January 8, 1999

CD

ewish Press

Serving Nebraska and Western Iowa lor more than 75 years VoLIXXVI

No. 17

Omaha, NE

Kids have fun, raise money for Kids Super Sunday

Susie and Mike Norton with son, Justin, admire a balloon animal made by "silly the Clown" (Lou Wolfson).

Magician Joe Cole entertains some of the ISO children who^attended the Second Annual Kids SuperiSunday at the JCC.

WE HIST SOCIETY 1500 R ST LINCOLN NE 68508-1651

Religious pluralism battle erupts

Rabbi Sidney Brooks died Tuesday, Jan. 5, at the lage of 78. Seryby Avi Machlis lices were held jJan. 7 at Temple JERUSALEM (JTA) - Exactly one year ago, a Israel with burial committee headed by former Israeli Finance at Temple Israel Minister Ya'acov Ne'eman was putting the finishCemetery. Among ing touches on what was billed as a historic comthe speakers at promise over the conversion crisis in Israel. his funeral was . It aimed to usher in a new era of dialogue between Rabbi Barry Orthodoxy and the liberal streams of Judaism and to Weinstein of Bastart a process of reconciliation between Israel and ton Rouge, former Diaspora Jewry. The compromise was designed to assistant rabbi to avert the Knesset's adoption of a bill that would codiRabbi Brooks for fy into law the Orthodox monopoly over conversions 10 years. to Judaism performed in Israel. Survivors inIt called for the establishment of an institute in Iclude his wife, which the three major streams of Judaism would [Jane; daughter be involved in preparing candidates for conversion, and son-in-law, while leaving the actual performance of the converMiriam and Philsions under Orthodox control. Rabbi Sidney Brooks i p Wright of BosBut one year later, that compromise appears des- ton; son and daughter-in-law, Joel and Naomi tined to become no more than a historical footnote, Brooks, and grandson, Joseph, all of Tampa, PL. 'and some fear its failure could lead to an unprece- Rabbi Brooks came to Omaha in 1952 as spiritual dented rift in Israel-Diaspora relations. . leader oJ&Temple Israel — arid he stayed. , ... Although the institute is preparing to open, the Oyuained at Hebrew Union College in 1946, • compromise proposals were never accepted by Rabbi Brooks served Temple Shalom in Israel's Orthodox Chief Rabbinate. The liberal Springfield, Ohio, before moving to Omaha. movements will participate, but without the rab- During his 33 years years at Temple Israel, Rabbi binate's endorsement, Reform and Conservative Brooks witnessed many changes and considerable leaders in Israel fear graduates of the institute growth in the congregation, which had fewer than may. never have their conversions recognized. 300 families when he arrived. At the time of his Instead of dialogue, the apparent failure of the retirement in May, 1985, Temple Israel had grown Ne'eman Committee's compromise has sent both to 670 member families. sides in the religious pluralism campaign back to^ the Rabbi Brooks saw the congregation through the battlefield — which is now being waged on two fronts. devastation of the May, 1975, tornado when the •Conversions: Orthodox parties in the Knesset building was heavily damaged and the congregaare attempting to revive the conversion bill after tion operated out of a variety of locations during the Jerusalem District Court last week ordered the reconstruction. Interior Ministry to recognize as Jewish, 23 people During his tenure and since his retirement, who underwent conversions performed by Rabbi Brooks has been highly visible and active in Conservative and Reform rabbis. both the Jewish and general communities. He has The bill has been redrafted to incorporate the served on the the boards of the Jewish Federation, Ne'eman Committee's proposals. But leaders of the of Omaha, Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith, liberal movements say this undermines the spirit B'nai B'rith Men, National Conference of of the compromise, which was meant to avoid legis- Christians and Jews, Boys Club of Omaha, lation codifying Orthodox control over conversions. Planned Parenthood, Omaha Food Bank, The ruling is being appealed to Israel's Supreme "Downtown Rotary, Operation Bridge and the Court, which is considered likely to uphold it. But American Civil Liberties Union. recognizing the potential for further discord, He has been awarded honorary degrees: Doctor of Hanan'Porat, chairman of the Knesset's Law Divinity from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Committee, said he would ask the Supreme Court Institute of Learning in 1971; Doctor of Humane to postpone hearingjhe appeal until after .Israel's Letters from the University of Nebraska at Omaha May 17 national elections. • in 1985. He received the 1981 Humanitarian . 'Religious councils: In another piece.of legisla- Award from the Midlands Region of the National (Continued on page 3) (Continued on page 8)

Russian singer to perform at JCC _

__._

Phyllis Schwartz and grandchildren, Sara and Laura Kline, enjoy the meal provided by Zio's, Prito Lay and Mid-Continent Bottlers. Lana Kirnarsky was one of 20 volunteers who helped with Kids'Super Sunday. Children 'who brought in tzedakah boxes made a t the CDC or religious school enjoyed a day of fun.. More than $350 was raised. photos by Bob Belgrade

Koimcpr Aaypcara KOiiKypcoii B 'MOCKBC, HbiQ-MopKc ii MonpeaAC CueTAaiiu nopnifliicKoii COCTOIITCH B rcaipc JCC u nocKpecciihc 17 mmapfl 1999 roAa n 2:00 B pencpiyape iicmmu noiiyAnpiiue u KAaccimccKiic iiponaucAcimii na pyccKOM, aniAiiiicKOM, IIAIIIII II impure, aApeconaiiHbic CAyiuaxcAHM BCCX no3pacroB. Ec HcoGtiKJioucJiiiufi roAoc B coHcraimii c npnoii cueiiiiHCCKofi HHAiiBHAyaAbHOCTbio rapaiiTHpyioT auuiAar.. . Opraiiii3niopi)i Koimcpra — KyAbrypiioe OBiucciiib HoBhIX AMCpilKJUIHCB, CODCT HBpcficKOlI KvAIViypw II HcKyccma II rcaip JCG. Ueiia 6IIACTOB $10, AAH noHuiAbix-ft CTVACIITOB 58.

3a HiKpopMamicii oSp.irnaTbCH B J C C n o TCA. 334-6426.

Svetlana Portnyanskaya will make her debut at the Jewish Community Center on Sunday, Jan. 17, at 2 p.m. Her songs in Russian, Yiddish, Hebrew, American pop and opera have won her' critical aclaim. The concert is spon-' sored by the Jewish \ Arts Council, the New ' American Cultural' Society and the Theatre at the'J.' Tickets are priced at j $10 for general admis-' sion and $8 for seniors and students. Call JCC Member Services at 334-6425 for information or to make reservations.

Pag? 2 Jewish Press, Qibaha, NE > Jan. 8,1999

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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s A V E'

C L I P S

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8 Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. Russian Club, 10 a.m. SATURDAY, JANUARY 9 TempleJsrael Club 66; at Temple .Israel SUNDAY, JANUARY 10 ./at'Beth:fel 'TempleIsrael MchVClub Brunch; lO'a.iri.,""'"'' • atTemple Israel" ' • ' ' ' ' ...-..• Ya'Chad Movie Day Temple Israel OTYG Congregational Spaghetti Dinner, 5:30 p.m., at Temple MONDAY, JANUARY 11 YES Program, 9:30 a.m. JCAC Financial Planning Class, 7 p.m. Cub Scqots, 7 p.m. Adult Education Program, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El TUESDAY, JANUARY 12 Adult Lunch & Learn, noon, at Beth El Boy Scouts, 7:30 p.m. CDC Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. Beth El Executive Committee Meeting, 7:30 p.m., atfiethEl . WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13 JCAC Full Board Meeting, noon Hadassah Meeting, 10:30 a.m., Livingston Plaza JCAC Bridge Class, 7 p.m. Beth Israel Board of Commissioners Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Beth Israel THURSDAY, JANUARY 14 Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. Temple Israel Sisterhood Adult Education, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel "Souls on Fire," 6:30 p.m., at the Chabad House

A u All events held at the JCC unless otherwise Indicated. The Jewish Press Is not responsible for the accuracy of F the above events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437.

