ewish Press SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA FOR MORE THAN 75 YEARS VoLLXXVm No. 7 Omaha, NE
Dr. Mary Pipher on Ophelia's Family: Across the Generations by Elyce Azriel Director, Temple Israel Middle/High School
Temple Israel will present its first workshop for middle and high school students and parents on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 6:308:30 p.m., featuring author and lecturer Dr. Mary Pipher.
Dr. Mary Pipher During the discussion of "Ophelia's Family: Across the Generations," Dr. Pipher will examine the effects of our culture on families and explore how the loss of community and the proliferation of media and technology have hurt the oldest institution, th*e family. Dr. Pipher has found that families still deal with the problems they have: always had, plus new ones created by pop-psychology, media and the avalanche of technology- . .' ' ' •.'••••. ••.•••.•• Author of Reviving Ophelia, The Shelter of Each Other: Rebuilding Our Families,. and Another Country: Navigating the Emotional Terrain of Our Elders, Dr. Pipher is a national authority on family issues. She speaks regularly to psychologists, educators, schools and parents around the country, and has listened to many stories about the cultural assault on families and what is being done to change that. Drawing on the fascinating stories of families rich and poor, angry and despairing, religious and skeptical, and probing her own experiences, Dr. Pipher wisely and compassionately challenges each of us to find the courage to nurture and revive the families we cherish. This program has been funded by grants from The Milton S. and Corinrie H. Livingston Foundation and The Lazier L. • Singer Memorial Fund. The workshop is presented in association with "the Jewish Community Center Child Development^Center and the Jewish Senior Services; it is free and open to the Jewish community. For more information, contact Lori at Temple Israel, 556-6536.
NE HIST SOCIETY 1500 R ST LINCOLN NE 68503-1651
Got time? Need lunch? Go learn! by Carol Katzman
On a recent Tuesday, a dozen people gathered in the conference room of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home for a quick lunch. . .and an hour of learning. It's a "regular" date with some of the participants, noted Marcel Kahn, a loyal follower of Rabbi Paul Drazen's Lunch 'n Learn series. "I enjoy the study," Kahn added as.he read through the four-page article used as the basis for that week's Lunch 'n Learn. Written by Dr. Eugene Fisher, a member of the commission in Rome which works to improve relationships with other faiths, this particular article covered a tough subject: "Catholics and Jews Confront the Holocaust and Each Other." The lively discussion focused on the premise of Fisher's piece.. .that Catholics have come a long way in the last thousand years in their attitudes as well as in the Church's official position towards the Jews. Rabbi Drazen offered his own comments and interpretations of Fisher's article and steered the direction of the group. He kept them focused on the topic, not always an easy task to accomplish among well-read, Jewishly educated participants. This day, however, the group politely exchanged comments on Fisher's, and the Catholic Church's, intent. Steve Riekes made mention of the recent letter written by New York's Cardinal O'Connor to Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel and reproduced by Wiesel as a full-page ad in the Sunday New York Times. "It takes a long time to undo centuries of mistakes," Rabbi Drazen stated, "and.the Catholic Church is currently moving at a pace that is unbelievable (in its speed)." Though this article may have seemed like an unusual choice for Jews to discuss in a one-hour Lunch 'n Learn program, its purpose was apparent, observed Rabbi Drazen, when participants then raised the questions "Where was the American
Rabbi Paul Drazen began the Lunch 'n Learn program at Beth El Synagogue with the idea that interested participants could always squeeze in an hour of learning during lunchtime. Jewish community during the war years?" and "Have we sent a message to our children that to be Jewish is to be a victim?" Stimulating discussion, "food for thought," is exactly the goal Rabbi Drazen had in mind when he arrived in Omaha almost 18 years ago and found a weekly Lunch 'n Learn already established at Beth El. Though this group is a Beth El Synagogue program, it is open to all members of the community, A phone call for-a lunch reservation (cost is $7 per person) is all that's needed for next month's Lunch 'n Learn on Tuesday, Nov. 9, at noon, at the Blumkin Home Conference room. If those hungry for knowledge can't make that date, there are other opportunities for learning during lunchtime in Omaha. (Continued on page 8) ;
'Operation Cigar:' A not-so-secret Cuban aliyah gets world attention JTA Staff Report
NEW YORK, (JTA) - The emigration of hundreds of Cuban Jews to Israel made big headlines this week after the story broke in the British and , Canadian press. Code named "Operation Cigar," the departure was hardly news to Cuban dictator Fidel Castro, who apparently gave his blessing to the exodus years ago. Since 1995, some 400 people have arrived from Cuba with the assistance of the Jewish Agency for Israel, a quasi-governmental agency responsible for "aliyah, or immigration to Israel. A trickle came earlier through the efforts of the Canadian government The mystery surrounding their exodus-confirmed by the Israeli government for the first time this week-seems to stem from Castro's reluctance to publicize special treatment arranged for the Cuban Jewish community, which now totals an estimated 1,300 people. But others see the move as part of Castro's desire to see crippling U.S. economic sanctions lifted. Officially, Cubans are free to emigrate provided they have the appropriate paperwork and airfare. But most are too poor to leave. Cuban Jewish leaders also confirmed that the operation had been taking place, but emphasized that it was not a secret. Who first approached Castro regarding Cuban aliyah is unclear-with many taking credit. Indeed, Israel Radio reported last week that six years ago, Margarita Zapata, the Jewish granddaughter of Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata, had used her friendship with Castro to raise the matter with the Cuban leader. But others
involved with Cuban Jewry 8aid they had never heard of her involvement. But what has emerged since Israeli military censors opened the subject to the media last week is that in 1993 the Jewish Agency entered into an agreement with Castro to keep their activities quiet in return for an obstacle-free operation. A spokesman for the Jewish Agency, Michael Jankelowitz, declined to comment on Cuban aliyah. Cuba and Canada maintain political relations, while Cuba and Israel do not. Cuba dropped diplomatic relations with Israel after the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Officials in the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs have confirmed the existence of a special office in Canada's Embassy in Havana through which • Cuban Jews may apply to emigrate to Israel. Embassy workers in Havana forward emigration requests to the Israeli embassy in Ottawa, which in turn send them to Tel Aviv. The emigrants leave Cuba using Cuban exit visas and passports, and use Canadian travel documents to enter Israel. The arrangement was kept secret for diplomatic reasons, said a spokesperson for Canadian foreign affairs. Most members of the Cuban Jewish community are descended from Polish and Russian Jews who fled czarist pogroms at the turn of the century. When Castro came to power in 1959, most of the then-15,000-strong community managed to flee, with the majority settling in the United States. Hebrew University Cuba specialist Margalit Bejarano told the London Sunday Telegraph that (Continued on page 2)
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 22, 1999
'Remembering the
Sparks from
Old Market'
by Dan Fellman, student rabbi, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Cincinnati, OH
Deaths
