August 13, 1999

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JFS resettles another family from former Soviet Union

Left photo: Omaha's newest arrivals from the Soviet Union were greeted recently at the airport by Todd Ephraim, Jewish Family Service Executive Director; Stanley Mitchell, JFS Vice-president; and Gloria Kaslow, JFS past-president. Right photo: Resettled in their new home are Vidary Levit, Il'ya Levit, Anna Levit and Vera Levit. Anna will attend Westside High School (which begins on Monday). The Levits, whose trip took more than 36 hours from Yikaterinburg, Russia, were delayed out of JFK Airport in New

York. When they finally were able to leave, they only made it as far as Cincinnati, where they were forced to stay overnight. Expecting only one of the family members to arrive the next morning, JFS Resettlement Director Tanya Siena was "surprised to see the whole family? disembark from the plane. Relatives of the Levit family already resettled in Omaha include: Lina Levit and Mikhail Zevakin (Il'ya Levit is Lina's uncle, her father's brother); and Marksina Levit (also a niece of D'ya's) and Petr Ginzburg.

August 13,1999

Federation kicks off Ben Gurion Society by Pam Monsky

Federation Communications Director The Jewish Federation of Omaha has'established the Ben-Gurion Society as part of the Annual Campaign with 47 founding members. The Society is for all donors, ages 25-45, who make an annual gift of $1000 or more to the Federation's Campaign. It is the first of its kind to recognize this growing group of young donors and has been successful in communities all over the country. In addition, the Ben-Gurion Society offers donors opportunities for professional networking, special conferences and missions. Co-chairmen of Omaha's inaugural group are Bruce Goldberg and John Lehr. When asked why they chose to work on the Annual Campaign, and specifically the Ben-Gurion Society, Lehr responded, "We have great facilities here in Omaha and we need to make sure they are accessible to everyone—from kids at the Child Development Center to the seniors in our community and at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. (Continued on page 8)

' "•' 7 ' fa" Bruce Goldberg and John Lehr are the new Ben Gurion Society Co-chairmen.

Hillary Clinton outlines Mideast views in separate speeches to Jewish groups by Matthew Dorf

WASHINGTON, (JTA)—As Hillary Rodham Clinton proceeds with her all-but-certain bid for the Senate, the first lady is continuing to distance herself from controversial statements supporting Palestinian statehood. In back-to-back speeches to Jewish groups on Tuesday, Clinton, who had drawn fire from many in the Jewish community, sought to stake out proIsrael positions. She G reiterated her support » e t h *? s b e r *' for Jerusalem as Israels President of Omaha for Jerusalem as Israel's "eternal and indivisible Chapter of Hadassah. capital* and announced her opposition to "any unilateral action that circumvents the negotiating table." In her most extensive remarks on the Middle East since she began campaigning for a Senate seat from New York, Clinton spoke here to the annual convention of Hadassah and the National Jewish Democratic Council. , Together, she spent about five hours, at the two events, addressing nearly 3,000 Jewish activists. To a muted chant of "Run, Hillary, Run," the first lady took the podium'at NJDC's annual Hubert H. Humphrey awards event. ./•

The United States must continue to support Israel as the Jewish state takes risks for peace, Clinton said; Pledging continued support for the peace process, Clinton said, "We can never give up" until Israel is "safe, secure and at peace." Expanding on her views in a 40-minute speech warmly received by some 2,100 Hadassah activists (including Beth Gaynes Ginsberg and Sandra Kohll from ,..._. Omaha) crammed into a -Sandra- Kohll, Pasthotel ballroom, Clinton President, Omaha listened as Israeli Chapter of Hadassah. Prime Minister Ehud Barak, in a videotaped message, offered his "sincere congratulations to the first lady on the Henrietta Szold award," which she received from the women's Zionist movement in recognition of her humanitarian work for children. Hadassah had drawn protests from a small-butvocal group of hard-line activists opposed to the award for the first lady because of her remarks last year that it would be in the long-term interest ofthe Middle East for Palestine to be a state. The award presented to Clinton detailed much of the first lady's work on behalf of children, women

and the underprivileged, but did not mention Israel or the Middle East. But from the podium, the Israeli soldier, whose jeep intercepted a suicide bomber trying to ram a busload of Israeli children on Oct. 29, 1998, hailed Clinton for her support for Middle East peace as he presented her with a silver dove. "Your efforts for peace in the Middle East.are appreciated by those of us whose lives are at stake," he said. In a speech heavy on Democratic themes, prochoice, opposition to a tax cut, support for Medicare, Clinton poked fun at herself for media reports that she speaks to former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who was the first recipient of the award named 50 years ago for Hadassah's founder. "I did not think I could give a speech tonight without talking it over with Mrs. Roosevelt and Mrs. Szold," Clinton said, drawing laughter and applause from the delegates.. She turned serious when talking about Jerusalem. "Just as Jerusalem is home to your hospital, we all look forward to the day Jerusalem will be home to the embassy of the United States and all other embassies," she said, and called on Congress to "make good on the promises the president made" during the Wye River accords last fall. "The people of Israel have lived for too long with bombs, they have lived with the awful fear that their children will not come home from school alive," she said, vowing to "do everything in our power to facilitate, not dictate, the peace process."

Page 2 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

August 13,1999

WRJ Sponsors Leadership Training by Iris Ricks

The Women of Reform Judaism (formerly Temple Israel Sisterhood) will sponsor a leadership training program for its board on Sunday, Aug. 22. Roberta L. Krolick, National Vice-president, WRJ, will facilitate the program. Krolick, who livesjn the Chicago area, is an experienced educator in both the secular and Jewish worlds. She has over 30 years of experience working in area synagogues as a teacher in the religious and Hebrew schools. Krolick was the Sisterhood President of her congregation as well as the Program Chair for two of the national Roberta L. Krolick WRJ assemblies. She is also a past president of the Midwest Federation of Temple Sisterhoods and is Immediate Past Chairman of the Board of the Progressive Association of Reform Day Schools (PARDS) of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. According to Wendy Goldberg, President of WRJ, Omaha, some of the goals of the program will be to "set and understand our mission and provide guidance in expanding our programming and encouraging participation." The program will also cover the "alphabet soup" of Reform Judaism-UAHC, HUCJIR, NFTS, NFTB, NFTY, NATA, NATE, etc.-and show how each relates to Sisterhood. The program will be held at the Goldberg home and all Temple Israel members are invited to attend. For more information, contact Wendy Goldberg at 393-6391.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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FRIDAY, AUGUST IS Russian Club, 10 a.m. Jewish Women International Open Board Meeting, 10 a.m., at the Village Inn ••-• SATURDAY, AUGUST 14 Bagels & Bible, 9:30 a.m., at Temple Israel Humash with Rashi Class, 7:45 p.m., at Beth El SUNDAY, AUGUST 15 USY Trip to Worlds of Fun, 9 a.m., at Beth El MONDAY, AUGUST 16 YES Program, 9:30 a.m. TUESDAY, AUGUST 17 BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting, 6 p.m., at Temple Israel Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Temple Israel BESTT Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18 Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El THURSDAY, AUGUST 19 Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. Library Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. Beginning Midrash, 6:50 p.m., at Temple Israel . . BESTT Kindergarten Orientation, 7 p.m., atBethEl Midrash, 7:50 p.m., at Temple Israel

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Elephantine and a semi-pagan temple by Rabbi Myer S. Kripke