CITYH .COMPANY

COMMERCIAL and

Parashat VaEra by Rabbi Myer S. Kripke

HENRY H. WEINER Services for Henry Weiner, 87, were held Jan. 5 at Beth Israel Synagogue. Burial was at Golden Hill Cemetery.: Coals to Newcastle, Pigs to Iowa Survivors include his wife, Roberta; brother, Sol Our Sidrah gives account of the first seven of the J. Weiner, both of Omaha; sister, Sylvia Rackovsky Ten Plagues that brought Pharaoh to submission. of.Bridgeport, CO; nephews, A. Richard Weiner and . It all began when Moses and Aaron did magic wife, Ina, and Howard M. Weiner, all of Omaha; tricks before Pharaoh, turning their staffs into serand Dr. Shalom Rackovsky of Rochester, N.Y. pents. The Midrash Rabba imagines that Pharaoh chorLILLIAN SHACHMAN tled with amusement: "Is this all that your God can Services for Lillian (Brodkey) Shachman were do!? He called for some 4- and 5-year-old kids from held Jan. 6 at the Piser Chapel in Skbkie, JL. Burial the magic school, and they did the same magic. He was at Westlawn Cemetery! She was 77. ,.. called for his wife to come and even (yes even!) she Survivors include son and daughter-in-law Bruce could do the same. and Anne Shackman of Omaha; daughter and sonDidn't you know that Egypt is the world-center in-law, Lynn and John Naman; grandchildren, for magic? Do you bring fish to Acco? (Or, as we William Shackman, Susan Shackman, Jeremy might say, Dp you bring coals to Newcastle, or pigs Naman and Ben Naman; sister and brother-in^aw, to Iowa?) Ethel and Melvih Herzog; and nieces and nephews. But Moses and Aaron replied that you bring a Memorials to Beth El Synagogue. particular kind ,of merchandise to the place that is the central market for that particular product! Being no merchandiser, I personally at one point Singer Memorial Fund did not realize that one large department store likes to be near another. This brings the customer allocates grants arid his dollar to a particular place, We'll meet him there! • ••• by Claudia Sherman ~" Note that the miracles belong to God, not to Foundation Public Relations Coordinator Moses and Aaron, who merely announce them. Convening for their second annual meeting on Without pressing the matter further, let us turn Dec. 10, members of the Grants Committee of the our attention to the place of miracle in Judaism. Basically, it has none. Jewish faith in God does not Lazier L. Singer Memorial Fund approved allocarest on miracles~the crossing of the Red Sea to the tions for two programs that will address issues fac, contrary.notwithstanding. It rests on.the compas- ing Jewish high school youth in our community. Established in 1996 by Harriet Singer in mem, sion'.and-beneficence of: the God behind'Nature, ory of her husband, the Singer Memorial Fund was behind the basic user-friendliness of the world we created to help teenagers deal with'various conlive in. The "nissim" referred to in the prayer modim cerns including but not limited to the problems of anahnu lakh are the "miracles" of our very exis- alcohol and drug use, sexuality, eating disorders, tence, and the miracles of day and night, winter intra-family relations, violence and gangs, suicide and summer, life and death. The miracle of and depression, and issues of Jewish identity. Taking the MTV Challenge, which takes a Hanukkah was the dogged, persistent sniping of a unique approach to confronting issues of propaganrag-tag, pick-up band of irregulars against superior, trained military forces, a band strengthened by da, violence, drug abuse, racism,and;self-esteem their faith in God, the faith that right would win through Jewish values, was awarded a grant by the Singer Fund. Taking the MTV Challenge will over wrong. We do not think of Moses as a miracle-maker. be presented at the Spring Regional B'nai B'rith We think of him as the pioneering expert in morali- Youth Organization Convention in April in Omaha. Another grant was awarded, to Temple Israel's ty and law, the first to have deep'reflections on High School program to present a workshop for monotheism. We call him by the meaningful name "Moses our Teacher." Not miracle-worker: Teacher. ninth through twelfth graders and their parents Spme_religions,,both in the ancient and modern featuring author Dr. Mary Pipher. Dr. Pipher will worfiTs;: base1 their "faiili, at least in part, on the examine effects of our culture on families. She will ' 'miracles performed by the acknowledged founder of also explore how the loss of community and the proliferation of media and technology have hurt their faith. • Judaism does not. Indeed, there is no one the family institution. In addition to Mrs. Singer, other members of the "founder" of our faith, unless it is the interpretation of the Bible in and by rabbinic Judaism. The Grants Committee include her son and daughter, founder of Judaism an interpretation!? Yes! The Mark Singer and Sandy Kutler as well as Gloria Bible -and-its-interpretation-by-the-ancient-rabbis Kaslow, Frances Blumkin, Irv Veitzer and Elyce Azriel. Their next meeting to consider grant is the founder of Judaism! ; Thus miracles are of no importance in Judaism. requests will be on April 13,1999, The Singer Memorial Fund is administered by None of the great prophetic teachers taught by miracles. The rabbis clearly announced that we do not The Foundation of the Jewish Federation.. rely on miracles. Even a Voice from Heaven (Bat Author Gil Mann to present Kol) is disregarded if it is contrary to the opinion of the majority of scholars. . Community Workshop Morality, learning, scholarship, piety. These are The community workshop presented by author . honored in Judaism. Not miracles: morality. Not Gil Mann on Wednesday, Jan. 13, is quickly filling miracles: learning. Not miracles: scholarship. Not up. The workshop, chaired by Jerry and Cookie miracles: piety. Aim for at least one of these! Hoberman, will be held in. the JewiBh Community Center Theater at 7:30 p.m. . •• ~ Mobility Program Mann wrote the book, How To Get More Out Of' Being Jewish Even If..i(A) You are not sure you continues for Seniors The Senior Mobility Program of Eastern believe in God; (B) Yduthink.gpingtd.eynagogueis a Nebraska is again making available" Power'and waste of time; (C) You think keeping kosher is stupid; Manual Wheelchairs, three- and four-wheel (D) You hated Hebrew school; or (E) All of the above! Electric Scooters and other medical items to Senior Citizens (65+) with mobility assistance needs at usually no cost to those who qualify. The requested item is delivered to the home and instruction in operation is given by the program manager. For information, call 1-800-594-1225.

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8037 H Street Omaha, NE 68127 (402) 593-1242

I would like to thank friends and relatives for the cards, donations and gifts sent to me. I know all the good thoughts and wishes are helping speed my recovery. Gerald Bernstlen

CUP & SAVE

— — —

To reserve your seat, please contact Cindy Kaufman at 334-6427.