RUTH KAPLAN COHEN Former Omahan Ruth Kaplan Cohen died Sept Get u p and g o Parasha Lech L'cha 28 in Reseda, CA, at the age of 79. Services were This week's parasha, Lech L'cha, begins with an held Oct. 1 at Mount Sinai Memorial Park in Los 3 1030 all-too-common comment. How often have we all Angeles. ^ ^ . _~ » «1 • # • » " r o o m 10 a ^ 'he JCC. heard 'get up and go now,' or 'get a move on,' or Survivors include her husband, Marty' of Reseda; I l l 1 1 M If I "'J Chairing the com-• received a gentle nudge from a parent or grandpar- four children; 11 grandchildren; one great-grandIII_U P l f V I jmittee of former ent, friend, spouce, or even teacher, prodding us to daughter; and a brother, Joseph Kaplan of Omaha. SARAH GINSBERG ^^""*^ • • • » • J g I . o c e r S ) vendors move? We have all heard such statements, and Sarah Ginsberg has died in Denver, CO, at the and persons involved in wholesale and retail food often (hopefully) we have acted. But, rarely do we supply, will be George Eisenberg, owner of stop to consider the power those few words contain. age of 96. She was preceded in de'ath by her husband, Eisenberg Company in the Old Market,.which Our parasha begins with God saying to Avram dealt in potatoes and onions. "Lech l'cha," or "get up and go to a land. . ." Until Harry. Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, The meeting, and further activities of this group, these words, Avram is an unnoticeable footnote, Ruth and Morris Maline of Omaha and Lois and is hosted by the Nebraska Jewish Historical just another of Noah's progeny. Society. Eventually, the committee will create an But suddenly, and without warning, with two Jay Miller of Denver; brother, Sol Rubin of New exhibit in the JCC gallery; an issue of the NJHS small words, Avram becomes not just a focal point York City; sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Journal; and a book by Eisenberg on the Old of a story, but the first, and perhaps, most impor- Arthur Fisher of Brooklyn, NY; five grandchildren; Market and its early businesses and customers. tant mover for a whole people. Avram and the and four great-grandchildren. Memorials to Beth El Synagogue. Former and present grocers and persons involved Almighty both act, and together interact, and in the Old Market food industries are urged to today, we Jews are still reacting to that movement. JEANETTE TURITZ NEPOMNICK attend and bring pictures, mementos, advertiseIn saying Lech L'cha to Avram, God gives not Services for Jeanette Turitz Nepomnick were ments and stories about the early years of the Old just a command, but a bit of a caring push as well. held Oct. 14 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. She died Market. And Avram reacts as a good and decent child or Oct. 13 attheageof74. For more information, call the HistoricalSociety student or friend would-Avram follows. With two She was preceded in death by her husband, at334-6442. small words, a transaction is made. The words Albert. used by God tell the story. Survivors include her children, Ropnna Zieri of ••[ Biblical scholars will always struggle with the Milwaukee, WI; Diane and Steve Nepomnick of question of authorship of the Tanach. As of now at Dallas; and four grandchildren, Stefani, Emily and least, none of us knows the answer to such a Daniel Zien of Milwaukee, and Lindsey and Allison quandry. But the choice of the verb lalechet, to go, Nepomnick of Dallas. •.. . . is one which gives us much to consider. It may be Memorials to the Albert M. and Jeanette T. Yada...Yada...Yada...Only in Jewish the word choice of God, it may be a choice of a Nepomnick Education Fund a t the Jewish Omaha! www.jewishotnaha.org writer who lived long ago, or it may be the choice of Federation of Omaha. a scribe who merely recopied the text. Regardless, MABEL M.KATSKEE the use of a particular word sparks a fascinating Services for Mabel M. Katskee were held Oct. 14 series of events. at Fisher Farm Cemetery. She died Oct. 12 at the By using a word like lalechet, God reveals a gen- age of 82. tle side. Avram is not commanded— the word I'tzaShe was preceded in death'by her husband, vot (to command) is not used. Nor is Avram given DavidW. an order. Rather, God says to Avram, "go ahead Survivors include sons arid daughters-in-law, now, Avram, get a move on." The words show that =LOCKSMITHB the action is not just for God's sake, but for Milton and Judy Katskee, Melvin and Pola Katskee and Jerry and Sindie Katskee, all of Avram's as well. : Omaha; grandchildren, Richard Katskee and By using the word lalechet, God shows Avram Rachel Toker of Fargo, ND, Gayle and David Green CLIP & SAVE that though the action requested is not easy, it will of Chandler, AZ, Rachel Katskee of Madison, WI, CALENDAR OF EVENTS not be without reward. Avram is instructed to act and Naomi Katskee and Ally a Katskee of Omaha; so that he, Avram, may enjoy goodness and a mar- and two great-grandchildren. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22 velous legacy. The word lalechet has both a connoRussian Club, 10 a.m. Memorials to the Parkinson's Disease-Foundation Ya'Chad Community Thank-you Weekend tation and a denotation. While i t denotes move.-.; .•••.•'••' Beth El Regional Youth Commission Meeting in ment and action, it connotes care, concern, and or Beth El Synagogue. Des Moines, Oct. 22-24 RUTH M. GOLDSTEIN ultimate reward. OTYG Coffee at Borders, 10-11'p.m. Ruth M. Goldstein died Oct. 17 at the age of 86. By using lalechet, God notifies Avram that . SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 c c L Bagels & Bible, 9:30 a.m., at Temple Israel ^ though the journey may be long, ardous, and lone- Services were held Oct. 18 a t Pleasant Hill I Humash Class, 5:50 p.m., at Both El I : ly, it will neither be in vain nor one which Avram Cemetery. p Club 56 (grades 5 and 6), Pizza, Movie and Havdalah, p A past-chairman of the Women's Campaign, she must make alone. For after Avram takes the initiaat Temple Israel, 7-10 p.m. tive, and acts, God too, acts. The Jewish people are worked on the campaign for more than 65 years, g, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24 & born, and with two simple words, a relationship is from collecting pennies in apushka on North 24th Social Justice Panel, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel 5 BESTT Teacher In-Service, 10 a.m., Beth El (no classes) s formed between a people and the Almighty. Street to co-chairing the Snowbirds Division for A Amit Women Meeting, 12:30 p.m., at Livingston Plaza ft more than a decade. V Wolf Cub Scouts,4 p.m.; Boy Scouts, 4 p.m. y She was preceded in death by her son, Robert. 'Courtwatch' at Temple Israel F Survivors include her husband, Art; son and MONDAY, OCTOBER 25 Omaha attorney James Martin Davis will be the daughter-in-law, David and Judi Goldstein; daughYES Program, 9:30 a.m. featured speaker at the O c t . 26, 6:30 p . m . , ter, Kay of San Francisco; daughter-in-law,-Nancy > TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26 'Courtwatch' meeting at Temple Israel. Sisterhood Board Meeting, Noon, at Temple Israel Levine of Cincinnati; brother and sister-in-law, 'Courtwatch,' sponsored by the National Council Bob and Selma Cohen of Denver; sister, Joie Simon BBYO Night, 6 p.m. "Making Healthy Choices for Life," for 7th-8th graders of Jewish Women-Omaha Section, and the League of Omaha; grandchildren, Larry and Maureen of with parents, ,6 p.m., at Beth El of Women Voters of Greater Omaha, is an on-going St. Louis, Joe and Jill, and Rick of Omaha, Blaine, Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. study which monitors how domestic violence cases Jeff and Laura of Cincinnati; and five great-grandWEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27 are handled in the Douglas County courts. Hadassah Meeting, Cantor Fellman Speaker, children. 10:30 a.m., at the Home of Sandy Kohll The meeting is free and open to the public. For Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, TIGGS Luncheon, 11:30 a m., at Temple Israel more information, call Jill Belmont at 333-9202. Beth Israel Synagogue or the Omaha Rotary Club OTYG Dinner, 6 p.m , at Temple Israel BESTT High School Dinner Night, 6 p.m., at Beth El Foundation.
the Word
The first meeting of the 'Remembering the Old Market' planning committee will be held | Wednesday, Nov.
j
.
C "Making Healthy Choices for Life," for 7th-8th graders *- with parents, 6 p.m., at Beth El I Grade 7/12 Parents Book Club, 7 p.m., at Temple P Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28 6 Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. c Adult Education, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel ° Temple Israel Confirmation Class Trip, 10-28/10-31 * Kadimah Night, 6 p.m., at Beth El * L.O.V.E Board Mtng., 7:30 p.m., RBJH Conference Rm.
All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press Is notresponsiblelor the accuracy of the evunta. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Her) at 334-6437.