Parashat Shofetim Our Sidrah forbids returning to Egypt and amassing large numbers of (war) horses. For those of us who recognize the late editing of Torah (5th c. B.C.E.), it is clear that there is here a denunciation of the opulent life-style of King Solomon, and his arming Israel with an excessive number of war chariots. He bought his horses from Egypt, which served as a middleman for the Arab breeders and sellers to the south. Incidentally, the visit to Solomon's court by the Queen of Sheba (like presidential visits today) was probably for commercial purposes. Visit 'dot com.' Her little country controlled the entrance to the Sea of Reeds (Gulf of Aqaba) and exacted a price for ships carrying horses and other goods to the north. Pay your toll and don't tell me neigh! But what did Solomon pay for his horses? We know what later administrators of Judah paid, all the way from Assyrian to Hellenistic control of Judah-8th to 4th c. B.C.E. They paid in men, conscripted as mercenaries for Egyptian armies. . . Particularly we know of Elephantine, an island fortress in the southern Nile, an Egyptian defense outpost against invasion from Nubia. In Elephantine there were Jews, both mercenaries and civilians. Some of the civilians engaged in commerce, trade, especially with Nubia to the south; meanwhile the mercenaries protected Egypt from invasion by the Nubians. The Jewish mercenaries here, together with the civilian population, were of such numbers that they had their own temple. It was not a copy of the Jerusalem Temple, and no one authorized it. But they worshiped there and offered sacrifices in the manner of the Jerusalem Temple. Whom did they worship? The Lord, God of Israel for a start. But not Him alone! They also worshiped two (not one-two) female goddesses, who were considered to be consorts of the Lord. If Judeans themselves worshiped false gods, pagan Canaanite gods, all the way down to the destruction of Judah in 586, it was no great shakes for the congregation in Elephantine to have similar ideas. None of this should surprise students of Jewish history. It is instructive to know from what beginnings the austere, pure monotheism of Judaism developed. After the exile to Babylon (modern Iraq), the returning community was free of idolatry. Then, after the second destruction, 70 C.E., the rabbinic mind developed the Judaism we know and practice...from the vestiges of the primitive Judaism of Temple times. Elephantine is only a blip on the computer screen of Judaism. But it is interesting, both because of the sideline indication of where in the world Jews have been, but also because of its sideline testimony of religious development from earlier to later stages of the ideology and practice of Judaism. How proud Jews should be of Judaism's rejection of false ideas, even from its own past. It learned to insist on a monotheism that alone offers a reasonable interpretation of our puzzling universe.

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MARTIN NEARENBERG Services for Martin Nearenberg of Overland Park, KS, were held Aug. 2 at Louis Memorial Chapel with burial at Shelfield Cemetery. He died July 30 at the age of 67. The owner of Fashions-At-Large, Nearenberg was a past-president of B'nai B'rith Lodge #184 and pastpresident of Congregation Ohev Sholom Couples Club and co-chairman of its Israel Bonds dinner. Survivors include his wife, Natalie A. Nearenberg of Overland Park; son, Steven J. Nearenberg of Lawrence, KS; daughter, Myra Jagoda of Overland Park; grandchildren, Joshua and Jillian Jagoda; mother, Margaret Nearenberg of Omaha; brother, Dr. Sidney Nearenberg of New; York City; sisters, Sandy Jones of Overland Park, and Marilyn Katz and Lucille Nearenberg, both' of Omaha. Memorials to the American Heart-Association or charity of choice. JOSEPHINE KOOM MARTIN , Services for Josephine Martin were held Aug. 11 at Beth El Synagogue. Burial was at Beth El Cemetery. She died at the age of 70. Mrs. Martin was a lifetime member of Haddasah and National Council of Jewish Women. ""* Survivors include her husband, Richard; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Julie Martin of Omaha; daughters and sons-in-law, Robin and Bob Feldman of San Ramon, CA, and Debbie and Brian LeVay of Chicago; six grandchildren, Adam and Emily Feldman,- David and Rachel Martin and Joshua and Zachary LeVay; brother, Morris Koom of Omaha; sister-in-law, Doris Wintroub of Phoenix; brother-in-law, Dave Wine of Omaha; and nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Memorials to charity of choice. _..:

Endangered species byBobWolfson

Omaha has a great zoo. It is experiencing welldeserved support and accolades from all quarters. The Henry Doorly Zoo is a gem. It has taught many lessons, lessons that teach how our environment is so connected to the health of our animals and ultimately our own futures; lessons that speak to how diverse and splendid is our planet. The Zoo is the place where we learn how important our actions are when viewed from a global perspective and how vital it is to preserve the endangered species. Every two years, the zoo has a Zoofari, a gala event raising money for the zoo. This year, the event is on Friday, Sept. 10--Rosh Hashanah. This fundraising event usually takes place on the Friday night following Labor Day. The schedule is set well in advance and because of the unique nature of our religious calendar, rarely does this Friday night fall on a High Holiday. But it does this year. Informed of this conflict earlier in the summer, a decision was made that the boat had sailed too far, that arrangements and commitments had been made and that the date would not be changed. Now it gets interesting. I found out about the conflict because a letter was being written to the Zoo concerning this issue. It was the desire of the organizers of the letter of protest to have a broad representation of the Jewish community sign it. Some people took the added step and called the Zoo, or friends who are active on the Zoo board. The letter, even before it was delivered, motivated Dr. Simmonds to make calls to selected Jewish leaders apologizing for the conflict and making ' assurances it would not happen again. The irony is thick. Here is an institution which prides itself on teaching the interconnectivity of everything. The Zoo failed to understand the interconnectivity of the Jewish calendar to the secular calendar. The Zoo celebrates the diversity of our lives, yet it failed to appreciate the depth of the message to our community. Diversity of animals is great,diversity in our community is less important. The Zoo teaches that all our actions contribute to the health of our world. Dr. Simmonds and the Zoo failed to make the calls about the calendar when the conflict became known and, by this delay, unintentionally made the slight worse. The Zoo teaches that we must save endangered species. We participate in the non-Jewish world more today than ever before in our history. We are (Continued on page 10)

August 13,1999

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

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FRIDAY: Shabbat service, 7:30 p.m. Cantor Jennifer Blum will officiate. Cantor Blum will lead a discussion of the Torah portion for the week. SATURDAY: Bagels and Bible: An opportunity to learn Torah with the rabbis, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat service, l(fc30 ajn. SITTER SERVICE Sitter Service is available Friday evening, Saturday mornings for Bagels and Bible and the worship service. Cost is $2 per family. Please make a reservation through the Temple office so we may plan accordingly. ADULT EDUCATION THURSDAY, August 19: Beginning Beyond Midrash, 6:50-7:40 p.m.; Beyond Midrash, 7:508:45 p.m., led by Don Schwartz.

Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat service, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 8:45 a.m.; Little People service, 10:15 ajn..; Jr. Congregation, 10-^0 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood. Rabbi's class, 7:30 pan.; Mincha, 8 p.m., Ma'ariv and Havdalah, SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; Beis Hamedrash, 9:45 aan.; Mincha, 8:05 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.; Mincha, 8:05 pan. WEDNESDAY: Rabbi Kutner teaches a Talmud Class, 7:05 p.m. at the synagogue. '

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CONGREGATION B'NAIJESHURAN .

y*4t&P:44**fa ' m ««HW!-2797 -' . ' ^fe^V^''-'''-435r800* , .' .,, ' Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. FRIDAY: Sabbath Eve service, 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Sabbath service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah study, 10:30 a.m.

1503No,52ndSt. , Omaha, HE 68104-5013 558-828B

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1866 So. 120th S t , Omaha, NH 68144-1646 Phone: 3.10-1800 E-MAJL-clmbnd@aoI.com WEBSITE: www.chnbnd.centcr8.com/oniaha Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. FREDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m., followed by Kiddush; Mincha/Ma'ariv, 6:30 p.m., followed by Havdalah. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma'ariv, 7:30 p.m.

B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE •'-:; - -'\:-,.; 6i8Mymter St. CoiuncEJBluffs, Iowa 51603^766 >•;'•',

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ISRAEL/;^to»T»roftI»eUMffid8yttaa<tW> -'v,;;-,-. -;--'--, of Conservative .JudaiiMtt -, ' 4il9fBh<*ldidti Blvd., Lincoln, NE 98502-523Q Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan on Monday and Thursday at 7:15 aan. F R I D A Y : Services, 8 p . m . Anniversary Acknowledgements. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m., followed by a Kiddush luncheon in Celebration 1 of Marcia and Sheldon Kushner's 50th Wedding Anniversary for the entire congregation. SUNDAY: Dorothy Evnen monument unveil-, ing, 11 a.m., Mt. Carmel Cemetery. THURSDAY, Aug. 19: Congregational Board Meeting. .

WEB-www.bethel-Omaha.org Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and Cantor Emil Berkovits, FRIDAY: Services, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Marissa Sadofsky, daughter of Kelli and Paul Sadofsky, will become a Bat Mitzvah, Kiddush following; Sitter service, 10 ajn.; Shabbat Story Time (prekindergarten and under) 11 ajn.; ICtantan (kindergarten through 3rd grade) 10:45 a.m.; Humash with Rashi, 7:45 p.m.; Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 8:15 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. CONGREGATIONAL PICNIC Sunday, August 22,12:30-3:30 p.m., at Edward Zorinsky Park (north entrance.) Reservations are due by Aug. 18.

Bat Mitzvah

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.

