ME HIST SOCIETY 1500 R ST LINCOLN ME 6 8 5 0 8 - 1 6 5 1
Celebrating More Than 75 Years VbLLXXV
No. 18
Rabbi;'Olitzky to speak an Omaha next; month'
Rabbi Olitzky
Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzky, D.H.L. is the National Dean of Adult Jewish Learning and Living of Hebrew Union College-Jewish I n s t i t u t e of Religion. He is a specialist in aging, being one of the few rabbis in the United States trained as a social gerontologist. Rabbi Olitzky is a leader in the development of innovative Jewish education; he has been a pioneer and leader in developing training programs for clergy of all faiths, especially in the area of pastoral care and counseling in the Jewish community. He is the author of over 30 books and hundreds of articles in a variety of fields. While he is a leader in innovative Jewish education for children and adults, he is also a pioneer in the area of Jewish Twelve Step spirituality. Rabbi Olitzky is annual special issue editor on Aging and J u d a i s m for the Journal of Psychology and Judaism, editor of Shofar magazine for children, and an executive consultant for Compass, a magazine for Jewish teachers.
Kids and addiction by Elyce Azriel;H3irector/TeTnp!e Israel Hebrew High School V ; : ; -
°A journey Into Addiction: An opportunity for parents and students to gain knowledge; perspective, understanding and support" is the title of a workshop led by Rabbi Kerry Olitzky, This program will allow parents and their children to address the world of substance abuse, which is very much a concern to individuals and to society today. Adolescence is a turbulent chapter in life after childhood and before adulthood. This period of transition is filled with challenges. Most adolescents mistakenly believe that using alcohol or other drugs will turn you into an adult; they also discover that it's a quick way to be popular
and accepted, and especially important, that chemicals make you feel good, at least for awhile. Participants will explore the myths and facts about addictions and the Jewish community. We will take notice that addiction is no longer a closet issue which we need to speak about arid deal with. The workshop will take place during Temple Israel High School hours Wednesday, Feb. 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m. This workshop is sponsored by the ; Ike and Roz Friedman Foundation. All high school students in the community and their parents are invited, to attend. Please call for more information or to make a reservation to Temple Israel, 556-6536.
Building a Jewish neighborhood for the 21st century by PamMonsky : Federation Communications Director
Leaders of the Omaha Jewish Community are in the midst of a capital campaign to raise funds for improvements to the Jewish Community Center. "Because of the sweeping demographic'changes within the Omaha Jewish community over jthe past 15 years, renovation is necessary in the areas of the Child Development. Center and health and physical fitness," said Howard Kooper, President of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. : "Many dual-career families and parents Want a high quality child care with strong Jewish content. The fitness center will become a state-of-the-art facility for families to enjoy together," he added. Kooper estimates that one-half of the'funds needed for the renovation have been raised. "We are still working on some of the major donors in our community. We anticipate beginning a general campaign soon so that everyone can contribute to this exciting project," he explained. . The building campaign is separate from the Annual UJA/Federation Campaign, noted Kooper. Mark Sanford, President-elect of the Jewish Community Center, is working with the-Center of Excellence Directors on building plans to incorporate their needs for the future. - -"Our priorities include updating and expanding . •"."•*"' ••' (Continued on page 7) ''.-'•': : .
Omaha Steaks receives Governor's Arts Award The Nebraska Arts Council's Business Leadership Award will be. given to Omaha Steaks International. Governor Ben Nelson will present ah original piece of sculpture by local artist Catherine Ferguson to the Simon brothers, Alan, Fred and Steve, and sons, Bruce and Todd Simon, for their outstanding commitment and support of the arts.
Talking about aging by Shane Kotok, Director of Community Outreach Services, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home
Aging. Who wants to think about it? Who wants to do it? Who can avoid it? We all face it, • Let's talk about it. Since we are all getting older, why. not do it well. Enter Dr. Kerry M. Olitzky,. the renowned: authority on Aging and Jewish ethics, who will be in Omaha to provide "The Ten Most Important Rules for Growing Old," This participatory workshop is Thursday, Feb. 19, noon; in the Jewish Community Center Auditorium. Olitzy offers participants an opportunity, to gain insight and direction for their own lives.