KohWs PHARMACY & HOMECARE Citywide Delivery
7 Locations
Operation Cigar (Continued from page 1) there is far less anti-Semitism in Cuba than in the former Communist states of Eastern Europe. "Castro never denied Jews kosher food or the right to organize cultural activities," he said, while noting that the practice of religion-Judaism or Christianity-is usually a bar to university and to some professions. Cuba became officially atheist in 1962, and as a result, the Jewish community suffered from assimilation. In the early 1990s, a revised Cuban Constitution changed the country's status to secular and members of all religions were accepted into the Communist Party. According to Moises Asis, the principal and founder of the Tikkun 01am Hebrew School in Havana, he had started to educate his community Jewishly as
early as 1985, with the support of the Chabad movement, which regularly sent visiting rabbis. In a telephone interview, he said that in 1991,under the auspices of the World Jewish Congress, he visited the United States and Israel, where he approached Jewish organizations and Israeli political parties with the idea of Cuban aliyah. In 1992, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee approached the Cuban government and received permission to provide physical care and Jewish education to the Jewish community. (JTA staff writer Julia Goldman and correspondents Naomi Segal in Jerusalem, Douglas Davis in London, Bill Gladstone in Toronto and Michael Shapiro in Washington contributed to this report.)
October 22,1999
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
PageS
^ ] ' ::? — • -;; ' - - v "CANDLEt«GHTING:6:15p.m. TEMPLE ISRAEL '" Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations
7023 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68132-2651 Phone: 556-6536 e-mail: templeisrael-ne.org FRIDAY: Instrumental Service, 8 p.m., Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Debbie Stiel and Cantor Jennifer Blum will officiate. The service will feature the Kol Rina Choir and a plethora of instrumental sounds and unique new melodies. Oneg Shabbat sponsored by Mary Lou and Danny Goodman in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Adam Skog. SATURDAY: Bagels and Bible, 9:30-10:15 a.m.:: An informal opportunity to learn Torah with the rabbis; Shabbat service, 10:30 a.m.; Adam Skog will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. SITTER SERVICE Sitter Service is available each Friday evening, Saturday mornings for Bagels and Bible and the worship service, and Sunday mornings when there is Religious School. Cost is $2 per family. Please make a reservation through the Temple office. ADULT EDUCATION . SUNDAY, Oct 24: Beginning Prayer Class with Rabbi Debbie Stiel, 10:15-11:15 a m . TUESDAY, Oct. 26: Chumash Bemidar, 1011:30 oao. Rabbi Shlomo Levin will use classic and modern coniinentaries to study central stories of the Book of Numbers from an original Midrashic perspective; Advanced Prayer Class with Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, 7:15-8:45 p.m. THURSDAY, O c t . 28: Sisterhood Adult "Education, 10-11:30 a.m. Rabbi Stiel will teach "The Sages of the Middle Ages-Learning About the three R's of Judaism." Jewish Journey Groups THURSDAY, Oct. 28: "Living with Illness, 78 p.m., for people who are living with illness or for those who love someone who lives with illness. Sally Kaplan, L.C.S.W., will lead the group; The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel) 7-8:30 p.m. Facilitators Lee Needelman and John Dacey will examine Heschel's concept of sacred time and his v vision of the Sabbath. FRIDAY, Oct. 29: Jewish Spirituality, 9:3011 aan. Mimi Rogers will lead the group in readings, discussion, Jewish Meditation and yoga. T.I.G.G.S. LUNCHEON Wednesday, Oct. 27, noon; entertainment by the Boot Scootin' Grannies. Cost for brisket luncheon is $4. Reservations-call Temple at 556-6536.
pnlted Synagogue /?'-,/*",,
Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley Rosenbaum. Minyan: Monday and Thursday, 7:15 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m.; Oneg Shabbat honoring Miriam and Julius Misle on their 50th Wedding Anniversary, hosted by their family. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.nv; Aufruf of JoAnn Hill and Steven Gold, followed by a Kiddish luncheon. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY: Jewish Thought & Philosophy/Rabbin-ics"Piekei Avot: The Ethics of the Fathers," by Rabbi Rosenbaum, 10-10:55 a.m.; Tanach/Bible-Perei Yomi (A Daily Chapter), with Rabbi Rosenbaum. WEDNESDAYS: Basic Judaism with Rabbi Rosenbaum, 7:15-9:15 p.m.
B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE r S t , Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766
s 3dojeb@aol.com"' • -FREDAY: Topic foij services is "How should The Torah be read? Allegorically or Factually? And why?" 7:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat, prepared by Peggy Deland and Sandra Kurland, follows.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE
Member of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America
Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California ST., Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492-8550 WEB-www.bctheI-omaha.org
1502 No. 52nd St., Omaha, NE 68104-5013 556-6288 Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FREDAY (Parsha Lech Lecha): Services, 7 a.m. Rabbi's class: The Laws of Shabbos: Enjoy a lively discussion of the many fascinating practices the Sages developed to create a full Shabbos experience. Services, 6:20 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 8:45 a.m.; Class with Rabbi Kutner, 535 p.m. Chumash: Insights into the weekly Parsha; Mincha, 6:05 p.m.; Havdalah, 7:14 pan.. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; Mincha, 6:10 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.; Mincha, 6:10 p.m. TUESDAY: Rabbi Levin teaches a Chumash class, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Talmud class with Rabbi Kutner, 7:30 p.m.
BEYTSHALOM
,,,
Art Affiliate of t h e - ' , ','*, '•'••• Jewish Reconstructlonlst Federation''' '
P.O. Box 241130, Omaha, NE 68124-5130 758-9233 ' http://come.to/beytshalom/ FRIDAY: Everything You Wanted to Know About Trope but were Afraid to Ask, 6:30 p.m. with "tropemeister" Marti Nerenstone. Kabbalat Shabbat to follow at 7:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Religious School, 10 aan., at the JCC. TUESDAY: Religious School, 4 p.m., at the JCC. FRIDAY, Oct. 29: Shabbat in the home. Call 556-7525 to join in the fun. SATURDAY, Oct. 30: Morning services at the Rose Blumkin Home, 9 a.m. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS, 12:30-1:45 p.m., through Dec. 5 (except Thanksgiving weekend): Rabbi Myer S. Kripke will lead an adult education seminar on "The Prophets." Classes, open to the community, will be held at the JCC on Participants may attend any or all sessions, and are asked to bring a Tanakh (Old Testament), and, if you like, a brown bag lunch. Call 758-9233.
A
FpRCE BASE,
t
a i d Capehart, Omaha, NE 68113-5000 v •' : " ' 294-6051 > '' Services conducted by Rabbi Ira Flax. Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Temple's Outreach program announces formation of Gesher by Lee Needelman
Two groups, aimed at helping people through the conversion process/Have been formed at Temple Israel. The first will meet Thursday, Oct. 28, 78:30 p.m., for six consecutive weeks (except for Thanksgiving), led by Stephanie Grossman. The second group starts F e b . 3 and runs through March 9, 2000. I will lead that group, along with Mimi Rogers. The three of us were trained as Outreach Fellows by Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, OH, during August, 1998. Our role is to facilitate small groups of non-Jews who are in the process of conversion. The groups deal with common conversion issues among each other and with their spouses. Last year's group,New Beginning, created some wonderful friendships among the individuals and couples, many of whom have since converted. In discussions with Temple Israel's rabbis, the CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURAN group has changed its name to Gesher, the Hebrew word for bridge. Mtomber of, the Union of American Hebrew dongregatiom For more information, call either the Temple •^ 2061 Si 20th St.,' L i n c o H N E 68502-2797 435-8004 ' >''>->,',- office, 556-6536, or Sephanie, Mimi or me.
Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. FREDAY: Sabbath Eve service, 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Sabbath service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah study, 10:30 a.m. TUESDAY: Question and Answer program on the topic of Earth Religions, 7:30 p.m., in the sanctuary. Cindy and Jason Blodgett-McDeavitt of the Order of the Red Grail will briefly describe the tenets of Wicca, and then answer questions.