CORRECTIONS Esther Reed, rabbinical student and wife of Mordy Schwartz, was incorrectly identified in the Dec. 25 story about students in Israel. In the Jan. 1 issue, Tuffy Epstein's name was ' misspelled. • / :7' \ •\ ' The Jewish Press regrets the errors., '

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SYNAGOGUES TEMPLE ISRAEL

January 8,1999

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE '

Page 3

CANDLELIGHTING: 4:53 p.m. BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

Member of tbo Union of Aineriean Member of tliu Union of Hebrew Congregations Orthodox Jewish CongregationA of America 7023 Cnss Street, Omaha, NE 08132 1502 No. 52nd St., Omaha, NE 68104 556-6288 550-0336 FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat service, 7 p.m. A short Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. service of song and prayer, followed by cookies and to 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. juice, for toddlers through children in the primary Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. grades and their families. The Oneg Shabbat will FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat service, 4:55 p.m. be sponsored by Judy and Howard Vann in honor SATURDAY: Services, 8:45 a.m., Little People of the second birthday of Jacob Steven Vann. service, 10:15 a.m.; Jr. Congregation, 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Evening Service, 8 p.m. Rabbi Stiel and Babysitter service courtesy of Sisterhood; Kiddush Cantor Blum will officiate; Rabbi Stiel will speak. sponsored by Howard, David and Shirley Banner The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by the in honor of the 50th wedding anniversary of their Temple Sisterhood. parents, Ida and Elliott Banner; Class with Rabbi, SITTER SERVICE . 4:20 p.m.; Mincha, 4:50 p.m., followed by Shalosh • '. Sitter Service is available Friday evening & Seudot, Ma'ariv and Havdalah. Saturday mornings when there is a Bar/Bat SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; Mincha, 5 pan. Mitzvah, Sunday mornings when there is Religious WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 aan.; Mincha, 5 pan. School. Please make a reservation. Cost is $2 per MONDAY: Learn Mishna at 7:30 p.m., and family if reservations are made prior to Friday. learn to chant the Haftorah at 8:30 p.m.; both Drop-ins, $3 per family. No facilities for infants. classes with Rabbi Kutner. : : SATURDAY: Shabbat service, 10:30 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Board of Commissioners meetSimcha B'Shabbat-An informal Shabbat service ing, 7:30 p.m. that includes study and discussion of Jewish texts. SUNDAY: Chapel prayer service, 9:15 a.m. This B'NAUSRAEL SYNAGOGUE service gives the congregation an additional oppor61S Mjmeter St., Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 tunity to pray and recite Kaddish. , Phone: 322-4705' Men's Club, 10 aan. Traditional lox and bagels will be served and there will be a special guest speaker. Cost for non-members is $3. FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. Caesar Aharon, Family Spaghetti Dinner and Auction, sponsored Jewish native of Turkey, will speak on "Martin by the Temple Youth GrouplS5:30-8 p.m. Cost is $8 Luther and his relationship with the Jews." Oneg for adults, and $5 for childrenVProceeds will bene- Shabbat prepared by Peggy DeLand and Sandra Kurland, will follow. fit Camp Rainbow (for terminally ill children). ADULT EDUCATION Sisterhood Adult Education CONGREGATION B'NAl JESHURUN Thursday, Jan. 14: Rabbi Azriel will teach "Jewish Identity: Past, Present and Future," from j , ' ' - . ' - ' Mewiwrof the Union ' i of American Hebrew CpngregatJoos . 10-11:30 a.m.; Beginning Beyond Midrasah, 6:452061S. 20th St., Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 8:10 p.m.; Beyond Midrash, 8:15-9:10 pan., both led by Don Schwartz. Services officiated by Cantor, Michael Weisser. SISTERHOOD and MEN'S CLUB SOCIAL FRDDAY: Sabbath Eve service, 7:45 pan. Wine-Tasting of the World, Saturday, Jan. 23, SATURDAY: Shabbat worship, 9:30 a.m.; 6-8 p.m., at Spirit World, 75th & Pacific. Cost is Torah study, 10:30 a.m. . $10 per person. Make reservations by Jan. 12. SUNDAY: Hebrew School, 9 a.m.; Religious School, 10 aan. H - v , TIFEBETHTSBAEl. •• .. WEDNESDAY: Adult Education, 7:30 p.m. ':-''I'l Bdfembe* of the United Synagogue',';,, THURSDAY: Choir rehearsal, 7:30 p.m. 'f'h -;' of Conservative Judaism '-'-,-.-''#?< B . , Lincoln, NE 68502 Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan on Monday and Thursday at 7:15 ajn. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:15 a.m.; Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Stanley Rosenbaum, topic: "The Meaning of Israel."

'

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. Edward Kahn will celebrate his 101st birthday. In his honor, Hugo Kahn will lead Shabbat services. He will chant the Haftorah that his father chanted as a Bar Mitzvah. • Edward's birthday will be celebrated at a 2:30 pan. tea in the Blumkin Home tea room.

Dance through the decades with USY Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzraan. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m., followed by Kiddush. Mincha-Ma'ariv, 4:45 p.m. followed by Havdalah. MONDAY through FRIDAY: Services, 7 aan. TUESDAY: Parshah Insights, 7 p.m. ' THURSDAY: Halachah 101 Class, 8 a.m.; Tova Mordechai will speak at 7:30 p.m.

M«mbor of United SyiittgOKucs of ConMrvutivv Judaism 14500 California, Ointihu, NI3 GS1G4 492-8550 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. FREDAY: Services, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush following services; TSS (Torah Study Skills) 10 aan.; Sitter service, 10 aan.; Shabbat Story Time (prekindergarten and under) 11 a.m.; K'tantan (kindergarten through 3rd grade) 10:45 a.m.; Humash with Rashi study session, 4:30 p.m. (1/2 hour before M/M); Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 5 p.m.; USY Dance-A-Thon, 7 p.m-midnight, sponsored by USY and Kadimah. Proceeds go to Tikun 01am. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; Men's Club Breakfast following the morning minyan; Israeli Folk Dancing, 10-30-11:30 a.m. in the west court. WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. MONDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES Adult Education will sponsor a movie night on Monday, Jan. 11, 7:30 p.m., from the "Golden Age in Hollywood." Discussion will follow.

Bar Mitzvah Micha Solomon, son of Jeffrey and Solomon, will celebrate] his Bar Mitzvah on I Saturday, Jan. 16, atj Beth El Synagogue. A student at Beveridge I Middle School, he enjoys | art and sports. Micha has a sister, i Morgan, and a brother,' Alexander. Grandparents are Beth f and Vince Felton and the late Daisy and Monty Solomon.

Rabbi Brooks '(Continued from page 1) Conference of Christians and Jews. He, was appointed to the Omaha Human Relations Board in 1978 and reappointed in 1990. Last June, Rabbi Brooks, along with Rabbi Myer'S. Kripke, was honored by the Jewish Federation of Omaha with the Humanitarian of the Year Award. Rabbi Brooks was a frequent speaker at seminars and lectures sponsored by Jewish Chatauqua Society. He co-edited a book on Jewish theology based on th'e writings of his teacher and mentor, the late Rabbi Samuel S. Cohon. At the time of his retirement in 1985, Rabbi ' Brooks was honored with a banquet at Peony Park at which Rabbi Alexander M. Schindler, President of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, was the keynote speaker. "It's very sad for the family of Temple Israel. Rabbi Brooks waB a towering influence and a moral compass in the Jewish and general communities," said Rabbi Aryeh Azriel. "He loved being a rabbi and constantly pushed the congregation to learn and study," he added.

S5tl»:»it»a-<?flp«iin«»ft,0m<»h^J«Ev'' - 2M-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.

6,;Omana,NE681Z45l30 FRTOAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Learners' minyan, 9 aan. RELIGIOUS SCHOOL: Sunday and Tuesday attheJCC. FRDDAY, Jan. 15: Tot Shabbat, 7 p.m.

DANCE COMMITTEE--«fandj*ft from left: Carl Green and ' co-chtirs Talya Greenspoon and Joanna Kay. Front: Jessica Hasslinger and Rebecca Murrow. Not pictured: Ariel Shukert. •

Come rock and roll with USY at the Second Annual Dance-A-Thon on Jan. 9 from 7 p.m.-midn i g h t at Beth El Synagogue. USY'ers and Kadimaniks will get pledges to see how long they can dance. The community is invited. The focus of this years decades dance is the even years.. Each hour, a professional DJ will play music from a different decade, beginning with the '20s. Those who attend, are asked to. dress from their favorite decade. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children 8 and under. " . ; To make a pledge or for reservations, contact Holly Friedman at 492-8550, ext. 157.

Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Editorial

January 8,1999

It may be cold outside...

