November 14, 1997

NE HIST SOCIETI 1500 R ST LINCOLN NE 68508-1651

Celebrating More Than 75 Years VoLLXXV

No. 8

Omaha, NE

MCheshvan, 5758

P8ea aims to step up support for Yachad by Diane Axler Baum

November 14,1997

Area synagogues join National Donor Sabbath by Linda Mirvish

Yachad members socialize and snack on fruit Temple Israel hosted a Sukkot party for at the recent apple-picking outing. Front Yachad; Rabbi Aryeh Azriel (second from row, from left: Benji Friedman, adviser Linda right), talks about the etrog and lulav with Novak and Alan Friedman; back row: Jillian (from left): Michael Parsow, Jeff Steinberg Salomon, Lisa Salomon, Michael Parsow, and Lisa Solomon. Rabbi Alan Gonsher and Josh Parsow. Joe Kirshenbaum and Rabbi Allan Gonsher have he has been spreading the word about the differissued a plea to step up support for Yachad, the ence Yachad makes in the lives of Jews with disorganization for Jews with physical and mental abilities and the many needs still to be met.: disabilities. • '• " " : "Yachad is the single organization that reaches "It's truly wonderful to be at a Yachad activity out to a segment of our community who've been all . and to see our members interact socially and but ignored. For many-years, Rabbi Gonsher has become involved Jewishly," said Rabbi Gdhsher. [ served as coordinator and, almost single handedly, "The effect of our programming is truly powerful. has assumed the responsibility for obtaining annuSometimes I see nothing short of a transformation al funding for -Yachad," said Kirshenbaum. : in bur young people." . v • : .Yachad;. which'means "together" in Hebrew, Last spring's Shabbaton^the firstvSabbath ! focuses on'helping Jews with disabilities enhance •;••••' retreat ever held iif Omaha'Tor Jewish individuals f their social skills;; identify'wTIJfJudaism^ arid learn with disabilities, stands out as such a program.' about and participate in Jewish customs. ." Gonsher said his commitment to Yachad and his Adviser for the Omaha chapter is Linda Novak, concern about the group's financial future led him a special education teacher. She said every time a to Joe Kirshenbaum. Together they launched a Yachad activity is announced in The Jewish campaign aimed at raising sufficient money to ere* Press she hears from another individual who can • ate a Yachad endowment fund to be administered benefit from the group's programs. by The Foundation of the Jewish Federation. Recent outings have included a Sukkot party, Even this early in the campaign, they consider an apple-picking, sightseeing in Lincoln, a Royals initial goal of $100,000 to be attainable, game, and a Shabba't service followed by a celebra"People throughout the community care about tory Kiddush. the needs of the Jewish disabled and feel a responYachad welcomes any Jewish person with a mensibility to do their share. They've demonstrated tal or physical disability, regardless of synagogue this many-tdmes-most recently when we asked for affiliation or absence thereof. help with transportation to take our members Sponsoring organization is the National Jewish apple picking,..and two vans-were donated," said Council for the Disabled of the Union of Orthodox . Gonsher. L " . •''••'• ••-'. •-. -..'•' '". ';'•, " ; - ? / X V " - ., Jewish Congregations of America. ' . ' • • ' • Priorto. starting Jthe campaign, Kirshenbaum met: Anyone interested in more information about the personally with Omaha's rabbis to be assured of campaign is invited to call Joe Kirshenbaum at • their whole-hearted support of Yachad.'Since'then, 391-1616. \

This year's National Donor Sabbath will take place this Shabbat, Nov. 14-16. More.than 100 Nebraska churches and synagogues, including Beth El and Temple Israel in Omaha, will participate in this national initiative to teach and learn more about organ, eye and tissue donation and transplantation. : ; • Rabbi Paul Drazen of Beth El plans to discuss the merits of organ donation during Shabbat morning services. He pointed out that his remarks will be part of his and Beth El's ongoing support for organ donation.- . , . ..... v Temple Israel's Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, also a strong supporter of the need for organ donation, will address the topic during Friday evening services. The Jewish attitude towards organ donation is very clear. • All four branches (Orthodox, .Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist) support and encourage donation. The saving of a human life, pikuach nefesh, is the overriding value which permits the ordinarily-forbidden desecration of the dead in order to remove the needed organs and tissues. '.''•-.According to Rabbi Mendel Katzman of the Omaha Chabad House, one is not only permitted, but is obligated by Halacha, Jewish law, to donate an organ if it can save a life. He added that corneal transplants to save sight would be included in this injunction. • •• 'h/"---^\:';' ' ,The need"fof human':organsis-tremen.dpuS.-« Today, .more jjhajtf .56,OpO;people are waiting for organ transplants." Every 18 minutes, a new name is added to the national transplant waiting list. But eight to 10 people will die eaoh day while Waiting for a donor organ, r Most organ transplants succeed in either saving a life, or greatly improving the quality of life for the recipients. Many recipients have lived full and productive lives for more than 20 years. And the chances for success continually improve as better methods to control rejection are identified. 'Further information about organ, eye and tissue donation and donor cards are available from Beth El Synagogue or by; calling the Organ & Tissue Donor Task Force of Nebraska at (402) 572-3540, or outside Omaha, toll free 1-800-718-LIFE (5433).

Israelis remember Rabin

Lansky to speak at area synagogues aoei JOG ••:•; ••;.. .'.•.••.;..-. ••••-.--• ;;• " • '

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b y Diane Axler B a u m

• -Aaron Lansky, founder of the National Yiddish Book Center," will keynote both the Jewish Book Fair and Kallah Weekend Dec. 5-7. ' He will discuss four related topics at the following times and locations: . * The Yiddish World: Unlocking Jewish Identity - Friday, Dec. 5, 8 p.m., at Temple Israel, 7023 Cass St.; Oneg Shabbat following services. - ' * Simple Yiddish Story-Complex Jewish Humanism-Saturday, Dec. 6, 9:30 a.m., at Beth El Synagogue, 14506 California St.; Kiddush luncheon following services. * Walking the Tightrope: IB. Singer, Chaim Grade, Lenny Bruce and Beyond—Saturday, Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m., at Beth Israel Synagogue, 1502 N. 52nd St.; Program and reception. * How I Rescued a Million Yiddish BooksSunday, Dec. 7, 10:30 a.m., at the Jewish Community Center auditorium; Slide show and brunch hosted by the Jewish Book Fair and Congregation Beyt Shalom.

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Speaking by telephone recently, Lansky promised that his lectures will be lively and often funny. His lecture on Jewish identity will show that' Yiddish is "inextricably linked to Jewish identity and a source for contemporary Jewish creativity," he said. "Yiddish has been trivialized, and by so doing we have, in fact, ripped out 1,000 years of our history," he continued. "Really, ifs quite critical to understand Yiddish as an antecedent to contemporary Jewish identity." His lecture on the Yiddish 4hort stories of I.L. Peretz will demonstrate how these seemingly simple stories are, in fact, "very sophisticated in their humanistic scope." He referred to Peretz as "probably the towering Jewish intellectual figure" of the turn of the century. He said his Omaha engagement will culminate with a slide show that brings to life many of the adventures he has experienced around the world in the pursuit of Yiddish books. "Many times I have raced through the night to rescue books from basecontinued on page 2)

More than 10O,vu0 Israelis turned out for a rally at Kikar Rabin in Tel Aviv Saturday: bight for a memorial for the late prime minister. Large posters s t a t i n g "Shalom Chnver" and "We want peace" were evident throughout the crowd.