OCTL celebrates
CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Movement
1866 So. 120th St., Omaha, NE 68144-1646 ,. Phone: 330-1800 E-MADL-chabad@aol.com WEBSITE: www.chabad.centers.com/omaha Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m., followed by Kiddush; Mincha/Ma'ariv, 7:15 p.m., followed by Havdalah.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME $
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 Cantors Emil Berkovits and G. Michael Horwitz. FREDAY: Services, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. Amy Saylan, daughter of Jacki and Steve Saylan, will become a Bat Mitzvah; Kiddush following services; Sitter service and Torah Study Skills (TSS), 10 a.m.; ICtantan (K-3rd grade), 10:45 a.m.; Shabbat Story Time (pre-kindergarten and under), 11 a.m.; Humash with Rashi study session, 5:50 p.m.; Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 6:20 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; TEACHER IN SERVICE, 10 ajn.-no classes will be held; Perek Yomi, "Read a Chapter a Day" group, 10:15 ajn.; WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ADULT B'NAI MITZVAH CLASS The adult classes continue on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m.
SATURDAY Services, 9 a.m, led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet. All services followed by Kiddush. A memorial service is held on the last Shabbat of each month, in memory of residents who have died. Members of the community are welcome to attend services.
More than 70 people attended a champagne reception for the Omaha Center of Torah Learning Sunday night. Above: Zev Schwartz, center, Israeli Director of the Torah Mitzion Network of Kollelim, presented a book to OCTL Chairman Allan Gonsher, left, and Rabbi Shlomo Levin, OCTL Director. Below: Rabbi Howard Kutner engaged keynote speaker Rabbi Jeffrey Wohlgelernter in conversation.
Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 22,1999
Editorial Omaha puts Jewish learning at center stage The unprecedented gift by Dr. Eugene "Speedy" Zweiback to Temple Israel's adult Jewish education program will have an impact on more than members of Temple. For the first time, the rabbinical and lay leadership of Omaha's oldest synagogue will be in a position to plan far into the future. They'll be able to host the "best of the best" in Jewish scholarship without scrambling for the dollars to pay their fees and expenses. And they'll have the time to develop programs, nurture members and create the most conducive atmosphere in which to learn. Though this gift was made in memory of ttie late Hermene Zweiback, it was created and implemented with her involvement and blessing. We should all be thrilled at this news. Imagine, month after month, exciting educational programs at Temple Israel, open to everyone in the Jewish community. Men, women and children will come from as far away as Lincoln and Norfolk to take advantage of this extensive list of classes, programs and events. What will this mean for the Jewish community of Omaha? For one thing, members of Temple Israel who do avail themselves of this rich offering will become more knowledgeable; they'll demand more of their synagogue for themselves and their children. Educated members will see to it that their children are
Journal entry from Israel
educated as well, and they'll promote involvement in Temple life. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel wants this to happen; he welcomes an educated laity who will push him to offer even more. And he'll challenge his religious school staff to be even more creative, stimulating and thoughtprovoking. These educated members of Temple will also become more involved in Jewish community life, promoting Jewish education and inviting the rest of us to join them in their quest for more Jewish knowledge. Jewish Educational and Library Services must rise to meet that future need as well, as Jewishly-educated leaders insist on quality Jewish education across the board, for every child and for every adult. Jewish education is the key to the future of a Jewish Omaha. Whether it's the formal setting of a 10-week series of classes on learning to read and translate Hebrew or ari informal two-hour workshop on making decorations for the succah, Jewish education can make the difference in everything from involvement to tzedakah to leadership. Mazal tov to the entire Zweiback family for their thoughtful consideration in making this remarkable gift for all of us to use. May Hermene Zweiback's name be for a blessing and may the leadership of Temple Israel go from strength to strength.
4M53AWW A DEMAGOGUE A W THERE'S A DOS T
Motti Yoshpeh leaves Israel by Teddy Weinberger
Motti Yoshpeh left Israel last month to become a tennis coach in Agora Hills, CA, a suburb of Los Angeles. Motti is 24 years old and recently married his long-time sweetheart Keren (22). Motti was my tennis coach for the last five months (okay, so life is not so tough for me here). He is an excellent coach and extremely knowledgeable of the fundamental techniques of the game (I decided to take lessons with him after he told me that even my forehand was in bad shape). Motti himself was a ranked junior player in Israel, but an injury sustained during his army service ended any thoughts of a professional playing career. As a newly-married man, Motti looked around in Israel and saw that it would be extremely difficult for him to support a family working as a tennis coach. ' , ' - . • - . s There are only a few major tennis centers in this . country, and Motti has not been able to find work in these centers. The fact that he was born in Russia (though he came here with his family when he was three and speaks Hebrew with native fluency) has perhaps been a factor in his failure to break into the official world of Israeli tennis. Motti looks at his father, who holds a doctorate in physics but who has had to work menial jobs in Israel, and thinks to himself: that's not going to be me. So Motti is now in California. Unlike in the States, where any self-respecting high school offers many different varsity sports (and thus many opportunities for coaches), here in Israel kids who are serious about athletics have to
go outside their schools and find a place that specializes in their sport. Motti has trained several high school students on the courts of Givat Ze'ev. The problem for these students is that only the absolute top young players in Israel are allowed by.the Army to continue their tennis during their Army years. Because of this, Motti's outstanding student Shaul, a 12th grader, recently quit tennis (much to Motti's cha- • grin), and Vadim, an excellent 11th grader, will be trying next year to win a tennis scholarship at an American university (the Army usually allows service deferment in these cases). . Motti would like to live in a place that is kinder to athletics, so he is now in California. I told Motti that, subjectively, I empathize with his situation and understand his need to leave. He considers himself a professional(rightly so), and along with the chance of earning a decent living he is looking forward to earning a little more respect than an Israeli coach earns here. Yet, objectively, I told Motti I cannot consent to his leaving. Israel and the Jewish people stand only to lose in his leaving. Motti is a secular Jew whose Jewishness up until this point has derived largely from his living in the Jewish state. I am worried about him asa Jew in Agora Hills. Of course, I am perfectly aware of how easy it is for me to be "objectively" against Motti's leaving. Sarah and I live in Israel having benefited from the experience of several generations of our families' living in America. Our American skills and
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resources mean that we will never have to struggle in Israeli like Motti would have to. Still, I can't let him go. I would rather he com? pletely exhaust his tennis opportunities in Israel (which he has npt), and if he does, I would rather him leave tennis than leave Israel. .'.':•••. Who knows? He may end up leaving both Israel and tennis. His own coach did. About nine years ago Udi Paz, Motti's renowned Israeli coach, who was part of the tennis coaching elite in Israel, left for California after a disagreement with the Israeli tennis establishment. A year or so after he got to California, Udi suffered a foot injury that made it difficult for him to coach tennis. He took a job in the computer industry, and though he recovered from his injury he did not return to tennis~yet he remains in California. So it could be that Motti's leaving says more about economic opportunity in Israel than about tennis opportunity. So what, you ask: It's his life and he's entitled to live it where he chooses. Fair enough, but only if you consider the individual Motti Yoshpeh. I see Motti Yoshpeh also as a Jewish Israeli citizen and would have hoped that such a status entails certain fundamental commitments. I still have hope, however. Motti has a history of not fitting in, and it could be that he will not be able to build a life in America. Not that I am rooting for Motti to fail. It's just that Israel needs him more than does California. Besides, my backhand still needs work.
JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Fred Tichauer, Vice-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 riot 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.