...but next week there are opportunities to warm up to learning something new. While we shiver in below zero temperatures, Temple Israel, the Jewish Federation, and Chabad have all selected this coming week to offer educational challenges to the community. Lori Serbin Lasday begins her visit on Sunday at Temple Israel with an interactive program entitled "Our Y2K Challenge: P a r t n e r s h i p in Raising the Next Jewish Generation." Scheduled for 10 a.nv, it is the first in a series of workshops and classes geared to members, nonmembers, preschool parents and educators. Call the Temple office, 5566536, for more information.,,., Next on the syllabus is Gil Mann, a young Jewish professional from Minneapolis who's turned his attention to disaffected Jews. The author of How to Get More Out of Being Jewish Even If You Were Afraid to Ask, Mann will speak on Wednesday

evening at the JCC. For more information, call the Federation, 334-6428. And finally, Chabad Lubavitch of Nebraska will present an evening with Tova Mordechai on Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Chabad House on So. 120th Street. Mordechai, a resident of Tzefat in Israel, will relate her personal, journey in becoming a Jew. For information about this event, call 330-1800. It's not always easy to admit to a lack of Jewish knowledge. The snow and cold temperatures make it more difficult to venture out at night. (Though, in the summer, hot and humid weather would no doubt surface as an excuse!) The synagogues, organizations and of course, the Federation, are all creating exciting programs to lure the curious and adventurous among us. Complaining about the cold doesn't make it warmer; attending one of these programs will brighten our lives.

Netanyahu faces uphill fight

As Alice in Wonderland said, "things get curiouser and curiouser." She should have been an observer of by David Landau Israeli politics as the nation begins the countdown to early elections in May. As prime minister, with four long months at his JERUSALEM, (JTA) - Prime Minister Benjamin The latest in a long string of candidates and parties Netanyahu, forced to accede to early elections, embarked disposal, Netanyahu can still pull an ace or two is Avigdor Lieberman, the bear-like Russian and last week on a daunting struggle to recapture the popu- from his sleeve — and all the other wannabes are ousted former director general of the prime minister's lar and political appeal that catapulted him to the . undisguisedly. anxious at this prospect. office. Proclaiming himself as defender of the masses national l^adecship less$an three yearsago. . .; .., ;,., . :So,.for instance, when military officials from the elite of Israel (both in Labor and Likud) Thej struggle wiU.be ;]png:,Netanyahu and:the announced that the South Lebanon Army, Israel's Lieberman is using the election slogan "every man a Labor Party leader, Ehud Barak, agreed on a four- surrogate force just across the border, would be king." A very Jewish sentiment for a people with all month campaign, with the election set for Monday, evacuating two positions near the town of Jezzine, chiefs and few Indians. May 17. If there is a runoff in the race for prime min- a wave of speculation swept the political communilieberman is attacking the court system, the police, ister, as is widely expected, it will take place June 1. ty: Was this the start of a unilateral withdrawal by the attorney general, the tax authorities and those in The struggle will also be difficult: Netanyahu is the Israel Defense Forces from the security zone in the Likud who have "betrayed the prime minister." already trailing in the polls behind Barak and both of southern Lebanon? Though Netanyahu has condemned the new party, the two men likely to head a centrist party - Amnon Fueling the speculation was a decision by the pre- there are those cynics who believe, not without some Iipkin-Shahak and Dan Meridor. And Netanyahu's mier to meet with a group of bereaved mothers who justification, that in reality he is a stalking horse for Likud Party has been weakened by defections. have been demonstrating in Jerusalem to demand the prime minister. After Meridor's announcement that he would new government thinking on the Lebanon quagmire. Within the Likud, Usri Landau is running against leave to mount a challenge from the center, Ze'ev Israel's accidental killing last week of a mother and Bibi for party leadership while Minister of Defense "Benny" Begin made his own announcement. The six of her children in an artillery barrage, and Mordechei ponders his own decision of whether he son of the late founder and longtime leader of the Hezbollah's subsequent Katyusha rocket barrage should also leave the Likud and go to a new party or Likud, Menachem Begin, said he would form a against the Israeli border communities of Kiryat fight the prime minister within the Likud. Livnor new, right-wing bloc and run for the prime minis- Shmona and Kfar Blum have once again pushed Livnat, the Minister of Communication, is still maksouthern Lebanon to the top of the public's concerns. tership at its head. : . ing up her inind about leaving the sinking Likud ship "'TJtyrp, other popular Likud figures, Defense The politicians crowding the center have been or trying to change the captain. Minister Yitzhak Mordechai and Communications • heard voicing apprehensions, too, that Netanyahu, Former Iikudniks Dan Meridor, Benny Begin and Minister. Iimor Livnat, went public with their sep- despite his presently hawkish posture, may find a Ronni Milo have all started new parties. Begin is arate soul-searchings over whether to quit the way, during the next four months, to make a heading a new right wing party, Milo a new left of Likud and seek safe havens in the emerging cen- breakthrough in the peace process with the center party, and Meridor a center party. The former trist grouping. Palestinians. Certainly, that prospect has not Chief of Staff, Amnon Iipin Shahak has also thrown But Netanyahu is a fighter. Even those who seemed likely in his initial campaigning. his beret in the ring but is trying to make up his malign him do not deny that. He came from way mind as to whether or not he should start still anothbehind in 1996, after the assassination of Yitzhaker party or sign on with Dan Meridor. Rabin, to snatch the prime ministership that And, of course, still to be mentioned are the two Rabin's successor, Shimon Peres, thought was To the Editors: major adversaries-Ehud Barak, the head of the labor To the Editors of Time Magazine: The Man of the party, and Bibi himself, still the leader of what firmly in his grasp. And Netanyahu is the sitting tenant. The dual Year should be the American People. We have to remains of Likud. Throw in the National Religious persona of underdog and incumbent is, in the view put up with all of these events. Party; the Shas party of Sephardic'Jews; Yisroel It was best said by Richard Benedetto in USA B'Aliyah - the party bf hero turned politician Natan of some pros, the optimal starting point for a tough Today of Dec.21, 1998: "What other nation could Sharansky, the Third Way party of Avigor Kahalni, election campaign. impeach a president and prosecute a war 6,000 the hero of the 1973 war with Syria; the Moledet miles from home, see the Russian Ambassador party, which at one time wanted to deport all the I'm recalled to Moscow and watch an embattled legisla- Arabs from Israel; and one has a very mixed up PENNY ENDELMAN, tive leader resign over a sex charge-all within a. cholent indeed. SUPER SUNDAY few days~and still have its national life go on as if What all this portends is a very divided and divisive it were all routine." volunteer. _. % Knesset-even more so than at the present No matter The American People are the greatest people on who is elected Prime Minister, (and don't count Bibi Please give \ ^ earth. I wish the politicians respected us as much out yet), coalition politics will be the rule of the day. generously when I ,; as we take pride in our American citizenship. As Alice wisely noted, things do get curiouser. call on January 10. J^ ^ Stephen H. Simon

the Headlines

Letter to the Editor

1 J^

A. A

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January 8,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 5 Ex-prisohers of ZIon fighting for pensions and their dignity

