NE HIST SOCIETX 1500 R SI LINCOLN NE 68508-1651
Hanukkah Gift Guide Coming Next Week Vol.LXXV
No. 11
Omaha, NE
1998 Passover Edition Preview
Former Nebraskans make their home in Israel by Carol Katzman
For a state with as small a Jewish population as Nebraska has, it is somewhat surprising to note the number of former Lincolnites and Omahans who've made aliyah to Israel. . Using the Jewish Press mailing list and the help of rabbis, the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, and others, a list has been compiled of close to 25 Nebraska families now living in Israel. It includes the newest olim: Sarah Ross, daughter of Willis Ann and Alvin Ross, and her husband, Teddy Weinberger, and their five children, who moved from North Miami Beach last July to Givat Ze'ev, a suburb of Jerusalem. And it includes some long-time olim, Gary Chesnin of Lincoln, who now goes by the name of Laurie and Jonathan Duitch, seated at the Former community teacher Lionel Wolberger Tahar Lev and is a judge in Beersheva. In preparation for the 1998 Passover Issue, the. back, and their children, join new olim to now works in one of Israel's high-tech firms Jewish Press is attempting to locate more former Israel, Sarah Ross and Teddy Weinberger, as a project support designer. Nebraskans and is enlisting the help of its readers left, and their children, and student Melissa to solicit addresses, phone numbers and e-mail Katzman, for a casual dinner in the Rossaddresses of those family members and friends Weinberger's new. home in Givat Ze'ev. now living in Israel. With the theme, Israel at 50, that issue, to be D'vora); Rikki is the daughter of Omahans Lois published on April 10, 1998, will not only feature and Mel Epstein; Jonathan Duitch, the son of stories and photos of Omahans who've visited or Jean and Jack Duitch; and Jon Whitman, the son studied in Israel, but also those who've made new of Norman aricl the late Elinor Whitman. lives there as citizens. Also on the Jist are: Rachel Fettman Heifetz, Many have already been contacted and have been " daughter of CantorXeo and Annette Fettman; two asked to write short stories about their lives in daughters of Jeanette and the late Rabbi Isaac Israel. Readers want to know what prompted their Nadoff: Julie Amrani and Sharon Mizrachi; Ted decisions to make aliyah, what (and whom) did and Sarah Seldin's daughter, Beth Seldin-Dotan; they encounter, what interesting people and expe- Miriam and Ervin Simon's daughter, Sarah Gold; riences have entered their lives. And former and former community teacher Lionel Nebraskans have been asked to send photos, lots of Wolberger. photos...of themselves, their children and grandFormer Lincolnites are members of this unique children (even great-grandchildren!). group, as well: Harry and Annie Allen (readers The following names are on the current list: Alon will recognize Harry as the writer of our Letter and Rikki Epstein-Mor (he's the former BBYO from Israel column, Annie is Mary Fellman's sis- • Ahuva, six-year-old Naomi, and Jon Whitman director and son of the first Klutzriick Chair at ter); Rabbi Michael Graetz, spiritual leader of a enjoy time together in their apartment in the Creighton University, Menachem Mor and his wife, (Continued on page 11) Rehavia neighborhood of Jerusalem.
B'nai B'rith schedules two events Torch run slated for Hanukkah
Bible Quiz set for Sunday
• Henry Monsky Lodge B'nai B'rith will sponsor the 1997 Hanukkah Torch Run on Sunday, Dec. 21, at 9:30 a.m. According to Adam Jacobs, Lodge President, and David Herzog, Chairman, the Run is a unique event celebrating the Hanukkah festival of freedom. : Those participating will meet at the Jewish Community Center at 9 a.m. on Sunday morning, and will be transported in a van supplied by Nova Health Equipment to the start at 9:30 at Beth Israel Synagogue, 52nd and Charles. Runners will follow a route together, to Temple Israel, along Dodge and Pacific Streets and will finish at the Jewish Community Center. Vans will follow behind the group. Any participant who desires to run only part of the course may elect to ride in a van for such portions. At the conclusion of the run, refreshments will be served at the JCC. .'.'•.. Because of its uniqueness, the Lodge is able to use it to highlight the importance of religious freedom as symbolized by the holiday of Hanukkah. During this year's run, freedom of religion for all mankind will be stressed. For more information, call the B'nai B'rith
Seventeen Omaha-area teens have signed up to compete in the 12th Annual Edward Zorinsky B'nai B'rith Bible Quiz, said Steve Riekes, a trustee of Henry Monsky Lodge. The contest, open to the public, is set for Dec. 7, 2 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center. It will test the teens' familiarity with the Book
office, 334-6443.
Deuteronomy. ••••.• Participants are Mike Cohn, Gila Drazen, Michael Fineman, Jeff Katzman, Rachel Katskee, Erin Malashock, Adam Nichols, David Pitlor, Lisa Pitlor, Michael Parsow, Noah Priluck, Aaron Rich, Adam Rosen, Wendy Robertson, Jeff Shyken, Ryan Tichauer and Alex Wolfson Adam Jacobs, President of Henry Monsky Lodge, will serve as master of ceremonies. Judges are Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Cantor Emil Berkovits and Dr. Leonard Greenspoon. Gloria Kaslow will be the quizmaster, Gerald Meyer is chaperone, Alan Kricsfeld-timekeeper, and Lois Epstein is scorekeeper. Stanley Mitchell and Gloria Kaslow helped coordinate the event Following the contest, a reception will be held in honor of the contestants. The program, which is held in conjunction with . Jewish Book Month, is open to the community at no charge.
Exclusive interview
Reform, Conservative rabbis clarify positions on pluralism by Carol Katzman
In an exclusive interview with Rabbi Uri Regev, director of the Reform movement's Religious Action Center in Jerusalem, and with Rabbi Andy Sacks, an associate with Masorti, the Conservative movement's Jsrael branch, the Jewish Press has learned that both organizations are cautiously hopeful that a compromise Rabbi Uri Regev can be reached on the issue of conversions in Israel. According to Rabbi Sacks,- "the high levels of (Netanyahu's) government know there's a difference between Reform and Conservative, but there is a direct attempt to divide us." Apparently the Reform movement agrees, as Rabbi Regev noted that "Reform has become a catchall for anything perceived as 'out of the ordinary.'" .-• • . • ' . •.. ' •.• ' '. .; ' .' •'• Though both recently expressed some optimism about Ya'acov Ne'eman (the Minister of Finance appointed by Prime Minister Netanyahu to chair a ( C o n t i n u e d o np a g e 11)
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE '
Decembers, 1997
American Heart •
Associationi
Sparks from The Word
A third Temple...whom are you Kidding? by Rabbi Myer S. Kripke
Fighting Heart OlseM anestmkt
Deaths
ROSE NOVICOFF Parashat VayYetze Services for Rose Novicoff were held Nov. 24 at I turn to the awe-inspiring picture of Jacob's Reduce your risk factors dream, a ladder (ramp) between earth and heaven, Mt. Camel'Cemetery in-Lincoln. She died Nov. 22 as he lay sleeping on his journey to the homeland at the age of 89. She was preceded in death by her husband, of his mother. Many of us know some of the multi. ' . ' . • tude of interpretations of this mysterious connec- George. Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, tion between God and humankind. I turn to one not also so well-known - the use three times of the word Elaine and Ben Nachman; son and daughter-inHebrew law, Don and Carolyn Novicoff, all of Omaha; makom, a place. . ? Jacob came to an unnamed place and decided to granddaughters, Marilyn Collick, Nancy Silverman Lettering 12019 Blondo 492-9730 spend the night there, weary and alone — and then and Carole Wolfson, all of Scottsdale, AZ, Amy the dream. Some commentators have seized on the Novicoff of Newport Beach, CA, and Wendy fact that the word[ makom is used three times. Novicoff of Charlottesville, VA; five great-grandThen they have identified the place as the site of children; sister, Sally Hassel of Tucson; and broththe first Temple, (destroyed by Babylonia in 586 er-in-law, Judge Ben Novicoff of Lincoln. Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or Alan H. Friedman B.C.E. and of the second Temple (destroyed by Hospice Preferred Choice. ' Rome in 70 C.E.). President Graduate Gemologist ' The third use of makom, they suggest, augurs BELLA GRUND well for a third great Temple in Jerusalem, a 9107 Wilshire Boulevard. Suite 320 Services for Bella Grund of Des Moines were held House of God that will bring the blessing of peace Beverly Hills, California 90210 and grace to all humankind. Commentators I said, Nov. 17 at Tifereth Israel Synagogue in Des 888*489'4545 • Fax 310*278*5449 Moines. She was 86. • note well, medieval commentators. 1 Member of West Coast Diamond Club She was.preceded in death by her husband, I. But, believe it or not, there are Israeli haredim Estate Jewelers Association of America • . American Gem Trade Association who earnestly desire to build a third Temple (on George Grund. Survivors include two daughters, Lois Margolin land held by Muslims, the site of two great mosques!) and install again the sacrificial system and Ann Blumberg, both of Des Moines; sister, described in Leviticus. Kohanim (priests) are being Zina Finkelstein of Lincoln; brother, David Rosenberg of Hastings; and seven grandchildren. identified and trained. Memorials to Tifereth Israel Synagogue or For many centuries, authentic Judaism has been Gala* Room Milt SSacJudl defined in terms of observance of mitzvot, prayer United Synagogue Youth Travel Fund, 924 Polk Ptuih leviu Spa Ro&eiIfl liatUSalU . and study.- This was the great contribution of rab- Blvd., Des Moines, IA 50312. binic Judaism when sacrifice became impossible. 