Aliya Jaffa Katskee, daughter of Jerry and Sindie Katskee, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Aug. 2 1 , at Beth El Synagogue. An eighth-grade student at Beveridge Middle School, she enjoys gymnastics, dancing, and i playing the flute and the Ipiccolo. For her Mitzvah jjproject, she volunteered |for the Area 6 and State Special Olympics, working with orthopedically handicapped athletes. To inform others about scoliosis, she will provide 100 brochures to doctors offices. In honor of her sister's scoliosis surgery, Aliya asks that any donations be made to the National Scoliosis Foundation (5 Cabot Place, Stoughton, MA 02072). Aliya has two sisters, Rachel and Naomi. Grandparents are Mabel Katskee and David Katskee, Lt. Col. I.J. Harris, U.S.A.F., retired/ and Martha Zusman Harris.

JFS plans annual tzedakah drive

Birthright Israel, Kesher, and Koach join to offer students free trip to Israel

FRDDAY: ICabbalat Shabbat at 7:30 p.m. Religious School resumes on Sunday, Aug. 29. Pre-registrations are being accepted at 758-9233. FRIDAY, Aug. 20: Bring-Your-Owri Picnic get together at 6:30 p.m., followed by Kabbalat Shabbat.

ROSE BLUMK1N JEWISH HOME CHABAD HOUSE

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues ' of Conservative Judaism 14506 California . Omaha, NE 68154-1980 ' 492-8550 ':•

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m., led by Alan Shulewitz. All services are followed by Kiddush. A memorial, in memory of residents who have died during the month, is held on the last sabbath of each month.

OFFUTAIR

FORCE BASE

25th and Capohftrt, Omaha, NE 68113-5000 294-6051

by Jennifer Meyerson

JewislrjEamily Service is committed to helping^ families facing financial hardship during this High Holiday season. Along with community volunteers, JFS is once again preparing to purchase, pack and deliver holiday foods to Jewish families in need. This holiday, JFS expects to help approximately 45 families enjoy a more festive Rosth Hashanah.The food project will take place on Sept. 8 and 9. If you; your family, or your organization is looking to help others, this is a wonderful way to reach out to individuals and families in our community, and to teach our children about the mitzvah of sharing. Nonperishable kosher food, such as canned goods or honey, can be placed in the tzedakah bin in the front lobby of the JCC or brought to the Jewish Family Service office no later than Sept. 7. Cash donations are also appreciated and can be sent directly to JFS. If there are any questions about Project Tzedakah or if you would like to volunteer, please call me at 330-2024. DEDICATION A memorial for Shirley Passer will be dedicated on Sunday, August 15,1 p.m., at Oak Hills Cemetery in Council Bluffs. Rabbi Kutner and Cantor Fettman will officiate.

support from" Birthright Israel, a founda-. tion formed by philanthropists Charles Bronfman and Michael Steinhardt, Kesher (the College Department of the Union of American Hebrew: Congregations), and the Conservative Movement's Koach, are offering free trips to Israel this winter for any student between 18 and 26. Koach and the'Kesher Israel Connection is available only for those students who have never participated in an educational program in Israel (such as ARTZA, NFTY, USY Pilgrimage, NCSY, etc.). The Kesher trip is scheduled from Dec. 29-Jan. 9; the Koach trip is scheduled from Jan 6-17. Both will offer opportunities to learn and share with students from all over Israel, celebrate Shabbat in Jerusalem, experience sunrise at Masada and live the Tel Aviv nightlife. Students will also snorkle in the Red Sea, tour archeological sites and 'new Israel', and meet Israeli leaders. Kesher, Koach and Birthright Israel will cover the following expenses: airfare to and from Israel, housing, tours and meals. The trip is open to any student who is a member of a Reform or Conservative congregation or whose parents are members. More information is available at their website: wwwJceshernet.com/israeLhtm or by contacting Rabbi Lawrence Klein, at UAHC College Dept, jklein@uahc.org or Elyse Winick, Koach Assistant Director at winick@uscj.org

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

August 13,1999

Why? That's the question on everyone's lips as yet another shooting occurs, this time at the North Valley Jewish Community Center. Located in Granada Hills, in the "Valley" north of Los Angeles, the JCC is home to 'a: year-round preschool and summer camp for nearly 300 children. On a quiet Tuesday morning, a white, middle-aged man opened fire with an automatic weapon in the lobby of the JCC. Thankfully, no one was killed, but five people were seriously injuredthree boys, a teenage girl and the JCC's long-time receptionist, a 68year-old woman. At press time, the receptionist had been released from the hospital and three other victims were in fair or good condition. One child, a 5-year-old boy, underwent nearly seven hours of surgery, but was listed in "critical, but stable condition" and described as "a fighter with a strong will to live." The prayers of this Jewish commu-

nity and others are with him, the other victims and their families, but many questions go unanswered. The shooter, Bufford O'Neal Furrow, a 37-year-old man from Washington has since turned himself in to authorieis in Las Vegas. Apparently his van was loaded with ammunition, body armor and hate material; he is thought to be a member of Aryan Nation/ Why did he do this? Why did he drive all the way from Washington, past the JCCs of Seattle, Portland and San Francisco, to target one of the many JCCs in the Los Angeles area? Why did he aim his weapon at children? As to the question of whether this can happen in Omaha, the only answer can be "who knows." While we don't want our Jewish institutions turned into armed camps, we can be reassured that the JCC leadership, with assistance from the ADL, is reviewing current security procedures...and hoping that that we won't be asking this question here.

Bibi who? Politics can be fleeting, and cruel by Gary Rosenblatt, Editor and Publisher, New York Jewish Week

NEW YORK - Consider the case of Benjamin office carefully. So far the new Israeli leader is trusted, and who were playing along with the peace Netanyahu. (You remember him, right?) He was Israel's approaching just about every situation in the opposite process as a means of cozying up to the U.S. in the hopes of establishing a Palestinian state from forceful prime minister for three years, and before he is way from his predecessor, and that's no accident When Netanyahu upset Shimon Peres in the which to destroy Israel. trashed completely by historians as The Grinch Who Similarly, Netanyahu viewed President Bill Stole Oslo, it may be instructive to reflect on his tenure - spring 1996 election, he let it be known that he was going to hang tough on Oslo, honor Israel's obliga- Clinton and his administration with suspicion. He what he accomplished and where he failed. One man who has done just that is Ehud Barak. He tions as a sovereign state but insist that Yasir was worried about American pressure and presentmay consider the late Yitzchak Rabin his mentor, but it Arafat keep his end of the bargain as well. He ed himself as an Israeli leader committed to prois clear that he has studied Netanyahu's actions in viewed the Arabs as adversaries who could not be tecting Israeli security even if that meant alienating the Jewish state's best friend. Lest we forget, and in the wake of the subsequent negative descriptions of his administration, Creating a consensus on religious pluralism Netanyahu received very positive press coverage on bis first visit to Washington as prime minister. He by Harry Allen was received warmly at the White House and given Religious pluralism is one of those phrases which ment. But, nonetheless, there was near universal a rousing ovation when he addressed a joint session became a mantra, a cover for the absence of serious consensus, particularly after the Shoah (the of Congress, promising to wean Israel of economic thinking. Holocaust), that there needed to be Created a aid from Washington. One need only to advocate religious pluralism, Jewish state. To his credit, during his three years in office he not only among Jews in America, but especially in The certainly of that idea permitted the flowering began that process of economic withdrawal; Israel, to be politically correct - to be on the side of of pluralistic strategies for its attainment. attempted to resolve the religious pluralism debate the angels, so to speak. But like all "bumper stickBen Gurion and Jabotinsky, bitter opponents by creating the Ne'eman Committee; oversaw a er" slogans, this one, too, simplifies a very complex that they were, shared a common underlying value period of relative calm regarding terrorism; and problem. of the need for an independent Israel. This common made a major ideological concession in signing the Not that pluralism is an undesirable goal, far value was glue for Israel under the 1973 Yom Hebron agreement, giving up most of Israel's secfrom it. But the constant battling over the objective KippurWar. ond holiest city to the Palestinians. . does nothing to advance its attainment. In achieving the Hebron deal, Netanyahu was Religiously, there were always great gulfs in the Henry Kissinger is one of the truly wise men of Zionist movement and in the state between able to convince a solid majority of Israelis to supour generation - even though many consider him to Orthodox and non-Orthodox, between religion gen- port the notion of land for peace, though, ironically," have been anti-Israel. In his seminal work, entitled erally and the idea of a democratic secular state for he himself never did. Diplomacy, Kissingtfr reviews American foreign Netanyahu's leadership style was cold and at times Jews, rather than a "Jewish state." But these difpolicy. His analysis of America's failure in Vietnam arrogant. He never conveyed a sincerity of belief hi ferences were always secondary to the universally is especially trenchant. the Mideast peace process, and his relations with the held value of creating and securing a state. Commenting on the AMerican failure to mold a As the state has now been created, despite all the U.S. deteriorated, and came to a grinding halt with "pluralistic" approach among the Vietnamese, he Jeremiads, it is as secure as it probably ever going the Arab world. The resulting improved relations suggests the following: "the underpinning of a plubetween the Palestinians and Washington was a ralistic society is consensus on underlying values, to be. So the underlying value of Zionism has source of great concern to supporters of Israel, who which implicitly sets a limit to the claims of com- receded into the background of the collective mem- found Jerusalem — not Arafat and Co. — perceived to ory. Thus far, no new consensus has yet developed peting individuals or groups." be the primary hindrance to Mideast peace. It is this absence which makes the concept of reli- around which the idea of religious pluralism can be Not only did Netanyahu lose badly hi the May elecdebated. gious and social, pluralism so difficult to achieve, tion for prime minister, his Likud Party was weakI am not one of those who has an answer to the ened from within and won only 19 Knesset seats. He especially in Israel. It is the absence of a consensus on values that makes arguing over pluralism, per question-I may not have even framed the question is still a relatively young man, and his political career correctly, but I am certain that arguing over may not be over. In conceding defeat graciously on se, almost self-defeating. From the beginning of the drive for a Jewish whether or not non-Orthodox rabbis can or cannot election night, he said only that the time had come to state, Zionism was one of these underlying values. perform marriages is not something which will cre- be with his family and decide his future. Not everyone agreed with all of Zionism and there ate a consensus on the underlying values which * So the jury is still out on Netanyahu, but in the were bitter disputes within and without the move- this country is intended to promulgate. meantime Ehud Barak owes him a debt of gratitude. THE JEWISH PRESS (Founded in 1920)