Russian Communists shift aim to Zionists

by Avi Machlis

by Lev Krichevsky

JERUSALEM (JTA) - When Vladimir Slepak languished in a Soviet prison between 1978 and 1982 for being involved in Zionist activities, he never imagined that someday he would have to fight for dignity against the Israeli government. But today, Slepak, 71, lives with his wife in Israel on.a meager pension of about $670 a month, including about $400 from the Jewish Agency for Israel, for the years he spent in prison. About 900 people - including ex-prisoners of Zion and former activists from such countries as Iraq, Syria and Hungary — are facing economic hardship, and they are'angry and insulted by a new law that took effect Jan. 1. The law was designed to improve^their situation, but the former activists say it will only make matters worse for them. , Having received no help from the government or Knesset, they are now looking for support from the U.S. Jewish community. "Israel used us when they needed us, and now they don't need us," said Slepak, explaining why he thinks their plight has been ignored. "We think it's only fair to count our years of activism in the Soviet Union as work for the State of Israel and the people of Israel." During the 1970s and 1980s, many of these immigrants now fighting for improved pension benefits were household names in American Jewish communities, which were at the forefront of their fight for freedom. Today, many live in poverty. • "But money iB only part of the issue," said Ida Nudel, 67, who was:imprisoned for 16 years.;"This is about our dignity and the dignity-of the Jewish people. Not so many years ago, our stories were in the headlines of the Jewish press. . .... "The same people who are running the country were protid of us, they celebrated our birthdays and demonstrated on our behalf.. And suddenly we. became a,nuisance.'-- people of the past.'people whose stories you cannot use now.". -

MOSCOW (JTA) - Fanning the already smoldering For Nudel, Slepak and many others who arrived in Israel flames of anti-Semitism in Russia, the leader of late in their lives, the problem is particularly pressing. Slepak arrived in Israel in 1987, three days before Russia's Communist Party has declared in a manifesto he turned 60. He had no way of working the requisite that the "spread of Zionism" is "one of the reasons for the current catastrophic condition of the country." 10 years to accrue a pension before retirement But at the same time, Gennady Zyuganov, the Under the old system, the Jewish Agency for Israel administered pensions for needy former pris- leader of Russia's largest party, condemned antioners of Zion according to a formula based on how Semitism, drawing a distinction between Jews and Zionism, which he called "a blood relative of fascism." many years a retiree had been jailed. The manifesto was released in response to a Slepak, for example, received about $400 a month. The Slepaks also received another $270 a request from President Boris Yeltsin's administramonth from the National Insurance Institute, tion and the Russian Justice Ministry, which wantwhich administers Israel's social security program, ed to clarify the Communist Party's position on which pays out a sum to all elderly people who anti-Semitism. But the document's release has only heightened have no fixed pension. In 1994, the ex-prisoners tried to get a new law concern about anti-Semitism in Russia and increased adopted that would transfer their pensions from international condemnation over the issue. Indeed, U.N. Watch, an affiliate of the World the Jewish Agency to the state budget. They were afraid that budget cuts at the Jewish Agency Jewish Congress, called on the U.N. high commissioner for human rights to denounce all. members threatened their security. The original draft law was designed to boost their of Russia's Communist Party who made antipensions by including payment for the years they Semitic statements. worked as Zionist activists — even when they were . And Jewish leaders in Russia, expressed their not imprisoned. Several lawmakem objected, fearing outrage at the document, which they said was written in the spirit of the 19th-century canard, "The this could open the door to a flood of new applicants. The ex-prisoners insist they put themselves in Protocols of the Elders of Zion." The document's release is the latest in a series of extreme danger as activists. In addition, many had to forgo academic studies or pursuit of a profession when anti-Semitic developments that have plagued Russia since the economy began to deteriorate sharply earlithey went underground to elude the Soviet KGB. . Slepak estimates the law, as originally proposed, er this year - along with Yeltsin's health. Two Communist lawmakers, Albert Makashov would cost the government about $4 million a year. ; But instead, a watered-down version was adopted and Viktor Ilyukhin, made several anti-Semitic ;; ii J i this summer. Not;oiily doe8'1thel'a<w>i^ndre:t:heirl" remarks in^ublib,<<a lawrifakeWltnowri*r herisifp '' port of JewisB'caWSes'Wis SSs'aSsinateafal ' ^ v; vir -»1 yJst/J ™dcJ pal housing taxes and medical fees. '• ' : ' ; ' twoRussiaricities." • - '' iw-M In a move underlining the seriousness1 wifiiwHicK'1''1 Under the new law, Slepak will receive about $100 more than before, but he says the loss of the the government takes these incidents, Yeltsin's chief of staff convened a meeting of top security and extra benefits actually leaves him worse off. "It is an illusion to think the Jewish Agency could • defense officials to discuss the_situation and the related problem of political extremism. • continue to pay these pensions," he said.

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Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. English as. a second language for new Americans starts at 10 a.m.; bingo starts at 10:30. Come enjoy exercise class with Sharon Lewis at 10:30 in the adult lounge. Bring articles to share for the "YES Talk" discussion group at 11. Following a hot kosher lunch at noon, come enjoy InTergenerational Singers Don Schuler and Caroline Jordan. For transportation, call 330-4272. Reminder: The Mah Jongg Club will meet at the JCC on Wednesday, Jan. 13. For information, call Charlotte Kaplan at 551-5658. Deadline is Jan. 14 for payment to Bluffs Run Casino on Jan. 21. For reservations, call Eileen Remer at 334^6521. Membership dues for 1999 are now due. Please mail check payable to Y.E.S. in the amount of $2 Festival Foods, operated by Baker's per person to Y.E.S., c/o Frieda Krizelman, 331 S. Supermarkets, recently raised $1,900 for the 93rd Ave., Omaha, NE 68114, ••>"Round-It-Up for Christmas Cheer" at Grand WALK-IN, DROP-IN Island. The campaign enabled Festival Foods cusMembers will meet Thursday at the JCC., tomers to round up their grocery purchases to the English class starts at 10 a.m. Come exercise with next highest whole dollar amount and donate the new exercise instructor Sharon Lewis at 10:15. change to Christmas Cheer. Customers were also Bingo starts at 10:30. Bring a dairy sack lunch to able to make larger contributions at the check- eat at 1,1:30;. At noon, come enjoy the movieDr. Dolittle in the Blumkin Home auditorium. Popcorn stand. >-» will be served. For transportation, call 330-4272.VISIONS Jan Schakowsky was recently elected Membership dues for 1999 are now due. Please Congresswoman of the Ninth District of Illinois. A former Illinois State Senator, she is most proud of mail your check payable to Visions in the amount her work in adding funds-to the state budget for of $5 per person to Visions, c/o Selma Sadofsky, 7092 Charles St., Omaha, NE 68132. issues of concern to women and children. :. . Reminder: Visions'Membership Luncheon and Schakowsky was listed in Jewip installation 1 of officers is Friday, J a n . ' 15, , International,wider .the JbeadingT?W,Qme,n;t 12:30;pim.t'ai Veriice'Inn. -in 5<769r>She:i8ifcaeiniecfiiof Diane Rubjin of Dr. Marshall L. Jacobs has announced the grand opening on Jan. 25 of his Back and Neck Pain Relief Center, located on the northwest corner of 120th & Pacific. Dr. Jacobs attended the University of NebraskaOmaha and Logan Chiropractic College in St. Louis, where he received his B.S. in Human Biology and his Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Upon graduation, he and his wife, Sara, moved back to Omaha "to be with family and friends and because of the overall good environment to raise a family." They have a one-year-old son, Ryan. Dr. Jacobs has advanced training in Muscular Rehabilitation, Clinical Acupuncture and Auricular Therapy (Electro-Acupuncture of the ear). There is also a Massage Therapist on staff.

O m a h a . > . : • ;

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Jill Canfield, 12-year-old daughter of Sandy and Rick Canfield, will share the role of "Violet" in The Boxcar Children live on stage at The Rose from Jan. 15 through Feb. 21. Show times are Fridays at 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. For more information and reservations, call the box office at 345-4849.

Mount Sinai Cemetery receives donation

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.