3>{UUH Pillotoi & Gomtontete HAROLD KARP Who knows? One day a tiny fraction of Jews may . JicutcLnade @ne-o{-a-KUul £ap Hotel have a third Temple and'restore the sacrificial sysServices for Harold Karp were, held Dec. 1 at Ituutfuoui. Cotton B Mituut Sluxti. & jbuuet CaWU tem. Beth El Cemetery. He dieS at the age of 71. If this should happen, the rest of us, a vast Survivors include his wife, Beatrice; son, Alan S. majority in Israel and even more outside of Israel Karp; and brother, Basil Karp. %ENTRXLIM^lTRESSf&f BE Dp I NG£ (99%?), will have to disown them. They will be like Memorials to the American Cancer Society. the Samaritans, who still sacrifice on Mount 129th & Maple In Eagle Run Square 402.492.9855 Gerizim. We do not consider them Jews. ANNELISA LEBOWITS 501 N. 13th St., Downtown 800.333.5376 402.342.5376 Annelisa Lebowits, a resident of the Rose If the movement for a third Temple should somehow succeed, the minuscule minority, involved will Blumkin Jewish Home, died Dec. 1. Services were have removed themselves from authentic Judaism. held Dec. 2 at Beth El Cemetery. CUP & SAVE Medieval commentators dreamed ~ then — of the She was preceded in death by her husband, | CALENDAR OF EVENTS kind of world that does not exist in the 20th centu- Alexander. ... . C ry and will not in the 21st. ? FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5 Survivors include brother and sister-in-law, L "Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 ajn. (Perhaps we should point this out, and its coro- Herman and Rose Loewehstein of Omaha, nieces laries, to some of Israel's haredim today.) . and nephews. ';TefflpleferaelGradeJ Sluribatpn, Sluribat ( PHday and Saturday, at Temple Israel Memorials to the Blumkin Home. The ancient rabbis defined authentic Judaism as & ,BeffijSl:BESTTK-i:Shabbat Dinner, observance of mitzvot, prayer and study. That"s as 6'p.m.; at Beth El S much as we can handle! . Kallah Weekend at the Synagogues y g g A SUNDAY DECEMBER SUNDAY, E 7 V Ya'Chad Hanukkah Workshop, 12:30 p.m. E YJO needs gifts for Joy of Giving II Library Book Fair Brunch, 10:30 a.m. El Al flies to the aid According to Sharon Kirshenbaum, Young B'nai B'rith Bible Quiz/Reception, 2 p.m. Jewish Omaha Director, new, unwrapped gifts are of Rwandan children Beth El Art Auction/Reception, 6 p.m., Beth El still needed for the group's community service proTemple Israel New Member Reception, ject on Dec. 14 at Boys and Girls Club of Omaha. 7 p.m., at Temple Israel Cash is also welcome. For more information or to MONDAY, DECEMBER 8 volunteer, contact Ms. Kirshenbaum at 334-6484. YES Program, 9:30 a.m. Scouts,' 7 p.m. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9 Temple Israel Torah on Wheels," noon, out of the building . Beth Israel Sisterhood Board Meeting and Luncheon, 10:30 a.m., at Beth Israel by Jennifer Meyerson, Jewish Family Service fCDCC Meeting, 7 p.m. Beth El Executive Committee Meeting, : Jewish Family Service and Women's American ~gT:15p.m.,atBethEl . ORT are preparing for the Tzedakah food distribu. £S WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10 tion project for Hanukkah in order to help local .qvfireadbreakers, noon. Highland Country Club Jewish families in need, and are asking the comj£ ,i£AC .Full Board Meeting,~7:30 p jn. A portion of the two tons of freight El Al carniunityJfqr help, .... ,..._.• ; , . > -...',.., *• • I ' Chabad House "Ladies Night Qut," 8 p.m., ried for the Rwandan relief mission. Members of the community are asked .to donate ^''''arUi'dChaDadHouie''' ' non-perishable kosher food or other items (such as THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11 ' * Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. candles) .that are appropriate for the holiday. These NEW YORK- El Al Israel Airlines has joined S Temple Israel Sisterhood Adult Education, items can be placed in the Taedakah bin in the . more than 50,000 Israeli children, the government A - 11a.m.-, at Temple Israel; _•;•- • front lobby, of the JCC or- brought to the Jewish of Israel and the Joint Distribution Committee V Temple Israel Synagogue' 2000 Committee Family Service office by Tuesday, Dec. 16. '-... (JDC) in a mission to help Rwandan youth. E~". Meetings 7 p:m., at Temple Israel' '•'•'•• For those interested in Project Dreidei, there is : : In a national fundraising campaign, children .ADL/0RGAMCPandrai8er, 7p.ni:; - still time to help local.Jewish children in need. from more than 400 schools in Israel united to s!atiAMGT*eatre,Oakview ;••:-"]:•:•:,•; ; a-. People, can respond by purchasing gifts or gift cer- raise $50,000 which was used to purchase school tificates for. the children or donating money to supplies and uniforms... . COMMERCIAL Jewish Family Service so that volunteers can shop < The Israeli children also created personal artAUTOMOTIVE for and deliver gifts. If, purchasing a gift, it is work that included greetings in the Rwandan lanrequested that the it be wrapped and tagged with guage. These care packages are helping 1,600 RESIDENTIAL the child's age range arid sex and the. .gift contents, orphans, ages 12 to 18. El Al then stepped in to fly 8037 H Street and brought to the JFS office. All gifts, must be in the contributions from Tel Aviv to Nairobi. Omaha. NE 68127 pur of fice by Friday! Dec. 12. (402)593-1242 For more information, please call 330-2024.
Monograms Unlimited
Alan Friedman Company
Tzedakah project sponsored by JFS and ORT
CUP & SAVE
December 8,1897
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
CANDLEUGHT1NG: 4:36 p.m. TEMPLE ISRAEL Member of the Union of American , ' * Hebrew Congregations 7023 Case Street, Omaha, ME 68132 556-6538 FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat Service, 7 p.m. Shabbat Evening Service, 8 pjn. Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Stiel and Hazzan Contzius will officiate. Community Kallah speaker, Aaron Lansky, founder of the National Yiddish Book Center, will be guest speaker. The Oneg Shabbat is sponsored by Rob Reiss in honor of the conversion of his wife, Wendy Reiss. SATURDAY: Shabbat morning service, KhSOajm. Simcha B'Shabbat-An informal Shabbat service that includes study and discussion of a variety of Jewish texts. SITTER SERVICE Sitter service is available each Shabbat evening service and the Saturday morning Shabbat service when there is a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Please make a reservation so we may plan accordingly. There are no facilities for infants. SUNDAY: AOL (Adult Opportunities for Learning) will meet at the JCC at 10 ajn. to hear Aaron Lansky. ~ T.O.W. Tuesday, Dec. 0: Torah on Wheels (TOW) will be hosted by Angela and Stan Krieger at their law offices, 9290 W. Dodge, noon-l:15 pjn. Please call the Temple office with your reservation. Adult Education: WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10: Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class, 10 aan. to noon..' THURSDAY, DEC. 11: Rabbi Azriel will teach "Israel at 50~M?dlite Crisis," 9:30 • 11 ajn.; Beyond Midrash, led by Don Schwartz, 7:30-8:30 p.m. PANCAKE BREAKFAST Sunday, Dec. 14, 9-11 a.m.: Temple Israel Sisterhood will sponsor an allryou-can-eat breakfast with the "Pancake Person" in the Friedman Social Hall. Cost is $4.25 for adults and $3.50 for children age 12 and under. Sisterhood Gift Shop The Gift Shop is gearing up for Hanukkah with dreidels, decorations and other items.
B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618MynsterSt., Council Bluff's, Iowa 51503 322-4705 E-MAIL: docjeb@juno.com FRDDAY: Services, 7:30p.m. Discussion topic is "Resurgence of Kabbalistic Mysticism."
ROSE BLLJMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, led by Alan Shulewitz, start at 9 a.m.
BEYTSHALOM An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstruction^ Federation P.O. Box 241130, Omaha, NE 68124-5130 758-9233 http^/pwl.netcon»,com/~salmun FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat services, 7:30 p.m. at 3012 S. 119 St. SUNDAY: Religious School meets at the JCC for all grades, 10 ajn. to noon, and on Tuesdays, from 4-6 p.m. Rabbi Lisa Freitag viBits Omaha next week for the Bar Mitzvah of Igor Konfisakhar. Hanukkah Party Friday, Dec. 19,7:30 pan. during services.
HOUSE SITTING 60-year-old widow available for house sitting in Omaha during Dec, Jan. and Feb. Excellent References Call (402) 371-6600
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California, Omaha, NE 68154 . 492-8550 WEB-http^/omahafreenetorg/bethel
Member of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 1502 No. 52nd S t , Omaha, NE 68104 558-6288 Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat service, 4:40 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services conducted by Cantor Leo Fettman, 8:45 a.m.; Little People's Service, MteSO ajn.; Jr. Congregation, MhSO ajn. Chumash class with Rabbi Gavriel Herzig, 4 p.m.; Mincha, 4:30 p.m., fallowed by Shalosh Seudot, Ma'ariv and Havdalah. SUNDAY: Services at 9 a.m. and 4:40 pan. WEEKDAYS: Services at 7 ajn. and 4:40 pan.
OFFUTT 25th and Capehart, Omaha, NE 294-6051 Services conducted by Rabbi Ira Flax. Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.4:30 pjn.; Friday, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. FRIDAY: Shabbat services, 6 pjau, followed by dinner and discussion. :ai: SATURDAY: Learners Minyan, 1030 ajn., followed by lunch and Parshat discussion.
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. ."•' : : Minyan on Monday and Thursday at 7:15 ajn. FRIDAY: Services, 8 pjn. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. Lunch and Learn will feature Dr. Sanford Kaplan and "Geology and the Torah." Havdallah Club meets at the home of Ruth and Irv Goldenberg at 6 p.m. ,
CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURUN SOUTH STREET TEMPLE . Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations 2001S. 20th St., Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435-8004
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and Cantor Emil Berkovits. .-: '" FRIDAY: Services, 6 p.m. •, : SATURDAY: Services, 9 3 0 a.m. Kiddush following services; Sitter service, 10 ajn.; TSS (Torah Siddur Skills), 10 ajn.; Shabbat Story Time, first and third Saturday at 11 aan.; ICtantan, second and fourth Saturday at 11 a.m.; Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 4:40 pan. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m., followed by Men's Club Breakfast. Call the synagogue office for reservations. WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. lflrnh Lunch and Learn Friday, Dec. 12: Children, under six, parents and grandparents are invited to Hanukkah Lunch and Learn, 12:15-1^30 pjn. RSVP to EUene Edelstein, 333-7455. JudaicaShop The Beth El Judaica Shop is open Tuesday through Thursday, H a.m. to 2 p.m, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon or by appointment.