October 22,1999
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
The new movement to destroy 'myths' by Carl Alpert
Haifa-There has long been, in Israel, a small group of so-called Jewish intellectuals who have always challenged the validity and justice of the Zionist movement, and the right of the Jews to return to their homeland. Of late, they have become more outspoken, and calling themselves "new historians" or "post Zionists," they have assiduously begun to pick away at the accepted history of the movement and to "expose" what they call some of the myths of Zionism. For one thing, they seek to debunk the famous story of Yosef Trumpeldor. He was not killed in a fight with the Arabs, they say, but died as the result of an accident. Recently, they managed to introduce into the curriculum of the Israeli schools a textbook which records that in Israel's War of Independence in 1947-48, the Jews outnumbered the Arab attackers, and it wasn't such a heroic victory after all. They repeat and insist on the story that the Arabs were driven out of the country by the Jews, and did not flee of their own free will, despite evidence to the contrary in most cases. They are oblivious of the fact that,they fled as a result of calls by invading Arab armies to "clear the battlefield," and : also in fear of a Jewish victory, knowing what they would have done to the Jews if they, the Arabs, had won. •
Most recently, publicity has been given to the attempt to undermine the story of the heroic personality, Hannah Szenes, who in 1944 was parachuted with others into Yugoslavia as part of a volunteer effort to rescue Jews in neighboring Hungary. Incidentally, the enterprise was conducted under British auspices. She was caught when she crossed the border, interrogated by the Nazis, and then murdered by the Germans. Her name has been enshrined in Zionist history. Here is the new, "revised" story. Some years ago, the playwright, Motti Lerner, wrote a drama about Rudolf Kastner, a controversial Jewish figure involved in the plight of and attempts to rescue Hungarian Jewry during the war. The work was labeled a docudrama, drawing freely on the historic events of the time. It was broadcast on Israel television. In one of the scenes, Kastner is quoted as having charged that Hannah Szenes was a traitor because, under Nazi torture, she had revealed the names and locations of the two other Jewish parachutists, Yoel Palgi and Peretz Goldstein, leading to their apprehension. The Szenes family petitioned the High Court of Justice to have this segment removed from the play on the grounds that it was completely false, and that in reality Kastner had never made such a statement. During the legal proceedings, the
Seminary in Kansas City to house world's largest Dead Sea Scroll library . . -.
byAnnaJaffe, Staff Writer, Kansas City Jewish Chronicle
KANSAS CITY-What do the Dead Sea Scrolls have to do with Kansas? The answer is a lot, thanks to the work of scholar Fred Young. Young, 80, Professor Emeritus of Central Baptist Seminary in Kansas City, KS, has spent the last 40 years compiling an exhaustive bibliography of anything and everything written about the Dead Sea Scrolls. • Up until now, the materials have been available to scholars. But they have been scattered throughout the seminary's Pratt-Journeycake Library, : often making them difficult to locate. Today, if you were to go to the seminary and ask, "I'd like to see the Kansas Qumran Collection, it would
be pretty difficult," said Young. "It's all over the library...books, periodicals, special collections. And the Xerox materials are in alphabetical files." But the collection will soon have a home of its own, due to the generosity of local philanthropist Edna Shepherd. Earlier this year, Shepherd donated $500,000 to build a state-ofthe-art resource center within the library. The Edna Shepherd Center, as it will be called, will house the Kansas Qumran Project. The committee has been meeting with architects and hopes within the month to have chosen a design for the center. Construction is slated to begin in January, 2000.
author admitted that he had made up the whole story as part of his dramatic creativity. In 1994, after due consideration, the court turned down the petition. Strangely, the text of the court's reasoning was released only very recently. By a vote of two to one, the court rejected the appeal to censor the play on the grounds of freedom of speech and creative artistic freedom. Since publication of the full text of the ruling, the press has been filled with indignant reaction. Reuven Dafne, another of the parachutists, who was lucky enough to escape, noted that the two other volunteers whom Szenes is supposed to have betrayed, entered Hungary two weeks after she had been arrested, and she had no way of knowing where they were or when they had arrived. One of the Nazi judges in the Szenes trial was later interviewed in Argentina, and declared that she had revealed nothing and had acted like a Jewish Joan ofArc. Lerner repeated that he had fabricated the entire story for the sake of dramatic tension. The fact that in doing so he had besmirched the character of a personality in the gallery of national heroes did not disturb him. Literary freedom, he pleaded. To which one commentator replied that long after the name of Motti Lerner is forgotten, the name of Hannah Szenes will be hallowed for generations.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 22,1999
Journey home to Jewish Omaha. www.iewishomaha.org
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YES Members will meet Monday in the auditorium of the JCC. Come exercise with Michelle Streif at 10:15 a.m. in the auditorium. All are welcome! Or try your luck at bingo with Eileen Reiner at 10:30 in room 6. Bring articles to share for the "YES Talk" discussion group, led by Art Grossman, at 11 in the auditorium. Following lunch at noon, Jill Johansen, a Physical Therapist from HealthSouth, will talk on Osteoporosis and Incontinence. For transportation, call 330-4272. R e m i n d e r : T.I.G.GJ3. luncheon meeting is Wednesday, Oct. 27, at noon, at Temple Israel. Call Maggie for transportation at 334-6521. WALK-IN, DROP-IN Members will meet at the JCC on Thursday. Exercise starts at 10:15 a.m. For those going on the Mystery Tour, please meet a t t h e JCC by 10:45 a.m. at the south entrance. For transportation, call Maggie at 334-6521. VISIONS Come celebrate lucky seven on Nov. 7 for Visions 7th Birthday in the JCC auditorium from 2-5 p.m. Cost is $2 per person. Special musical entertainment by Joe Taylor; dairy supper following the show-sponsored by Visions. For reservations, send form with payment by Oct. 28 to Maurice and Rosalie Meiches, 5036 Parker St., Omaha, NE 68104. .
HADASSAH Hadassah's continuation of the 'Ask the Rabbi' program will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 27, Mfc30 aan., at the home of Sandra Kohll, 1617 So. 107th St. Cantor Leo Fettman will speak on "Women of Valor" (Ashes Chayell). For reservations, call 391-5603. LIFELONG JEWISH LEARNING The second of a five-part series, sponsored by the Lifelong Jewish Learning Committee, will be held T h u r s d a y , O c t . 28, 7 p . m . , in the Friedel Commons room at the JCC. ' Dr. Gerald Shapiro, Professor of English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will speak'on "American Jewish Fiction." The program is free and open to the public; refreshments will be served. For more information, call Michael Linn at 3340517, or Leonard Greenspoon at 280-2303.
Visionaires visit Mahone
BREADBREAKERS Julie Kushner, BBYO and Sr. High Youth Director, will speak at B'nai B'rith Breadbreakers on Wednesday, according to Adam Jacobs. Breakbreakers meets every Wednesday at noon at Pastimes Restaurant, 129th & West Maple. Cost is $8.50; the program is open to the community. JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES/ ROSE BLUMfflN JEWISH HOME Rita Paskowitz, storyteller, will entertain residents and family members in a special program on Sunday, Oct. 24, at 1:30 p.m. The program will be held in the Home's auditorium, and is appropriate for all ages. .. Following the program, Carl Herman will show digital photos from Grandparent's Day, on the big screen TV. OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING Tuesday, Oct. 26: Stories from the book of Numbers, hosted by Temple Israel at 10 tun. and at Beth Israel at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27, noon-1 p.m.: Lunch 'n Learn, hosted by Leon Wintroub, 15805 Seward, phone: 496-1521. Eat lunch together (please bring your own) followed by study of the novel The Lonely Man of Faith by Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik; Modern, spoken Hebrew, hosted by Al Ross, 676 N. 56th St, 5-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m.: Talmud class, hosted by Beth El Synagogue. Study the Tractate dealing with the laws of Pesach. For information, call Rabbi Shlomo Levin at 551-1564.'
Visionaires recently enjoyed an afternoon riding the trolley to Mahoney State Park. While there, members had lunch at the lodge, saw a melodrama at the theater and had a tour. From left: Jean Elkon (Cultural Chair), Sam Epstein, Miriam Meyerson and Doris and Milton Parker.
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Lara a n d Mark Rosenblum of Golden Valley, MN, announce the Aug. 19. birth of their first child, Jacob Nicholas. . '••••: Grandparents are Dottie Rosenblum of Omaha, Hubert Rosenblum of San Francisco, Scarlett Wilson of Omaha and Cliff Wilson of Lafayette, CA. Wendy and Alan Adato of N. Potomac, MD, adopted twin boys, Ethan Dann and Michael Ihsan, born July 22. Grandparents are Jerry and Janey Dann of Omaha, Ruth Brenner of Silver Springs, MD, and Bob Adato of Daytona Beach, FL.