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 14,1997

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14 Russian Club, 9:30 a.m. Temple Israel MOVFTY Fall Conclave, Nov. 14 thruNov. 16 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Temple Israel Grade 5-6 Shabbat Club, 9:30 a.m., at Temple Israel . SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16 Men's Club Breakfast, 10 am., Beth El Visions 5th Birthday Party, 3 p.m. Scouts Circus Theme, 4:30 p.m. Beth El Kadimah Program, 12:15 p.m., at Beth El MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17 YES Program, 9:30 a.m. Scouts, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 Temple Israel "Food for Thought," 11:30 a.m., at Temple ' • Temple Israel Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Temple Hadassah Meeting & Desert, Nadine Kutner to speak, 7:30 p.m., at the home of Joyce Cohen WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 Jewish Press Board Meeting, 12:30 p.m. Breadbreakers, noon, Highland Country Club Temple Israel TIGGS, noon, at Temple Israel BESTT Hebrew High School Dinner, 6:45 p.m., at Beth El Beth El Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El Temple Israel OTYG Dinner, 6 p.m., at Temple "Journey to Celebration SOth Anniversary Recruitment," with Danny Applebaum, 7 30 p nx, at tho home of Anne Broder THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20 Walk in Drop-m, 9 30 a m Library Book Discussion Group, l p m Temple Israel Sisterhood Adult Education, 11 a.m, at Temple Israel Temple Israel Synagogue 2000 Committee Meeting, 7 p j n , at Temple Israel YJO flatakvah Mission Recruitment Meeting, 7 p m , Wyndam Hill Apartments Clubhouse

Sparks from The Word

Swiss banks release 14,000 names of dormant accounts by Rabbi Myer S. Kripke

Lansky to speak

Book Appreciation contest

1997 JEWISH. BOOK FAIR BOOK DISCUSSION Miriam's Kitchen: A Memoir, by Elizabeth Ehrlich Thursday, Nov. 20, noon, Federation Library

Kohll's PHARMACY & HOMECARE Citywide Delivery

by Mitchell Danow

NEW YORK (JTA) - Swiss banks have released the names of an additional 14,000 dormant accounts opened before the end of World War II. Parashat VaYera Because of complaints from account holders that No Choice Whatever . their privacy had been invaded when the banks The famous confrontation of the Lord by published in July a list of some 1,800 dormant Abraham, on the question of justice, leads us to accounts - none of the names of the account holdconsider the-BIG problem that lies before us in the ers will be published in newspapers. world of the'90s, as we approach 2000. . Of the 14,000 accounts, about 3,700 belonged to The rabbis make much of the fact that the Bible non-Swiss citizens, but the banks provided no nowhere suggests that Noah pleaded with the Lord assurances that they belonged to Holocaust surforthe lives of the people of his generation. Build vivors. These names were, posted on the Internet. •. an ark? All right, I'll save myself and my family! Those interested in accessing this list of accounts Abraham pleads for the lives of the righteous (if and obtaining an information kit can do so via the any) in the city of Sodom. " ' •"•'•'Internet at www.dormantaccounts.ch :.;;„••• Moses, later, pleads for the lives t>f all his people, Anyone with questions can call (800) 662-7708. after the besetting sin of the Golden Calf. • The remaining lO.OOO.or so accounts belonged .to 1 Whom shall we plead for? Since ancient times; Swiss citizens, - some of whom may; have opened Jewish liturgy has included prayers for the House the accounts on behalf of Holocaust victims. The of Israel, "Sim Shalom." In our day;-it certainly is list includes only those accounts .containing $70-or right that such a prayer should include all more. Information regarding accounts with Swiss humankind; we have adjusted our Siddur accord- names may be obtained directly from the Swiss ingly. We pray for all mankind. It is necessarily so, banks or their overseas representatives. for in all reality, we have become the global village, The average amount in these latest accounts is of which we speak so glibly. about $1,100. The Swiss banks will add accrued , American investors were recently given a shock- interest. Accounts opened by Swiss citizens are vallesson. Little stockholders in average neighbor- ued at about $8.3 million, bringing the total hoods of average cities were suddenly made to real- amount so far to about $54.4 million. ize that what happens in Hong Kong, which they couldn't find on a map, directly affects their retirement plans! (Continued from page 1) A few evenings ago, I met with an adult Catholic study group to talk about Genesis, which they had merits, attics, garbage dumpsters and demolition just finished studying. One woman asked about the sites," he said." Akedah (the binding Of Isaac) (which is in our One of the Yiddish Book Center's projects was a . Sidrah!); she said no matter what her faith in God, much-acclaimed National Public Radio series of she could never set out to sacrifice her daughter, classic Yiddish, stories translated into English and no matter what the purpose.read by such celebrated personalities as Walter After pointing out some of the explanations of Matheau, Alan Alda, Rhea Perlman and Elliott this dark chapter, I said to her, "I don't know your Gould. family, but you1 have done it! And not only you, but The series, produced by Ruth Seymour and the ladies on either side of you!" I explained that I Lansky and directed by Joan Micklin Silver, was was talking about war. "Np matter what the pur- made into a set of nine tapes under, the title, pose?" My son died, someone says, so that the fat- Jewish Short Stories from Eastern Europe and cats can make money in international trade? Or to Beyond. Sold through the Yiddish Book Center, the Preserve Democracy? I remember a phrase from a set is available for loan from t h e Jewish powerful book after World War I: "You can have Federation Library. your Alsace-Lorraine, Monsieur; but give me back Co-sponsoring Lansky's appearances are the my son!" . ; •. Jewish Federation Library and the Jewish Right now, I told her, we are dealing with Cultural Arts Council in conjunction with the Saddam Hussein in Iraq, and studying the Bible in Lifelong Jewish,Learning Committee of the Jewish Omaha, NE. Saddam may be deciding the life-or- Education and Library Services. The programs, death issue for tens of thousands of American boys. which are underwritten in p a r t by the Mort Do you want, to, will you, can you argue with God Richards Fund, are free and open to the public. about this? " ............. For more information, call. JCAC Director Chapter 22 implies that if we love mankind, we Gloriann Levy at 334-6403, or Federation Library may have to make detestable choices, or be forced Director Edythe Wolf at 334-6461. to do detestable things, with no choice on our part, no choice whatever. To avoid mass killings, will you accept killing and .maiming in large numbers?

7 Locations imir*4iit*tt*iF

The Elinor A.'Whitman Memorial Book Appreciation contest will be sponsored jointly by the local. Jewish schools and the Federation ' Library in recognition of Jewish Book Month, which begins Nov. 24. '•• •-'... Beth El, Beth Israel, Beyt Shalom, Temple Israel, Friedel Jewish Academy and t h e Federation Library will sponsor the contest for kindergarten through eighth-grade students.' There will be two categories: book report and book jacket design. Books must be of Jewish content. . . . . . . . . ' . . • • Students can pick up forms from their teachers or the Education Director of their school. Prizes will be awarded for outstanding book reports and jackets in each grade level. Winners as well as participants will be listed in the Jewish Press This annual contest has been made possible by the Elinor A, Whitman Book Appreciation Fund established through a donation by Norman Whitman. The fund was created to perpetuate the goals that Mrs Whitman had during her lifetime of service to the youth of the Omaha community She served for many years as a member of the Library Board and on the faculty of both Beth El and Temple Israel Religious Schools Mrs. Whitman had a keen interest in promoting Jewish literature for young Jewish readers

November 14,1097

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

CANDLEUGHTING: 4:47 p.m. TEMPLE ISRAEL

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations 7023 Case Street, Omaha, NE 68132 556-6538 FRIDAY: Shabbat evening service, 8 p.m. Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Stiel and Hazzan Contzius will officiate. Rabbi Stiel will speak. -The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by Mary and Walter Steinberg in honor of the B'not Mitzvah of their daughters, Emily and Rebecca. "Shabbat Comes To You"-2 p.m. Rabbi Azriel will lead a Shabbat service' at the Blumkin Home. SATURDAY: Shabbat morning service, HhSO aan. Emily and Rebecca Sternberg, daughters of Maryi and Walter Sternberg,' will celebrate their

Member of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 1502 No. 52nd S t , Omaha, NE 63104 556-6288

B'not Mitzvah.

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Simcha B'Shabbat-An informal' Shabbat service that includes study and discussion of a variety of Jewish texts; The regular Shabbat service will be held in the Sanctuary. ' :....' SlTTER SERVICE Sitter service is available each Shabbat evening service and the Saturday morning Shabbat service when there is a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Please make a reservation so we may plan accordingly. There are no facilities for infants. SUNDAY: Morning ChapelSprayer service, 9:15 a.m. This service gives members an additional opportunity to pray and recite Kaddish. Men's Club Brunch, 10 a.m., Milder Center. "The Pulpit, The Pew and The Public Square: Religion and Politics," sponsored by the Social Justice Committee.-' ' "FOOD FOR THOUGHT" Tuesday, Nov. 18, 11:30 a.m.-l pan..—Hazzan Contzius will lead the discussion. Bring a brown bag lunch; Temple will provide the drinks. ' "••

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Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 ajn. to2p.m. ,; •.... FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat service, 4:50 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services, 8:45 a.m.; Little People's. Service, 10:30 a.m.; Jr. Congregation, VfeSO ajn. Kiddush sponsored by Pola and Roman Amster as a farewell to Omaha on the occasion of their move to Florida. Mincha, 4:45 pan., followed by Shalosh Seudot, Ma'ariv and Havdalah. SUNDAY: Services at 9 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services at 7 a.m. and 4:45 pan.

OFFUTT 25th and Capchart, Omaha, NE 294-6051 Services conducted by Rabbi Ira Flax, Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.4:30 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. FRIDAY: Shabbat dinner, 6 pan.; services, 7 pun. SATURDAY: Havdalah and discussion, in addition to the screening of Woody Allen's Crimes and Misdemeanors, 7:30 p.m. For information and reservations, cail 651-9058. Adult Education and discussion begins Nov. 21, 7:45 p.m.