His blend of current trends in social gerontology and the wisdom of sacred texts creates a presentation that is unique. Trained as a rabbi and a social gerontologist, . Olitzky has written and edited numerous books and articles focusing on aging. Among them is the well-. received The Safe Deposit,and Other Stories about Grandparents, Old Lovers, and Crazy Old Men. Adults of all ages will find Olitzk/s "The Ten Most Important Rules for Growing Older" seminar worthwhile. ..-••• (Continued on page 6)
Schwalbs establish endowment fund at UNO The University of Nebraska Foundation announced that Natan and Hannah Schwalb have' established an endowment fund to provide scholarships for students at"the University of Nebraska at Omaha(UNO), : The scholarships, ranging from $500 to $1000 per student, will be awarded annually to students in the College of Business Administration (CBA) and the Department of Philosophy and Religion in the College of Arts and Sciences. . Each year, financial support will be provided to CBA students as well as to four students working with the Bethsaida Excavation project sponsored and operated by. UNO and ^e.gjteto p^jBrja^.;,, ,„;,,„
Natan Schwalb is a 1964 graduate of CBA at the former University of Omaha (which later became UNO) and a 1967 graduate of Creighton University's School of Law. He is a real estate developer in Omaha. Schwalb's son and daughterin-law, David and Karen of Chicago, will be involved in the selection process. , The University of Nebraska Foundation is a nonprofit corporation supplementing faculty, students, facilities and programs at the University of Nebraska through gifts from alumni, Mends, corporations and other foundations. . For more information, contact Theresa Klein, NU
Standing: Todd Simon and Fred Simon; seated: Steve Simon, Bruce Simon and Alan Simon. Under the leadership of the Simon family, Omaha Steaks has long supported arts in Omaha. Underwriting programs and projects for the Jewish Federation and the Jewish Community Center, the fourth-generation company has also assisted small arts organizations in in-kind printing and encouraged attendance at local performances by making tickets available to their employees. • , ,' The Simons have committed themselves to the arts as well through their leadership positions with such organizations as United ArW Omaha, the Joslyn Art Museum, Opera/Omaha^ Brlgit Saint Brigit Theatre Company and the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. (Continued on page 0)
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 23,1998
Sparks from The Word
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L ;; FRIDAY, JANUARY 23 I -Russian Glub, 10 a.m. P Beth El BESTT 2/3 Shabbat Dinner, 6 p.m., at ""Beth'El'"' *.. . . . SATURDAY, JANUARY24 S Women's League Shabbat, 9:30 a.m., at Beth El A BetK El Wen's Club Soabbat, 9:30 a.m., at Beth El V SUNDAY, JANUARY 25 E Beth El Club 56 Program, 12:15 p.m., at Beth El MONDAY, JANUARY 26 YES Program, 9:30 a.m: Scouts, 7 p.m. JFS Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Adult Education Program, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El TUESDAY, JANUARY 27 Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY/JANUARY 28 Breadbreakers, noon Hadassah Educational Meeting, 1 p.m., „. home of Sandy Kohll, 1617 So. 107th St. Beth El Kadimah Program, 6:15 p.m., at Beth El ; THURSDAY, JANUARY 29 Waik-ih Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. JELS Board Meeting, 7 p.m.. • • —. Temple Israel Sisterhood Adult Education, ;'9:30 a.m., at Temple Israel '< C : ^ : : FRIDAY,JANUARY30 L;":Temple Israel Camp Weekend with Jerry Kaye, i:.vEriday thru Sunday P „, SATURDAY, JANUARY 31 Beth El "Watch out for Shabbat," 9:30 a.m., * ;atBethEl S' Weizman Sweetheart Dance, 6 p.m. A'.';'."... :.'. , '. '' ' . ' " ' .
[ i I p & s A
V E
SANDRA MACKAY Services for Sandra Mackay were held Jan. 16 at Parshat Va-elra Golden Hills Cemetery. She died Jan. 14 at the age of 81. Persisting in the Face of Adversity She was preceded in death by her husband, We read of the first seven of the 10 plagues, the Manny. beginning of the confrontation with Pharaoh which Survivors include niece, Fran Tepper of Chicago; culminates in the freedom of our ancestors and us and nephew, Dave Makisky of Minneapolis. from slavery in Egypt. Before the first plague even PHILIP SCHWARTZ begins, however, there is a dramatic interchange Services for Philip Schwartz were held Jan. 18 at that speaks volumes about human nature. Fulfilling God's commission to him, Moshe told Golden Hill Cemetery. He was 88. Survivors include his wife, Helen; daughter and the people the time of redemption is near, and has put his case to Pharaoh. The result was rejection son-in-law, Dani and Leon Shrago; grandchildren, Shifra, David and Shoshy. and an increase in the burden on the people. Memorials to Beth Israel Synagogue, Chabad With his own people's complaint that "you have placed a sword in their hand to slay us" still ring- House or charity of choice. ing in his ears, Moshe laments that his mission BEBTHA WEINTBOB has caused great harm rather than good. Services for Bertha Weintrob were held Jan. 18 This week's Sidra then opens with God's reassurance that "I will take you to Me for a people and at Beth El Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon, I will be to you a God," and that they will be redeemed and brought to the land promised to and sister, Florence Selig. Survivors include sisters, Helen Jacobson Speier their ancestors and to them. Moshe immediately and Edythe Whitebook Cohn; a n d nieces and brings the people this heartening message. What greater and more uplifting assurance could nephews. there be than this communication from God? And BOSE WERTHEIM the people's response? "And they didn't listen to Rose Wertheim died Jan. 15 in Brooklyn, N.Y., at Moshe because of impatience of spirit and because the age of 92. of hard labor (mikotzer ruach u-mei-avoda kasha)." She was preceded in death by her husband, Abe. Here, sadly, is one of the great truths of life. Survivors include daughter, Selma; son, Sid; sonYears of oppression and suffering take an immense in-law, Bill; daughter-in-law, Barbara; grandchiltoll on people, hot only on their bodies, but just as dren, Geoff, Robert, Lauren, Spencer, Felissa, Cori, much on their minds and spirits (ruach). Physical, Malerie and David; and 11 great-grandchildren. mental, and spiritual tiredness from years of incesLILLIAN AND MORRIS BRICK sant toil and hardship (avoda kasha) cut short Lillian and Morris Brick both died Jan, 16 at the (kotzer) hope and the vision of a better future. The long-term effects of an oppressive situation age of 87. Survivors include son, Marshall; grandchildren, leave us short-sighted and prepossessed with the mundane. Trapped in the struggle to survive in the Jason and Sheri; great-granddaughter, Christina; present, we become unable to plan and to dream, sister of Morris, Mrs. I.B. Ziegman, all of Omaha; and sister-in-law, Ann Blumenthal of Los Angeles. to make commitments and to take risks. As our persistence'declines, our capacity to respond appropriately to significant changes dwindles. When one considers the numerous times in CORRECTION Jewish history when we were faced with such situThe following names were inadvertently omitations (pogroms, expulsions, crusades, inquisitions, ted from the list of volunteers for Super Sunday Holocaust, enemy armies), it is indeed amazing '98: Howard Kutler, Nancy Rampey-Biniamow, that we have maintained a positive and creative Steve Redler, George Shafer and Paul Epstein. outlook, even in the midst of the direst pain, sufThe Federation regrets the error. fering and disappointment. A "stiff-necked and stubborn people," we persisted in maintaining faith in justice, compassion and redemption, though we knew that we might not see it in our lifetime. The poem HaTikvah, which KQVElTOSSHOP? Turn your sense of style became the national anthem of Israel, speaks of into an... the "hope of 2,000 years" duration. A professor of Jewish history once described the Jewish, attitude to history, as Af al pi chen, v'lamrot hacol, "nevertheless, and despite it all" we • Represent an exclusive choose to keep faith, never assuming that anything New York designer collecuon • Flexible hours significant will be easy. •Sell, via home trunk With today,'s challenges of assimilation, internal showings divisions, and Israel's conflict with Arab and Smre$$$ 800-658-7015:: Muslim neighbors, we need to reaffirm our spirituon Pentium and Macintosh Computers al commitment never to give up on the struggle for peace and justice. As a discouraged Moshe was commanded to continue his task, so too must we continue so as to fulfill our charge to be a "light unto the nations."