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The clock is ticking! The awesome day that will introduce the new millennium is but 81 days hence, as this is being composed. At the Y.E.S7OT on Oct. 11, Early Bird talk session, we bandied about the whole tsimmes being made over the once-in-a-thousand-years event. Some gloomy people are already stashing away extra food, bottled water and withdrawing money from the bank. Ess is agantzeh mishegoss, absurd, wacky, irrational. I t defies explanation. Believe me, dear mishpocheh, the sun will not rise in the west nor sink in the east on Jan. 1, 2000. The disheartening part, as brought up by cohost Sarah Lewis, is t h a t t h e
Clintons are planning the "mother" of all galas on t h e steps of the Lincoln Memorial on New Year's Eve-and we are not invited. On a serious note, we discussed that on Oct. 12, the United Nations Population Fund projected that six billion people will be inhabiting the world. Can the planet accommodate the seven billion projected by the year 2013? Our after-lunch speaker was Harris Finklestein, new Executive Director of the Federation Library. He related the progress of the construction of the facility. A book discussion group meets on the third Thursday of each month from 12:30 p.m. Shalom.:
October 22,1999
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
The Jewish Federation Library's Pick o'the Week Jupiter's Bones by FayeKellerman (Simon & Schuster, 1999) by Dorothy Kaplan
Faye Kellerman Fans of Faye Kellerman will surely welcome the return of Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus in her new mystery offering Jupiter's Bones (Simon & Schuster, 1999). Peter and his friend and co-worker, Marge, are involved in an inflammable "situation" centering around the death of the sect leader, Father Jupiter. Many twists and turns lead us to the resolution of the puzzle. Kellerman also adds a new dimension to the relationship between Peter and Rina and their children- the family is growing and changing and the boys are becoming teenagers, with all the problems parents face. Judaism is again an essential part of the book. Both book and audiocassette are available in Jewish Federation Library. Come- check it out!
FRIEDLANDER/SCIOLI An Lrea Beth Friedlander, daughter of Bruce and Pam Friedlander of Omaha, and Anthony Douglas Sciol, son of Frank Scioli of Rockville, MD, and Judi Scioli of Philadelphia, PA., were married Sund ay, Aug. 15, at Beth El Synagogue. Ri bbi Paul Drazen and Cantor Emil Berkovits perfo med the 6 p.m. ceremony,' which was followed by a inner and dance at the synagogue. El ina Rod of South Orange; NJ, was maid of hono ; Adam Scioli of Sands Point, NY, brother of the g *oom, was best man; Corinne Scioli of Sands Poinl, NY, sister-in-law of the^groom, was matron of ho tor; Jimmy Friedlander, brother of the bride, was groomsman. Others in the wedding party included Joe, Molly and Sophie Goldberg of Oma la; Hallie and Holden Greenberg of Larc mont, NY; Johanna and Marjorie Nisenholtz of i.rmonk, NY; and Ariana Capaldi of Had enfield, NJ, all cousins of the bride and groon. firm. He graduated cum laude from the University Tl e bride is employed with Praser Stryker law of Pennsylvania-Philadelphia. He is a third-year firm. She graduated magna cum laude from the law student at Creighton University School of Law. Univ xsity of Pennsylvania-Philadelphia, and cum Grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Weiss laud i from American University's Washington and the late Mr. and Mrs. Morton Friedlander, ColU je of Law in Washington, D.C. She was an Mrs. Rhoda Nisenholtz Blane, the late Louis Omaha Symphony debutante in 1992 and an Ak- Nisenholtz and the late Mr. and Mrs. Frank Scioli. Sar-Ben princess in 1995. Following a honeymoon in Italy, the couple reside The groom is employed with Kutak Rock law in Omaha.
Handcrafted lamp (Value: Strictly sentimental) Duchesne Academy will present A Shayna Maidel (pretty girl), a play about a family with two daughters who reunite in New York after the Holocaust. Performances will be Thursday, Oct.
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Thursday through Saturday performances are at 8 p.m.; Sunday matinee is at 1 pan. Tickets are $6 for adults; $5 for students. An interdenominational prayer service will be held with survivors of the Holocaust prior to the Saturday evening performance. For more information, please call 558-3800.
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'Planned Parenthood of Omaha and Council "Bluffs honored Susan N. Rothholz with the Curtis T.Todd, M.D., Outstanding Volunteer Award for her 32 years of service. Rothholze served as a clinic escort and helped found Friends of Planned Parenthood, an auxiliary which has raised more than $400,000 for PPOCB since its inception ' in 1983. She is currently treasurer of the Board of Directors and a member of the board of its advocacy arm, Nebraska Planned Parenthood Voters for Choice. Jeff Shapiro, President of Illinois Student Government, was recently interviewed about a campus referendum by Good Morning America. It was also broadcast on MSNBC. Shapiro, the son of Larry and Sherry Shapiro, is a junior at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. Evan Saltzman, a senior at Yeshiva University in New York City, was awarded a scholarship by the Joe M. and Ruth E. Rice Scholarship Fund, administered by Jewish Educational and Library Services of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Millard North High School will present "The Music Man" on Oct. 22,7 p.m.; Oct. 24, 2 p.m.; and Oct. 29 and 30 at 7 p.m. Annie Rifkin and Matt Uehling have parts in the musical.
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October 22,1999
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Foundation Yale Richards Seminar "first rate by Claudia Sherman, Foundation Public Relations Coordinator
minded client. Nearly 100 attorneys, "I liked her statement, accountants, insurance which was to the effect, 'If agents, certified financial you don't name a charity planners and foundation in your estate, Uncle Sam executives attended the will—himself.' I thought initial Yale Richards she did a very good job. Professional Education She opened some eyes for Seminar on Oct. 5 at some people that they Happy Hollow Club. Jane need to get into this disPeebles, a partner in the cussion with their clients law firm of Freeman, and explore in a little Freeman & Smiley, LLP, more detail the interests of Los Angeles was the featheir clients have and the tured speaker. charities they're currently Peebles' general topic supporting. Through was "Strategies for Cresome estate planning, ative Estate Tax and Charitable Gift Planning." Taking a break at the Oct. 5 Yale Richards t h e y c a n h a v e a b i g A partner with Marks, Professional Education Seminar are, from i m p a c t o n t h e c h a r i t i e s Clare & Richards, David l e f t : B o b KMy> President of the Milton and t h e y > r e a f f i l j a t e d w i t h as Wilson, who was a member Corinne L i v i n g s t o n Foundation; J a n e w e l l a s d o &e right t h i n g s of the seminar planning Peebles, speaker; and Yale Richards, the for their families," Scholer committee, said, "We honoree. said. couldn't have had a better speaker," adding that "Anytime we can pull together people, and they collectively address the transfer of assets to those the seminar was "a good educational experience." A law partner of Yale Richards, Wilson added agencies pursuing missions that benefit the comthat he has a lot of respect for Richards, and the munity is a good thing," commented Earl Taylor, seminar was a "wonderful way to honor him. It was Executive Director of the Omaha Community enjoyable and a real team effort for the committee Foundation, who also attended the seminar. "In my , and Marty Ricks, Jewish Federation Foundation experience," he added, "every time you have a sesExecutive Director, who did a fantastic job," Wilson sion like this, something good will come from it." It reinforces the concepts for financial planners to said. Richards, a senior partner of Marks, Clare & help their clients pursue charitable goals, he pointRichards, was honored by the Milton and Corinne ed out. Livingston Foundation in 1998 for serving as Marty Ricks said, "This was my initial experience Executive Director of that Foundation for more planning a technical seminar, and I relied heavily than 25 years. The Livingston Foundation estab- on my planning committee to help me choose the lished an endowment fund with The Jewish speaker and plan all the important details. We had Federation Foundation to present seminars dealing around 10 meetings over the last six months, and with estate and tax planning strategies for charita- the committee was terrific. ble living. The October 5 seminar was the first such " "The evaluation forms completed by the seminar presentation. participants were generally very positive. One in Nick Kmezich, a financial planner with First particular, responding to our request for recomSecurity Advisors, Inc., also attended the seminar. mendations for future speakers, said, 'get Jane He said he felt the speaker was of interest and the back.' seminar was worthwhile. Other programs he has "Overall, I am very pleased that our inaugural attended didn't "delve into .the nuts and blots" like seminar was a huge success in honoring a wonderPeebles did. He added that she covered the basics ful person and true professional like Yale Richards. and then got more into the problems she sees in Finally, I want to publicly thank the Livingston estate tax and charitable gift planning. He also Board of Trustees for establishing the fund to supthought the cost of attending was "very reason- port the seminar," Ricks remarked. able." In addition to Wilson, other members of the semiAccording to Steve Scholer, Director of Estate nar planning committee were Michael Abramson, and Trust Services with Creighton University, C. Randy Endelman, James A. Farber, Frank N. "Jane Peebles did a first-rate job of illustrating the Goldberg, Robert I. Kully, Scott A. Meyerson and true benefits available to the philanthropically Robert M. Nelson.