Bar Igor Konfisakhar, son of\ , Konfisakhar, will become ' a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Beyt Shalom Reconstructionist Synagogue. - A seventh-grader at Westside Middle School, he. especially likes math, science and classical music and plays the piano and trombone. '. Igor has a sister, Inga/IL In honor of becoming a_Bar MjtzvaK] Igor, has translated partsof.his'grandf'a.'tlie'r Rahman Grandparents are Inessa Manevich and the late Samuel Shpilberg and Riva Konfisakhar t)f.New York and the late Yakov Konfisakhar.
No slowdown for RBJH residents
Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. FRIDAY: Services, 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10 ajn.
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CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chnbad-Lubavitch Movement 11923 Pacific, Omaha, NE 68144 697-1124 , E-MAIL-chabad@aol.com
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SATURDAY: Davening starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by Kiddish. Mesibos Shabbos, fun for kids, including games and refreshments, will be led by Chaya Arnold and Henchi Goldstein, 8:30-5 p.m. SUNDAY: Sparks of the Soul cable television show hosted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman, Cox Cable 23,5-5:30 pin. Yiddish Class Monday, Dec. 8: Blumkin Home, 7 pan. Torah Tikes Tuesday, Dec. 0: Class.led by Shani Katzman, includes Hanukkah story through puppets and song, 10 a.m.-noon. Parsha Study Class Tuesday, Dec. 9: Parshat Vayishlach and the struggle between Esau and Jacob is the subject for this class led by Rabbi Katzman. . Mitzvah Munchkins Wednesday, Dec. 10: Shani Katzman will teach the Hanukkah story through puppets, song and science experiments, 10 ajn.-noon.
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Entertainer J o e Taylor dances w i t h Betty Weissman, age 102, at the Blumkin Home's recent family dinner.
PERSONALS My sincere thanks to.my wonderful family and friends who honored me on my 90th birthday with cards, good wishes and so many contributions to many worthy causes. Bess Rothenberg Thank you, thank you, thank you to all my family and friends who said prayers and sent cards, gifts and donations for the'recovery from my surgery. A special thanks to Rabbi Drazen arid Cantor Berkoyits for their concern. AlOruch
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE December 5,1997 Don't mess with Mother Nature
Editorial
According to three of Hollywood's There's not one homely or overlatest sci-fi films, human beings weight member of their crew are pretty stupid in the future. If and, like good little soldiers, Gattaca, Starship Troopers and they all obey orders. Perhaps the creepiest winAlien Resurrection ate any indication, of Hollywood's view of the dow on the next millennium is future, it's both arrogant and pes- Alien Resurrection.. While the ..simistic. :•'; .* . • main character, Ripley, played Gattaca presents the most likely by Sigourney Weaver, dies in scenario, one' that presupposes • Alien 3, she is cloned in,the latelimination of harmful traits, like est version; still impregnated the genetic risks of cancer and with the alien creature. In a scene reminiscent of the heart disease, and increases mental intelligence and attractive Nazi experiments of the physical qualities. But it also sug- Holocaust, the first six Ripley gests that babies born without clones are gross mistakes and preselected traits will not be able the seventh actually begs to be to compete in society and, in fact, killed. Number 8 contains alien wouldn't even be considered for genes, giving Ripley alien-like strength and acid in her blood; schools and careers. Biomedical engineering is she also loses her humanity. The concept of b'tzelem approaching t h a t 'point of no return' faster than medical ethi- Elokim, creation "in the image cists are, a potentially dangerous of G-d," has disappeared in Hollywood's crystal ball. scenario that could lead to abuse. So much for individual initiative Neither the military nor the and underachieversr working world's scientists have learned beyond ability, says that version "it's not nice to fool Mother of the future. Luckily, the film's Nature." main,Qha,racter does achieve his New religious dreams, so Gattaca has at least ,one.B,ign pfjhope. ,,,:..!. ;-.•••:'•• byCarlAlpert £ ^Stars/lip, Troopers, on the other hand, shows only beautiful and fit. -33>u.ngrfie°P,ie,.who musl,literally HAIFA - For the last few years, Hanukkah has ,'fightjfoJCf;their rights as citizens. occurred sotte weeks before'Christmas'. This year, that holiday falls on the night of the second candle of Hanukkah. Festivities in Jewish and Christian households will take place simultaneously. Restaurants and supermarkets are already sellby Harry Allen ing sufganiyot, the jelly doughnuta vw(hich are as traditional for the holiday here are hamantaschen
Our man in Israel
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are for Piirim.
Located in a courtyard set back from Rechov Hillel in downtown Jerusalem, the Museum of Italian Synagogue Art is rarely seen by tourists and most Israelis. It chronicles one of the most ancient and distinguished European Jewish comrnuni^e^^ which, dates, back to the destruction:of jthe,Second. Temple and, the expulsion from Israel
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"""Housed within the building is an Italian synagogue, shipped from Italy and rebuilt. The elaborate hand-carved and gilded Aron HaKodesh (Holy Ark) is a masterpiece of baroque art. The small main hall is also elaborately decorated, an artistic, as well as religious, treasure. There is also a chapel with a painted ceiling; it reminds one of the Sistine Chapel, but on a much smaller scale. One evening last week, the museum was the locale' of a lecture by David Cassuto, deputy mayor of Jerusalem, followed by a concert of baroque music played on harpsichord and a 15th-century aix-stringed cello. , ',.''..." - Cassuto traced his family history from the days immediately following the' exile from Israel in the yea>'-'70 .CIE. There' are! family records which authenticate the various''places in which they lived after the exile: Tunis, Morroco, Turkey and finally, iflof&tteVItaly. ' ' : ' " :'''^"\ "'.;':':,. ''"./ ,'"/' •''.'•'His''father:was killed in Auschwitz, but, at age ten1, Cassil to and other members of his family made it to' Israel.' So the Caesuto family has come full circle...from exile to return to the land of Israel...a fascinating story in a fascinating setting. Amid'the political turmoil in this country, it is a welcome relief to have an opportunity to relive history on a very personal basis.
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In this connection, hospital directors are already on the alert and have issued instructions to keep a close count on syringes in all wards since last year they noted a shortage just prior to Hanukkah. An investigation revealed that the nurses were taking syringes home and using them to inject jelly into their homemade; sufganiyot! The sweet and spongy delicacy has also assumed a role in one of the classical confrontations in Israel. For years, the Chabad Hassidim have made it a custom to enter militarjfcamps and hand out freshly made sufganiyot to the soldiers, as a mark of good cheer. Commanding officers have usually turned a blind eye to the practice, until last year, when instructions came down from above, banning entry into the camps. The Lubavitcher emissaries thereupon took up their posts at the entrance to the camps and handed out the sweets to the soldiers there. This year, however, they are on the alert for competition which materialized a year ago from an unexpected source. Delegations from the Reform movement were also on hand and made it clear that Reform Jews, too, marked the holiday like this.
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Will the competition this year take the form of bigger and better sufganiyot, warmer and with more jelly, to symbolize the superiority of one group over another? And while the battle of the jelly doughnuts goes on (may they not be used as missiles!), the indications of Christmas are found throughout Israel, as well. Public symbols and celebrations are particularly marked this year because of the presence of
THE JEWISH PRESS (Founded In 1920) The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation ore: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Education and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Services. T h e J e w i s h Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. The J e w i s h P r e s s (USPS 27G620) is published weekly on Friday for $26 per calendar year U.S.; $30 foreign, 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 £8154; Telephone 402-934-6448; FAX 402-334-6422; E-mail <yshprcss@nol.com>
Slavs Lavlngar Chairman Carol Katzmen Edilor-ln-Chlol Morris MaHne Editor Emeritus Maureen LaPour Managing Editor . Larry Axelrod Advertising Manager Sheryl Friedman ' Bookkeeper Gaorgt Schaplro Volunteer
conflict over jelly doughnuts? more than 200,000 foreign workers, a good number of them Christian. Many have their families with them and they want to mark the holiday appropri: ately in the Holy Land. ' ! ' " - -••- • • ' Display windows, in many stores already feature Santa< Claus figures and' the gaily-colored tinsel and other decorations for Christmas trees, Observers have noted the similarity between the tree decorations and those so recently hung in the s u k k a h s o f t h e J e w i s h c o m m u n i t y . ••"
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And just as observant Jews set up marketplace on the eve of the Succot holiday for the sale of holiday appurtenances like palm fronds, lulav, etrog and the like, so there are already corners where trees are'available'for 'a price: Since fir trees are not common in Israel, the substitution is cypress or pine trees. Some enterprising merchants are marketing fir trees made of plastic. • Christian churches and institutions, UN soldiers, the foreign press and members of the diplomatic corps are provided with the trees free of charge by the Jewish National Fund, which culls its forests for this purpose. Some 3000 such trees will be dis- • tributed this year. Up north, there will be a repeat of the combined Hanukkah-Christmas celebration at the border with the participation of Christian children from South Lebanon and Jewish children from Metulla. Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem are becoming less festive with each succeeding year as the Christian population declines. The town is almost entirely Muslim now and only the tourists impart some degree of celebration. Last year there was a minor scandal on the campus of the Hebrew University. A.group of ArabChristian students asked for (and received) permission to set up a Christmas tree in one of the halls of the Law School, while they held a celebration.' The press made a big issue of it, proclaiming "Hebrew University sets up Christmas tree," The humor columns published a notice that on Dec. 25 pilgrimages would visit the tomb of Rabbi Santa Claus, a Spanish marrano, who is buried in the Galilee. Visitors could have their photo taken with the caretaker (and his camel) for ten shekels.
JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Lloyd Roitstoin, 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 the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish Community as a whole. The*Jewish Press reserves tho right to edit letters and articles for space and content. Tlio Jewish Press is not responsible for the Knshruth of any product or establishment. ; , V
December 5,1997
Focus on the Issues
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
Courting Jewish Law: Rabbis weigh in on attorneys' invoking halacha in Grossberg case by Marilyn Silverstein, Staff Writer, The Jewish Exponent, Philadelphia
Should halacha — Jewish law — have any stand- Temple Beth Rishon in Wyckoff. Rabbi Kenneth In this case, another Jewish law prevails, accordEmert, of Beth Rishon, declined to comment. ing alongside the statutes of a sovereign state? ing to Gabbai— the talmudic law diria demalkhuta •••' •'••••'. To back up their attempt to quash the subpoenas dina: The law of the land is the law. Can American Jews stand behind an ancient Jewish law in order to exempt themselves from a on religious grounds, the attorneys have appended "I don't know the level of observance of'-the modern American one? And just what is Jewish to their motion an affidavit from Rabbi Joel Roth, Grossbergs,* the rabbi'said. "I am assuming they religious law doing in a secular American court- Finkelstein Professor of Talmud.and Jewish- Law want to abide by Jewish law and do the best1 that at the Conservative movement's Jewish t r a d i t i o n r e q u i r e s . •••••' ' * ' ^ - ;•:':•'••:•••".;. •,:•.•!•'•:.•.-.': room anyway? . ; "If that's the case, th&mother -^if she is'fofded to These were some of the questions in the Superior , Theological Seminary of America in New York. "Under Jewish law, a mother and/or a father are testify.— then Jewish law'says the law of the land Court of Delaware last week, as attorneys for, Amy S. Grossberg invoked Jewish law in an attempt to not allowed to give testimony against their child in has to be abided by. If the law of the land says" you any legal proceeding," writes Roth, a member and • must testify, there's no choice." ' ..*-.-••»?.'•!> K.V.V: • quash subpoenas served on her parents.. Rabbi Morris Dembbwitz, religi6us ; leader of The 19-year-old Grossberg and her bpyfriend, former chair of the movement's Committee on Congregation Ner Zedek-Ezrath Israel-Beth Uzi'el, Brian C. Peterson Jr., also 19, are charged with Jewish Law and Standards. He cites writings in th& Mishnah, Tractate agreed. "I think there is no reason to invoke Jewish first-degree murder in the killing of their newborn Sanhedrin, Chapter 3, Mishnah 4; the Code of law in a matter of this 'nature. You invoke religious infant son in November 1996. Police say the two murdered the baby and Maimonides, Laws of Testimony, Chapter 13:1, 5 law in matters of ritual. In matters of civil'law'arid dumped his body in a trash bin behind a motel in and 6; and the Shulchan Arnch, Hoshen Mishpat criminal law, the law of the land is the law." Newark, DE. Grossberg was a freshman at the 33:2. Rabbi Gerald I. Wolpe said he sees the invocation University of Delaware at the time. In a telephone interview, Roth emphasized that of Jewish law in this case as a moral and underIn July, her parents,-Alan and Sonye Grossberg his affidavit speaks only to what would be allowed standable strategy by the Grossbergs' attorneys. of Wyckoff, NJ, were served with subpoenas order- to happen under Jewish law. "I am not at all outraged that they've done this," ing them to come before Delaware Attorney "It says that in matters of Jewish jurisprudence, said Wolpei religious leader of Har Zion Temple in General Jane Brady to disclose their daughter's parents are not allowed to testify in potentially Penn Valley and director at the Finkelstein confidences about the case. capital cases involving their children," Roth said. Institute at JTS, a center for Jewish bioethics. "I think it's a valid approach." The action came on the heels of an ABC-TV news "It is only about that that I claim any expertise." Although Roth would offer no opinion on whether program, 20/20, in which Sonye Grossberg told Jewish law has been invoked on many occasions interviewer Barbara Walters that her daughter the secular court should take Jewish religious law in secular courts — specifically in cases involving had revealed to her why she had concealed her into account in this case, several other rabbis did. divorce, adoption and bioethical issues, according to pregnancy. . • : ' ' Wolpe. , *There is no question that abiding "The whole question of whether American law can "Why do you think Amy didn't tell you she was by the law of the land is a vital prinutilize Jewish law for purposes of adjudicating a pregnant?" Walters asked. • ciple of Jewish taw, unless the law case is not without precedent," he said." • ; > • !-':;"I know the answer to that," Sonye Grossberg runs specifically counter, to a basic Babbi Ira F. Stone joined his colleagues in'stressreplied, "but Fm not at liberty right now to give it." principle of. Jewish law," said Rabbi ing the importance of abiding by the law of the land Now, their attorneys are trying to prevent Alan Paul Brazen of Beth El Synagogue. - "to the extent that it doesn't force us into an egreand Sonye Grossberg from having to give that ."However, choosing to disobey the gious collision with Jewish law and life," said answer to Delaware's attorney general — or any Stone, religious leader of Temple Beth Zion-Beth other testimony that might be used against their law of the land because of Jewish Israel and a visiting instructor in Jewish philosodaughter in this capital case. law does not preclude one from phy at JTS. , ••• \ And they have enlisted the ancient halachic being punished by the state." "The question is: Is this a collision?? - " * statutes of the Mishnah, the 12th-century Code of It is not appropriate to invoke Jewish law in the Because this is a capital case, Stone said, the Maimonides and the 16th-century. Shulchan Aruch Grossberg case, said Rabbi Albert E. Gabbai, presi- Grossbergs might argue that their testimony' could in their effort to do so. .< Their Nov. 21 motion to quash the attorney gen- dent of the-. Board of Rabbis of Greater contribute to the murder of their daughter and that therefore, Jewish law would permit them to violate eral's subpoenas states that Alan and Sonye Philadelphia. ......;..: "Personally, I think that we should always live American law. Grossberg are members of the Conservative branch But such an argument would raise the question of of the Jewish religion and that the subpoenas by Jewish law," said Gabbai. "Having said that, I would violate their right to. the free exercise of reli- don't know how this Jewish law is relevant there, whether capital punishment is a form of murder, he gion, as protected by the First Amendment to the because it is not a Jewish court, where the testimo- said, "These are very subtle philosophical and'legal ny of a relative is hot taken into account. It is an issues. I'm concerned that they be fully''tbaugn't Constitution. : OUt." • .•-.H : bi,Trf ; .ri * - ™ nor,,crJ ' - The Grossbergs are reportedly members of American court." !
Behind the Headlines
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Netanyahu faces looming crisis over proposal for redeployment by Naomi Segal
JERUSALEM (JTA) - Israeli Prime Minister . Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a looming threat to his government over further Israeli withdrawals from the West Bank. Netanyahu, under pressure from the Clinton ' administration, is reportedly proposing that Israeli troops withdraw from 6 to 8 percent of rural areas of the West Bank currently under sole Israeli control. The plan is conditioned on a Palestinian commitment to fight terrorism and an agreement to move to final-status talks. Hard-line members of Netanyahu's coalition last week threatened to bring down the government if. such a handover is implemented, while Palestinian officials have already rejected the leaked proposal as insufficient. In an effort to avert a crisis, Netanyahu convened his Cabinet ministers to discuss the principles of further redeployment and final-status talks. No vote was taken, at the Nov. 26 meeting, a decision Cabinet Secretary Danny Naveh attributed in part to the fact that not all of the ministers had a chance to speak during the six-hour session. A vote is not expected until next week at the earliest. ' ' One of the ministers who did comment at the meeting, Transportation Minister Yitzhak I&vy of the National Religious Party, said he opposed carrying out the redeployment. Netanyahu faced pressure from his more dovish coalition partners as well. Foreign Minister David Levy told Israel Radio that he would consider it a "waste of time" to
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remain in the government if the coalition were to bring the peace process to a halt. In addition to the pressure from his coalition, Netanyahu has been facing pressure from the U.S. administration to take "serious" steps to restart the long-stalled negotiations. .. ; According to Israel Government Press Office, the following is a clarification of four common misunderstandings concerning the Further Redeployment (FRD) of Israeli forces in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank): Myth #1: Israel is obligated'to withdraw from 90% of Judea and Samaria during the three Further Redeployments. ~ Fact: The Oslo 2 Accords make no mention of percentages or the size of territory from which Israel is to withdraw. There is no basis in the accord for the Palestinian claim that Israel' must pull back, from all or most of Judea and Samaria. Myth #2: Israel is obligated to negotiate the extent of each withdrawal with the Palestinian Authority (PA). •' • • . Fact: This position is supported by the United States. A statement issued by the State Department spokesman on Jan. 15,' 1997, at the time of the signing of the Hebron Accord, said, "The Note for the Record, prepared by the United States at the request of the parties, makes clear . that further redeployment phases are issues for ' implementation by Israel rather than issues for negotiation with the Palestinians.'1 Myth #3: JuBt as the PA has fulfilled its obligations under the accords, so too Israel must now
carry out the FRDs. , . .:.. _ ! i . Fact: Under the Jan. i5, 1997, Hebron accord, both Israel and the PA undertook a series of obligations listed in the accord and in the Note for the Record accompanying it. ••,;.. •:••:. ;, Israel has 1) withdrawn from most of Hebron; 2) delineated areas to be evacuated in the first FRD; 3) released Palestinian prisoners; 4) resumed negotiations on outstanding issues; and 5) agreed on the resumption of permanent status talks. , The PA has not fulfilled any of its obligations: 1) to revise the PLO covenant which calls for Israel's destruction; 2) to fight terror and prevent violence and the strengthen security cooperation with Israel; 3) to reduce the size of the Palestinian police to the number permitted by Oslo 2; and 4) to refrain from governmental activity in areas n o t ' under PA jurisdiction, such as Jerusalem. ...,. ...,- ,. Myth #4: Israel is responsible for the delay in the implementation of the first FRD. Fact: On March 6, 1997, the Israeli Cabinet voted to approve the-first phase of the redeployment,consisting of 9.1% of the territory. This figure includes 7% of territory, that is currently Area B (Israeli security control, Palestinian civilian control) and 2.1% of Area C (exclusive Israeli control). The redeployment would have tripled the amount of territory under exclusive ' Palestinian control in the West Bank. The Palestinians rejected the Israeli Cabinet decision, thus causing the delay of implementation.
(The Mideast Dispatch contributed to this story.)