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The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation arc: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $26 per calendar year U.S.; $30 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. Telephone 402-334-6448; FAX 402-3346422; E-mail <jshpress@aol.com> Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Jewish Press* 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68164-2198. .

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Lloyd Roltsleln Chairman Carol Katzman Editor-in-Chief Maureen LaPour Managing Editor Larry Axelrod Advertising Manager ^ Barbara Frankel Rocky Stern Sales representatives Jenlna E. Sadolsky Bookkeeper Jen Gates Production Assistant George Schaplro Volunteer

JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE . Fred Tichauer, Vioe-Chairman; Joanie Jacobson, Secretary; Howard Silber, .Treasurer; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; Steve Danon; jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Gary Kudym; Steve Levinger; Linda Saltzman; George Schapiro; Steve Simon. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish Community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit letters and articles for space and content The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashruth of any product or establishment.

August 13,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 5 Americans deserve to know

from each other

by Milton Viorst

(IMRA: News Agency).t; Thev other day, I received a form letter from Avi'Weiss; an activist rabbi known for his strident positions in behalf of Jewish < causes. Weiss describes himself as the "personal ' rabbi" of Jonathan Pollard, the intelligence officer sentenced to life imprisonment in 1987 for spying . for Israel. The letter calls for Pollard's release whenhe comes up for parole later this year. According to Weiss, Pollard is the victim of anti• Semitism. Pollard was "arrested as an American... punished as a Jew," he writes, and his case symbolizes "the right of Jews to be judged by the same standard as other Americans." Weiss does not deny Pollard's guilt; rather, he insists that the life sentence was a penalty imposed because Pollard is Jewish. Weiss offers no evidence whatever to support his allegations, and I find the tone of his letter be reprehensible. Like most Jews, I have no sympathy for Pollard, nor do I identify with the segment of my community that extols the purity of his motives. Since his imprisonment, furthermore, Pollard has come across in interviews as self-pitying and impenitent. . And yet, as an American, I too have concerns about the sentence. The issue is not Jewish; it is one of elemental justice. Pollard was a spy for a friendly state and, wisely or not, our judicial system distinguishes between spies for hostile and friendly states. In recent years, nine Americans-including Aldrich Ames, the infamous CIA mole-were given life terms as spies for the Soviet Union; another dozen or so received sentences in the range of 15 to 30 years. Meanwhile, the sentences of those convicted of spying for friendly states (South Africa, the Philippines, Egypt) varied from two to eight years. Pollard, prior to trial, was offered a deal in return for pleading guilty: the prosecution would not ask for a life term. After he pleaded, however, prosecutors handed the judge a 46-page affidavit from "then-Secretary of Defense Casper Weinberger, who said he could not "conceive of greater harm to national security" than Pollard's. On Weinberger's word, the judge rejected the prosecution's deal and imposed the life sentence. The Weinberger document, however, was then and has since remained secret, and as a result Americans know nothing of the judge's grounds for his decision. A year or so ago, when Pollard was preparing a clemency petition, not even his attorney, who had been cleared by the government to see classified information, was permitted to review Weinberger's declaration. The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees to any accused an open trial, a right designed to allow the citizenry to monitor the fairness of the judicial process. Lawyers acknowledge (Continued on page 10)

by Rabbi Jerome M. Epstein

Over the past several years, the Jewish community has focused a good deal of attention on pluralism. This emphasis, unfortunately, has stressed that which divides us as Jews. Clearly, the differences among the various- religious streams are legitimate and will most likely continue to exist. But just as there are things that divide us, there are also factors that unite us. One, in particular, is Jewish study, Jewish education. Last November, as part of the General Assembly, the Council of Jewish Federations took note of Jewish pluralism by offering a session in which Rabbi Haskel Lookstein (a leading Orthodox congregational rabbi), Rabbi Sheldon Zimmerman (President of the Reform movement's Hebrew Union College), and I taught Torah to the delegates from our own particular point of view. We each maintained our integrity—but we were each able to teach and learn from one another. This year, the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations had a similar program. Participants saw differences in how we, as individuals, understood the Torah. But they also understood that it was the same Torah. We live in a goal-oriented society. The value of activities is measured in the results achieved. We work to earn money. We study to pass tests. We attend classes to earn a degree. Thus, for most of us, the Jewish value of learning for its own sake, Torah lishmah, is often regarded as a quaint, but antiquated tradition. It is time for Jews to reappropriate the value of Torah lishmah not only for our personal growth, but for the healing that it can bring. In studying for no ulterior motive, but simply to acquire knowledge, one's attitude becomes open to change. An individual's viewpoint may be shaped

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by the learning experience. Significantly, the desire to learn often eclipses the desire to be right. The quest to understand supersedes the need to "win." Although The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism has developed Perek Yomi for members of Conservative congregations, it would be a wonderful thing if every Jew, irrespective of religious identification, would join in reading a chapter of the Tanakh (the Jewish Bible) each day. Reading the Tanakh on a daily basis is not an ideological imperative specific to Conservative Jews - it is important for all Jews. As Conservative Jews, we will, inevitably, read it from our own perspective. But it Would be wonderfully instructive for our members to benefit from the reactions of those who read the Tanakh with different understandings. Learning from the thoughtful insights of Reconstructionist, Reform and Orthodox Jews would only serve to enrich us. As Conservative Jews begin reading the Book of Joshua on Simchat Torah (this year, on Oct. 3), we hope that each Conservative Jew will invite others with different perspectives to begin reading as well. And we hope that each of those approached will accept the invitation, and the challenge, of reading a chapter a day. According to the Rabbis, the Torah was given at Mount Sinai to the entire people of Israel so that it would unite all Jews, under God's will. Now, thousands of years later, we have an opportunity to make that vision a reality. Let us make the Tanakh more than a historical text. Let us make it ours.

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Organizations Y.E.S. Members will finally meet Monday in the auditorium of the JCC. Exercise with Michelle Streif at 10:15 a.m. at the Friedel Jewish Academy; or try your luck with bingo with Eileen Remer a t 10:30 a.m. in room 4. Bring articles to share for "YES Talk," led by Art Grossman, in the library at 11 a.m. Following lunch in the auditorium, Esther Pilster will speak about the painter, Norman Rockwell. For transportation, call 330-4272. Deadline is Aug. 23 for the Middle Eastern Party party on Aug. 30. WALK-IN-DROP-IN There will be no meeting on Thursday. For those going on the day trip to Harvey's Casino, please meet at the JCC by 8:45 a.m. For transportation, call Maggie at 334-6521.