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January 23,1998
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
PageS
CANDLELIGHTING: 5:02 p.m. TEMPLE ISRAEL
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations 7023 COBS Street, Omaha, NE 68132 556-6536
Member of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 1502 No. 52nd St., Omaha, NE 68104 556-6288
FRIDAY: Shabbat evening service, 8 p.m. Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Stiel and Hazzan Contzius will officiate. Several members of the Synagogue 2000 team will share highlights froiti the last year. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by the Synagogue 2000 Steering Committee. SATURDAY: Shabbat morning service, 1030 ajn. Simcha B'Shabbat-An informal Shabbat service that includes study and discussion of a variety of Jewish texts. ADULT EDUCATION Wednesday, Jan. 28: Adult B'nai Mitzvah class, 10 a.m. to noon. Thursday, J a n . 29: S i s t e r h o o d Adult Education: 9:30-10:30a.m.--Hazzan Erik Contzius will teach "The World of Jewish Music;* 10:30-11:30 a.m..--Rabbi Debbie Stiel will teach "Talmud for Beginners;" 7:30-8:30 p.m.--Don Schwartz will lead Beyond Midrash.
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, 5:15 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services, 8:45 a.m. Little People's Service, 10:15 am. Jr. Congregation, 10:30 a.m. Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood. Chumash class with Rabbi Kutner, 4:35 p.m. Mincha, 5:15 p.m., followed by Shalosh Seudot, Ma'ariv and Havdalah. SUNDAY: Services at 9 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. MONDAY: Adult Education, 7:30 p.m.-"Introduction to the Talmud" with Rabbi Kutner; 8:30 p . m . "Synagogue Skills," learn to chant the Haftorah with its traditional trope. WEDNESDAY: "Jewish Thought and Practice," 7:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services at 7 a.m. and 5:05 pjn.
B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURUN
618MynsterSt, Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 * 322-4705 E-MAIL: docjeb@juno.com
SOUTH STREET TEMPLE Member of the Union of American. Hebrew Congregations 2061 S. 20th-St., Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435-8004
FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. Discussion topic will be "Who Wrote the Talmud and How Does It Relate to the Modern Jew?"
Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. FRIDAY: Services, 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 10 OJH. SUNDAY: Hebrew and Religious School, 10 ajn.
BEYT SHALOM , •
An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation' P.O. Box 241130, Omaha, NE 68124-5130 758-9233
FRIDAY: i Kabbalat Shabbat services, 7:30 p.m., at 3012 S. 119th St. in Omaha. SUNDAY: Religious School at the Jewish Community Center from 10 a.m.-noon for all grades, and Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m. for grades four and up. Contact Marty Rosenberg at 390-9062.
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 8:15 aan. FRD3AY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Shabbat services, led by Mark Levy, start at 9 a.m. Kiddush will follow.
CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Movement' 11923 Pacific, Omaha, NE 68144 Phone:697-1124 E-MAIL--chabad@aol.com SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 ajn., followed by Kiddush lunch; Mesibos Shabbos, fun for kids, led by Chaya Arnold and Henchi Goldstein, 3:30-5 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Mitzvah Munchkins class, 10 ajn.-noon. THURSDAY: v Talmud Class, noon
Bikur Cholim - A real mitzvah VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to spend time with a woman who is on the Hospice Program. Preferably someone who can speak Yiddish or Russian.
Scouting news All boys and adults who have received a religious scouting award in 1997 will be recognized at a Duty and God Reception on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2-330 p.m., at St. Leo's Church, 102nd & Blondo. Guest speaker will be Chad Lewis, tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles. Contact Ed Joseph at the scouting office, 4319272, as soon as possible. ; . ;• : •-. • Scout Sabbath will be held at Temple Israel on Friday, Feb. 6, at 8 p.m. Four members from Pack 218 will receive their Aleph award. They are: Alex Wolf, Nathaniel Joseph, Jon Lerner and Adam Linsky. '" " The Shofar award, a recognition bestowed upon those adults who have helped promote Jewish scouting, will go to Mark Pilley, Ray Koval,. Joe Ginsberg and Rabbi Paul Drazen. Mr. Ginsberg and Rabbi Drazen will receive their awards on Feb. 21 at Beth El.
Wolfson honored
PERSONALS To all my friends and relatives who sent me donations, cards and flowers-l bless you and say thank you. I do not have the strength to write all of you after my heart surgery. Thank you, thank you I SolS. Parsow The family of Edward Kahn thanks his family and friends for their cards, contributions and best wishes In honor of his 100th birthday. Hugo, Joe and Therese
OFFUTT
V,'.'.'.•.',•,'.•.•.'.'.".'A'.'.•.'.'•'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'••
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: Women's League Shabbat Services, 9:30 a.m. Members of Sisterhood will participate in services. Ozzie Nogg will deliver the D'var Torah; Chairwoman is Phyllis Hoffman. Kiddush sponsored by Women's League with Selma Sadofsky in charge of baking Sitter service, 10 ajn. TSS (Torah Siddur Skills), 10 a m . Shabbat Story Time, first and third Saturday, 11 am. Ktantan, second and fourth Saturday, 11 ajn. Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 5:15 pjn. SUNDAY: Services, 9 aun. WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 ajn. and 5:30 pan. ADULT EDUCATION "January Nights" Adult Education continues on Monday, Jan. 26, 7:30 pjn. Discussion topic is "Zionism at 100; Israel at 50~Whatfs it about"? WATCH OUT FOR SHABBAT The third annual "Watch Out for Shabbat" will be Saturday, Jan. 31, as follows: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Middle Eastern lunch and Ruach, .12:15 pjn.; Activity and learning sessions, 1:15-5:15 p.m.; Minha Ma'ariv and Havdallah,
Call Rabbi Mendel Katzman, 697-1124 or Marcia Bloom, 334-0617
25th and Capehart, 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, FEB. 6: Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m., followed by Shabbos dinner and discussion. SATURDAY, FEB. 7s Lunch and Learn, 10:30 n.m. For information and reservations, call 651-9058.