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 5,1997
YES Glen H. Fineman, L.C.S.W., was selected for Members will meet Monday at the JCC. Exercise training in Family Mediation through the Metro and bingo both start at 10:30 a.m. Bring articles to Mediation Center. Mediation, as an alternative SERMJG mi r.imio mm • 323-1115 Ha spsclallzo In trailing class, screen, door, mirror, end share at the "YES Talk" discussion group at 11 in approach to Dispute Resolution, empowers individthe adult lounge. Following lunch at noon, Bob uals and families to be an integral part of the probBteaovj problems tor property ovjisars anil manaosrs. Wolfson, Director of the ADL, will speak. For lem-solving and decision-making process in the "Flnzltotcmecno to bssflatlw smallIcti' transportation call 330-4272. legal system. -Oil Wetoer-Oimfleo Doctty Reminder: Mah Jongg Club will meet As a Certified Mediator, Mr. Fineman mediates Wednesday, Dec. 10, in room 5. For information, family matters, such as divorce and custody issues, roferases* provMed call Charlotte Kaplan at 551-5658. in addition to his private practice at Omnia Dues at $2 per person for 1998 are now due. Summa Mental Health Center. Please mail your check, payable to YES, to Frieda Krizelman, 331 South 93rd Ave., Omaha, NE Jeff Shapiro was 68114. recently elected CampSign up for the day trip to Winnavegas Casino on UB Affairs Chairperson Thursday, Dec. 18. Cost per person is $5, and to the Illinois Student includes a buffet lunch and transportation. Meet at Government, which repthe JCC at 8:30 ajn. 'For reservations, call Maggie resents the 36,00 stuHAMPTON INN • WESTROADS • 391-5300 at 334-6521 by Dec. 11. Make checks payable to dents at. the University Free Showtime, CNN, ESPN, t . Free Local Calls Jewish Senior Services. WGN.&TNT oflllinois. Free Passes to Omaha In room Movies Available Come celebrate.,the Festival of Lights at the He is the son of Sherry Athletic Club Bequtirul Guest Rooms For annual Hanukkah Party on Monday, Dec. 22. Cost and Larry Shapiro of Free Deluxe Continental Your Bar/Bat MlUvah Breakfast 7 Days • 6-10 a.m. is $4. Hazzan Erik Contzius will lead a sing-a-long. Omaha. & Wedding Guests 9720 WEST DODGE ROAD • GROUP & CORPORATE RATES Members are asked to give a donation to Jewish Family Services Mitzvah Project to help families in Michael Sigmond of Omaha, who attends colneed. Donations can be given the day of the party" lege in Lancaster, PA, hasibjeen named a winner of at the door. For reservations, call Maggie at 334- the first ever CNN/SI Jockey Sport'Short Contest. 6521 and leave a message on voice mail. Deadh'ne An unknown aspiring sportscaster, he was selected is Dec. 15. Please pay for lunch the day of the " from more than 5,000 entrants from across the party. country. WALK-IN DROP-EN Created for fans who emulate their favorite Members will meet at the JCC on Thursday. sportscaster highlights, the contest invited conLarisa's exercise class begins at 10:15 a.m. in the sumers to submit a 45- to 60-second videotape of adult lounge. Bingo starts at 10:30. Bring a dairy themselves reporting on an actual or fictitious local sack lunch to eat at 11:30. At noon, the movie sporting event. As a winner, Sigmond will be flown Volcano will be shown in the Blumkin Home audi- to CNN's worldwide headquarters in Atlanta to torium. Popcorn will be served. For transportation •tape a sports highlight to air on CNN/SI; 100 firstcall 330-4272 place winners will receive CNN/SI merchandise. RUSSIAN CLUB Sigmond's parents are Donald and Diane Baum Members will meet Friday, Dec. 12. Larisa's of Omaha and Richard Sigmond of Philadelphia. exercise class begins at 9:15 a.m. At 10 a.m., a day Art & Sculpture trip is scheduled to see the Omaha World-Herald. Central High School will present Fiddler on the Gallery Come learn the timely procedure of running a Roof on Dec. 12 and 13 at 7 p.m. The show stars major newspaper. At 12:45 p.m.", lunch will be David Rennard as Tevye and Rachel Shukert 7101 Cass \£> served in room 10. Cost is $1. For reservations, call as Golde, and also features Alex Wolfson as Lazar Lydia Linde at 697-9169. Wolf, and Jennifer Friedman as Bielke, and BREADBREAKERS Rebecca Rennard as the Fiddler. B'nai B'rith Breadbreakers will meet Wednesday Tickets are $5 for adults, and $4 for children 12 at noon at Highland Country Club. Gary Java, and under. For reservations, call Gail Granger at CLOSING OUR DOORS Sports Director for KKAR Radio and Cornhusker 557-3332. . Sale starts now, everything must go Color Commentator, will speak. Cost is $7.50 and Nelman • Rockwell • Tarkay and more... the event is open to the community. Rachel Shukert, a senior at Central High HADASSAH School, was named a 1997 recipient of the 1997 Come and Talk to Us. Buy Now! The 50th birthday of the state of Israel and the National Council of Teachers of English Give Art for Holiday Gifts N 85th birthday of the Omaha Chapter of Hadassah Achievement Awards in Writing. Over 3,000 will be celebrated Tuesday, Dec. 16, 1 p.m., at the juniors were nominated for this year's award and Hanukkah party. The event will be held at the only 600 were chosen. Winners are among the best Jewish Community Center. A musical 'program of student writers in the countryT Balebusta of the Month theater and holiday songs by Dr.< Michael Yablonski, accompanied by Dr. Howard E. Dr. Jeffrey Passer, a local physician specializGendleman, will be the featured highlight of the ing in Internal Medicine, program. announces the installaThose attending are asked to bring two cans or tion of a technologicallyBAKLAVA packages of food products to be given to Jewish The first time I made Baklava, the recipe was advanced diagnostics two pages long. This one Is easier and lust as Family Service for needy Jewish families. testing mechanism that moist and delicious. Door prizes will be given. •• ' will help determine a' 41/2 cups walnuts, finely ground Hadassah members of Council Bluffs are also patient's biological age 3 cups sugar, divided invited to attend. Btatus. According' to; Dr. 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 pound box phyllo, thawed and at Passer, the results of the room temperature tests can identify poten1 pound butter, melted 'Residential Mortgage Services, Inc. tial problem areas before 1 tablespoon lemon juice damage occurs. YOUR LOW COST-FULL SERVICE MORTGAGE LENDER Combine walnutg. 11/2 cups of tho sugar and cinnamon. Butter a 15X10 Inch Jelly roll pan. Dr. Passer has a B.S. in Medicine and an M.D. • 1 DAY NO COST PRE-APPROVAL! Unroll phyllo and place on flat surface. Cover (High Distinction) from the University of Nebraska with waxed paper or plastlc.Thcn cover with a • NEW CONSTRUCTION - LONG TERM RATE LOCKS WITH slightly damp towel. Phyllo must be kept covered Medical School. at all times as it dries but quickly. Lay 1 sheet of
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Jennifer Cooper, daughter of Rose and Harvey Cooper, and Rebecca Rennard, daughter of Barbara and Stephen Rennard, are in Nutcracker at the Orpheum this weekend. Tickets range in price from $18 to $29.50. Call the Omaha Ballet, 346-7332, for tickets and show times. Maureen and Doug Cohn will be honored by t h e S t a t e of I s r a e l Bonds i n T a m p a . S h e i s t h e daughtgj of Lou a n d Eudice Canar. The Cohns will receive t h e lifetime Achievement Award for their long record of community involvement and leadership.. .' ;. . ';-. : • '; "•; ,.-:< , '••••' '•
December 5,1997
Conference slated on medical ethics Ya'acov Ne'eman, Minister of Finance for the State of Israel, will join many of the world's leading rabbinic authorities in Jewish law at the Ninth Annual international Conference on Jewish Medical Ethics. The conference is scheduled for Feb. 13-16,1998, in San Francisco. Sponsored by the Institute of Jewish Medical Ethics of the Hebrew Academy of San Francisco, the conference offers continuing education credit through Stanford University School of Medicine. According to its organizers, it regularly attracts 400-500 physicians, rabbis, nurses and other health professionals from North America. Conference topics include: human cloning, child abuse, the ethics of managed care, use of MRI in detecting breast cancer, drug pricing, advanced directives, legal rights of the newborn, Alzheimer's disease, hospital chaplaincy, triage protocols in the ICU, organ transplantation, and reproductive medicine, among others. In addition to Ne'eman, the faculty includes Dr. Kenneth Shrine, President of the Institute of Medicine, National Academy of: Sciences in Washington,' D.C.; Rabbi Pinchas Ldpner, founder and dean of the Institute for Jewish Medical Ethics; Hon. Devorah Berliner, Chief Justice of the District Court of Appeals in Tel Aviv; and Lord Immanuel Jakobovits, Chief Rabbi (retired) of Great Britain. Also on the faculty are Dr. Fred Rosiier, Director of the department of Medicine at Mount Sinai services at Queens Hospital Center; Rabbi Hershel: Schacter, Rosh Kollel, Institute for Advanced Research in Rabbinics at Yeshiva University; and Rabbi Abraham Twerski, MD, founder and medical director of the Gateway Rehabilitation Center in Pittsburgh. •- . The program begins on Friday, Feb. 13 with Shabbat and includes educational discussions following services, on Saturday, including: "Is Managed Care Ethical?" with Dr. Daniel Eisenberg
and "Contemporary Issues in Religious Observance and the Jewish Political Scene" with Isabel Ldpner. For more information, call: 1-800-258-4427; write: IJME, 645 14th Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94118; or e-mail: olorin@sirius.com or the Institute's web page: www.yme.org
Ya'acov Ne'eman
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Kansas City residents Deborah Sue Baron and Gregory Charles Greenberg will be married July 5^ 1998. Miss Baron, daughter of A. Frank and Sandra Baron of Sioux City, IA, received a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Kansas, She is currently attending law school at the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Mr. Greenberg; son of Andrew and Carole Greenberg of Omaha, earned a Bachelor's degree in,.Business Administration from the University of Kansas. He is a stockbroker for Olde Discount in Kansas City.