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Got time? (Continued from page 1) ' Beth Israel's series on Business Ethics began this month and is scheduled again on Wednesday, Nov. 17, also at noon, at the offices of Noddle Development in the First National Bank office building on 144th and Dodge. Rabbi Howard Kutner teaches Jewish business people how to use traditional sources in making contemporary business decisions. The rabbi's wife, Nadine Kutner, also offers a Lunch 'n Learn for women. Starting Wednesday, Nov. 3, at noon, at the Jewish Community Center Conference Room. Using Rabbi Shmuel Boteach's best-selling book, Kosher Sex, Mrs. Kutner will facilitate a discussion, the first Wednesday of each month, on sex and marriage. . While Temple Israel did eliminate Lunch 'n Learn from its adult education program, their recent brochure from the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning lists a myriad of classes nearly every day of the week. The Omaha Center for Torah Learning (OCTL), a newcomer to the Lunch 'n Learn circuit, offers a weekly discussion on current books, articles, or upcoming holidays. The next program is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 3, at noon, at the home of Leon Wintroub, 15805 Seward, when Rabbi Shlomo Levin will lead the group in discussing The Lonely Man of Faith by Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik. In addition, the OCTL runs a monthly Lunch 'n Learn just for attorneys, with a discussion of Jewish legal texts. The next one is scheduled for noon, Monday, Nov. 8, at the office of Howard Kaslow, 8712 W. Dodge Rd, Suite 300, where a dairy lunch will be provided at a nominal cost. And the topic for next month's Lunch 'n Learn with Rabbi Drazen? "I chose the Fisher article because it appeared about the same time as the announcement by the Southern Baptists to convert the Jews," the rabbi recalled. "Fisher's article was a timely contrast. "The topic for the next Lunch 'n Learn will probably be on another current issue from either the Forward, Jerusalem Report or another widely-read publication," he said. A phone call is all it takes for any member of the Jewish community to get lunch...and learn...aH in one hour from Omaha's talented rabbis and educators. For information about any of these lunchtime opportunities, call: Beth El Synagogue, 492-8550; Beth Israel Synagogue, 556-6288; Temple Israel, 556-6356; or the OCTL, 551-1564. "There's always been interest," Rabbi Drazen added. "The biggest problem has been time for most people. The struggle is to find ways to have the study fit in better; that's especially why materials from the Jewish Theological Seminary and United Synagogues (the Conservative movement) are so helpful." As Phyllis Hoffman, a participant of Rabbi Drazen's Lunch 'n Learn, observed, "It's exercise for our minds." Steve Riekes echoed the thoughts of many of Omaha's "regulars" when he added that he's "always interested in Jewish learning."
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Where are* they now?
Omahans, who moved away in 1996. In case you don't know where they moved, let me just say that after years of being snowbirds and spending winters in Scottsdale, they bit the bullet and made the permanent move several years ago. Velma says, with an exclamation point for emphasis, "We retired from snow, ice and tornados!" If you know Velma, you understand she was somewhat He BIBO served aB Prosecuting serious, since the Attorney for Pottawattami ^County, severe winters/were before opening his own private practice becoming a problem for in 1960. Kenny's health. If those aren't enough hints, here are Scottsdale, AZ, is more. He has always been active in his where they have r e synagogue, serving as President of B'nai established themselves Israel in C.B. Some years later, after and are comfortably moving to Omaha in 1972, he also served settled in their own as President of Beth El Synagogue. lovely home. They Need more prompting? Ok, he's a thoroughly enjoy pickgolfer and, in his free moments, loved ing their own lemons to play at the Highland, where he and "and oranges and his wife (who also played) enjoyed both proudly proclaimed the Kcnnv the course and the social interaction in Velma Sacks the dining room. Both could be described as warm, presence of (I think) BLX grapefruit this past season. It's absolutely fair to say they love the natural friendly, gregarious people. Are you getting warm? How about trying to I.D. the beauty of the desert and the mountains and have lady? You'd know her in a minute if you were ever become real southwesterners. active in anything to do with speech therapy for chilNo, they don't wear cowboy hats and boots, but dren. Early in her career, before her two daughters they fit very well in their chosen environment. were born, she was involved with Operation Head. They keep busy, which doesn't seem hard to do for Start, with the Omaha Opportunity Center as a either of them. Velma is a weekly volunteer at the speech therapist for uneducable children, with the library and in the Mayo Clinic Gift Shop. Ken mans Martin Therapy Center and the Iowa School For the the Information Desk once a week at Mayo also. Deaf. Kenny enjoys his golf and Velma hopes to return to She was affiliated with Hadassah, The National the game one of these days too; she is (at this writing) Council of Jewish Women and the AAU.W. I guess recovering from knee replacement surgery in both it's only fair to also mention she was born in Chicago. knees and looks forward to pain free activity soon. They are contented in their retirement, enjoying Give up? Or did you already figure out we're talking about Velma and Kenny Sacks, former a social life with a large circle of friends, including
Library association announces manuscript competition Judaism and reveal positive aspects, of Jewish life. For entry forms and rules, please contact: Paula Sandfelder, coordinator, 1327 . Wyntercreek Lane, Dunwoody, GA 30338. A stamped, self-addressed #10 envelope must be included. For additional information, e-mail: m-psand@mindspring.com
countless former Omahans. They don't miss our weather extremes but they do miss "many, many wonderful friends, all of whom were very difficult to leave behind." They remain in close contact with lots of those friends and can, in fact, "punch up" the World-Herald on the computer and find out what's going on in the old home town. That same computer can be given credit for filling some of Kenny's time. He thoroughly enjoys the ease with which he can exchange a little news with a friend, or play one of the computer games his electronic buddy offers. This, plus lunch and a good kibbutz with "one of the guys" helps fill the time of a man who would otherwise miss the accustomed stimulation of a successful law practice. Velma, too, is developing a friendly attitude toward the computer, especially the games. She has lately discovered the pleasures to be found in exchangSacks ing e-mail and finds it a good amusement while her knees are healing. They feel fortunate to have one of their two daughters close by, since Karen also lives in Scottsdale, where she is a teacher. Susan (Gelb), her husband, Steve, and children, Jeff and Abby, are not quite so close, making their home in Leawood, KS, but they manage to get together with each other frequently. , This, then, gives yet another answer to the question, "Where are they now?" They're in Scottsdale, of course. If you want to contact them, e-mail addressed to Ksacks 3131@aol.com will find them. Snail mail goes to 11758 E. Terra Drive. Go ahead....write them. I know they'll be really glad to hear from you. •.'...
Freund to speak at annual Brooks lecture The University of Nebraska at Omaha will celebrate 25 years of Judaic studies with the annual Rabbi Sidney H. Brooks Lecture on Thursday, Nov. 11,7 p.m., at the Thompson Alumni Center. Rabbi Brooks began the tradition of Jewish studies at UNO and, in 1995, the Department of Philosophy and Religion acknowledged his contribu-
tion by instituting the annual lecture. This year's speaker is Dr. Richard Freund, Director of the Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Hartford. He will speak about last summer's trip to southern Israel to conduct an arc'ieological probe of'the Cave of Letters and plans for the July, 2O0O, follow-up trip for additional excavations.