BETH ELSYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California, Omaha, NE 68154 492-8550 WEB--http://omahafreenet.org/bethel
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The City of Omaha's Human Relations Committee awarded Bob Wolfson (center), the "Living the Dream" sculpture. His brother, Dr. Ron Wolfson (left), flew in and surprised those gathered Monday night in memory of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He joined his father, Alan; mother, Bernice; and brother, Doug, to pay tribute to Bob's workas'Executive Director, Plains States Region Anti-Defamation League-Community Relations Committee! ' „ In presenting the award, George Davis cited the ADL's A World of Difference program and Prejudice Elimination Workshop and noted that Wolfson works from "a core of beliefs which he uses to secure justice and treatment of all peoples."
Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 23,1908
Jews and abortion rights
'-«*':
" I H«> A SEMSE TMT CERTAiM WFPERENCES COJID BE BRiD<SEl>,
Yesterday was the 25th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision which legalized abortion in the United States. To have an abortion is not easy. Whether the reason to abort is due to the woman's health problems or a malformed fetus, severe economic worries or marital.strife, most women struggle to make a decision they know will end a potential life. Jewish law is quite clear on one aspect of abortion: it must be considered on a case-by-case basis. In certain cases, abortion is actually mandated by Jewish: law^ that is, when a mother's life is in danger, the fetus is considered a rodef, a pursuer, and must be destroyed to save the mother. All of Omaha's rabbis are saddened when a congregant confides that abortion is a consideration in ending a pregnancy. And they all wish women (and their partners) would come to them for counseling during this difficult period. But in each case, the final decision is in the hands of the pregnant woman. Regardless of the personal views held by members of the Jewish community, that right is still legal, still safe and, for now, still available.
Behind the Headlines
RMN
Jewish juror spares life of Oklahoma bomb abettor by Debra Nussbaum Cohen
NEW YORK (JTA) - Growing up in northern Idaho, Niki Deutchman had no idea that she would one day play a pivotal role in one of America's most infamous trials. But she did have an inkling that she would become a Jew. Deutchman was the forewoman of the jury that was unable to decide the fate of Terry Nichols for his role in the April 19, 1995, bombing of an Oklahoma City federal building that killed 168 people. Her key role in sparing Nichols' life has turned the spotlight on the 47-year-old childbirth educator from Denver and reignited debate over the death penalty. In an exclusive telephone interview, Deutchman, who has received several death threats, talked of her path to Judaism and her faith's impact on the way she handled the case. "Being Jewish helped me to be able to keep an open mind and really consider the evidence," said Deutchman, who became a Jew 24 years ago after a lifelong interest in Judaism. "In Judaism, there are a lot of sides to every question." The jury convicted Nichols of conspiracy and involuntary manslaughter. It acquitted him of two bomb-related counts and of murder but would have had to vote unanimously for his execution. Deutchman, who said she wore a Star of David necklace at the Jan: 7 news conference following the jury's dismissal, said she did not consult with her rabbi or any others about her position on the death penalty in this case. But she said she plans to talk about the issue further with the rabbi of her Reform congregation in Denver. . "My feeling has been — and I may re-evaluate it now — that the death penalty is something that is not for us to judge, b u t probably, something between each person and God."
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While many Jews are opposed to the death penalty, it is not forbidden by Jewish law. However, in times when Jewish courts had the ability to impose capital sentences, it "never, ever was" employed, said Rabbi Michael Broyde, the director of the Beth Din of America, an Orthodox religious court. Deutchman's rabbi, Steven Foster of Denver's Reform Temple Emanuel, said, "The death penalty as it was reflected in the Bible was really the first insurance program. "The notion of'a life for a life' was not intended to take a life," but was instead intended to provide compensation to relatives of murder victims, Foster said. He noted that the Reform movement has taken the position that the death penalty "is contrary to the world view of our people." When he learned that his congregant was on the Nichols jury, Foster told her he didn't want to discuss the trial with her, that he didn't want "to compromise" her, he said. But when the trial was over, he called. Deutchman to tell her that he is proud of her "for taking her stand." Though Deutchman was advised by her attorney and law enforcement officials not to speak to the press since she had received death threats, she answered JTA's questions. Deutchman, who was preparing to teach a childbirth education course from a Jewish perspective, said in a telephone interview that her goal was "to do justice, rather than vengeance." She was very critical of the government's handling of the case, saying, "The evidence that the government presented did not convince me beyond a reasonable doubt that Nichols is indeed so involved in. this whole thing that he is a major threat. I had to follow the law." In her news conference, she went further, saying the government had "dropped the ball," and the
prosecutors had used "distortion and innuendo." She also said then that "Terry Nichols wasn't directly present or implicated with anything," and praised Nichols' lead defense attorney, Michael Tigar. who, according to news stories, tried to charm jury members by framing his questions and comments in a way that he thought that they could relate to! . While growing up in a Christian home in northern Idaho, Deutchman had a keen interest in things Jewish. "I did Bible study on my own," she said. "When I asked my Sunday school teachers about what being Jewish was all about, they wouldn't / ' know how to answer, and they didn't care. They just / sent me off to read some Bible passage which didn't/ even deal with the questions, just to get rid of me." i After two years of college at the University oa Idaho, Deutchman wanted to travel and went ,pk , Israel on a Brandeis University program. When she returned to the United States, she contacted a rabbi who encouraged her to begin reading about Judaism. Three years later she>>'.:iderwent a Reform conversion. Six months after that, she was converted according to Jewish law, she said. She later married a Jewish man and together, they have a daughter who is now 13, and preparing to become a Bat Mitzvah. Deutchman has been attending Temple Emanuel each Saturday morning as she prepares for her own, adult Bat Mitzvah, which is scheduled for June. She said she, her husband and daughter are regular temple goers. . , Under fire from many for allowing Terry Nichols to live, when so many of his victims are dead, Deutchman has found her synagogue a haven. "The rabbis and the cantor and some of the congregants have been very supportive," she said. None of the congregants, she said, lias said anything even if they didn't agree, and I appreciate that"
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Editorials express tho view of tho writer and am nqfc necessarily representative of the VIOWB of the Jewloh Press Committee, tho Jewish Federation of Omaha or thobmdha Jewish Community an a wholo, The Jo&ishi'PittftB reserves' the right to edit fetters and articles for spneo and content.' Tho Jotvisb Pifaos is not rcsponsiblo Tor tho Kflflhrtith of, any product or establishment.