All four authors will be invited to receive their awards at the closing banquet of the Association of Jewish Libraries Convention in Philadelphia in June. One night's hotel and banquet costs will also, be included in the prizes. Manuscripts must be postmarked by Feb. 15, Barbara and Steven Brehmer announce the 1998; winners will be notified by May 15. Nov. 11 birth of their daughter, Alt Marie. M has For rules of submission and the AJL release a step-sister, Heidi. form, write to: Hazel Karp, 880 Somerset Drive, Grandparents are Judy and Duane Brehmer and NW, Atlanta, GA, 30327. Edith Comisar and the late Alvin Comisar.
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Federation task force to study support for Jewish day schools by Matthew Port
INDIANAPOLIS(JTA) -- The Jewish federation movement will consider dramatically increasing support for Jewish day school education in North America. But it has rejected, for now, a proposal that would have asked federations to provide day school education to anyone who wants it. Instead, the Council of Jewish Federations launched a one-year task force to study a grassroots movement that has asked federations to increase their allocations for day schools. The goal is to make a Jewish education accessible to all Jewish children regardless of their family's finances. George Hanus, a Chicago-area businessman who heads a new movement, the National Jewish Day School Scholarship Committee, hailed the creation of the task force as a victory for his movement. But he will continue to press individual federations to commit to making day school education available to all Jewish children. At the urging of the New York, Washington and San Francisco federations, CJF delegates postponed consideration of a resolution written by
Commentary
Hanus and supported by the Chicago federation. The resolution would have urged federations to make day school education available to "all Jewish children whose families desire it, including those whose families do not have the necessary financial resources." "The resolution wouldn't have passed without more clarity," said Martin Kraar, CJF executive vice president. "What does it mean to a federation?" In addition to questions surrounding day schools, many delegates said the issue needs to be studied further to assess its impact on public schools, school vouchers and Jewish education programs. Wayne Feinstein, executive vice president of the San Francisco federation, stressed that the federations, in general, are not opposed to increasing support for day schools. "If we approved it now without further thought, people in many communities would say that all additional campaign money should go to Jewish day schools," he said. "It's not just a moral exhortation, there was an expectation of financial support."
Are you giving your child the edge? by Rabbi Gavriel Herzig, Headmaster, The Friedel Jewish Academy
What if there was a way to guarantee that your education is the most significant factor in deterchild would be on the Dean's list as a seventh grad- mining future synagogue affiliation, support for er at Brownell Talbot? What if there was a way to Israel and contributing to Jewish charitable orgaDESIGNER WEDDINGS 100.000 FABRICS ensure their confidence and sense of pride in their nizations. CONSULTATION DRAPERY -UPHOLSTERY The movement to open new day schools is sweepheritage? THEME PARTIES SHUTTERS - BUNDS RETAIL OR WHOLESA1E U N E N * PARTY RENTAL WALLPAPER . . Is there an educational institution that consis- ing the country with additional schools opening DISCOUNTS A m V tently graduates well-rounded students that go on every year. Major national assemblies have conTEXTILES* INC. 740 SOUTH 75TH ST. 399-8764 to excel in their social and academic achievements? vened to address the need to provide additional funding for families who wish to send their chilYes, and its called The Friedel Jewish Academy. Why then, does a school with outstanding CAT dren to day school. Yet, right here in our town, day scores, a beautiful campus, and excellent general school education is available for less than half the studies program have such a small enrollment? cost in all but three other cities'countrywide: So why don't we have a waiting list ? Why is Omaha different than so many other com7023CassSt. I think its a simple lack of true information. munities whose pride and joy is a thriving large Omaha, NE 68132 Community Day School? Is it because our city is People may erroneously believe that the Jewish ' (402)556-6536 blessed with an excellent public school system? - studies, are emphasized at the, expense of general serving all your Hanukkah and Judaic gift needs Considering the fact that every private school in studies. People may be under the misplaced fear west Omaha has large waiting lists, questions this that an FJA experience will result in indoctrinate HOURS: premise. Obviously, a significant advantage is pro- ing their children with a set of unconformable reliSunday, 10-1; Monday, 10-5 vided to a child who receives the level of private gious beliefs. Tuesday-Thursday, 10-6; Friday, 10-4 education such as provided by FJA. I invite you to an open-minded examination of Perhaps people did not consider how our class the benefits of our program. Our curriculum" in sizes lead to very frequent interaction between the Science, Math, Language Arts and Social Studies PLUMBQOI^IHJCTION, INC. students and teachers. This individual attention consistently prepares our graduates for outstand-' enjoyed by our students is a crucial determining ing scholastic achievement. Our involved and dedi.: Quality Craftsmanship factor in developing math and reading skills. cated faculty know their students well and motiPerhaps they were no]t«aware of the effects of vate them to achieve. I'm confidant that you'll be ; adult interaction on vocabulary acquisition and on thrilled to see how parents from Reform, ; predicting literary success. Maybe people don't Conservative, Orthodox, or Reconstructionist affiliJeff Plumb • know that our excellent kindergarten program has ations comfortably enjoy their children's success at two teachers and an aide for 11 children, or the our school, without any religious issues, period. The General Contractor number of computers available to the students, or focus of our Judaic studies is Modern Hebrew lan3405Ave. D Phone: 322-0304 that we offer a hot lunch program, music and guage, developing skills for analyzing Hebrew texts, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 Fax: 322-1077 and celebrating belonging to the Jewish community. swimming? The well being and success of one's children is Don't miss out on the most precious gift you can tho most important aspect of any parents life. give your child, an excellent education at Friedel. Decisions effecting their future are definitely made - Take some time during thiB year to revisit the with the utmost care. Similar to the realm of medi- question: does my child deserve the best ? cine or finance, the process1 includes gathering information, analyzing the conclusion of the studParents asked to look , ies, establishing clear priorities and acting in concert with the best research. for signs of depression in teens Certainly in this age of information we have read According to local psychologists, the following or heard about the many studies examining the signs may indicate adolescents at risk for suicide: • effects of various Jewish education programs. 1. Presence of a mental disorder, especially Study after study has concluded that day school depression; , 2. Use of drugs and/or alcohol; 3. Personality and adjustment disorders with a Alisa Flatow scholarships sense of failure and withdrawal; ' •'•.'..-.' available for study in Israel 4. History of past suicide attempts or behaviors; 5. History of violent, aggressive or out-of-control In memory of the late Alica Flatow, killed in a terrorist attack in Israel in 1995, her family has behavior; 6. Family history of suicide; established a scholarship fund for students planning on spending a year- studying in Israel. Six 7. Family problems; scholarships were awarded last year. 8. Recent loss of a significant other; 9. Interest in and availability of lethal weapons; For applications, contact the fund's internet site 10. Interest in death as an escape and suicide as at: www.ou.org/alisa and download the informa\ _ ' • tion. Hard copies of the applications should then be a way put; 11. Having friends who commit suicide; mailed to: Dr. Wallace Green, Executive Secretary, 12. Dramatic change in behavior for no apparent Alisa Flatow Memorial Scholarship Fund, 901 R Y reason. Route 10 Bats, Whippany, NJ, 07981. In the Old Market Passageway Applications are only available at the website Parents, friends or relatives who think a teen ... 345-1066 and not through the fund's office, or call Susie they know exhibits any of these behaviors can call Drazen, 334-6445. Deadline is Feb. 9,1998. Jewish Family Service, 334-6490, for assistance.