January 8,1999

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

Different, similar reasons attract families to Academy by Diane Axler Baum

Mention Friedel Jewish Academy to Robin and personal attention at Friedel as "truly amazing." ing, with a loving hug for me. He went to an outShe is impressed, for example, that one of Sammy's standing school in Houston, but he never came out Rosenthal, and she'll exclaim, "You get so much!" Ask Julie Phillips why her older children attend classmates, who already reads at a second-grade smiling," said his mother. Considerations similar t o t h e District 66 but her third child Rosenthals' prompted Eric arid will be going to Friedel, and Julie Phillips to decide on Friedel you'll hear about Jewish idenfor their daughters, although sons tity, Yiddishkeit, and confiDavid, 12, and Jacob, 10, attend dence in one's Jewishness. public school. Lilly will enter Some of their reasons for Friedel's kindergarten in 1999, and choosing Friedel overlap, othher younger sister will follow when ers are different—but Robin she's ready for kindergarten. and Mark Rosenthal and Julie Phillips is quick to explain that and Eric Phillips believe in her family feels attached to the the .Academy as the right Loveland neighborhood and the elechoice for their children. mentary school which is one of its When the Rosenthals moved focal points. Even so, she believes from Houston to Omaha in that "Jewish self-esteem is chal- • November, they placed their lenged in the public schools." daughter in the JCC's Child She looks forward to a day school Development Center and program, where her daughters will . started looking at schools for "gain academically and emotionally their son. from individual attention, while On a tour of the Academy being surrounded by Jewish values/* with Director Michael Linn, _ . . Phillips and her family enjoy .they.were impressed .with Parent volunteer Robin Rosenthal, left, works with students Eli Freund. Anna • , . . , .. • •.. • evei'ything they,heard and Kohll, Sammy Rosenthal and Gefferey Libov. ' involvements and relationships saw and pleased to learn that that span Omaha's entire Jewish FriedeTs .tuition is lower than they'd expected (less level, joins Grade 2 for reading lessons every day than $3,000 for kindergarten; $3,600 for Grades 1 and. then returns to her own class for other subjects. community. They have friends at Temple Israel Excellent academics in small classes was t h e where they formerly were members, and Mends at through 6). •.. . ,. ••;.• ., .Rosenthal flays she observed within days that her Rosenthals' foremost reason for selecting Friedel. Beth Israel, and they spend time at Chabad House. Recently they affiliated with Beth El where son, Sammy, was thriving a t Friedel. She also They're "thrilled," she added, that both their chilnoticed that a, teacher's aide would be a great help dren are taking advantage of the JCC's facilities. they're "forming new attachments." Mother and to K-l teacher Diana Zeman in carrying out the Friedel's Judaic studies curriculum is also impor- daughters especially enjoy attending Beth El's tantto them. >> • •'••• ••••• ii Lunch'n Learn for Kids. ' ' :. . methods of individualized instruction, , .• h:, . • 1 '*We want Samiriy'tb lovebeihgf Jewish;'a'ti* tKatfs I Phillips and her husband^try always tttMagBnjrRosenthal has assisted in the K-l, classroom,every morning since. Finding time to volunteer is no small • happening," ihis'mothertnbted.Tffie'ltives' his lllg, leuiiliilg, mill climlgiiig, ahe BUyn. liivy aim ted feat for Rosenthal, who runs two businesses out of teacher, his subjects, his lunches, his physical, edu- (keepingkoshep-fouryeara ego. They?ro-"ata differher home. Bui she makes Friedel a priority. "I'm cation, and his Hebrew. He's singing his Hebrew I'ent place in their Jewish awareness" than thpy 'were when David and Jacob started school. * 'j . enabling a wonderful woman-a great teacher who songs and saying all the prayers." At this point in their lives, they feel ready for The Rosenthals credit Friedel for Sammy's overreally cares about teaching~to do everything she all sense of well-being. "It's wonderful to see him everything Friedel has to offer. They're confident i wants to do for her students," she said. Rosenthal described the nurturing environment truly happy; Everyday he comes out of school smil- that their daughters "will have the best of both : worlds."

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 8,1999

Religious pluralism

Moses: A Life by Jonathan Kirsch (Ballantine Books, NY, $27.50)

Book Review

(Continued from page 1)

Review by Bernard S. Raskas

tion prompted by a court ruling - this time from Moses is a growth industry. Last month three The slavery of the Hebrews, the signs and wonbiographies about him were published. He is on the ders, and the plagues, are subjected to many the Supreme Court - Orthodox legislators last cover of Time magazine, has a three-page spread in hypotheses, but in the end they lead to one pur- month won support in the first of three Knesset Life and a nine-page article in The New York pose: "Let My people go." This one phrase has been votes on a bill designed to bypass the high court's Times, and is the hero of the newly released ani- the call to freedom down the generations. It has decision requiring the government to appoint Conservative and Reform representatives to mated movie, Prince of Egypt. ignited revolutions, set off movements to overthrow While all of these works examine aspects of his life, enslavement, and inspired the downtrodden to municipal religious councils. The so-called "bypass bill" requires every memarguably the most balanced, researched, and stimu- speak truth to power. Just, as it was the theme of lating is the new book Moses: A Life. Written by the American Revolution, so it is the thrust of con- ber of a religious council to abide by rulings of the Orthodox Chief Rabbinate. Reform and ConservJonathan Kirsch, a book critic for the Los Angeles temporary liberation theology. ative leaders are furious, saying the bill mocks the Times, author, lawyer, and member of many book cirThe Ten Commandments, or more properly the court's ruling. cles, it reflects a wide range of scholarship. Ten Words, became a powerful beam of morality. This week the Knesset Law Committee postKirsch presents views of specific events but, Here, their creation is illuminated by critical scholleaves the reader to choose the interpretation. arship and set against several cultures. But the poned the second and third votes on the bill by the What is particularly inviting is the use of phrases event is not simple and not treated simplistically. full legislature. At the same time, the Chief such as "we do not know," •". . . probably an exag- Thomas Mann reflects in a small, short fictional Rabbinate ordered local religious councils not to geration," and "We lack any reliable evidence one account that when Moses finished sculpting this convene as long as Reform and Conservative memway or the other." mighty work of 72 words inscribed upon two bers take their seats. The liberal streams see much at stake in this Moses was literally a "masked man" (Exodus tablets, he found it difficult to see them from afar. 34:35). Despite the imaginative efforts of Greco- .So he took a sharp stone and slashed his hand, fill- battle because the religious councils, supervised by the Religious Affairs Ministry, have exclusive Roman historians, artists, and hollywood movie-mak- ing in the letters with his own blood. jurisdiction over marriage, kashrut, burial and ers, we do not know what Moses actually looked like. Kirsch's book raises seldom-explored aspects of Many today picture him as Charlton Heston the life of Moses: the tension that exists between other religious matters for all Jews living in Israel. The ongoing pluralism battle dates back to looked in Cecil B. DeMille's move The Ten God and Moses; Moses' killing of the Egyptian Commandments. In fact, one delegate at the 1996 taskmaster; what really happened at the Sea of Israel's founding. The 1948 Declaration of Republican National Convention attended a cock- Reeds; and how Moses, portrayed as a champion of Independence defined Israel as a Jewish and demotail party because, as he told a reporter, "I wanted liberty, ruthlessly dealt with some of his own peo- cratic state. But the failure to agree on a constituto see Moses." ple. While these questions are dealt with, they are tion has left ambiguities that persist until today. Israel's Law of Return, which grants automatic : The most persistent image of Moses in the hardly resolved. Yet this book is valuable because Western world, however, is based on the sculpture it describes the way scholars, historians, Bible com- citizenship to Jews, has historically been the by Michelango found in the church San Pietro in mentators, and theologians have interpreted the source of the problem. The law was amended in; 1970 to define a Jew, for the purpose of receiving Vincoli in Rome. Here the great leader resembles life of Moses throughout the centuries. citizenship, as "one born of a Jewish mother or the Roman god of the sea, Neptune, except that the From the thoughts of Philo and Josephus, rabbis who has converted." . .\ heroic figure has horns at the top of his head. ; and revisionists, Freud and feminists, Kirsch has Since theh v groups representing the hqredi, or' The original Hebrew in the Biblical text indicates > woven a tapestry against which1 to conceive a por-' that when,~Moses rCame down ftom Mt.. ?Wp3u> his , I traltt'oT'Mb's'eii -Pexhailis'&teJwa&ieveti a'mah of'tfrir "fervent,", side pf'Orthodoxy have often"tried to ';.'•. face eloweu. with a celestial radiance that sent i tiA'e,r>wllo1StSrflggle''witli^:our-sta?U'ggleS.11 -"' '3-r'J .v-tia.1.:: , change-the iaijvto requireconversion according.to" forth beams. This was mistranslated as thorn's i 'SWeral years'ago^i'stood at the top of Mount; halachah, or Orthodox Jewish law. and. later caused a great deal ,9f,m.ll?c'?,1?i> s,1,nce Nebo in Jordan.'From there, according to tradition, The "Who is a Jew" issue took on greater urgency horns were associated' witli,Satan and many Moses saw the Promised Land which he could hot' in the mid-19808, when Shas, a haredi party, believed that all Jews had them. enter. At the time I wondered why he was not per- secured control of the Interior Ministry and tried ., The author recalls his high school journalism mitted to do so because of such a minor sin — strik- to prevent those converted by the Reform and teacher telling about an incident from World War ing the rock instead of speaking to it. Then I Conservative,movements abroad from being regis-' II. He had woken one night in the barracks to find remembered the words of Martin Buber, who tered in Israel as Jewish. A landmark ruling in a fellow draftee, a man from the rural South, kneel- observed, "Moses was human'and no human ever' 1989, required the government to( register! anypne,;() ing by his bed and staring at the' top of his head. enters the promised land of his or her dreams. We converted abroad as Jews, including those convert: ed by Reform and Conservative rabbis. "I've never met a Jew before," the soldier explained, are never fulfilled."• ." "and I wanted to see your horns." Only a tiny number of Reform and Conservative The burial place of Moses is not known. Rabbinic Moses was a shepherd, a warrior, a magician, a thought offers this as a warning never to venerate converts immigrate to Israel each year. But for the wonder-worker, a lawgiver, and an emancipator. a human being as God. Ahad Haam, a Hebrew liberal Jewish movements, the struggle has been a The Bible records his troubled and tumultuous life essayist who flourished at the turn of the nine- matter of principle. They want the Jewish state, and works with brutal honesty. He is the only teenth century, suggested that Moses is buried* in where most religious Jews are indeed Orthodox, to huttiait'tosee Godface-to-'face," ;:l! ' :. thei heart of every Jew, as well as everyone who recognize Diaspora Jews, the bulkof whom are i . Conservative or Reform. Early rabbis calted lmxi'MoShe RaHtldi/n'U,'"Mosesour' -: seeks justice. teacher." This may say more about the rabbis than Moses. If so, his epitaph might be a verse that he wrote The author's interpretations of many of the welland is repeated in various forms 36 times in the known events in Moses' life are illuminating and Hebrew Bible: "The stranger that sojourns with you I'm thought provoking. The scene at the burning bush shall be as the home-born among you, and you GEORGE SHAFER, is one of awe and trembling. Here Moses becomes shall love him (her) as yourself, because you were a transformed from the reluctant hero to a divine SUPER SUNDAY stranger in the land of Egypt." . partner. Here he learns the wondrous name of God. volunteer. Rabbi Bernard S. Raskas is Rabbi Emeritus This passage is treated with sensitivity by the Please give of the Temple of Aaron, St. Paul, MN, and author, who reflects its many meanings. r