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VISIONS Journey to the Amazon, showing at the IMAX theater at the Henry Doorly Zoo, on Wednesday, Sept. 1, at 2 p.m. Cost is $4.50. Join us after the show at the Big Dipper Ice Cream Parlor at 1702 So. 10th St., for ice cream (on your own). For reservations, send form and check to Jean Elkon, 1005 No. 63rd St., Omaha, NE, 68132, by Aug. 25. Make checks payable to Jewish Senior Services.

BREADBREAKERS Daniel Fellman will speak a t B'nai B'rith Breadbreakers on Wednesday, according to Steve Riekes. Fellman, a native Omahan, has j u s t returned from a year in Israel as a rabbinic student at Hebrew Union College. B'nai B'rith Breadbreakers meets every Wednesday at noon at Pastimes Restaurant, 129th and West Maple. The program is open to the community. Cost is $8.50.

by Lenpra Lancaster Jewish Senior Services Executive Assistant

Co-Chairpersons of Grandparents Day 1999, Funday, Sundae with Bubbe and Zayde, Patty Nogg, Laura Wine and Lenora Lancaster have announced the plans for the day, Sunday, Aug. 29. Everyone is invited: children, parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and the residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. There will be arts and crafts and entertainment and, a "make your own sundae stand. At 1 p.m., there will be entertainment by kids from the JCC camps and a "special" song for grandparents. Following that, Tunday, Sundaes" will be made. Multi-talented Mark Sanford will entertain while everyone eats their sundaes and makes crafts'from the Tun" buckets at each table. The event is free of charge and underwritten by benefactors: Baker's Supermarkets and Richard Evnen, President of Lincoln Poultry. All events will take place in the JCC Auditorium.

NCJW National Council of Jewish Women is selling New Year's cards in two designs, one with a mosaic design of a fruit tree and one with a watercolor painting of Jerusalem. On the inside, both designs read, "May your every day in the New Year be filled with health, happiness, abundant peace and prosperity." Cost is $12.50 for packages of 10 cards with envelopes and are available by contacting David Kulakofsky, son of Alan and Janie Beth Cohen at 558-2347 or 334-6409. Kulakofsky, graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, with a B.S. in economics. He was on the dean's list, a member of Alpha Lamda Delta, National Academic Honor Society, and Golden Key National Honor Society. He is working for Robert W. Baird, an investment banking firm, in their corporate headquarby Art Grossman ters in Milwaukee, WI, as an analyst with the Mergers and Acquisitions.

Y.E.S7 Oldtimers Review

Aside from the usual exercise classes, bingo and the Y.F/.S. discussion class, we are honored with an array of distinguished speakers eager to keep us abreast with information pertinent to the elderly. Often we are addressed by medical professionals who alert us on how to keep healthy. This was exemplified at the Aug. 2 meeting by Joyce Mendenhall, representing Nebraska Health System-Clarkson Hospital/University Hospital Diabetes Center. Nurse Mendelhall said 16 million Americans are afflicted with Diabetes and there are 180,000 annual deaths. She pointed out how to recognize the symptoms of the disease. - .• , The discussion class centered on Israel and Palestinian peace overtures, which again seem to be stalled. • The appeal of Kosher food by Jion^Jews was an unusual area of examination. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal stated that sales of kosher food products are projected to jump to $50 billion this year compared to 1998. Kosher food and beverages are in about 18,000 of the nation's 30,000 supermarkets, including big national chains. Why the surge? Other patrons are drawn because they consider Kosher food to be healthier and purer than its mainstream counterparts. We recognized two new members—Betty Dwornick and Lee Draper. We paused in reverent respect in memorium for Esther Belmont. ' .' Shalom. .

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Linda Graetz has been appointed Director of School and Teacher Programs at the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. Linda has over 10 years experience in thefieldof museum education, working a t the Houston Museum of Fine Arts and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and has taught students from elementary school to graduate programs. She has presented at numerous national conferences, and her writings on the subject of art education and museum teaching have been published in several journals and are referenced in this field. Linda is married to Jim Eng, a professor of art at Framingham University in Framingham, MA. Her parents are Esther and Saul Graetz. Piper Hoffman recently graduated cum laude from Harvard University Law School. She earned her undergraduate degree from Brown University where she graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa in 1994. » Hoffman and her husband, Aviv Roth, will move to Washington, D.C., where she will begin a twoyear clerkship in the court of Federal District Judge Gladys Kessler. Piper is the daughter of Sarah (nee Perelman) and .Aaron Hoffman of Glencoe, IL, and granddaughter of Betty and Robert Perelman of Omaha. Jesica Christiansen has graduated this June from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. Jesica i s t h e d a u g h t e r of Bill and Cathy Christiansen. She is a 1996 graduate of Omaha Central High.

Readers Arc Leaders

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August 13,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 7

Michael Shapiro's contracts go up in frames around the world • •.

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by Gil Kezwer, Special to the J e w i s h Press