B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618MynsterSt, Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 322-4705 E-MAIL: docjeb@juno.com FRIDAY: No services tonight.

Wednesday, Nov. 19, noon—lunch will be served; Frank Brown,- City Councilman, will speak.ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME Cost is $4. Make reservations with Mollye Rimerman at 393-7576. SATURDAY: ADULT EDUCATION . Services, led by Harold Gottlieb, start at 9 a.m. WEDNESDAY, NOV. 19: Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class, 10 aanu-noon. . ".""• CHABAD HOUSE THURSDAY, Nov. 20: S i s t e r h o o d Adult An Affiliate of the Worldwide Education. 9:30-1 l'a.m.--Rabbi Azriel will teach Chabad-Lubavitch Movement "Israel at Fifty-Midlife Crisis;" 7:30-8:30 p . m 11923 Pacific, Omaha, NE 68144 BeyondMidfash, led by Don Schwartz. 697-1124 '• TOT SHABBAT SERVICE ' • E-MAIL~chabad@aoLcom Friday, Nov. 21j 7 pan^—A short service of song SATURDAY: Dayening starts at 9:30 a.m., foland prayer, followed by cookies .and juice," will be : helctfor1 toddlers' thirough children in:the primary lowed by Kiddish. , grades and their families.•"' '."•' ' "." ~"" :;

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! December dilemma program at Temple Israel : Hanukkah and Christmas, coming around the same time of year, bring up many questions and issues for some Jews by choice and interfaith families. Childhood memories, different holiday traditions and conflicting beliefs within the family can all make this a difficult season. Therapist Todd Ephraim, Director of Jewish Family Service, and Rabbi Debbie Stiel will address some of the dilemmas that families and individuals face at this dual holiday season. Bring your questions and concerns to Temple Israel for breakfast and this Outreach program on Sunday, Nov. 23,10 a.m.-noon. All are welcome. ' , For more information, call Rabbi Stiel at 5566536, or Chris Wilczewski at 445-4313.

CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURUN SOUTH STREET TEMPLE' " ''' Member of the Union , of American Hebrew Congregations 20818. 20th St., Lincoln, NE, 68502-2797 435-8004 Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. FRIDAY: Services, 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10 n.m. SUNDAY: Hebrew School, 9 a.m.; Religious Scho"dl;lO;aan; ""•" •••••:•;••••

": , BEYTSH'AtOM ' " , '

']' An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation P.O. Bos 241130, Omaha, NE €8124-5130 758-9233 http://pwl.netcom.com/~8almiin FRIDAY: Join us for our first "Tot Shabbat" at 7 p.m. tonight. This special service is geared towards ages 3-6; Kabbalat Shabbat services, 7:30p.m.. Religious School classes held at the Jewish Community Center on Sundays from 10 a.m.noon for all grades, and Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m. for grades four and upi Contact Marty Rosenberg at 390-9062 for placement.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502 ' 423-8569,.- - . . Services are conducted by Rabbi"Stanley M. Rosenbaum. •-""" .....,.«,, Mnyan on Monday and-Thursday at 7:15 ajn. FRIDAYrServiCE'3;,'8'p.m.-'-'' • '•'<"• • " " '•'•; SATURDAY:'Services,'9:30ajn. ~"~ir"-;'\. "~ ",1 In honor of the 90th birthday of B e s s Kotfoenties'g" her family invites you to Join them for services and kiddush luncheon Saturday, Nov. 22,9:30 o.m. Beth El Synagogue

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California, Omaha, NE 68154 492-8550 WEB-http://omahafreenet.org/bethel Office Hours:: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Services- are conducted by Rabbi PauLDrazen and Cantor Emil Berkovits. ..--..-- - • •. t FRIDAY: Services, 6 p.m. 1 /SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. Kiddush following services;. Sitter, service, 10 am.'; TSS (Torih Siddur Skills), 10. am.; Shabbat Story Time, first and third Saturday at 11a.m.; ICtaritan, second and fourth Saturday at 11 nan.; Minha-Ma'ariy arid Havdalah services, 4:50 pjn. r:; , .;_. y -Daniel MorriB.'son of Dr. Allen and Cindy Morris, will become a' Bar. Mitzvah Friday evening and Saturday morning. . .••.".•• SUNDAY: Services, 9 aan. t Men's Club-.will sponsor a breakfast at 10 OJO. Guest speaker Bill Henry will discuss "Development of the 1st National Bank Industrial Park." •:. WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Bat Mitzvah Leora Anne Azriel, daughter of Rabbi Aryeh and Elyce Azriel, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah Saturday, Nov. 22, at Temple Israel. A seventh-grade student at Beveridge Middle School, she has been selected for gifted and talented options. She enjoys reading, basketball and OSRUI Camp in the summer. As her mitzvah project, she has chosen the collection and donation of English language novels. These books are for Reform Kibbutz'Yahel's Community Library in Israel and are suitable for students in third through eighth grade. Leora has a brother, Yaniv Zohar. ...,..• • Grandparents are Bea and.Marvin Azriel ofChicago and Lydia and Marcell Azriel of Israel.

Local residents attend Reform Judaism Conference Representing Temple Israel,.local residents Elyce and Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Diane Graul,'Deb bi Jqsephson, Jane Rips/Silvia and Dr. Larry Roffinan, Dorothy Spizman, Rabbi Debbie Stiel, Dt: Michael Walts and Amy Willensky were among the"4',5bo; Reform Jews from North America who were in Dallas: recently for the movement's biennial gathering. . .' : Joining together were lay leaders from the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, which.is the central body of Reform Judaism in North America, uniting 1.5 million Reform Jews in more than 870 synagogues, and its affiliates, the Women of Reform Judaism, the North American Federation of Temple Brotherhoods and the North American Federation of Temple Youth. : At the convention, UAHC President Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie challenged Reform Jews to take part in a fivepoint program to increase Jewish literacy among adults. "Ours is a uniquely ignorant generation, a generation truly without precedent in all of Jewish history," he said. "Wonderfully educated in thie ways of the world, we are abysmally ignorant in the ways of our people." . .-, ' •.•'•'/'.',-/.rV !V" "."• , ,'' I.",'. ,C'.!'.' .-• .^l was very excited to hear about tn'ese'jnitiatives, said Rabbi Azriel." At Templd. Israel,.adult* education is a prioriiy,".;.-^,.';_,: •.•••v.;--a::;-Sii':. * Israel-Diaspora reiatjpns were a major focus ;p£ the •' convention i The World : Unlon for; Progressive' Judaism announced the launch of Operation Renew,; a $5 million camp'ai'gmto.lielp Jewslin the former: Soviet Union return to their heritage and practice. : One highlight was a concert of Jewish social action songa, including performers Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary) and Debbie Friedman. The concert will bo released on CD and audiocassotto as a fund-raiser for the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism in WashingWri, D.C.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 14,1997

Editorial Religious pluralism and your gift to the Federation Not a week passes when there isn't a story in the news about fighting amongst the Jewish people. If we're not arguing about the lack of progress on the peace process, we're annoyed at the lack of cooperation among the various political parties and religious groups in Israel. It might be very tempting to pick up the marbles and leave the Jewish communal sandbox, since it appears, on the surface, that the participants are acting more like toddlers than adults. But who will suffer most? The result of withholding your annual gift to the Jewish Federation Campaign will be to punish needy elderly Jews in the former Soviet Union, orphans in youth aliyah villages in Israel and emigrees from Bosnia, Kazakhstan and Argentina. And Jews here in Omaha might find cutbacks in the resources available for Jewish education, teen trips to Israel, support group's and community services for our older adults, among others...programs we've come to expect our institutions to provide year after year. Governments in Israel, like America, come and go; today it's Likud, tomorrow it might be Labor. Today, cooperation between the Orthodox parties and the non-Orthodox in Israel seems elusive, but the Jewish people have survived...as a people...for thousands of years. One way to ensure our continued healthy survival is to make your pledge to the Federation Campaign today.

Letter from Israel

by Harry Allen

commit!

Behind the Headlines:

Special from Israel by Carol Katzman, Editor

Are there democratic solutions to the crises in Israel?