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by Jenny Patton by Tony Endelman . i Editor's Note: Following Is an editedgoes to a, local business over the lunch I guess It could be said that if I once a month, and there are also were writing a book about my life as numerous conventions. Some of the version of Jenny's Senior Project at hour to teach the meaning of Jjie Torah. ., Westsldo; it happens, a new chapter would be best attended are Winter Convention By this time it was 2&b jp!rn...: a,; "... "Meet me at the Radial Cafe at 7:25 and Spring Convention. There is also starting to take shape. good time to end my day of shadowing.•!: sharp," said the voice on the other end There are a countless number of one just for freshmen called AIT/MIT, However, Rabbi still had a meeting of the phone. The Radial Cafe. Why new things I am experiencing right which I recently attended. It was an about youth studies at 2:00, another; there? Where is it? I thought rabbis '•" now, but one thing in particular sticks -'experience;.! will never forget. meeting at 4:00, and a Family Studies out in my mind. Because I am a In addition to conventions and chap- conducted their business from the syn- group at 6.15 p.m. '..' '",''.''!':'\ agogue. Boy was I wrong. freshman, most people would be sur- ter programs, every Tuesday night we Going into this project, I didn't expect; Shadowing Rabbi Aryeh Azriel of prised to find that this new chapter in have a chapter meeting. We go over to learn so much. I knew Rabbi Azriel my life isn't about the beginning of old business, discuss the up and com- Temple Israel was one of the most had many responsibilities, but I didn't high school. ing new business, and to top it off, interesting days of my life know how he handled them all. I knew It began at the Radial Cafe because This new each person in the chapter gives a he was involved in the community, but Rabbi Azriel was meeting with other chapter good and welfare In which he gets to not to what extent. I learned a rabbi's clergy fromr —-— takes on the say. whatever may be on his mind. Let job is to teach his religion, but at the . name of me say, I have heard some unforget- around the same time, to be a counselor (he also Mo t h e r table good and welfares in my time in community. visits sick people in the hospital and He is heavily Chapter. Mother Chapter. criminals in I joined Traditionally, after each meeting, we involved in jail). I never O m a h a Mother can go out and have a nice dinner, a realized how Chapter chance to bond. Speaking of bonding, Together One many people's;' AZ-A#1 of this brings me to my favorite part of C o m m u n i t y nameshea BBYO back \ being in AZA, the brotherhood. I think (OTOC), knows and! that in April of! > brotherhood is the most important part group how many lives, this year. • > and should be the basis of all chapter plans functions he touches; h e ; programming. Ever since Tony and activities can name; then, I have had some of the greatI realize that in our chapter there is so their re-, alrnnsl'sypry- jj est experiences of my life. no difference between a senior and a spective conBefore a freshman joins a chapter, freshman. No matter what age or gregations can 'fenny he experiences a little taste of what's grade, we all consider ourselves meet and try to understand each other, to come'at Rush Night. I got my friends and in some aspects, brothers. On this day, OTOC" was planning a for a clerg In the beginning of my article, I said non-denominational seryiqe about how-, taste, and I loved it. A couple of weeks after Rush, I if I"were writing a book about myself, we must work as a community.against-*.. 1 pledged the chapter of my choice on the chapter about AZAttl would be tak- ^crime,: drugs,1 etc. They agreed to focus,. v' close witrThis oTTier congregation.'" " ioOKmpaBBimc^i Pledge Night. I sat with other fresh- ing shape; it could probably be an ^on responsibility ar|d^tto..f%cf that.' ••"•ri'i leamed.'Koften s men', waiting for my name to be entire book. For now, however, I am • groups of people-cappoV do it "alone; . figure fof §ranted. I nlt/er knew how'i iucky I was to have such a'/wpniijerfui;; called by a member of the chapter I limited to a page-and-a-half, typed, they must work as a very large team.:: leader of my religion. My;rabbi makes'; was about to join. I just wanted to double spaced. If I were to write more, From there, we headed to the synaknow I was finally a part of the chap- it would be filled with more experi- gogue. The first matter of importance everyone feel speciatahd;like theyi ter. I was now ready to experience ences, because my feelings for Mother was for Rabbi Azriel to listen to his belong. He makes it ia'pofrit (.8 makes Chapter are almost impossible to voice. rfla|l.. The next was to sign;: the Temple experience jnyjtingto peo^ life in Mother Chapter AZA#1. 1 < V The first moritH dpso, I was over^ express in words . This' indescribable' Yortziet cards to remind relatives when pie: His personality does that in as 'v:. ,:;i;;it]- .: ' burdened by first Impressions. I felt feeling is the reason I am an active their loved one's special prayer is com- wonderful way. Before this,day with my rabbi, I thought,; all the upperclassmen were judging member of AZAfML> ' ing up. that because,|:was not:an active mem-;!: every word said and every move-, - As a message to an incoming freshThen, he met with his assistant, Rabbi ment made by me. That was not the: man who is thinking of joining BBYO, I Debbie Stiel, and Cantor Eric Contzius. bet oiftny cpngregation, h,e; would nol^i ;pa?P-; Thakwas just my overall sense will say that joining BBYO could be one They discussed Shabbat services and want to spend :Hnri© teaching-mer.aboujf'j of anxiety arid nervousness. It took a of the greatest experiences of your life how the High Holidays were going to his life. However, I learned it doesn't while'to feel comfortable enough to as a teenager, and I hope that you, all be handled. After this 45-minute ses- matter fibw active ydu'afSnieKas'tfiel be myself around everyone, but once make the decision to join. Not only will sion, we moved to another1 conference..: time and energy for anyone.who^encls I I got there, I felt great and was defi- you have a great iime, learn a lot, and room for a full staff meeting. ari interest to w r i t he is doing. l - ~ ^ a | nitely ready to experience what AZA meet new friends, you will probably get This meeting was based more on com- ; ThemostBerteficiar'-thing from this ' the same great feeling I get every time munity everts and what they were going ' whole project is that I can now say I . was all about. I found out how much activity I am with Mother Chapter AZAfM. to do as a synagogue to get members am totally at ease with Rabbi Azriel. I comes along with being in AZA. Tony Is a freshman at Burke, a member involved. They talked at great length feel more comfortable in services or in There is a chapter program at least olAZAM, USY and Temple Israel. about the children's programs ... about any part of the synagogue. At first, I was really nervous.. .1 was Sunday School and Hebrew School and what needed to be changed. Rabbi spending a day with a man of great stressed that everyone's input was authority whom I didn't know very well. important so the synagogue could be But simply spending a day "in his shoes" made me understand his life the best possible. by David Saylan > one hundred times better. Between the staff meeting and his next ' I've reached another milestone, on our Insurance. Then there's the I really loved my day with the rabbi: appointment, Rabbi Azriel met with a one that allows some long-awaited obvious-lock the doors, always wear family who had lost a loved one the Jenny Is a senior at Westsldo, a me'mi freedom and independence. my,seat belt, always have passengers night before. Then we went to Torah bar ot OTVG, Edlar BBG and Temple I turned 16 a few weeks ago and * wear their seat On Wheels." Once a month, the rabbi Israel. got my driver's licensel So what \ belts, don't does this new freedom and Indepenhave more dence mean? Well, for starters, I '• ' passengers in can provide my own rides to BBYO, the car than USY, Hebrew High, movies, friend's \ there are seatn houses, etc. I've also discovered ; belts, tell my by Ariel Shukert, Jessica Hassllnger and Diana Tamir -•< that my freedom and independence \ parents, where in being able to drive myself places I'm going, with What if I dreamed a dream, As a child, you can be whatever, is a big responsibility. whom, and A dream about a sky so blue, Your dreams let.you see. My parents, my mom especially, when I'll be Why did I dream Hand As an adult thefoundriesget closer, J" were nervous (much more than I home. What couth it mean to you? You now dream of reality. i, was) when I first drove by myself. There are l But the more I drive, the more other things in Could it tell the future, Things wo see are David relaxed the/re getting, and It helps THE CON- •Did it tell the past, created by imagination. to have a phone In the carl I've been TRACT relating to car expenses like We V/ill never know, W0butaoutthoughts \ driving a lot, and I love HI repairs and maintenance, and it spells It went by so fast. Intoitfa&cination. As my older brothers had to do, I out the consequences if I break any of signed T H E CONTRACT with my the rules. My parents favorite part of Our imagination wonders, So. what II f dreamed a dream, , parents that outlined their rules of THE CONTRACT Is to remind me that It lets our thoughts go free, A dream about a sky so blue, "Driving Is not a right; it Is a privilege. If the road. At first, I thought some of It lets us fly or, Why did I dream it and them were really ridiculous, like you abuse it, you lose It!" I guess I Climb the highest tree. What could it mean to you? sometimes having to run errands for can't argue with that! them or chauffeur my sister around. ' David la a sophomore at Burke, a Ariel Is tin eighth grader at Lowls& Clark, a member of USY Kadtmah, Teen Naturally, my grades were impor- member of USY.AZAfi and Both El Connoetlon and Beth El Synagogue. Synagogue. tant to get the good-student discount Jessica Is an eighth grader at Morton Middle School, a member of USY Ksdlmah, Teen Connection and Beth El Synagogue.
A MILESTONE IN MY LIFE
Page 10
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 5,1097
Omaha to join Lansky's effort to save Yiddish books
introducing...Todd Ephraim, JFS Executive Director
Personal: Originally from Oklahoma City; married to Lisa, (working temporarily A brunch and program this Sunday at 10:30 a.i >. at the ADL-CRC); son, in the JCC auditorium will mark Omahafe official Alex James, 4, and daughinvolvement in Aaron Lansky's world-wide effort to ter, Blake Meredith, nine save books published in Yiddish. months. This event will be the final of four appearances Education: B.A. in psyby Lansky, founder and director of the National chology from University of Yiddish Book Center, who is keynoting both the Indiana; Master's in counJewish Book Fair and Kallah Weekend. seling from University of At his Sunday appearance, Lansky will present a Kansas; recently earned lecture and slide show entitled, "How I Rescued a PhD from Texas Tech in Million Yiddish Books." Marriage and Family A large bin will be placed there in the hope that Therapy. many who attend will bring books for donation, Work experience: Adminsaid Gloriann Levy, director of the Jewish Cultural ictratirtn in cm/nrai cnrinl istration in several'social Arts Council. The aim of the Yiddish Book Center service agencies. by Diane Axler Baum
>
is to "retrieve, recirculate and reinterpret" books printed in Yiddish. "Before you come this weekend to hear Mr. Lansky's fascinating, touching and funny adventures, please look through your bookshelves, attics and basements to find any books you may have in Yiddish," Mrs. Levy urged. The JCC and the Jewish Federation Library have agreed to cover the cost of shipping books collected here to the Center in Amherst, MA, The Library, the JCAC and Congregation Beyt Shalom are hosting the slide show and brunch. The Lifelong Learning Committee of Jewish Education and Library Services is ;a Co^sponsor of the weekend |yehis:>.Tie; schedule for jiansky^s appearances duties: * TheftiddM World:Unlocking
What in your experience has prepared you for this position at Jewish Family Service? "The first professional job I held was with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Topeka, KS. However, I also founded another chapter of that organization in Lawrence, when I was working On my master's degree. My responsibilities, as a volunteer, included creating the bylaws, forming the board of directors andfilingfor non-profit incorporation with the state of Kansas. By combining that volunteer experience hi creating an organization from the ground up with working for a similar organization as a member, I understand the roles of both lay people and professionals. Couple that with my educational background and I do feel that I am uniquely suited for thispositdoja! ,...,...,, .,,,,^1. What do you bring to the table that will help a.m.; a t Beth El Synagogue; you and this Center of Excellence? Kiddush luncheon following services. * Walking ike Since our focus is, and has been, on strengthenTightrope: I.B. Singer, Chaim Grade, Lenny Bruceing the Jewish family, I can offer my educational and Beyond—Saturday, 7:30 p.m., at Beth background in marriage and family counseling and Israel Synagogue; Program and reception. my work experience with teens and their families. • .The.programs, underwritten in part by the Mort We must be aware of where, our teenB are headed Richards Fund, are free and open to the public. and use our Jewish values to assist them and their parents in making good decisions. This is a critical age group for our organization to serve. What do you see as JFS's greatest need now? Jewish identity, families, teens...these are the primary concerns of Jewish Family Service. E£"Jl£ ii^Lil* ;<H1BIS We receive at least three calls a week asking JFS to produce' or co-sponsor a program in one of these undra&ffWA/e wiiewtsti Boo/cs, areas. Our board of directors is very concerned Games, Gifts and Videos with teen issues. And we need to work with the : :~.\ : D E C . 7 - D E C . 28 community to define ourselves...instead of having
JEWISH FEDERATION LIBRARY
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diverse definitions. We may host focus groups for that purpose with the understanding that the board sets the direction. In addition, Fve been speaking with the rabbis to develop good working relationships and to ensure that the Jewish component is evident in our mission. There are life lessons in Judaism at every life stage. What's different about JFS now that you're on board? Both the staff and board leadership are busy *building the infrastructure,' as I call it. Not only are we rewriting policies and procedures and building our connections to the Jewish and general communities, we're literally rebuilding the office. Steve Simon generously donated seven networked personal computers from Omaha Steaks. We'll soon have up-to-date office equipment on our desks and the ability to use them efficiently and confidentially, thanks to a Goldsten Foundation grant obtained Gloria Kaslow, our board president, and me. Wha?8 the condition of your funding? We have no flexibility in our budget, no lines to cover programming. We've started asking participants to pay food costs for programs or user's fees for our groups. But we would never turn anyone away who couldn't afford it to attend. How can the community help JFS fulfill its mission? We're still.looking to fill additional slots on our board with talented people, in marketing and public relations. In addition, we're looking for assistance with several volunteer projects. JFS will be hosting a breakfast for. Jewish mental health professionals next month. It's our way of letting them know we're here, ready to work with them'. ' : The assistance of both the Maimonides and Cardozo society members would be very welcome. JFS is involved with adoptions and counseling and we need, on occasion, legal and medical assistance'. Is JFS still a viable entity? The "J" in JFS is the key to our future; we want Jewish families to use JFS .as their primary resource. We're here for the childless couple, the family from Russia, the single parent, the troubled. If JFS isn't here, some of those in need might go to their rabbis or to secular agencies and some will fall through the cracks. , •: ; r This Jewish community is very embracing and I am fortunate to be in this position with other agencies and synagogues. I do feel that JFS can build partnerships and succeed.