TORONTO - Michael Shapiro has found the per- seen as legal rather than religious. These pieces of fect marriage for his MBA training, spirituality and art and history invariably reflect the culture and 3- and 4-year-olds love of Judaica--a niche .company, 'Ketubah period of the country in which they were produced. with lunch at Ketubah,' that has become the world's largest mar- Italian ketubot typically display rococo flourishes, jjThe Child Development Center! keter of fine art ketubot (marriage contracts). while Persian marriage contracts utilize motifs ' Interviewed at his office, a loft warehouse in central from Oriental carpets. 11:30 a.m.-i p.m. (4 Positions available) Toronto's old Jewish immigrant neighborhood that Ketubah illumination, a dying and archaic art GREAT KIDS, GREAT PAY, GREATHOURS! ™ ^ offers a breathcall the CDC office, 334-6413 ttaking view of the ' *1 tury, has been city's romantic if reborn in Israel, ersatz castle Casa North America Loma, the 33and elsewhere, year-old Montreal just as traditionCOMFORT IS EVERYTHING!! native describes al Ashkenazi how his interests FINN klezmer music BIRKENSTOCK evolved into tohas undergone a COMFORT day's Internet revival in recent and catalog driThe World's Ultimate decades. Artists Walking Shoe! ven company view the combiwith a staff of nation of Hebrew A shoe your teet will never forget! four and sales in calligraphy and the six figures. manuscript illuNever has walking mination as a MEPHISTO been so good! With Shapiro's ' uniquely Jewish sharp sense of " medium. humour-the company was founded Returning to in the Hebrew Canada in 1995, 1010 So. 74th Plaza (at 74th & Pacific) year 5756, correShapiro decided Omaha 392-2952 sponding to 1996, to specialize in HOURS: Mon-Sat. 9-6 he notes dryly-the jmarketing exact sales are ketubot world"proprietary." KB a wide rather than wink and a nudge sell a broad at every Jewish Ketubah Ketubah founder Michael Shapiro shows off sample r a n g e o f J u d a i c a mother who m a r r i a g e contracts b y J u d i t h Citron, Laya Crust, Howard p r o d u c t s in a • Fat Free Fox, Ardyn Halter and Ze'ev. _ . .by. Ken _ „Woroner . Photo ,s i n g l e l o c a l e wanted her son • Cholesterol Free "That's where the MBA and Procter & Gamble to grow up and study law. • Sugar Free training helped," he recalled. "Hey, I do deal in contracts," he laughs. • Calorie Free Three years ago, Internet marketing was still in While studying at the prestigious University of Michigan business school in Ann Arbor, Shapiro its infancy. Clearing a workspace in his apartment, • Caffeine Free developed an interest in a with-it, funky approach registering the domain name www.ketubah.com • Sodium Free to traditional Judaism, what he laughingly calls and taking out the toll free number 1-888• Hlcohol Free KETUBAH, Shapiro was in business. Initially, he "Judaism done in a granola way." Before being recruited to Procter and Gamble's represented 18 designs: from six artists in Israel, • Guilt Free Canadian marketing division, Shapiro spent a sum- the United States and Canada. Today, his inventoWATER mer at a Jewish retreat in California. The experi- ry has grown to more than 200 limited edition ence indelibly impressed him with an appreciation prints and hand-painted designs by 35 artists. BOTTLED WATER In for combining ritual items with art, a practice Prices range from $100 to $495. One-of-a-kind comALL SIZES and PACKAGES known in Hebrew as hiddur mitzvah-the beautifi- missions start at $600. Delivered to Your Home As well, Shapiro represents some distinctive catioh of the divine commandment. 392-2600 or 1-800-967-2600 For two-and-a-half years, he was immersed in the artists who utilize hand-embossed copper and silcorporate business world, becoming a specialist in ver alloy and laser-cut paper reproductions. Styles marketing facial tissues. But, in 1994, Shapiro left to range from Art Nouveau to Art Deco, and from travel the world. Taking his Zionist day school educa- Italian baroque to Afghanistan rug motifs. "We are the one-stop source for fine ketubot," tion one step deeper, he ended up at the Pardes Institute in Jerusalem, Israel, a hip co-ed academy says Shapiro of his selection, considered the largest offering traditional Hebrew text-based learning to in the world. "We're a world-wide business, with satisfied customers from Montreal to Missouri, and those with a limited background in Talmud. The six month's at Pardes intensified Shapiro's from Japan to Jerusalem." What of the name Ketubah Ketubah? vision of a business "encompassing Judaism, art It's a Hebrew double entendre that resonates and working with people." As a trial balloon, he commissioned a Jerusalem craftsman to make a with both Biblical nuance and the modern lanlimited edition challah board, with the profits ear- guage of reborn Israel, notes Shapiro. Whenever a marked for charity. Fellow students at Pardes word appears twice in the Torah, the post-biblical snapped up all 15 of the items, and Shapiro real- rabbinic sages and medieval commentators were ized other people shared his enthusiasm for fine art quick to exposit on its significance. Similarly, today in Israel, double expressions like "mashahu, yet practical Judaica. \ But what to sell? A Jewish home can have dozens mashahu (something, something, akin to the of handmade ritual artifacts, from a mezuzah on English slang That's something else")" are used to denote an extra emphasis. each doorpost to candlesticks and a matzah cover. Ketubah Ketubah offers a range of texts suitable Further research led Shapiro to the ketubah, an esoteric art form he was only vaguely aware of before for Orthodox, Conservative and Reform tastes. 1995. The traditional marriage contract itself is writ- Commemorative ketubot for anniversaries are also ten in an Aramaic text almost unchanged over 2,000 available. A perfectionist, Shapiro and his team years. The document remains the personal property of work with the rabbi officiating at the nuptials to the wife for the life of the marriage and enshrines her ensure that all the personal details are correctly . rights. Like today's secular equivalent, it protects her filled in. Upon being calligraphed, each document is proofread twice before being couriered off. should the union not succeed. "I get a lot of naches (pleasure) from this busiBut unlike contemporary contracts drafted by lawyers and printed on a laser printer to be filed ness," says Shapiro. "I get to work with couples • away together with other equally dry legal papers, who arejpfanning the rest of their lives together, sense of joy and hope. Getting marthe ketubah has historically been both an artistic very .stressful; buying a ketubah and legal statement. It symbolizes the auspicious ried,C beginning of a new Jewish home, and traditionally :.shou$i$igld to that. lly hod cust^iners.tel^us that buying has been ^^ or toll free I -800-228-9553 wasone of the mqs^eiijoyable parts Centuries-old illustrated ketubo ^ www.mccneb.edu ketubah) are preserved in museums across the of planning their wedding. It's working with artists and prontbting Jewish art. I consider myself a world and are avidly sought after by collectors. Halacha (Jewish religious law) puts no restric- shaliach mitzvah, an honorary guest under the tions on ketubah decoration since the document is wedding canopy of each of my clients." C O M M U N I T Y C O L L I- G K fonn

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BESTT High School presents fall semester of classes

Federation's Ben Gurion Society

(Continued from Page 1) "The key to a successful Campaign is to talk to people about the needs that exist locally and globally," Lehr added. by Scott B. Littky, Education Director "When I was young, I remember how my father Classes for t h e fall semester of Beth El and biblical sayings and quotations on a variety of would always tell me how important it is to supr Synagogue Talmud Torah High School of Jewish topics. Students will explore their own personal port the Philanthropies and other Jewish causes," Studies will begin on Wednesday, Aug. 25, in the values and develop new ways of thinking about Goldberg added. Everyone at some time in their issues while solidifying values that they already lives is in need of support. Helping those in need is West Court of Beth El Synagogue. ,•:•/.• As in the past, the program will include a dinner hold dear. not just a mitzvah, but a necessity that will better Dr. Scott Bresler will teach, Jews arid the, our society overall." ; l ' # •^-; program about once a month. Students will gather American Legal System. Students will compare and on dinner nights at 6 p.m. in Beth El's West Court The society is named for David Ben-Gurion, the for dinner prepared by Lucy White. Afterwards, contrast Jewish and American law on such subjects first Prime Minister of the state of Israel. His sinthere will be guest speakers on the topic of "People as murder, marriage, divorce, good Samaritan laws gle-minded passion for the Jewish people and the Helping People." Classes are at 7:30 p.m. on and professional ethics. State of Israel has become his greatest legacy. The evenings when there is no dinner program. Elective classes are offered for the second hour of Ben-Gurion Society embodies that legacy through The first dinner and speaker will also be on study. Dr. Bresler will teach, Why Be Different? A young men and women combining their passion Wednesday, Aug. 25, and features Carolyn Novicoff Look into Judaism. The class will look for answers and resources to build a strong and responsible to questions like, "Does being the chosen people Jewish community. of Boys Town. Other speakers for the fall semester include: Joy make us better than other people?" and "What is The Society will begin with an ice skating event Johnson of the Centering Corporation and Dr. the point of prayer?" Janice Prager and Arlene on Aug. 22; co-chaired by Kimberly-Robinson, David E. Hann of Life Skills of Nebraska. The final Lepo's book, Why Be Different, will be used as a Martha Slosburg and Amee Zetzman. dinner program of the fall semester will be the source for discussion. Sharon Kirshenbaum, Federation Young B'nai B'rith Bible Quiz. Following dinner, students Y2K Teen will be taught by Glen Fineman. With Leadership Director, said, "It is gratifying to have will attend classes from 7:30-9:15 p.m. the approach of the millennium, new pressures and younger donors who are so committed to our Fall semester classes will focus on a number of complex social issues face teens. Students will Jewish community. I predict that the Omaha Bendifferent topics. Ninth and tenth graders will learn how to successfully meet these challenges by Gurion Society will continue to grow each year." choose one of the following required classes: developing coping strategies, building communicaFor more information about the Society* contact: v Conservative Judaism: Our Ancestors to our tion skills, problem-solving techniques and Kirshenbaum at 334-6485. Descendants, with Susan Drazen, which focuses on strengthening a Jewish way of thinking through who we are as Jews; or, How Do I Decide?, taught discussion, presentation and guest speakers. by Rabbi Paul Drazen and Glen Fineman. Next is Who's Acting?, taught by Daniel Elliot N. Dorff s revised text on Conservative Christensen. This course will serve as an overview Judaism will be used to guide students in the first of Yiddish theater. Students will learn production of the required classes. For the other option, stu- phases, including play selection, casting, scenic SHEINBAUM/MEICHIS dents will discover how our Jewish heritage can design, promotion and presentation. Former Omahan Michael D. Meiches, the son of help us strengthen family relationships and fulfill As in past years, BESTT High School of Jewish Esther Meiches and the late Herbert Meiches, and our communal responsibilities. The text for the sec- Studies is open to all high school students in Dorte Sheinbaum, daughter of Inga Rider and the ond choice is Rabbi Roland B. Gittlesohn's How Do Omaha. Cost of the program is $60 per student or late Ivan Rider, were married July 23 in Denmark. I Decide? $70 for a family of two students or more for Beth El Meiches is the founder and CEO of Diamond AdRequired classes for 11th and 12th graders will members. For non-members, the fees are $75 per Ventures, an international sports marketing combe Exploring Jewish Ethics and Values, taught by student or $95 for a family of two students or more. pany with branches in more than 20 cities in the Daniel Christensen. Using a new text by Rabbi For more information or a registration form, please United States, England, Australia and Canada. He Ronald H. Isaacs, this course will review rabbinic call me at 498-0904. creates and produces sporting events for the entertainment, media, marketing and advertising industries. The couple are making their home in Playa Del Ray, CA. Omahans who attended were Esther Meiches, Janis Fischer, sister of the groom, and Mr. and Mrs. Maury Meiches, the groom's uncle and aunt.