Just several hours after landing in Israel, the Philosopher Kirkegaard once observed that life leadership delegation from the National Council of is lived forward but understood backward." Jewish Women heard its first speaker, Shlomo ben The raging controversy among us Jews over con- Ami, number three in the Xabor Party. versions and the legitimacy of Conservative and Professor of Spanish History a t Tel Aviv Reform Judaism in an Orthodox controlled Israel is University, ben Ami was just elected in 1996. His best understood in the context of Kirkegaard's wis- academic background led to his involvement in the dom. One hundred years ago, modern Zionism Madrid Peace Conference in 1991 while he was introduced into the Jewish lexicon the concept of Israel's Ambassador to Spain. "normalcy." Not that there were not Jews who lived Speaking on the second anniversary of Yitzchak perfectly normal western lives before the modern Rabin's death, he had come to the NCJW meeting Zionist movement—there, of course, were. But in Tel Aviv last week from a debate at TAU where Zionism proceeded from the benchmark that an he described Israeli society today as split and fragentire people had to undergo a gigantic metamor- mented." ; phosis to become like all other peoples in the world. Making a comparison to the Kennedy assassinaWe were to have a land of our own, a recreated tion in 1963, ben Ami pointed out that the myth of Hebrew language, and we were to transport mil- the Kennedy murder was not questioned" which lions of people from places where they had lived—in led it to becoming "part of the American culture." many cases for centuries--to this new place now In contrast, Rabin "was, killed, not by an outcalled Israel. -., . ; sider, but by an insider (within) the established Zionism thus was diametrically, opposite to. the right:; . . , ; •' • .:.; : ;- ; • Jewish tradition which rebelled at the whole con"He (Yigal Amir) killed Rabin over issues that cept of,normalcy. Jews were to be a:people_set split (Israel) right in the middle," he said. apart; we were a unique and holy people riot like "Incentive for unification, as after the Kennedy all others.. • •; assassination became (instead) of a reflection of its : Reform Judaism also initially rejected Zionism. d i v i s i o n s . " •' '•'• "~ Its pathway to normalcy avoided Halacha altogeth- ' Ben Ami added a little-known side note: in ques- er, abandoned two millennia almost of rabbinic tioning Amir, polica learned that the second bullet, Judaism and forged a normative Judaism based which many assumed t a be for Shimon Peres, was almost solely on the ethical rather than the ritual instead meant for Avi Geffen, the icon of pop culparts of Jewish tradition.' The Conservative move- ture in Israel and an anathema to the religious ment believed in Halacha, but its approach to the community. . ; modern world involved a recognition that Judaism In describing the current state of Israeli.society, . changes over time-positive historical Judaism was he added, "Fifty years a f t e r t h e creation of the the operative philosophy. ' /: : ' • State arid the idea of a melting pot, we have the Neither approach was understood or accepted by opposite. the bulk of Eastern European Jewry and was liter"The challenge," he continued, "is the assumption ally unheard of in the Jewish mellahs of North that democratic Solutions (in education, social poliAfrica. The bulk of Israelis have their roots either cy and civic society) can help develop a more unit(Continued on page 5) ed, democratic society and that (those solutions)

THE JEWISH PRESS , (Founded In 1920) The role of tho Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of tho Federation are: Community Relations, Jowish Community Center, Jewish Education and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Services. The Jowish Press ia a Constitutional Committee of tho Jewish Federation of Omohn. The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is publlshod weekly on Friday for $26 per calendar year U.S.; $30 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Periodical postage paid at Omnha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send addrcsa changes to The Jowish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154; Telephone 402-334-6448; FAX 402-334-5422; E-mail <johprcss@aol.com>

Slevo Levlnger .ChQlrrn&rt Carol Kalzman Edtlor-in-Chlof Morris Mnllno Editor Emoillua " Moureon LaPour Managing Editor Larry Axelrad Advertising Managor Sheryl Friedman Bookkoopor Goorgo Schaplro Volunloor

.'Shlomo b e n A m i willbe accepted by the 'other half.'" . He bases his conclusions on his historical perspective that the "history of Israel is one of making narrow decisions without popular consensus." In his opinion, the so-called peace parties, including his own Labor Party,- lost the election because they were "unable to convey to the masses the culture of peace" and t h a t "businessmen and the elite did not involve the public" in that dialog. ' Instead, he asserts that the election was won ,by four rabbis: Rabbi Kadouri, Rabbi Shach, Rabbi Bakshi^Doron and the late Rabbi Schneerson, all who held the balance of power by influencing thenvoters that the peace process was-against the will of the people of Israel, as well as against Torah. Even Jews who describe themselves as secular are p u t t i n g - t h e question of J u d a i s m higher on their agenda, he argues, and suggests three strategies for dealing with this developing culture: 1) change economic policies so they reflect social policy; 2) redefine Zionism; 3) redefine Israel's relationship with the Diaspora. '•-)_.

(Continued on page 5)

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* JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Lloyd Roitstoin, Vice Chairman; FrocJ Tichauer, Treasurer; Joanie Jacobson, Secretory; Elyco Azriel; Jill Bclmont; Bob Birt; Steve Danon; Bob Eisenberg; Linda Lachin; Sheryl Lee; George Schnpiro; Howard Silber. Editorials express the view of tho writer and arc not necessarily representative of the VICWB of tho Jowish Press Committee, tho Jewish Federation of Omaha or tho Omaha Jewish Community as a whole. Tho Jewish Press rosorves the right to edit letters and articles for spaco and content. Tho Jewish Press Is not responsible Tor tho Knuhrulli or any product or establishment.

November 14,1997

Special from Israel

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

Key players in religious pluralism

(Continued from page 4)

step back from brink, avert crisis • "We need to bring two million from within Israeli society for a second aliyah," he urged. "Invest in by Michele Chabin education, housing and the infrastructure...without that, there is no peace, no healing of the social fracJERUSALEM (JTA) - Like two sides threatened of it." The second reason, he said, was that the ture. by a debilitating labor strike, the key players in the Reform and Conservative leaders "were looking for "In the past, Jews were defined by others," ben religious pluralism morass have stepped back from a real Orthodox partner from the rabbinate." Ami said, "Today it's by choice. the brink. As a result, the committee seeking a way Rabbi Yisrael Rosen, who heads the rabbinate's "We're developing a reactionary Judaism. If we out now has three more months to find a solution to Office of Conversions, met with Reform and don't make an effort to change here, I'm afraid we'll the crisis that has created a deep rift between . Conservative representatives at the Jerusalem reslose the ability to be a light unto ourselves, let Israel and much of American Jewry;' . idence of Israeli President Ezer Weizman. That alone to other nations." ... There is still no guarantee of Success ^- the, com- meeting took place just hours before; the Knesset ;In one hopeful sign, noted by "this up-andrcoming mittee headed by.Israeli finance ";Miriister Ya'acov was scheduled to debate a new bill .that <would bar political leader, was that the recent debate on religious pluralism in Israel .led to the strongest influ-, Ne'emart has alreadykbp^ed for n i n t h s . - M with non-Orthodox representatives from: servijtig pn;local B : *!-A of _, Americans'-on « , - - I ^ . _ Israelis t.ii 1 :,... legislativei A : i 1 . i : . . x ^the. ^situation spirabngout of "»»?». control, •« all •"»? sides "recence yet " T " »f""" ' S ' " ^ "' T ..religious ' p ^ - Tcouncils.. T• T of the Refopnimoyemejit process/This activity on^ehalf of n o V O r t h o d o x i ^ ' ^ *>*a™ *n.6 is. needed to negotiate the . ^ R a b h , I f e Regeyj-head l l y * i • jifU".!"" K /f~ ''• • t v complex and divisive lsBuesjsvolyed. ! ;;iii-Igraei./iwh • . j , T. ., , ' i i'iq KkV' (i li i* ' f ' TwS^bjB^itihfit'would^BjJSot ©tjjl]pllo^,cjontrol'over jinsistedithatii ,1 ,. , .,•-'._.. •--^i-v.'vy.'ju" ',, •—v* nvpr ojftn bill religtouslife?irt. IsraetSonB^relate^to*jC(fiiversions, ical.pijgas.ure t h ^ t d h i d * i s c 9 l^\\ Uanother re*rated'to".repVesentalionfoji liSial religious ,.jleagues.tochsJ'MPjWPff^W1113.'. : ;..-•;• •..';•. n'nisHJt/ai haa•J^ouncils-ap^arjrf tob«Siei"d^.&eaffi&legishtive ".Tt.^T^iere.w.af a,n;assessment,on our.part-t^at : now , official; representative pf ,the :r,abprocess rather than,rejecting a time out," Regev said.-Orthodox'. fabKriateyahdV the Reform were seeking such a partner all along, and if this lier been accepted by the Orthodox political parries. Conservative; monikers of the committee. But in a dramatic reversal, after a day of enduring had been forthcoming last week or last month, the wrath of Knesset members across the political there might not have been this stalemate." Letter from Israel spectrum, the Reform and Conservative movements : Reform and Conservative leaders charged that (Continued from page 4) accepted the cease-fire. As a result; the nonthe chief rabbis were responsible for the breakdown in Eastern Europe or the Arab world. In neither place was there knowledge or understanding of Orthodox movements suspended their court actions because they had rejected initial proposals by the . • these movements. On the other hand, while prac- on religious matters and the Knesset delayed action Ne'eman Committee. In a letter sent to Ne'eman, leaders of the Reform tice of ritual waned, the historic Jewish concept of on the conversion and religious council bills. Knesset member Alexander Lubotsky, of The and Conservative movements in Israel explained being a people apart remains deeply ingrained. Third Way Party, who helped engineer the rever- that their decision to reject the cease-fire came with' Despite MTV, despite Burger King, despite Pizza Oven, most Israelis still regard Orthodoxy as their sal, said the two non-Orthodox streams shifted for great difficulty. Ne'eman himself voiced personal legitimate religion. It is against this backward look two reasons. "They failed to understand the over- regret after the non-Orthodox rejected the cease-fire. "Time permitting, I have every reason to believe at the schism which was created not just by the riding opinion of almost all Knesset members who Zionist movement, but by the whole process of lib- support the Ne'eman Committee process," he said. that this committee can bring about an historic eral emancipation that the current controversy "They didn't realize that there has been a change in shalom bayit (peace in the house) which would be a blessing to the Jewish people," he noted. must be viewed. If we understand the dilemma by the Orthodox camp-that there are more and more While the Ne'eman Committee was initially mantaking a backward look, how, then, do we proceed Orthodox people who support the committee and believe that a historical breakthrough can come out dated to find a recommended solution to the converwith the second imperative-living life forward. sion crisis, Ne'eman said in his letter that its mandate had expanded, to .include other issues oriithe religious -pluralism agenda, including prayer at the Place your baby Western Wall, marriage ceremonies and religious on his back councils. It was the first public acknowledgement to sleep... that, indeed, the committee had broadened its focus. ' Direct Diamond Importer & Award Winning Jewelry Designer The willingness of the Chief Rabbinate to discuss the issue with the non-Orthodox movements has given some hope that a solution may be attainable. 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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 14,1997