January 23,1998
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5'
Church-state tug of war to heat up Congress' session by Daniel Kurlzman
WASHINGTON (JTA) - When Congress returns later this month from its winter recess, the tug of war across the line separating church and state is likely to increase in intensity. ' This is, after all, an election year. For Jewish activists, religious freedom and church-state issues will continue to be high on the agenda, as will efforts to contain Iran, promote Jerusalem's status as Israel's capital and address the problem of religious persecution abroad. ; Here's a closer look at some of the legislative initiatives that will garner Jewish attention during the second half of the 105th Congress beginning Jan. 27. On the domestic front, issues include: * A school prayer amendment: In what has amounted to a recurring nightmare for churchstate watchdogs, proposed school prayer amendments to the Constitution have been batted about the halls of Congress over the last several years. The coming year, however, holds the first solid prospects for a vote on such a measure. The "Religious Freedom Amendment" would give the go-ahead to government subsidy of religion, prayer in schools and other forms of religious expression on public property. Opponents, including most Jewish groups, have consistently derided the measure as unnecessary and dangerous, charging that it runs headlong into the wall separating church and state. There is no movement in the Senate for such an amendment. * School vouchers: After suffering several setbacks last year, school voucher proponents are hoping a voucher plan for the District of Columbia can pass both houses of Congress this year. One of the most controversial and divisive issues facing the Jewish community, vouchers are favored by most Orthodox and politically conservative Jews, while most others in the organized Jewish community remain unalterably opposed to the idea. Last fall, the House voted down a national voucher bill that would have made public funding available for low-income students to use at private and religious schools across the country. Shortly thereafter, the House narrowly approved
an appropriations package for Washington, D.C., that included a voucher initiative for low-income students. But a Democratic-led filibuster in the Senate succeeded in removing the voucher plan from the bill. * Religious Freedom Restoration Act: Following last: year's Supreme Court decision striking down the Religious Freedom Restoration Act as unconstitutional, religious leaders have been scrambling to find a way to restore the protections afforded under the law. Enacted in 1993, RFRA made it harder for the government to interfere with the practice of religion. The justices, however, ruled that Congress overstepped its bounds and usurped judicial authority when it enacted the law. Now, a group consisting of a handful of Jewish and other religious organizations is helping to craft a revised version of the law intended to circumvent the roadblocks set up by the Supreme Court. • * Religious freedom in the workplace: Legislation that would force employers to,accommodate their employees' religious needs may finally see the light of day in the 105th Congress. After languishing in two previous Congresses, the Workplace Religious Freedom Act is now acquiring the support Jewish activists have long sought. The bill would set a new standard requiring employers to prove a "significant difficulty or expense" if they decide not to accommodate a worker's religious needs. Current law. only requires an employer to "reasonably accommodate"[suchneeds.* Social welfare: Promoting and protecting social welfare programs will also remain high on the Jewish agenda. Jewish activists spent much, of the holiday season successfully convincing the Clinton administration to restore in its budget proposal; food stamps for legal immigrants and refugees, a benefit that was cut under last year's balanced-budget agreement. That battle will now shift to Capitol Hill, where its fate is uncertain. In the realm of foreign policy, issues include: * The containment of Iran: Containment of the Islamic state and its potential to fain terror on Israel and other nations remains a top priority for Jewish activists.
U.S. and Israeli intelligence reports have indicated that' with continued help from Russian firms, Tehran could have the ability within the next year to launch ballistic missiles equipped with chemical, biological and other warheads capable of reaching Israel and other states in the region. : ;• The Clinton administration opposes the measure, saying it would interfere with diplomatic efforts to address the problem.
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* Fighting religious persecution abroad: Momentum began gathering last summer for'legislation aimed at the problem of religious persecution abroad, but disagreements among proponents have since stalled the effort. ' • :-.'.:r While most support the concept of combating religious persecution, some religious leaders — Jewish ones included — have questioned the wisdom of focusing solely on religious persecution, rather than human rights abuses in general. Others have raised concerns about the mechanism for monitoring abuses and the qature of the sanctions mandated by the "Freedom From Religious Persecution Act." , Although the campaign has been modeled in part after the movement to free Soviet Jewry,- most mainstream Jewish groups have yet to get behind the legislation. ....-•• Although the campaign has been modeled in part after the movement to free Soviet Jewry, most mainstream Jewish groups have yet to get behind the legislation. A vote in a House subcommittee on the bill was canceled last fall, and no action has yet occurred in the Senate. ;, ' * Jerusalem bill: Rep. Benjamin Gilman (RN.Y.) has introduced legislation that would require all U.S. government publications to list Jerusalem as Israel's capital. -.': ; The legislation, originally contained in the State Department authorization bill and now a freestanding bill, would also allow American citizens born in Jerusalem to list their country of birth as Israel, as opposed to the current practice of listing Jerusalem. It also would require the consulate in Jerusalem to report to the Israeli Embassy in Tel Aviv,'rather than directly to the State Department in Washington.