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Left: At a recent meeting, Art Grossman, of adult programs. Right: Visions latest President of the Young Energetic Seniors Mitzvah Project was their annual Bingo and (Y.E.S.), presented a check for $1500 to Ice Cream Social for residents of the Blumkin B a r b a r a G o t t l i e b , E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r of Home. Among the 11 "Scoopers" were Harry Jewish Senior Services, to help with the cost Alloy, left, Marcel Kahn and Wally Elkon.

The Alzheimer's Association will sponsor an educational program for caregivers and family members of those with Alzheimer's disease on T h u r s d a y , Sept. 16, from 6:30-9:30 p.m., at Alegant Health Holling Center, 6901 No. 72nd St. The program will present information needed to care for those with Alzheimer's and related disorders. Cost is $15 per family. For more information, call 572-3010.

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August 13,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 9

From the ARTZA '99 trip to Israel,

Aaron Wolfson, left, Igor Ginzburg, Sierra Gendelman, Jamie Skog, and Jen Friedman (in front) enjoy a moment together.

Tony Endelman, left, and Dusty Friedman, were named "Bus Police" and determined who was allowed to use the microphone.

(Editor's note: several members of the recent teen trip to Israel, ARTZA '99, submitted excerpts from their journals, along with photos. Stories and photos received by the 34 participants will be printed in future issues of the Jewish Press..) ...It was so moving to walk through the ...I shall always keep this month in my children's memorial. Yad VaShem real- memory. This trip...(was) funny, diffily hit me hard; it made me realize how cult, strenuous, strengthening, fast, wonderful, confusing and amazing. It fortunate I am to be hererightnow. Tears just streamed down my cheeks was, as Tichauer would say, "awesome!" I became closer to some people as I walked through the exhibits... Melissa DeBruin and changed my views of (others). I made friendships I hope to keep for a ...Israel's been great; I'm so glad I long time. And "chicken patty" won't decided to come. We've done so many (ever) be the same .„ awesome things that I never could Amy Cotton have done in Omaha. I loved hanging P.S. Sunscreen is a lifesaver! out with the kids. It was great how whole families came together on ...I thought the celebration of Shabbat Shabbos and I think it also brought in Jerusalem was very interesting. our group together. The beach was fun Viewing the hasidim at the Kotel was today and I hope the rest of the trip is one of the most meaningful moments just as great... in my life... David Patton David Gutman

Upper left photo: Ariel Shukert, left, Val Rosenberg and Melissa Josephson don Roman togas at the Cardo Culenarium for the farewell banquet. Upper right photo: On the way to Israel on El Al were, front row, from left: Jamie Skog, Sierra Gendelman and Ally Freeman; Dan Lercher, Joanna Kay in the middle, and Jon Linn, Brad Lerner and David Pitlor in back. Photo at left: ARTZA teens and staff prepare to rapell down the Ramon Crater in the Negev, Israel's desert in the south.

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Page 10 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE August 13,1999

Americans deserve to know why Pollard isn't free that the courts have never articulated a comparable doctrine for sentencing. Still, a sense of fairness strongly suggests that a person should not be committed to prison for life without the public knowing why. The government's strategy has been to leak information about Pollard's crime to the press. Last year, the New York Times wrote that "The information Mr. Pollard turned over included satellite photos of Iraqi chemical weapons plants, code making formulas, raw intelligence revealing the location of American ships and classified data on U.S. exercises." Reliable as the Times' sources may be, they are no substitute for formal evidence.

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(Continued from page 5) Over the years, the government has routinely leaked Pollard stories. The press has reported that Pollard provided data used in the Israel's 1985 bombing of the PLO headquarters in Tunis. It has also suggested that Pollard's revelations, going beyond Israeli security concerns, were "traded" by Israel to the KGB. The press has even told us that, from prison, Pollard continued to supply Israel with secrets, though most of his time has been served in solitary confinement. This leak has kept Pollard's lawyers from arguing that what their client knows is so outdated that the government can safely release him. The issue involved here is not whether the leaks were true. The question concerns official proce-

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For more information, or a copy of the brochure, call Gail Rose, Singles Coordinator at the St. Louis JCC, 1-314-432-5700, ex. 3213. Jewish singles in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, from across the nation and Canada will cruise to the Caribbean from Dec. 12-19. The ship will stop in Puerto Rico, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. Cruise packages include airfare, seven nights accommodation, shipboard gratuities, exclusive group events, discounts on tours as well as Shabbat and Havdallah services and all meals on board ship. The JCC of Pittsburgh has a six-year history with cruises. — For information or a brochure, call Barbara LeWinter, Singles Director, 1-412-521-8011, ext. 371 or e-mail her at singles@jccpgh.org or visit their website, www.forbestravel.com

Jewish Federation Library's "Pick o' the Week"

Feds probe possible conspiracy in Sacramento arsons

by Harris Finkelstein, Federation Library Director

by Rebecca Rosenblum Jewish Bulletin of Northern California

Jews from New Mexico have many things in common with Nebraska I Jews. One of these is I that when they travel, I both are frequently I asked the question, [ "there are Jews there?" An answer to that I question has been given. A powerful, emotional I answer in the form of I

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dures and domestic liberties. Surely, no American should have to spend a life in prison on the basis of secret proceedings. In denying clemency to Pollard last year, President Clinton spoke of the "enormity" of his crime. Maybe so, but "enormity," without evidence, is just a word. Pollard has been in prison for nearly a decade. Why not release the Weinberger memo now? I do not subscribe to Rabbi Weiss's claim that Pollard is rotting in jail because he is a Jew. But I believe Americans deserve to know why he is.

Another Desert: Jewish I Poetry From New Mexico I (1998, Sherman Asher I Publishing). A finalist for the 1999 Mountains and Plains Regional Book Award, "Another Desert1 is an historical journey through the Jewish heritage in New Mexico. The anthology contains poems of 28 poets and has been assembled in five sections (Diaspora; Holy Days & Blessings; Ancestors; Kaddish, and Conversos) by editors Joan Logghe and Miriam Sagan. For those of you interested in poetry or the pioneering Jewish spirit, come down to the library and check out or reserve "Another Desert."

Endangered species (Continued from page 2) small in number, but mighty in our involvement and commitment to every aspect of our community. We also understand activism. Some think that grass-roots activism is dead or dying. Our office, certainly consulted, did not "manage" the protest or the letter. It came from the genuine involvement of caring members of our community who put in untold hours of hard work to make it happen. Stacey Rockman deserves our collective thanks. With help from Katherine Finnegan and others, they made their voices heard. Many signed the letter. Few would have protested effectively without their help. So in the end, what are the lessons learned? We give more charitable attention to non-Jewish causes than ever before but it does not guarantee that Jewish sensitivities will be taken into account. Speaking up is vital. We learn from a few activists that we cannot let our voices be silent. One person does make a difference. We will not become an endangered species.

SAN FRANCISCO-Federal law-enforcement officials now believe the two brothers suspected in the June 18 arson of three Sacramento-area synagogues may have played a role in a possible nationwide conspiracy to provoke a race war. The investigators disclosed their suspicions in a meeting last week in Sacramento, attended by both Jonathan Bernstein, Central Pacific Region Director of the Anti-Defamation League, and Rabbi Abraham. Cooper, Associate Dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles. "They are trying to turn over every stone," Bernstein said this week. The FBI and the U.S. Justice Department "are certainly looking at the possibility of conspiracy, and they are also looking at some specific individuals." . . FBI Special Agent James Maddock, who is head-, ing the investigation team, refused to comment, as did FBI spokesman Nick Rossi. But, according to both Bernstein and Cooper, detectiyes are carefully combing computer and telephone records of members of disparate groups based in West Virginia, Idaho, Illinois, California and the Pacific Northwest. Agents, they say, are examining the days and weeks preceding the June 18 arson, the July 1 slaying of a Redding-area gay couple, and the mass shooting on the July Fourth weekend in Illinois and Indiana. "Proving conspiracy is tough," Cooper said, "but they're putting a lot of resources and manpower into it" Investigators' suspicions were piqued by a letter discovered by Redding police in which Benjamin Matthew Williams, ope of two brothers linked to the June 18 arson, wrote to National Alliance leader William Pierce. In it, Williams allegedly asked the white supremacist for assignments and suggested he could bring other recruits aboard. Lt. Bradd McDannold of the Shasta County Sheriffs Department said it is not known whether the letter is a draft, a copy or was ever actually sent. So far, Williams, 31, and brother James Tyler Williams, 29, have been charged in connection to the deaths of a gay couple, whose bodies were discovered July 1. Although the two are suspects in the synagogue arson, they have not been charged. Their lawyers could not be reached for comment.