Kirshenbaums 'brand' funds for Biumkio Home and Jewish Historical Society v/

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Dora Kirshenbaum asked Joe to donate some money to the Blumkin Home. She may have had a donation in mind, nevertheless she became the inspiration for an endowment fund that Joe and Audrey established in 1993 to honor then-parents. The fund is used to support programs, activities, and special projects that benefit residents of the . Joe's wife, Audrey, was born in Omaha, the • Blumkin Home and is administered by The daughter of Sam and Rebecca Wolf. Today, Mrs. Foundation of the Jewish Federation. The Kirshenbaums chose an endowment fund as Wolf lives at Leisure World near Laguna, CA. Joe is president of Wolf Brothers. ^Originally a a way of giving to the Blumkin Home so their gift downtown men's clothing store, Wolf Brothers was could be ongoing. "It's easy to set up a fund," refashioned into a western store when Kirshenbaum noted. "Just talk to Sheldon Kirshenbaum purchased it from his father-in-law Bernstein," Foundation Endowment Director, "or in 1950. Today, there are four Wolf Brothers to anyone on the Foundation Board." In addition to. their endowment fund, the stores in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan Kirshenbaums also created a philanthropic fund area. Joe and Audrey Kirshenbaum have lived in Palm this year to help support the, Nebraska Jewish Springs, CA, for 12 years. However, they come Historical Society. back to Omaha four or five times a year to see "I was raised on 25th and Seward next door to their family and friends, to help at the stores, and Adas Yeshuron Synagogue in the late '20s and of course, to watch the rodeo. early '30s," Kirshenbaum explained.-He described Nowadays, the three Kirshenbaum sons operate the numerous kosher meat markets, delicatessens Wolf Brothers. The family includes Tom and his and bakeries, and the little grocery stores that dotwife, Kate; Bill and his wife, Linda; and Dick and ted the area surrounding North 24th St. "I enjoyed his wife, Melanie. The Kirshenbaums' daughter, growing up there," he reminisced. "We never had Kim, owns her own design and alteration business to lock the doors, and you didn't know you were in Omaha. Five grandchildren round out the fami- poor," he said. "I want the younger generations to know about the history of Jewish Omaha." ly circle. An immigrant from Ukraine, Kirshenbaum arrived in Omaha when he was just a year old with his parents, sister,.and numerous other relatives.' His father, Meyer, worked in a South Omaha packing house for three years. After that, he-worked at Himmelbloom Bakery "on North 24th St.

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Joe's mother, Dora Kirshenbaum, died just last year at the age of 104. "Three years ago she broke her hip in a fall," Joe said: She did not want to go to what she referred to as "the old people's home" to recuperate, Kirshenbaum explained. However, after two weeks at the Rose Blumkin Home, "she didn't want to leave. They treated her well, the food was good, arid she made a lot of friends," he said. "We're really fortunate to have a facility like the Blumkin Home in Omaha," Kirshenbaum

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Friedel to seek^ new director

Omaha welcomes. Ukrainian family

Marty Shukert, President of the Board of Directors of the Friedel Jewish Academy, and Rabbi Gavriel Herzig, Headmaster of the Academy, have announced that Rabbi Herzig will not be returning for the 1998-99 school year. He will leave the school to pursue the next stage of his professional career. "We have learned much from each other during Rabbi Herzig*s tenure," said Shukert. "We have made strides in securing and maintaining excellent faculty resources, placing the school in a position to grow significantly in the future. At this time, this decision will serve our individual and mutual interests most effectively." The Academy will begin an intensive search process to replace Rabbi Herzig. "We hope to have a new headmaster for the coming school year retained early in the recruiting year. This will provide clear information and direction that will' underline our conviction that friedel is the best educational choice for Jewish parents and their children," stated Shukert. "As we go through the search process, wo will place special emphasis on administrative excellence and a passion for the work of the school," he added. Composition of a search committee will be announced in the near future. _

by Rita Paskowitz JFS Resettlement & Acculturation Coordinator

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Standing, from left: Julia PnGhchenko, Alia Pashcfrenbq, Alexandra Tsvid, Sergey Tsvid, Gail Paanchenko and Tamara Tsvid. Front: Gene Pashchenko.- , .

The Resettlement & Acculturation Program of Jewish Family Service recently welcomed Alexandra, Sergey and Tamara Tsvid to Omaha. They were met at the airport by Alexandra's family—her mother, Alia Pashchenko; brother, Gene Pashchenko and his wife and daughter, Gail and Julia. Also in attendance for the reunion were several CORRECTIONS In die Oct. 31 issue of The Jewish Press, Cindy members of the Omaha Jewish community, includGoldberg was mistakenly identified as Cindy ing Shirley Goldstein, Gloria Kaslow, Stanley Mitchell, Todd A. Ephraim (JFS Executive Lehr. Also, Judge Ben Novicoff of Lincoln was inad- Director), Lydia Linde, Pearl Giventer and myself. Alia had been dreaming of her family's reunifica.vertently omitted from the list of the 1997 Class of tion since she, herself, was met at the airport by Fellows of the Nebraska State Bar Association. her son and his family almost two years before. "Now, I can finally go to bed at night and sleep, knowing my family is safe," she Bald.'-. The 'Tavido are currently living fa the initial , n resettlement Bite for Leonid, Valentina and Vadim Portugeis, the first Soviet family.brought to Omaha in 1975.