U.S. Supreme Court questions merits of case involving AIPAC by Daniel Kurtzman
WASHINGTON (JTA) - A nine-year- how it collects and disperses its Raynor Manufacturing gives a Lifetime Warranty on their doors for as long as you own your home. Raynor's beautiful steel doors with raised panels haye.the look of. a decold legal battle involving the money. American Israel Public Affairs ' Alleging that AIPAC made cam- orative wood door, but not the problems of wood. Raynor applies a heavy baked-on Committee lieared its culmination paign contributions and expenditures^ enamel finish in five colors to eliminate painting. To conserve energy each door can with arguments before the U.S. on behalf of candidates, the plaintiffs be Insulated with 1H" polystyrene with steel covering. Come in and see the working ! models. We offer financing, installation, and remodeling. Other products: Door Supreme Court last week that left its have been urging the FEC to regu- Openers • Lifetime Siding • Storm Doors • Patio Doors • Entry Doors • Windows • outcome as unpredictable as ever. late AIPAC as a political action com- Sash Replacement In a closely watched case that could mittee ~ a designation that would have implications for groups.that force the organization to file public lobby in Washington, the justices reports about all of its receipts and Centrally located (Take 1-80 to 60th or 42nd St. ExH, 2 blocks south to FSt then to 46th S t ) began grappling with an array of legal expenditures. 4 6 6 5 G S t r e e t ' 4 0 2 - 7 3 3 - 6 4 4 0 • O P E N SAT. 9:00 A M . - 1 0 0 P.M. J Issues, including a preliminary quesAIPAC, despite its name, is not a tion about whether the case should PAC. PACs raise funds for political even be before the high court. candidates..AIPAC defines itself as a At issue is the question of whether membership organization — with the Federal Election Commission was . 50,000 members - and is a registered correct when it determined that it lobby on behalf of issues affecting U.S.-Israel relations. would not require AIPAC to disclose sates
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 23,1998
YWCA Tribute to Women' nominations due The YWCA's annual "Tribute to Women" luncheon honors outstanding Omaha-area women for their achievement in eight categories. Nominations are due by noon Friday, Feb. 6. The eight categories for awards include: arts/ humanities, business, communications, education, entrepreneur, human services/community advocate, professions, and professional volunteer. Volunteers and paid staff are eligible in most categories. The Tribute to Women luncheon will be held May 19. The eight women will also be featured on KMTV-3 in Women of Mid-America vignettes during the summer. For a nomination form with more detailed information, call the YWCA, 345-6555. Nominators may also update nominations submitted in the past.
Rabbi Azriel to speak at adoption group Jewish Family Service, a local chapter of Stars of David, International, will hold its winter program in February. She'elot Ve-Teshuvot or "Jewish responsa" is the asking of Jewish questions and receiving answers as interpreted by Jewish law. Rabbi Azriel of Temple Israel will host a discussion and answer questions about raising Jewish adopted children. Jennifer Meyerson, Jewish Family. Service adoption coordinator, will also facilitate and answer questions about adoption in general. The program will be held Sunday, Feb. 1, 1-2:30 p.m., in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Conference Room. Adoptive parents, as well as anyone interested in or thinking about adopting a child, are invited to attend. For more information and to RSVP, call Jennifer at 492-9878.
OLDTMRSMES HEVIEW
by Art Grossman
Just about this time of 01' Man Winter, the blahs and cabin-fever set in for many retirees. To neutralize that effect the Oldtimers and Young Energetic Seniors offer this prescription: Come to our weekly gathering, mix a dosage of Stretch & Kvetch exercise and Earlybird discussion, a mechaieh lunch, followed by a speaker or special event, and we guarantee you relief from the blues. And that was typical of our Jan. 12 meeting. High-spirited discussions stimulated our minds. One in particular, "What is an observant Jew?" produced several interesting responses. One observation was "an observant Jew believes in (zedakah (Justice)-so timely as we move forward in completion of the annual UJA/Federation Campaign. And what is a meeting without conversation about the tribulations of Israel? Violence in Hebron; a stalemate in peace talks with Yasser Arafat who continues to demand further occupation of West Bank land; Benjamin Netanyahu's government under pressure. In sick bay a t Clarkson are Bertha "Babe" Dabrofsky and Norman Ruback. Following lunch, poetress Susan Aizenberg delighted the audience with talented renditions of her a r t
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(Continued from page 1) He states, "There are few things in life which share such a universality as aging. Each one of us, as we breathe each breath, as we face each new challenge in life, we age. And as we age, we grow." Olitzky will share with his Omaha audience his positive perspective of aging as a time for growth and learning. He says, "Let us offer new insight into old age as well as new beginnings and hopes. Instead of seeing old age as a problem and old people as a nuisance, I hope we can all see growing older as a sacred experience filled with challenges to be overcome, friendships to nurture and family to love." The aging workshop is sponsored by Jewish Senior Services, Jewish Family Service, Temple Israel, Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel Synagogue Reconstructionist Beyt Shalom Synagogue. There is no charge for the program. A brown bag lunch is available for $5. Reservations must be made with Jewish Senior Services, 330-4272, by Feb. 12. Transportation is available. Call 334-6529 for information.
Omahan coaches wheelchair basketball
HEATING &COOUNG •
Talking about aging
Front row, from left: Logan Finn, Tom Elsbernd, Sean Gordon and Zac Niemann; middle rowi Ross Hancock, Patrick. Christiansen, Tyree Pope and Scott Zessin; back row. Stacie Katelman and Kenny Comfort. The Nebraska Red Dawgs wheelchair basketball team began playing about 5'A years ago through a therapeutic recreation program provided by Omaha Parks and Recreation. The program has since moved to UNO and is coached by Head Coach Mike Kult, and me and Kenny Comfort, Assistant Coaches.