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December 5,1997
Former Nebraskans
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(Continued from page 1) Conservative synagogue in Omer, near Beersheva; and Arye and Anne Breslow, authors and teachers of Tai Chi, now living in Efrat. Other Lincolnites include Michel Ashenbaum, who received his PhD from UNL and now goes by the name of Michel Alon and lives in Hosaiya near Nazareth; Jane and Stuart Margolis, currently working on their PhD degrees at Bar Ilan University; and Miriam Allen Kluska (daughter of Harry and Annie Allen), who works for the Ministry of Education. Other Omahans living in Israel include Frances Gron e r , widow of the late Rabbi Groner, spiritual leader 6f Beth Israel Synagogue in the 1960s; and Sylvia Lon- :don who lives on Kibbutz Geoa. Jacob Mirvis, husband of the late Lillian Margolin, was an educator in Omaha in the 1920s and still sends announcements of the births of his great-, grandchildren Sara Gold, daughter of Ervin to the Jewish and Miriam Simon, lives in Betar-Illit, near Jerusalem. Press. Readers who know of other Nebraskans (or western Iowans) whojiow live in Israel should send their names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses to the Jewish Press, 333 South 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 68154 by Jan. 1. Readers who have visited or studied in Israel anytime between 1948 and 1998 may mail their stories (single-spaced, typed, or on disk, saved as text) and their color Or black-and-white photos to the Jewish Press offices by March 1 for inclusion in the April 10 Passover issue, or call 334-6450 for more information. '
Oldtimer's/YES Review
by Art Grossman
One of the largest turnouts, in recent memory, of the Oldtimers and Young Energetic Seniors occurred Nov. 24. No doubt the enticement of a special Thanksgiving feast and the appearance of the Country Dancers from Camelot Community Center prompted the increased attendance. Nine agile ladies formed this group and they executed some high-stepping footwork that had seniors tapping their feet and hands in cadeifce. At the Early Bird talk show, two major topics held sway. First, the Beast of Baghdad, Saddam Hussein, consenting permission for American U.N. observers resuming weapons inspections in Iraq. The consensus of talk participants was that this course of action may be compared to applying a band-aid following open-heart surgery. This is a guy who blows away people and agreements like a . March wind blows away leaves. He is, it is believed, on the threshold of having missiles capable of hitting Israel. He's a tiger with nine lives. Secondly, we marveled at the Eighth Wonder of the World~the seven babies of Carlisle, IA, and how marketeers jumped on the bandwagon supply-. ing the family a host of necessities to keep the kids healthy and in comfort-a new home, a large van, diapers, formula, clothing, vas vaist vus more. Dr. Milton Margolin, who knows about delivering babies, pointed out the astonishing odds of such a healthy birth and yet the possibility of miscellaneous problems lurking1 in the future of their lives. Discussion regarding the scam front included caution for those who had tree damage resulting from the devastating storm being approached by "tree trimmers." Their credentials might be questionable and fees outrageous. An article in the Wall Street Journal prompted memories. It dealt with Jewish free loan societies in America. Years ago, Omaha had such a benefit. Money was loaned, at no interest, to aid folks in meeting obligations. Many families took advantage and pledged to repay loans. Speaking of, pledges: the Oldtimers UJA/Federation Campaign is in progress. Several cards have not been received; please complete. Our goal is to maintain our record of being first among all divisions in completing our task pf commitment. Mazel Tov was extended to Maggie Conti, our Older Senior Service Director, and her husband, on the simcha'dimoving into their new home.
Reform, Conservative rabbis (Continued from page 1) Rabbi Regev also attended the General Assembly Knesset Committee on conversion), the rabbis are doubtful that a compromise will be accepted by the of the Council of Jewish Federations last month and had this to say about the American reaction to Orthodox rabbinate. While the committee is composed of Regev, a the pluralism question in Israel: "It has been sugConservative representative, Rabbi Reuven gested (by some) that allowing Reform and Hammer; and five Orthodox members, Regev sug- : Conservative Judaism in Israel will dilute the gested that it "does not represent the (Orthodox) Jewish State. But Barry Shrage, Executive rabbinate" and that those brought in to testify for Director of the Combined Jewish Philanthropies of the committee are merely a "parade of rabbis Boston has said that 'pluralism is necessary for Israel's survival.' orchestrated by the leaders of the government." "There is a misguided notion (in Federation cirHowever, Rabbi Sacks sounded a more optimistic note, saying that "Ne'eman is a once-in-a-decade- cles) that unity means uniformity," added Rabbi personality" and regardless of the outcome, this Regev. "This issue is about the soul of Israel as a (committee) is "a historic breakthrough - the first Jewish and a democratic state." The latest deadline for the N£eman Committee time an official government committee was formed is Jan. 31'or both Reform and Conservative reprewith Reform, Conservative and Orthodox rabbis." "Whether it can succeed," Sacks added, "is the sentatives have threatened to go back to the Supreme Court for rulings on conversion cases. question."
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 5,1997
"Medical miracle" describes recovering patient in Israel Photo at right: Israeli President Ezer Weizman visited Tamar Zadok at Bikur Cholim Hospital after her Israeli leftists, rightists in dialogue surgery. Israeli adversaries on peace attempt to establish dialogue Zadok told Weizman, "I by Naomi Segal _ ^ was on my JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Their political ideologies provoke strife within Israeli society, Rabin told way to the are diametrically opposed, but recent acts of reporters, "I think our obligation is to hope for the jewelry store where I work, extremism prompted the two sides to attempt to best, but prepare for the worst." When his fatherjwas struck down by a national- when there find a common ground for dialogue. Last week's unlikely gathering brought together ist's bullet two years ago, Israel had recently com- was a tremenmembers of the Israeli peace group Dor Shalom, or mitted to turning over portions of the West Bank to dous explosion (and) I Generation for Peace, with members of the conser- Palestinian control. Rabin condemned the person who sent an anony- felt my hair vative national religious camp. The meeting was been called after Dor Shalom's Jerusalem offices were mous death threat to Porat last week - with a bul- had torched last month, and after right-wing Knesset let enclosed in the letter. A similar letter was sent burned." In lower also to Knesset member Benny Alon of the far- the members recently received death threats. photo, the XAfter their session at the peace group's offices, right Moledet Party. "I want to make perfectly clear that this is exact- ray of Zadok's officials from both sides stressed the importance of ly the opposite of what my father stood for," Rabin spine shows halting extremism and incitement. Yiival Rabin, the son of assassinated Prime said. "Anyone who thinks he is acting on behalf of the metal bolt embedded in Minister Yitzhak Rabin and a founder of Dor Yitzhak Rabin's memory is grossly wrong." Rabbi Menachem Froman, of the settlement of her neck as a Shalom, joined with a member of the Knesset from the National Religious Party, Hanan Porat, in call- Tekoa, said the initiative for dialogue was result of the endorsed by the leaders of settlements in the West t e r r o r i s t s ' ing for more dialogue to bridge the political divide. Rabin said the real test of whether discussions Bank and Gaza Strip, and that more meetings bombs. According to Dr. between the ideologically opposed groups are effec- would take place. "We are going to make a similar meeting very E l i m e l e c h tive would come when negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians focus on the future of Jewish soon. I think that the whole Israeli society has Deutsch, head something to learn from the murder that took place of the Bikur settlements. Cholim Hostwo years ago." Referring to fears that the peace process could pital's ear, nose and Jewish Book Month events scheduled for Kallah Weekend Doctors at Bikur Cholim Hospital in Jerusalem removed a metal bolt imbedded in the neck of Tamar Zadok, a 36-year-old woman who was injured in September's terrorist bombing on Ben Yehudah Street. According to her medical team, the bolt appar-
Friday evening: Aaron Lansky to speak at Temple Israel, 8 p.m., on The Yiddish World. Saturday morning: Simple Yiddish StoryComplex Jewish Humanism, Beth El, 9:30 a.m.
ently penetrated Zadok's neck, embedding itself between an artery and her spine. She was listed in moderate condition at last report. "Had the bolt hit the artery, she. never would have made it," noted Dr. Shmuel Banai, Assistant Hospital Director.
Saturday evening, Walking the Tightrope, Beth Israel, 7:30 p.m. • Sunday morning, How I rescued a million Yiddish books, JCC, 10:30 a.m.
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throat department, "This is truly a medical miracle."
What Were You Doing in 1948 When Israel Became a State? • U.S. Supreme Court ruled religious instruction in public schools was unconstitutional. • Pulitzer prizes went to Tennessee Williams for "A Streetcar Named Desire" and to James Michener for "Tales of the South Pacific." • Henry Fonda starred in "Fort Apache."
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• Satchel Paige, Negro baseball legend, signed with Cleveland Indians. • Two-week old State of Israel was under attack by enemies intent o a forcing" it into extinction.
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