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• y Members will meet Monday at the JCC. English class starts at 10 a.m.; Joe and Terri Greenberg of Sherman Oaks, bingo and exercise both start at 10:30. Bring articles to share at the: "YES •' CA, announce the Nov. 6 birth of their son, Kevin.?? Talk" discussion group' at 11 a.m. Following lunch at noon, Rabbi Flax from" ' ' He has a sister, Lauren, 3%. : Offutt Air Force Base, will speak. For transportation, call 330-4272. ' Grandparents are Barton (Bucky) and Caryl . Deadline for reservations is Nov. 17 for the Thanksgiving Celebration on ' Greenberg of Omaha, Al Shaw of Las Vegas and Monday, Nov. 24. Cost is $4. For reservations, call Maggie Conti at 334-6521. Eileen Shaw, of Sherman Oaks. .•;»•,.. .< Please pay for lunch the day of the party. Make checks payable to Jewish Senior : Susan and. Mark Heller of St. Louis, M0, \ WALK-IN DROP-IN : Members will meet Thursday, at the JCC. English class starts at 10 a.m. announce: the Oct. 21 birth of their daughter, 1". • :: Exercise with Larisa starts at 10:15 a.m., and bingo at 10:30. Bring a dairy , filiana Rose. They also have a son, Ethan. • Grandparents are Esther Ross of Omaha arid sack lunch to eat at 11:30. The movie Mother, "starring Albert Brooks and Debbie Reynolds, will be shown at noon in the Blumkin Home auditorium. Gerry and Ronald Heller of St. Louis.- :. ,. Popcorn will be served. Bring a friend. For transportation, call 330-4272. VISIONS Reminders: Visions 5th birthday party is Sunday, Nov. 16, 3 p.m., in the JCC auditorium. : •. \ ' ••'.•' Membership luncheon meeting is Friday, Nov. 21, 12:30 p.m., at Caniglia's Classic-Craft tough fiberglass door with a deep natural grain Venice Inn. As a joint mitzvah project with Jewish Family Services, members oak finish that stains like wood. Guaranteed never to dent, are asked to bring a monetary donation for Jewish families who are in need. cracky split, shrink, swell, warp, or bow. The polyurethane core Please bring your monetary gift to the luncheon or any.time"before to the; has 5 times greater insulating value than wood. Combined with Blumkin Home's front desk for Maggie's attention. Checks to be made out to our 38 years of remodeling and installing you get the best! We offer financing, free estimates, and have a great showroom. Jewish Family Services Mitzvah Project. • . ' ..-.. BREADBREAKERS Mike Boyle will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, according to Adam Jacobs. Mr. Boyle is the former mayor of Omaha and wasrecently appointed Centrally located -Take 1-80 to 60th or 42nd St. Exit, 2 blocks south to to the Douglas County Board. F St then to 46th St. (OR) L St. to 50th & G East to 46th St. Breadbreakers meets every Wednesday at noon at Highland Country Club. Cost is $7.75, and the event is open to the community. 39FOREVER The November activity for members of 39 Forever will be a trip to the Western Heritage Museum, 801 So. 10th St., on Sunday, Nov. 23, at 2 p.m. Dinner at Caniglia's Restaurant, 1114 So. 7th St., at 4 p.m., will follow. Make reservations by Nov. 20. For more information, call Maxine Noodell at 493-7483,. Services.

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Visions Bubbes and Zadies visit Grampa's Farm

CAN BANK ON A WINNER. Visions members enjoyed the day at Grampa's Farm in Blair to celebrate Sukkot. Among the 'activities and demonstrations were cornhusk doll making, shelling corn, a tour of the turn-of-the-century farm and a bonfire. Members also enjoyed a sing-a-long on a hay rack ride. The final treat was a B-B-Q and sweet kettle popcorn served hot / off the fire. From left: Janette Salkin, Leona Klotz, Lola Reinglas, Doris and Milton Parker, Gilda Pieck, Sam and Rosaline Epstein, Helen and Harold Abrahamson, Selma Sadofsky, Nate Mandell, Eve and Phil Handleman, Merrian Spiegal, Rosalie Greenspan and Monroe and Helen Rosenberg. •)

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Millie Altman displays the 47th lap robe she has made and donated to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 14,1997

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SADOFSKY/THEISS COHEN/ROOS Lisa Sadofsky and Daniel Theiss, both of Deborah E. Cohen and Martin I. Roos were Shawnee Mission, KS, were married Oct. 26 at the married Nov. 8 at Congregation Agudas Achim in I M e a d o w b r o o k San Antonio, TX. a 1 Country Club in Rabbi Richard jk | Kansas City, KS. Spiegel and The bride, Rabbi Samuel daughter of Susie Stahl officiated. I Cooper and The bride, Michael Sadof- daughter of sky, both of Oma- Jeanne Shechet ha, is Area Dist- and Paul G. Corict Manager of hen, both of Automatic Data Omaha, is-ProjProcessing. She ect Manager for | is a graduate of USAA Life Inthe University of surance Co., She N e b r-a,js;k a - is a graduate cof Omaha. ?v;v Trinity UriiverShe*'isi the granddaughter of Theigrobm/son'of Fern and Stephen Rdos Of Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Gilinsky.j Port Arthur, TX, is an attorney with the* firm of The groom, son of Carolyn Theiss of Kansas City, 'Oppenheimeri'Blend^Ham'son and Tate.He is a MO, and Ralph Theiss of Warsaw, MO, is Vice- graduate of Texas A &• M, University of Houston . president of Administration for Gallb Produce. He Law School. •' : . jl •.• is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas Pam Dieterich of Boston was maid of honor. City. ,. • Bridesmaids were Laura Bacak of Wiesbaden, Attendants were Caryn Freirich and Terri Davis, Germany, Milby Branch of San Antonio and sisters of the bride. Margaret Oertling of Jackson, MS. Best man was Jerry Theiss, brother of the groom. Stephen Roos, father of the groom, was best Following a honeymoon to San Francisco, the man. Groomsmen were Flint Bourgeois and Brad newlyweds live in Leawood, KS. Wilder, both of San Antonio, and Kelly Rising of Beaumont, TX. • Ushers were Capt. David Cohen of Wichita, KS, brother of t h e bride; Bobby Pish of Minneapolis, Brad Klein of Houston, Gary Seline of HouBton, Roger Kirstein and Kirk Baker, both of San Antonio. ' - Following a honeymoon to San Francisco and Napa Valley, CA, the newlyweds live in San Antonio. .

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It's a cold, rainy, dreary day as I write. I look out of my window and see soggy leaves falling and realize I can now see through the trees, not just around them. No two ways about it—fall is here, ready or not. ; • I guess that's OK, since there's nothing we,can do to change it, but I really wasn't quite finished using summer yet. Oh, I'm glad to be able to let the air conditioning rest, and it's good to be able to "air out" the house with an open window or door on a nice day, but I miss the look of summer. So what does a perspn do with a day like today, when it's a pleasure to be inside? Well, when I sat down at my desk I realized it needed some straightening up before I could concentrate. That was more than an hour ago and my waste basket is now full,.my desk is heater: and I've sorted out a large quantity of snapshots: that have been accumulating. I've noted how adorable my^grandsqn . was at his sixth birthday party (he's nine now) and how fabulous his; cake-was (lovingly made, by his mother). ' j ; - " I've turned up pictures tijken two'years ago in Florida of my, (now) 11-yeatr-old granddaughter^' and wonder whyl;didnj't put them in a more appropriate place. •-„-' ' i After considerable rearranging, IVe'poHdeiwsd-on .•the best;way to expand the limitecTarea^wJiich is home1 Tor-my1 computer and the monitor and -fclwr pnnter. The answer is simple--the surface of the desk^needs to be of a material which stretchep. Un-

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fortunately^ mine is wood.'i-i, i;: , i ' ^ ••!'•! Happily, while doing all this mindless junk, the phone rang and I was distracted for a while, visiting with my brother-irirlaw. It's always good to catch up with a distant loved one, and besides, it puts off the inevitable. :• I've straightened up what t laughingly call my .files, and could now conceivably find something I might need....maybe. While I?m Btill in the mood, Fm giving a little thought to tackling the drawers, but I'm probably going to let that wait for later. Actually, while hunting for a greeting card recently, I realized I'd better organize my "card department" because I couldn't locate the category 'I wanted. I have the habit of buying certain cards whether I need them or hot'-carde I find either hysterically :funnjr or'just potentially usable, then put them away fpr-the rightoccasion. In theory, ,^at's % great idea;;, jn practice,1, not necessarily. See, f put'theln"away"then.>either can't find theni^f'fprget' wher6 : 1 piirtfiein'or forget I even bo^Kt;|h^m'W Begiii 1;wiin.': When I get desperate,#op^en>up my^e'Sdrid'ae'sfc'drawer and 'voila! There are cards of every description, plus various kinds of stationary^ .,....,.,,. I TodayJ f reMizeaJtht:e'!6ntire" inventory is an unholy nje^Sand F'Sbuldh't fihaicnytliing in there if my life-depended on-I'trDri'secohd thought, maybe I should tackle that job right now. : The only things that make me hesitate are: a) I have to sit down'on th'e floor to dci the job right, and b)I:j^st;r,^meml)ered'h6w'I-hafe to do that. Never'mihd$rYiy I hateto 1 do that.v.ofcourse I.'can "get up from the floor by myself. It's just thaj; on rainy days it's harder! Haying now humiliated myself, lean go,on to another topic. '•; = So what were we talking about? Cleaning up a messy desk or finding something useful to do on a rainy day? I've forgotten by now BO I suppose it doesn't matter.. , v Anyway, it's time to think about going in the kitchen and getting a little dinner ready. Fortunately, that gives me a good excuse to put off any more of my ambitious tasks. Besides, I was getting bored with the whole thing.' In addition to all of the above, I have three new books'waiting for me. Do I need to say moro?

