edition of TeenAge. Beth, daughter of Paul and Susan Shyken, is a sophomore at the University' ofMichigan and a member ofBeth Israel
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Waterfalls art Along drop To the bottom of the valley Entering the river Reusing nature's medicine Filling up the oceans And cooling off the rocks Lifting up the spirits of the people Longing for some rest and relaxation So go find a waterfall , Sarah, daughter of Larry and WLee Basslinger, is a sophomore at Burke and a member of Beth EL Jeff, son of Donald and Diane Baum, is an eighth grader at Beveridge Junior High and a member of Beth EL
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Page 84
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
September 28,1097
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