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January 8,1999

Remer's community support motivated by concern

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

Book Discussion Group celebrates 20th anniversary

Services Lois Wine. Mrs. Remer has also been "pinch hitting" for Maggie Conti, Adult Program Director, who It just took a phone recently had a baby. call ,43 years ago a n d Additionally, Mrs. Eileen Remer w a s Remer volunteers a t 'hooked." She and her iBeth El Synagogue in husband Miles had just the gift shop and in the moved to Omaha and office. She is also presihad only been married dent of Omaha Volabout two years. unteer Braille Services. "I got involved in the Mr. Remer is active in Jewish community as The Remer family: front, Sharon Bisanze, left, the Henry Monsky soon as we moved here," Mrs. Remer recalled. Fran Bieberly and Laurie Remer-Phifer; back: Lodge of B'nai B'rith and conducts services The Library's Book Discussion Group began She' became "very Eileen and Miles Remer and Lynn Sweet. in 1979. One of the early groups included, actove" in the Cornhusker Chapter of B'nai B'rith from time to time at the Blumkin Home. The Remers have four grown daughters: Laurie back row: E s t h e r Weil, P h y l l i s Bittner, Women (now called Jewish Women International) and eventually became president of the local group. Remer-Phifer and Fran Bieberly live in Overland Miriam Grossman, Anna Weisman a n d Mrs! Remer grew up in the Bronx in New York Park, Kansas, Lynn Sweet resides in Omaha, and Dorothy Kaplan; front: Ann Stern, Dorothy City. She met her future husband, who was attend- Sharon Bisanz is in St. Louis, MO. While they were Belland and Evelyn Alperin. ing New York University, on a blind date. He is growing up, their father coached girls' softball and The Jewish Federation Library Adult Book their mother was a Girl Scout leader originally from Kansas City. Discussion Group will begin a year-long celebration For the Remers, who have seen their family grow of its 20-year existence. Raised in an Orthodox Jewish family, Mr. Remer in recent years with the addition of three grandsaid" his family "was very committed to Tzedakah." A tea will be held on Thursday, Jan. 21, His wife added that her own family was "also sons and two granddaughters, it has "been a joy to 1 p.m., to thank Edythe Wolf, Library Director, watch this community grow." They have no regrets and Dorothy Kaplan for their devotion and dedicavery committed to the Jewish way of life." A certified public accountant for some 40 years, about living in a small Jewish community in the tion to the Book Group, as it is fondly called. Gloria Midwest. It feels "very good" to be a Silver Circle Kaslow will lead a discussion on contemporary Mr. Remer is semi-retired now. . "Even if it was just a little," for a few years, the donor," they noted, but "when a community gives so Jewish short stories from two new anthologies. Remers always gave to the Jewish Federation's annu- much to you, you have to give back," they agreed. At its first meeting on Nov. 15,1979, Kaslow led "That's what it's all about," Mrs. Remer said. al campaign: "No matter how hard it was," said Mrs. the group in. a discussion about the Fixer ty , The best way to support the Omaha Jewish qoniT Bernard Malamud:: Wolf explained theitl' the''' Books':'.' Reiner, "You can't put that on the side burner." ' : •'•''•'it- i' ; Ui :rj:u:ihin iJiijrftt; . jar.v.Fiy/iira "inus The Remers are now Silver Circle donors to the munity, the Remerslbelieve,'is.''tp.coritinue:tot|teac^:; usually, but not ar^ays^haye .Jewish, content or"are r| the importance of Judaism to the children" through annual campaign which signifies that they have by Jewish authors.' '".', ","'' '"' ' " ' /. ,'!''','r.,"^.'0_" continuously supported the. Federation campaign education, family motivation, and by demonstrat"This year we will discuss some new booksi The " for the past 25 years or more. It has been more ing the importance of Tzedakah whether it be by Ghost of Hannah Mendes, by Naomi Ragen and than 40 years since the Remers made their first financial contributions or by sharing their time and The Gifts of the Jews by Thomas Cahill, and also efforts with others. campaign contribution. Catch 22 by Joseph Heller," she noted. As they approach their 45th wedding anniversary in Members of Beth El Synagogue, the Remers both "The Book Group has been a wonderful, steady sing in the choir at Beth El. Miles, who was trained July, 1999, the Remers are grateful to this community group over all these years," said Kaslow, "New by Cantor Emil Berkovits, has been conducting which "has been fabulous to us. We came as newly- members have joined the original group, and we High Holiday morning services at Beth El for the weds, and we've met some wonderful people who always welcome others." became our surrogate family," confirmed Mrs. Remer, past 10 years. Kaslow has occasionally served as facilitator and Although it came as a surprise that they are Silver introduced the "great books method" to the group. Formerly an executive secretary, Mrs. Remer is '• now retired. However, she's still, busy. She has Circle donors, "in our own way," explained Mr. Remer, "It's actually the Socratic method," she added, been a member of Hadassah and the National their motivation to perpetuate the Jewish community, "where you ask questions, but there are no right or Council, of Jewish Women for many years. These has been for the sake of "youth and seniors." wrong answers." For themselves, they plan to simply "grow, old days, she is a member of Jewish Senior Services' The community is invited to attend the special,, LOVE Board and volunteers at the Rose Blumkin together, enjoy our grandchildren,.and.travel" January 21 meeting. Those wishing;to participate Jewish Home assisting Director of Volunteer maybe even a trip to Israel someday. in the discussion, can pick up copies of the short . stories at the Jewish Federation Library. For more information, please call the Library, 334-6461. by Claudia Sherman Foundation Public Relations Coordinator