November 14,1997

'Cooks' prepare treats by Oliver B. Pollak, University of Nebraska-Omaha

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Binjamin Wilkomirski, about 55 in .1996, offers an unprecedented juvenile ineinpry recapturing experiences from what appears to be 1944-45 when he was 3 or 4 years old. They are not pleasant experiences. •:-.-; . •/..' He was rounded up by the Nazis in Latvia. His father was killed in front of him. He was separated from his family at the age of three or four, and found himself among strangers in Majdanek death camp. His memories are fragments, without analysis, interpretation or creation of background or context. They make a telling story. I am reminded of the surreal nature of the 1987 Steven Spielberg film Empire of the Sun, about an English boy in Japanese prisoner of war camps in China — demonstrating children's extraordinary survival skills. Binjamin was liberated by the Allies from Auschwitz in 1945. . Today Wilkomirski lives in Switzerland, a concert musician and instrument maker. This is his first book, and is of his earliest memories. As such the memory is blurred and tinged with incredulity. That he and the memory survived at all is astound-, ing, and that it would wait to resonate publicly until the last part of the century is a credit to the human and literary spirit. This book is available at the Jewish'Federation Library.

Page 9

Applications available for graduate fellowships The Shalem Center in Jerusalem is currently accepting applications for the 1998-99 Shalem Graduate Fellowships. Grants are $15,000 and cover the period from Sept. 1, 1998, to Aug. 31, 1999. The program will once again provide students in the social sciences and humanities with an oppor. tunity to pursue guided independent study in diverse areas of Jewish national life.. Fellows participate in weekly seminars, occasional symposiums and workshops on topics of interest. Requests for an application may be submitted by mail, telephone or E7mail to the American or Israeli ofEces of The Shalem Center as follows: The Shalem Center American Friends of The • Shalem Center • ; ; • • 22AHatzfiraSt. Jerusalem, Israel, J •'•; 1524 Delancey St., 4th floor phone (02) 566-2202 Philadelphia, PA 19102 ; :> phonei (215) 985-4681 E-mail: fellowship@shalein.org.il Website: http^/www.ehaleni.org.il Applications must be postmarked, no later than Feb. 1,1998.

Fragments, Memories of a Wartime Childhood by Binjamin Wilkomirski, (New York: Schocken Books, 1996) 155 pages Childhood memories, delightful and nightmarish, float in a dreamlike world, that the passing of time may bury or repress which from time to time rise to the surface, to consciousness. .:... . Children in the Holocaust, those that survived, carry embedded in their being hints and traces of the experience. . '. The genre of youthful and adolescent memory, rich and proud includes Night (1958) by Elie Wiesel, The Painted Bird (1965) by Jerzy Kosinski, and Anton the Dove Fancier (1990) by Gotfryd B e r n a r .

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Genesis at Brandeis University

Members of the Book Discussion Group help residents of the Blumkin Home as they prepare recipes from Miriam's Kitchen: A Memoir, a new book by Elizabeth Ehrlich. Samples from the cooking session will be featured at the book discussion on Nov. 20, 1 p.m., in the Federation Library. Top photo, from left: Jean Rozett, Molly Weiner and Marilyn Berman, chairman. Bottom photo: Bella Block and Mae Ostrow.

An announcement has been made on the availability of the second summer of Genesis at Brandeis University, a summer program for high school students integrating arts, humanities, Jewish studies and social action. . The program has been established with initial funding from Steven Spielberg's Righteous Persons Foundation. For questions ortorequest the 1998 Genesis catalog, contact: Genesis at Brandeis University, MS 084, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02254-9110; phone 781-736-8416; FAX 781-7362122; e-mail: genesis@logos.cc.brandeis.edu Web: www.brandeis.edu/sumsch/genesis

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

. November 14,1997

Sharon Monsky, formerly of Omaha, recently 1 received the Triangle Award from BrownellTalbot School. The award is given to a person who has made a significant contribution in his or her area of study I or profession. Monsky, who suffers from sdero[ derma (a disease-which hardens the skin and damages internal organs) was recognized lor her work in founding the Scleroderma Research Foundation. (Pictured) Henry Monsky accepted the award for his; sister from' Margo1 Parsowt' BrownellTalbot All School Reunion Chairman. ••• • • '• '/•" ; ;

Former Omahan Alan Friedman, son of Roz Friedman and the late Ike Friedman, will be in Omaha this weekend with his holiday jewelry sale (Nov. 15r20> at the Omaha Marriott) Hotel. Friedman, owner of Alan Friedman Company in Beverly Hills, CA, is a third generation jeweler and, a Spectrum Design award winner. ;He is a member of the West Coast Diamond Club, Estate Jewelers Steven J . Riekes,' an Omaha' attorney with' the' Assoc. of America and American Gem Trade Assoc. law firm of Marks Clare & Richards, was recently presented with an award from the Louisiana Housing Council at its fall meeting. The Council Sharon Milder of Los Angeles, formerly of recognized Riekes for his assistance in helping Omaha, has had her flower gardei* featured on the Louisiana become the first state to pass a new cover of the 1998 California Garden Calendar, pubhousing authority act, based on the Model State lished by the Los Angeles Times. Her garden was Public Housing Law. also selected for the April photo. She is a graduate of Central High School and the daughter of Michael Fineman, son of Hollie and Glen Gertrude Korney and the late Norman Korney. Fineman, and Marina Tsed, daughter of Galina Tsed, are among 41 high school sophomores selected from 382 applicants for Youth Leadership Omaha Steaks, founded by the Simon family Omaha. Students selected have been identified as and owned by the Simon family (Steve, Todd, youth with leadership potential who are interested Bruce, Fred and Alan) was recently listed in Inc. in community leadership. 500 magazine as one of the fastest growing compa-

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Sherry Josand Pletijher is starring in the new productionof Tony 'n Tina's Wedding, which is Shayna Flatowicz of Omaha and a member of 1 When you need to hire a caregiver . . . Call our running Thursdays through" Sundays now through the Hastings College Forensics team, placed sixth HOME HEALTH CARE REGISTRY SERVICE.- ,-. ; .-..,-. Jan. 11 at Millard Plaza Ballroom, 139th & Q. She- in duo interpretation at th'e Kansas Newman WE HELP FAMILIES BY: • referring interviewed find plays the part of Tina's mother. College Invitational Swing Tournament. Th'e team screened caregivers • a s s i s t i n g in scheduling hours • fiiidingreplacements when needed. : Greater Omaha Packing Co., Henry Z. placed third in the tournament and also placed RELOCATION SERVICES are available to: • locnte Davis, President, is one of nine outstanding pro- third in the Mel Moorhouse Invitational Swing appropriate housing • coordinate thn movn • puck nml jects selected from a field of 163 entries to win a Tournament in "Wichita. unpack. Ms. Flatowicz is the daughter of Cheryl and Business Week /Architectural Record Award,, given & u GoHlultaaU also offers the ElderCare RESOURCE in recognition of distinguished collaboration and Francois Flatowicz. IIANDBOOK. Cost is $12.50. To order, call 398-1848 (Mention this ad to receive a $2 discount) result between clients and architects who utilize design in achieving strategic goals. Randy Brown sQljtantg; hPsj.been^ay^rt|.e. .;th.e;;IS ^;»(ue. Cliip Epterprise I Sally Fox of Essex, VT, has been named chair of ^ ^ a i ^ j f r"o|n^ tKe : U. S ?= C Ha mb e rTd i; C d m rri e r c p; &! Tvifi ss: M tit up I ^^ 1 is the Architect. the Appropriations Committee in the Vermont State House of Representatives. Ms. Fox,.daughter Afcn • icroftho Gate GtutiulttuiUfa*tluzA<fiiUf.\ 'oiler 7701 Pacific St.. Suite 321 of Dee Fox of Omaha and the late Philip Fox, is business Omaha, NE 68114 now serving her fourth term in office. Bureau Landscapes by Donia Temple: (402) 398-1848 1

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' -Donia Temple is exhibiting landscape paintings at the JCC gallery now through Nov. 30. Many are reminiscent of her childhood in RuBsia and some are of Boys Town. Donia immigrated to the U.S. from Russia in 1947. She was a prisoner of war in a Nazi concentration camp. The paintings are not for sale. For information, call 834-6403.

' Chaim Weizmann, AZA #1510 will conduct ai canned food driy&that Chaim on Saturday, Nov. '•• 22, from 6:$0to'8:30 p.m. The Chaimes and BBG will comedo your house to pick up any canned goods that you may have bought or juBt have sitting around in the pantry. Whether it's Cream of Mushroom or Chicken Noodle, it will all go to needy and homeless people in Omaha. " Also, there will bo a bin inBide the canteen area of the J.C.C. on 132nd St. We appreciate your cooporation and support.