The Nebraska Red Dawgs travel to cities in the midwest to compete in Regional Tournaments to qualify for the National Tournament. They came in first and qualified for the National Tournament last November in Minneapolis, with a 3-0 record. In December, they hosted a regional tournament at UNO and came in first. Last year, the Red Dawgs took sixth put of 16 in the National Tournament in Charlotte, N.C. This year, the National Tournament will be held in Carbondale, IL, from March 12-15. The Nebraska Red Dawgs wheelchair basketball team IB part of and sponsored by the Eastern Nebraska Wheelchair Athletic Association (ENWAA), a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation. It functions primarily on donations from corporations, local business, other supporters, families, and members of ENWAA. Donations are used for sports equipment and wheelchairs, travel expenses for tournaments,' national fees, and other various expenses. For more information, call 551-4598 or 334-1195. Editor's Note: Omaha native Stacie Katelman is a graduate of VNL in Special Education and is employed by Quality Living. She is working on her master's in recreational therapy at UNO
Omaha Steaks receives Governor's Arts Award
(Continued from page 1) James and Ruth Keene of Omaha will receive The biennial awards recognize artists, arts, organizations, businesses and individuals from across the partner in the arts award and the Leonard Caring Professionals the state for their contributions to the arts in Thiessen Award (named for the founder of the NAC) will go to Sen. LaVori Crosby of Lincoln. The Nebraska. In addition to Omaha Steaks, other winners Ponca Tribe will receive the Heritage Award for include: Duane Hutchinson of Lincoln as artist of excellence in a cultural tradition. The awards luncheon will take place Wednesday the year; The Tri-County Bank and Insurance The Family Agency of Stuart, NE, with a Business Leadership at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln. Reservations Award; Jerry Gronewold of Holdrege for excellence are required. Tickets are $15 each and may be obtained in.arts education; and the organization achieveDealing with everyday life can put stress on family members. through the NAC, 595-2122. ment award to the Cathedral Arts Project.
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Organizations Y.E.S. Members will meet at the JCC on Monday. English Class starts at 10 a.m.; exercise and bingo both start at 10:30. The YES Talk discussion group begins at 11 in the Adult Lounge. Following lunch at noon Rabbi Flax from Offutt Air Force Base will speak. For transportation, call 330-4272. WALK-IN, DROP-IN Members will meet Thursday at the JCC. English Class is offered to new Americans at 10 a.m.; exercise with Larisa at 10:15 or play bingo at 10:30. Bring a dairy sack lunch to eat at 11 :30. Bring a friend to see the movie Out to Sea featuring the hilarious duo Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau in the Blumkin Home auditorium at noon. Popcorn will be served. For transportation, call 330-4272. RUSSIAN CLUB The next Russian Club will meet Friday, Jan. 30 at the JCC. All are welcome to join the exercise class at 10 a.m. in the adult lounge. Lunch will be served at 11 in room 10. A Russian-speaking movie will be shown in the adult lounge at noon. For transportation, call Lydia Linde at 697-9169. BREADBREAKERS Rabbi Mendel Katzman of Chabad Lubavitch of Nebraska will speak a t Breadbreakers on Wednesday, according to Ron Gordon. Breadbreakers meets every Wednesday at noon. For the month of January only, Breadbreakers will meet at the Jewish Community Center in Room 10. The program is open to the community. Cost is $7.75
January 23,1998 Building a Jewish neighborhood (Continued from page 1) the fitness center to provide for better services for our membership. We are also responding to the tremendous enrollment growth in the Child Development Center, so the youth of our community will continue to benefit from the excellent programming," said Sanford. '
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Two teams from Burke High School won Mock Trial District Championship. Above, from left: Adam Kohn, Rachel Itiekes, Melissa Shapiro, Eric Goodman, John Knicely, Amy Shanahan, Nikki Romanik and Amy Elson (coached by Mike Kratville). Not pictured: Lisa Pitlor, Jenny Epstein, Carrie Norris, Mike Grabb, Steve Finley, Megan Mackie, Heidi Roberts and Lynne Emanuel (coached by Howard Epstein).
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Past Federation President Tom Fellman feels that this rejuvenation of the JCC is another link in a long chain of Jewish community involvement. "All of us in Omaha were fortunate enough to have had people who built the JCC for up. The generations before us built the old JCC downtown, and luckily for us, the people in our community built the JCC we have now that our children enjoy. It's our responsibility and privilege to revitalize our JCC for the next century and for the next generation of families," he said.
Page 7
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JELS updates financial aid guide Jewish Educational and Library Services(JELS) has just published the 1997 Guide to Financial Aid Programs, a brochure explaining the various scholarship and loan funds, managed by the Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha and administered by the Financial Aid Committee of JELS. The process of collecting information about other sources of financial aid'for members of bur community has now begun. Please send name of fund, contact person, phone number, application deadline to: Susan A. Draien, Jewish Educational & Library Services, 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154, no later than Feb. 2. Check your mail for the Financial Aid supplement in late February.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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An Evening of Enchantment Joanie Jacobson (left), Alice Weiss and Jenny Meyerson plan the evcri<.' " * *" "" ~"'" The National Council of Jewish Women-Omaha Section will present the second in a series of educational programs "A Woman's Art of Self-Protection: Mind, Body and Pocketbook." "Protecting Our Emotional Selves" will take place on Tuesday,>Feb 10, at the Highland Country Club. Refreshments will be served at 7 p.m., program at 7:30 p.m. Guests are welcome. Presenters include Gail Parker Cahill, LCSW, ACSW; Ellie Epstein, MS, LMHP; Dr. Stephen Skulsky, LC, PhD; and Alice Weiss, LCSW. Jenny Meyerson and Joanie Jacobson are co-chairmen. "Working in the mental health profession, I see, every day, how important it is for people to become emotionally healthier," said Ms. Meyerson. "I believe this program will help us to do just that. It's the kind of evening in which everyone can come away having learned something valuable to improve their lives." "The goal of the whole series is to empower women with their own strength — to promote the idea that each woman is her greatest, natural resource," added Ms. Jacobson. "The information will be clear, concise, relevant and extremely useful. The presenters have excellent reputations in their field, and we've allowed plenty of time for questions and answers." The panel will help to answer the questions, "How do I leave my old baggage at the door and buy a new carry-on? ... When someone does a number on me, how can I keep from adding it up? ... When my world gets dark, how do I replace the fuse? . . . When I'm lost in laundry, Target, carpools, snow removal, Barney, dinner, Jiffy Lube and haircuts, how do I find myself?" ; To RSVP, or for further information, call Jenny Meyerson, 492-9878, or Joanie Jacobson, 554-0500.