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Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 8,1909

An interview with Lori Serbiri Lasday An Evening of Enchantment

by Kathy Beauchaine Laudin

What are your main duties at NATE? What messages do you want to communicate I was hired as Executive Director of the National to the religious school teachers'} Association of Temple Educators on July 1, 1997. As the theme this year is Jewish identity, I hope our Association serves more than 1000 educa- to share some additional information in this area of Restaurant • Bistro • Wine Bar As tional supervisors within Reform Judaism from the study. I hope to observe their classroom communiEnjoy Our Delightful United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa, ties and learning environments and assist them in England and Israel, my primary duties focus on the reaching the highest potential for themselves and Intimate Lunches needs of the members. their students. Reservations Recommended 345-8980 Often I am called upon to assist in the areas of Teaching "our" children is a very important task. OLD MARKET PASSAGEWAY education within different settings for students of The Talmud relates, that "to teach someone Torah, all ages; advocation on behalf of the educator and it is as though you have given birth to them." specific educational policies; evaluation of schools You have provided them with certain life skills and temples as centers of Jewish education for stu- and outlooks. . dents of all ages and elevation of the status of the To the parents? educator as a professional within the Temple, day As parents, we are expected to set a positive school, preschool and community center structures. example for our children as well as provide for NATE provides members with a network of com- their education. Parental involvement in the relimunication that encourages educational supervisors gious school experience is vital and continuation of, from throughout the world to share ideas on all the learning by bringing a piece of the Temple into aspects of Reform Jewish education. As Executive one's home is essential. Director of NATE, I serve as a member of each of We will speak of this year's theme in the larger Chinese Restaurant our working committees which tackle the vital sense of resources available to insure the strengthCARRY OUT AVAILABLE areas of membership, school accreditation, ethics, ening of life-long Jewish identity for themselves constitution, long range planning and the NATE and their families. 498-8833 News, of which Ann Kibel Schwartz is editor. The session on Sunday morning, which is I am also a member of the UAHC Department of with parents and open to the public, is: "Our ' Beer and Wine Available Jewish Education's Commission on Jewish Y2K challenge: Partnership in raising the next 2068 N. 117th Ave. Education which is made up of rabbis, cantors, rep- Jewish Generation"-What will be your main 1 North Park(117th iBIondo) resentatives from the Hebrew Union College, educa- message? What can we do to meet the chalM-Th: i 1-9:30-Fri. 4 Sat: 11-10:30-Sun. 12-9:30 tors and lay leaders who grapple with the changing lenge? needs of education within our religious movement. My message will include the lessons which I was What are the goals for your Omaha visit? raised with and which influence my life as a parent I look forward to my second trip to Omaha and and educator. Our texts teach us that we are to Temple Israel. My goals include: reconnection and look upon ourselves as if we personally went forth follow up,with the faculty and room parents who from Mitzrayim/Egypt. The Hebrew word for attended my workshop in August; an opportunity Egypt, Mitzrayim, contains the word tzar, meaning to meet and share vital information with the par- narrow. We must step out of narrowness and afford ents of Temple Israel's religious school students; ourselves the opportunity to participate and learn classroom observation of the parent/toddler, ele- in the multifaceted programs offered at Temple mentary, middle and high school program; partici- Israel. contemporary pation in a family and healing worship service; and It is through our example as lifelong learners and women's discussion and cooperation with Ann Kibel our partnership with the Temple that we will clothing Schwartz, Rabbi Azriel and other Temple Israel insure a healthy Jewish future for our children and ^rt.Efcn0/* n c c Selected p e r s o n n e l . •••••; generations to come. :' O U " O U /O OFF Fall Merchandise

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ethics, Jewish Holidays, prayer, dietary laws, life cycle events, the Jewish people, Israel and other topics with their instructor. Participants will receive all text books. The course will be taught by USAF Chaplain Ira Flax, a graduate of Hofstra University who also attended graduate school at the Jewish Theological Seminary. He was ordained in May, 1988, as a conservative rabbi, and entered active military service in September that year. , Cost of the class is $225 per person or $350 per couple. Stipends are available. For more information or to register, call Michael Linn at 334-0517.

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January 8,1999

Pack and Troop 218 celebrate Hanukkah

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Births Andrea Rothman Stoler and Robert Stpler of Dallas announce the Dec. 7 birth of their son, Garrett Nathan. Garrettis named in memory of his maternal great-grandfather, Nathan Bernstien. Grandparents are Hava and Irving Rothman of Houston and Bonnie Stoler and Barry Stoler of Louisville, ICY. Great-grandparents are Ida Rothman of Pittsburgh and Florence Stoler and Irvin and Betty Zegart, also of Louisville.

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Richard and Jackie Siegel of Wichita, KS, announce the Nov. 4 birth of their daughter, Allison Jordan. ' . Grandparents are Fefe Passer of Omaha and the late J e r r y Passer, and Claire Siegel of Fort Lauderdale, FL, and the late Arthur Siegel.

Wolf Cubs Zak Helm, Zach S p o o n e r a n d Nathan Wolf light menorahs. "Starting A Path To Friendship" was the theme of Pack and Troop 218's Hanukkah meeting. Freedom^and friendship were celebrated with a menprah lighting, games and latke feed. Special guests were Eugene, Tatyana and Alex Mesishchev. The Blue and Gold Banquet will be Jan. 17 at 4 p.m. For details, call Nancy Wolf at 330-6736.

Page 11

Laura and Bryan Wine announce the Sept. 11 birth of their son, Andrew Max. Grandparents are Lois and Norm Wine and Roland Hendricks and Irene Hendricks, all of Omaha. • Great-grandparents are Millie Wine and the late Ben Wine, the late Anne and Max Moskowitz, the late Helen and Bruno Sojka and the late James and Flossie Hendricks. •

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 8,1999

and repaif the world.

Sunday, January 1 0 , is Super Sunday in the Omaha Jewish Community, and the future of millions of Jews is on the line. The Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Campaign is rooted in the traditional Jewish value of tikkun olam, working to repair the world. Your gift to our Campaign is part of that work. It's at the heart of a sacred Jewish trust to build, strengthen and care for our community at home, in Israel and around the world. Keep that trust. When a Super Sunday volunteer calls, please give generously. The jv

,1 Federation of Omaha •"333'South 132nd Street • Omaha, NE 68154 • (402) 334-8200 • www.jewishomaha.org

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