August 13,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 11

Assad's nephew meets with Arafat amid word of Syrian succession

Mauthausen inmates sought Jewish Bulletin of Northern California

by Douglas Davis

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SAN FRANCISCO-Max Garcia, a member of the LONDON (JTA)-A meeting between a nephew Mauthausen International Committee, is seeking of Syrian President Hafez Assad and Palestinian former prisoners of the Mauthausen complex now Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat is stoking an living in the United States. Mauthausen was the largest concentration camp intra-Arab feud and igniting speculation about a in Austria during World War II. Of the 200,000 future struggle for succession in Syria. OFDISHNOHON Sumer Assad, son of former Syrian Vice people detained there and in various subcamps President Rifa'at Assad, told the London-based between 1938 and 1945 throughout the province of daily newsletter Mideast Mirror over the weekend Upper Austria, more than half were killed. Many 6165 Center St. that his July 28 visit to the Gaza Strip followed an died working as slave laborers in Mauthausen's invitation from Arafat and was not coordinated infamous quarry. Others were shot or killed in the 553-3200 camp's gas chambers. with his uncle in Damascus. Garcia, a retired architect, survived five concen, Ever since he launched the Oslo process with 132nd & Dodge Israel,'Arafat is persona non grata in Damascus, tration camps, including Mauthausen. A former 498-3900 where.Hafez Assad hosts several militant president of the Holocaust Center of Northern California, he is interested in mobilizing former Palestinian groups that oppose Arafat's leadership Mauthausen prisoners around the quest for reparaof the Palestine Liberation Organization. Sinner's visit is being perceived as a challenge to tions and other issues of common concern. Former inmates can contact Garcia by writing to the authority of his uncle. It is also being seen as a challenge to Bashar, him at 1673 Eighth Ave., San Francisco, CA 94122. who is reportedly having difficulty mastering the Or they can fax him at (415) 681-0975. An tE?(ceptionaC!^estaurant leadership skills he will need to succeed his father, who is said to be in poor health. Join 11sforLunc{iand(Dintierand Sumer, a businessman with media interests in One-third of Russians say ethnicity Cocl&iCHour London and Paris, flew into Gaza airport last week should be factor in choosing leaders aboard a private jet from London. Eat in our Garden Patio, In addition to meeting and dining with Arafat, he open every day by Lev Krichevsky visited the offices of the Palestinian, television sta,,12129 W. Center Road in Westwood SqJ330432o/ tion and met with Israeli Arab Knesset members. MOSCOW (JTA) -- Some three-quarters of Sumer appeared to making a jab at his uncle Russians believe that all citizens regardless of their when he declared that the warmth of his reception ethnicity should enjoy equal rights, according to a in Gaza was a tribute to the long-standing friend- recent poll. ship between his father and Arafat. But one-third also believe that a person's ethnic In another apparent dig at his uncle, Sumer said background should be taken into account when an that those interested in pan-Arab unity cannot individual is elected or appointed to powerful posiignore the Palestinian people's struggle to recover tions, according to the survey conducted earlier this GOURMET GROCERY & their rights. Arafat, he said, symbolizes that strug- month by the Public Opinion Foundation, a leading NEW YORK STYLE, EUROPEAN, MEDITERRANEAN gle. The Palestinian leader is reported to be con- polling firm in Russia. iipseale, frestj Gourmet food $eleetioi)8 cerned that renewed negotiations between Israel FiftyH3ix percent of the respondents believe that Eagle Run Square SERVING LUNCH and Syria would leave him isolated and the ethnicity should not be taken into account in such 3623 N. 129th St. & DiNNEr Take-Out Palestinian negotiating track marginalized. an election or appointment, while 9 percent found Phone 402.496.0202 Mon-Sat, 9-9 Available Syria, however, insists that it was Arafat who it difficult to answer. Fax 402.496.618S Sun, 11-5 first broke ranks with other Arab parties by signIn other results, 78 percent of respondents agreed ing the 1993 Oslo accord with Israel. with the statement that all young Russians should Sumer also told the Mideast Mirror that he did have free access to education; 16 percent mainnot use his visit to Gaza to try to broker a thaw tained that only ethnic Russians should enjoy this between Syria and the Palestinian Authority, even right. though he said he would welcome such a warming Twenty-two percent agreed that ethnic supremaofrelations. cy theories should be allowed to disseminate freely catering for "I would support any move, any meeting, any rap- in society, while 59 percent said the dissemination all occasions prochement, that promotes the interests of the two of such ideas should be punishable and 19 percent pasta made fresh dally peoples, much as I would support rapprochement found it difficult to answer. private party between any two Arab countries," he said. 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Page 12 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE August 13,1999

US Superchefs cook in Israel as benefit for Children's Hospital

War refugees return to Kosovo, leave behind love for Israeli hosts by Gil Sedan

JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Never in his wildest dreams did Astrid Kuci believe that he would fall in love with Israel. In fact, he hardly knew anything about Israel. "I used to know that you are a country in the Middle East which is constantly in a state of war with its neighbors. I used to think of you in terms of a large military camp." Ironically, it was war~in his native Kosovo-that brought Kuci, 24, to Israel. He had just two months to go before completing his dental studies at the University of Pristina when Serbian forces moved in last April and forced thousands of Kosovar Albanians put of the province. Driven from his home, he worked with an Israeli medical team that had been dispatched to the ' Stenkovec refugee camp in Macedonia. He later found himself among the 217 Kosovo refugees who received temporary shelter in Israel. When Israeli officials first issued the invitation, they had a difficult time finding any Kosovars willing to fly to the Jewish state. Germany and the United Spates were far more popular havens. Two weeks ago, 145 of the refugees returned home -.- all of them now enthusiastic friends of Israel. "All that they told me in Stenkovec about Israel is true," said Kuci, as he was escorting a group of refugee children aboard a bus making a farewell tour of Tel Aviv. "I was lucky twice during the war. Once that my home in Pristina was not destroyed, and then that I had the opportunity to get to know Israel." Israel's Kosovo refugee aid project was launched last Passover at the initiative of Sallai Meridor, chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel. The agency was also responsible for sending to the refugee camps in Albania and Macedonia an airlift of 12 planes loaded with humanitarian aid. v Following the successful absorption of refugees from Bosnia seven years ago, the government decided to take in Kosovar refugees as well. A first group of refugees landed in'Kibbutz Ma'agan Michael on April 12. On May 26, another group was absorbed at Kibbutz Kramim. '; Along with the Kosovars, Israel also absorbed some 274 Jews from elsewhere in Serbia. Most of them have returned home, but some 95 made aliyah. A group of 40 young Serb Jews now stay at the youth villages of Hadassah Neurim and Ibim in theNegev. . Seventy-two of the Kosovars-six families-have not yet returned home. They are planning to remain for the full six months that were granted them by the government and are expected to go home in October. ; During the Kosovars' stay in Israel, two children were born-Kosovar sabras, as native-born Israelis are called. Kuci came here with his entire family, his parents, a brother and sister. During their stay, his brother fell in love with an Israeli army officer. Astrid reserved his love for the country itself. "I traveled from place to place, from Eilat to Tiberias, from Haifa to Jerusalem. I just could not get enough. I had never imagined that the country was so beautiful, the people so nice." During their stay, the refugees worked on the kibbutzim and also went on cross-country tours hosted by the Jewish Agency. Some learned Hebrew in the kibbutzim; extra classes were given to the children. Initially, the plane bringing the Kosovars home was scheduled to leave for Skopje, Macedonia. But the plane needed to fly over Egyptian air space, and Egypt refused permission. "An hour before we were to board the plane we were notified that the flight was postponed for two days," said Astrid Kuci. "It was very, very disappointing. I so much wanted to go home." ; To make up for the delay, Israeli officials gave the Kosovars a farewell trip to Tel Aviv.

TEL AVTV--A five-course gourmet dinner was cooked in Tel Aviv recently, by some of America's most renowned chefs, at the Sheraton Tel-Aviv Hotel and Towers to benefit the Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel. In addition to the hotel, the event was also sponsored by the Israel Ministry of Tourism and Lufthansa Airlines. American chefs convene in Israel aboard a fishing boat in Jaffa Harbor as they select some of the

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