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Page 8
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 23,1998
Ancient tradition demonstrated by'master scribe' by Carol Katzman
young, Dr. Eric Ray has lived the kind of life about which novelists fantasize. Born to Hungarian immigrants, Dr. Ray grew up in London. His father, hairdresser to Queen Victoria, hoped he'd enter the 'family business.' But Ray's mother pushed him into the arts after she saw him write the. entire Sh'ma (and the Vayehavtah) on the back of a postage stamp! World War II interrupted those plans, however, and he was sent to live with a Jewish farmer in the English countryside. There he learned to shecht, to ritually slaughter kosher animals. After the war, Ray was smuggled into Dachau to use his artistic talents to forge documents for concentration camp survivors. Along with dozens of Dachau prisoners, he was smuggled out by volunteers with the Joint Distribution Committee. They boarded the S.S. Altaalena and tried to enter Palestine, but their ship was bombed by Ben Gurion's Haganah. On board was none other than the Irgun's Menachem Begin. Both would eventually become Prime Ministers of the State of Israel. With a piece of crystal from the ancient city of Bet Shean, a lamb's tail brush from a kosher slaughterhouse in Wisconsin and a goose quill from a British monastery, Dr. Eric Ray repaired a tiny smear in a Torah at Beth El Synagogue during his recent visit. Since the creation and repair of a Torah can only be done with natural materials, the electric glue gun on the table seemed out of place. "Ever hear of p'chahV Dr. Ray asked. "It's calves' foot jelly. Your bubbe probably made it to eat, but I use it to glue small tears. "I asked the 3M Company if to replicate it and they couldn't, so a Jerusalem factory makes these Fourth-grnders at Beth El Synagogue Talmud sticks ofp'chah which fit in glue guns," he noted. The unusual collection of materials also seem to Torah watch Dr. Ray at work: Michael Picker describe the 'cat-of-nine-liveB* of this author, lectur- (left), Jacob Phillips; Abby Ginsburg, Lindsay er and well-known sofer, or scribe. Now71-years- Belmont, Deena Rennnrd, Hamutal Ginsburg. His visit was underwritten by Beth El Sisterhood. B"H
Wounded in the attack, Ray was sent to Haifa to recuperate. Again people learned of his talents and, smuggled him into Lebanon to survey and map the country. This led to his creation of Israel's first map department. After fighting under General Yigal Yadin and seeing too many friends die in the struggle for independence, Ray decided to leave Israel. Bopping a ride on a plane that would later be the first in the fledgling El Al fleet, Ray stopped in London before heading off to Canada. He used his art abilities in the advertising industry and eventually wound up in Los Angeles. One of his early clients was the University of Judaism, which he later joined as a member of the staff. "My old friend, Yigal Yadin, was supervising the work on the Dead Sea Scrolls," Ray said, "and he called me back to Israel to help him, "While at Hebrew University, Imet a young Yemenite sofer in one of my classes," he added, "He taught me scribal arts. But he told me if I wanted to be a sofer, I had to first become a ahochet, a ritual slaughterer, as a Jew cannot use products from an animal unless he is shechting it for food." Ray realized that his teenage years spent with a Jewish farmer in England were no coincidence. Returning to L.A., he continued perfecting his skills as a sofer and eventually wrote the Torah required for his certification. 'The Los Angeles Beit Din told me because of the work I'd done I should take the Torah to Israel;" Ray said. The rabbis of the Jerusalem Beit Din took one look at his calligraphy and said, "There are only 17 scribes in the world who can write all 2000 characters; you are now the 18th master scribe." Dr. Ray now lives in New York with his wife, Lolli Ray, director of education for United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism. Though he only spent four days in Omaha, children and adults who were exposed to his warm personality and colorful storytelling are begging for a return visit. In Joel Grishaver's book about him, called Sofer, Ray demonstrates his feelings about his work by saying, "Every time I fix a Torah, I am also helping to make the Jewish people a little stronger."
Rabbi Katzman goes as far west as the State Prison for Women in York, NG. As far north as the Federal Prison Camp in Yankton, 5.D. He also v i s i t s t h e local S a r p y County Correctional Centers.
and
Douglas
Responding to the Rebbe's call in the late '70s, CHABAD RABBIS everywhere reach out to their fellow men and women whom, for whatever reason, find themselves incarcerated. They provide the inmates with fruit for Tu B'shvat, Hamentashen for Rurim, and for Passover—the taste of freedom—Matzah. They listen, counsel, leave gifts of literature and provide hope for the future. In Omaha. RABBI MENDEL KATZMAN is part of the Omaha Police Chaplaincy Program. Participating volunteer clergymen offer pastoral guidance and support when needed. Additionally, hospital and rehabilitative chaplaincy, crisis intervention and counseling are provided to whomever knocks on its door. If you know someone in need of any assistance, feel free to call CHABAD HOUSE. Genuine concern, interest and confidentiality are standard. '
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