November 14,1997

Page 11

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

by Jennifer Meyerson, Jewish Family Service

Hadassah to host book discussion

JCC gallery will feature 'Warped Intentions'

Jewish Family Service and Women's American ORT are once again planning for Project Dreidel, the Hanukkah gift distribution service for local Jewish families in need. This year, the scope of the project is being broadened to serve not only the children but their parents as well. Individuals and Jewish Organizations are invited to participate by not only purchasing gifts for the children but also gifts for the family or for children to give to their parents-gift certificates to malls or stores, super markets (which can be purchased through synagogues) and recreational events. Books for children, clothing, family games, and. books for adults are especially welcome. Always appreciated are cash donations, in that Jewish Family Service -may be able to pay for a family's medical or utility bill with cash received. If gifts are purchased, we ask that the gift be wrapped and labeled with the recipient's age range, sex and gift contents. All donations and gifts must be in the Jewish Family Service office by Friday, Dec. 13. For more information, or to refer a local Jewish family facing financial difficulties who could benefit from, this program, please call Jewish Family Service at 330-2024.

by Karin Levine

As a part of the series of talks by wives of area rabbis, Hadassah will host a discussion Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m., at the home of Joyce Cohen, 8432 Hickory St. Nadine Kutner, Rebbitzin of Beth Israel Congregation, will review This is My God by Herman Wouk. - • All Hadassah members and prospective members are welcome to the discussion and dessert. Mrs. Kutner will share this timeless book written by the author of many books including War and Remembrance and The Gaine Mutiny. In This is My God, Wouk was able to translate his deep commitment to Jewish life through his writing skills. Mrs. Kutner looks forward to using her experience and education to discuss this book. Having grown up in Brooklyn,. N.Y., and Silver Spring, MD, and with degrees from the University of Maryland and an. MS in Library and. Information Science from Simmons College in Boston, Mrs. Kutner developed and maintained libraries for small law firms and publishing companies in the New York area. She also has served as the librarian at a Yeshiva High School in. Queens, where she worked closely with the teachers to develop a library with the print and computer resources needed to enrich the research of both teachers and students. For transportation to this event, please feel free to call Sandy Kohll at 391-5603.

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Layna Bentley models her Iris Reverse Twill ' Jacket of wool/silk. <-*' '" "Warped Intentions," a one-woman show of handwoven clothing and accessories by local fiber artist Layna Bentley, has been shown nationally and regionally in juried textile shows. Bentley has been handweaving for 20 years and currently is president of Omaha Weavers and Spinners Guild. She creates handwoven clothing, accessories, and home furnishing items in natural fibers of wool, silk and cotton. Her work is characterized by its subtle colors and textures. She recently received the Libby Crawford Award at the Midwest Weavers Conference for distinguished weaving design and construction. Each season, Bentley develops two lines of clothing: one features strong color and textural contrasts, and the other line features subtle colors in finely-woven wool and silk with unusual embellishments. She expands her designs with handstamped and handpainted silks. The show will run from Dec. 1-Jan. 2, Meet the artist Sunday, Dec. 7, nopn-4 p.m. Refreshments will be served. All the clothing will be for sale and can be tried on and purchased on that day only. For more information, call 334-6403.

Information for Jewish singles available by mail Information about Jewish singles and for Jewish singles is now available by mail since the original Sunday Judaicathon was postponed due to weather conditions. The packet will include information about Jewish singles activities in other communities and a number of ads for Jewish men and women from out-oftown weekly newspapers. Anyone wishing a packet of "Singles Connections" is asked to send their name and address and $5 (to cover postage and duplication costs) to Gloriann Levy, Jewish Community Center, 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154. The first mailing will be sent out on Nov. 25 All correspondence and names will be kept confidential.

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

II

November 14,1997

Journey to Celebration Mission to Poland and Israel Why Poland? by Anne Broder, Regional Missions Chairman

I have been asked the question, "Why go to Poland" several times since we announced this mission. Just a couple of years ago, I was being asked, "Why go to Israel? Why go on a mission?*^Funny how the question has changed! We are taking another mission to Israel and one of the reasons this time is to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the State! What an opportunity it is to be a part of such a miraculous time in our history! Fifty years of a free and independent nation! But, why go to Poland? Many of us do not want to ever step foot on the soil of a country that murdered so many of our ancestors. But that, in fact, is the whole point. A vast percentage of iis did (originally) come from Poland or surrounding areas. It is a place to visit,

to see where our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles came from-where they lived and worked, where they prayed,- and yes, where many of them died. Did you know it is a mitzvah to go to a cemetery to honor our dead-to remember them-to never forget? For me, going to Poland is also the opportunity to make a personal statement to the Poles of today, and to any Na?i sympathizers, that it proves they failed in their attempts to eradicate us. We are still here-alive, vital and vibrant! In addition, the Jews that are still living in Poland need our visits and need to know that we support them. -'. ., - •. So, why go' to Poland before Israel? To me it seems logical to want to follow in the footsteps of those who survived the Holocaust and who then came to fight for and build our Jewish state. They

were part of the brigades who actually gave ufl the opportunity to have this 50th anniversary celebration! . So, come with us as we "journey" through our Polish history to "celebrate" our SOth anniversary. I know it will be ah unforgettable experience. An informational meeting for the Journey to Celebration Mission will be held Wednesday, Nov. 19,7:30 p.m., at my home, 11355 William Plaza. The YJO Hatikvah Mission to Israel is Feb. 5-15, 1998, and art informational meeting will- be held Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m., a t Wyridam Hill Apartments Clubhouse- 9226 Burt Stieet, b y Dariny;Appelbaum, an Israeli guide, will be in town to answer questions at both meetings. •"•- . For reservations and. more information, please contact Lana in the Federation office, 334-6430.

14 federations make list of top 400 charities i n U.S. by Debra Nussbaum Cohen

NEW YORK, (JTA) - Fourteen Jewish community federations have won places on a new list of the 400 largest charities in America. But the top Jewish cause on the list in years past, the United Jewish Appeal, got knocked off this year's ranking by the Chronicle of Philanthropy. The prestigious Chronicle, which published the list in its edition last week, decided to stop including UJA, since the money donated by individuals and funneled to the charity through their local federations was being counted twice. UJA was the sixth largest charity on the Chronicle chart last year, and fourth the year before. The largest Jewish charity in America, ranking 29 among the Chronicle's top 400, is now the Jew-

ish Communal Fund, a kind of sister philanthropy, to the UJA-Federation of Jewish Philanthropies of New York, which itself ranked 36th on the list. It garnered private donations of $160.4 million during the 1996 fiscal year. Its donors are people who place their philanthropic money in the communal fund and then direct it to make contributions to their preferred charities,-rather than writing individual checks to those charities themselves. • Communal funds, along with family foundations, are the fastest-growing Jewish charities, experts say. The federations whose ranking changed most significantly from last year were San Francisco, which moved up from 227; Baltimore, up from 249; and

Philadelphia, up from 213. ' San Francisco now ranks as the third largest federation, up from eighth last year. Other Jewish charities making the list were Yeshiva University, which ranked 138; Hadassah, 166; the Anti-Defamation League, 191; the Jewish National Fund, 275; and Brandeis University, 279. The Conservative movement's Jewish Theological Seminary of America was singled out as an institution that saw impressive gains in 1996. Ranked as. 220 on the list of 400, JTS realized a 32 percent increase in donations in 1996. It raised $32.6 million, including a $7 million gift from a retired rabbi (Omaha's Rabbi Myer S. Kripke, Rabbi Emeritus of Beth El.Syhagogue, and his wife, Dorothy).

I

Kay Ferer works on the Federation Campaign because she believes in L'DorV'Dor, the legacy of generations.

What Were You Doing in 1948 When Israel Became a State? • Jewish refugees were bound for Palestine seeking a Promised Land. • Humphry Bogart starred in "Treasure of Sierra Madre." • Cadillac, with two-piece curved windshield, wide rear window, tail fins inspired by Lockheed's P-38 Fighter, and automatic transmission sold for $2,833. • Entire Omaha and Council Bluffs Jewish community was invited to Open House of recently completed Dr. Philip Sher Jewish Home for the Aged. • Johnny Rosenblatt ran his campaign ad for City Commissioner in the Jtewish Press. If you, your parents or grandparents have been contributing to the Jewish Federation's annual philanthropies campaign since 1948, please call or mail your name and address to: PamMonsky Jewish Federation of Omaha 333 South 132nd Street Omaha,Ne 68154 (402)334-6431

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The Jewish Federation would like to honor these Golden Givers as part of Israel's SOth Anniversary Celebration.

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Joan Kaiman works on the Federation Campaign because she believes in Klal Israel, the worldwide Jewish . community.

No Gift Touches More Lives. 1998 UJA/Federation Campaign The Jewish Federation of Omaha