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Page 9
by Bert Lewis
Ok, we're going to take a quiz, so get your pencils ready to answer as many questions as you can. As soon as you can identify the couple, yell. He is an attorney, retired now, who practiced for 39 years in Council Bluffs. Early in his career, he managed to capture many "firsts"—he was the first Democrat to be elected County Attorney, the first Jew, and the youngest ever to win the seat at age 27.
The association of Jewish Libraries announces the 15th annual Sydney Taylor Manuscript Competition for aspiring authors of children's books. A cash award of $1,000 will be given for the best fiction manuscript appropriate for readers ages 8-11 , written by an unpublished author. The story should have universal appeal, yet serve to deepen the understanding of
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 22,1999
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Beth Israel hosts annual donor luncheon
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by Helen Schwartz
Beth Israel Sisterhood's annual Donor luncheon will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 9,11:45 a.m., in the synagogue social hall. Featured speaker will be Tom Finley, a native Omahan who joined the Henry Doorly Zoo as a docent in 1992. He has served as a co-ordinator for four years (1995-98) and presently is a member of the Zoo's Board of Directors. In a recent interview, Finley said, "I enjoy doing a lot of outreach programs in schools and speaking engagements to civic, church and community groups. I work at, Safari Park as a guide on bus tours; I also serve as Program Chair and Board Member for Nebraska Wildlife Rehab." When he has time, his interests are photography, travel, sports and Duplicate Bridge. Donor Chair Maggie Gerber said, "Donor is the lifeline in raising funds to support our youth programs, conventions and scholarships, as well as
Bert's Eye View
www.
Jewish omaha.org
DOUBLETREE HOTEU I6III & DODGE STREET DOWNTOWN
by Bert Lewis
The subject today is sports-football, baseball, bas- occurring in various countries in Europe, at least ketball and maybe even soccer, although I know less once annually. I don't mean a few fistfights between about that then the other three. I'm the first to admit disgruntled fans that probably had too much beer, I I'm no maven on any of those, but as I write this, the mean hundreds of people totally out of control; The baseball playoffs are going on and pretty soon kind of thing where people are hurt and hauled off in ambulances-that kind of mob violence. America will be hysterical about the World Series. So maybe we aren't the worst examples of crazy Monday night football is back. . .matter of fact, that returned well before the actual season began. I sports fans, but if we aren't the very worst, we guess it was decided that fall football could begin in must be right up there in the top 10. If you count August if it was called preseason football. Ok, yourself a true fan, you must be thinking "so what if I get a little excited and scream until I'm since it's now October, who cares? Other games can be found easily, by taking the hoarse?" Come to think of it, you're right. So what? remote control and cruising the various channels on It's certainly a good outlet for people who need to TV. I'm certain (although I haven't tried.it) if a per- release everyday tension and stress, isn't it? son woke up at 3 in the morning and turned on teleAll right, if we're happy with that conclusion, it's vision, someplace on some channel, somebody would ok with me. Now, can we talk about the way our be showing two teams, locked in sweaty competition, athletes are dressed when they're out there enterplaying their brains out in the name of sports. taining the multitudes? Actually, I don't mean" all Then there's college sports, and what citizen of athletes, I mean basketball and baseball players. this state can ignore what happens in the stadium . Have you paid attention to the way the professionin Lincoln on a football Saturday? Nobody I know, als are uniformed? What is it with those outfits on that's for sure. I've been present at social events the basketball teams? Who decided that guys who where some rabid fan/guest has concealed a tiny are usually close to seven feet tall need to wear TV in an unobtrusive corner, which in time draws shorts that come down to their knees? Shorts so full as well as so long, they look like skirts flapping males like a magnet draws metal. I've also seen a suspicious wire strung between an around those long, long legs. ear and a pocket, on a person sitting (usually way in To me, they are absolutely ridiculous and make the back) reverently through a Yom Kippur service. the guys look silly. Oh yes, I really have. Who could make that up? Then there's the new look in recent years to the Of course, depending on exactly when high holi- baseball uniforms—those snug-fitting pants we days fall, often the World Series and the Days of women know are "stretch" materiel. On a slender Awe what? Shall we say "conflict"? fella, I guess they're ok, but let's face it, all of those If the fan follows every move of the favored team, players aren't exactly put together like male models. woe to the member of his (and ifs always a male) Some of them look terrible in that too-tight look. family who schedules a wedding or a bar mitzvah or Well, I guess that's probably enough sports (and some other major event, on a big game day. When sports fan) bashing for one column. I really don't something like that occurs, it's a cinch somebody will care what they wear, but I should think somebody have some way of keeping track of the score! could do a better job of making these guys look like This is where I was ready to say "yes, we the millionaires many of them become. I mean, Americans are really nuts when it comes to sports," geez, with all those big bucks the professionals but when I think about it, that's not exactly a fair earn, they ought to look a little more dignified. statement. It seems to me we read about mob vio- But thafs something we can discuss another time. lence in a soccer stadium (yeah, yeah, that's right) Right?
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hosting the weekly Shabbot Kiddush and maintaining the Synagogue kitchen with supplies, repairs and new equipment when needed." The following members assisted in both planning and preparation for this event. Bernice Cohen and Sheila Thomps, luncheon; Ida Banner, Vera Bernstein, Eve Boguchwal, Shirley Goodman, Ida Halperin, Eve Heisler, Ilene Pachman and Doris Parker, buffet hostesses; Sheila Thomps, Mistress of Ceremonies; Beverly Franklin, Shirley Goodman, Vera Lewis and Georgia Ann Steinberg, at the door, Bette Kozlen, decorations; Tibe Staler, guest book; Mary Grossman, program book; Charlotte Kaplan, reservations, seating, and selling Hanukkah candles; Mary Grossman and Helen Schwartz, publicity; and Maggie Gerber, invitations. Please mail reservations by Wednesday, Nov. 3, to: Charlotte Kaplan, 5431 Lafayette Ave., Omaha, NE 68104.
Look around you and you'll see someone whose life has been affected by a United Way of the Midlands or CHAD program. In big and small ways, United Way of the Midlands/CHAD programs and agencies are working in our community to make people's lives better.
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October 22,1999
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
From Yale football player to Israeli medical star: Technion scientist leads breakthrough in battle against heart disease, diabetes and cancer
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by Martha Molnar
During Andrew Levy's senior year at Yale, five fellow members of Yale's championship team got NFL offers, but for him it was the end of his football career. Still, he had more than memories to fall back on: a stellar academic record, a keen interest in medicine and a devoted, close-knit family. Two decades later, Dr. Levy is an observant Jew and a new oleh (immigrant) with a long resume packed with accomplishments a t some of the world's leading medical institutions. As a young researcher at John Hopkins, he was on the team that discovered the vital growth factor VEGP. And this month, as a senior lecturer at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, his latest breakthrough - a blood test that predicts patients' ability to grow new blood vessels — has been the subject of keen media attention here and in Israel. The path from football star to medical star began simply as an extension of his natural curiosity, but has altered his and his family's life profoundly. "I met my wife, Nina, when I was a student in the MD/PhD program at John Hopkins in Baltimore, and we started attending an adult education program called Etz Chaim (the tree of life)," Dr. Levy, now 38, recalled. "The leader was a dynamic rabbi named'Shlomo Porter. We studied and talked a great deal, and little by little Judaism started to become important in our lives." So important, in time, that the Levys became increasingly more observant religiously and more Zionist in outlook, and eventually decided "it was
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 22,1999
Blending the real world with Torah life focus of Shabbat talks at Beth Israel
Beth El parents and teens discuss Judaism's role in decision making
Historic JTS tower undergoing major rehab
by Janet Kohll
by Ozzie Nogg
Mixing a life of Torah with the secular world can be a challenge for many Jews. How to meet that challenge will be the focus of a Shabbat event Nov. 5-6 at Beth Israel Synagogue. The weekend will be hosted by Rabbi Motty Katz of Project Share of the Jewish Education Program (JEP) of Boro Park, NY. Three lay couples as well as two leaders for teenagers and children will accompany Rabbi Katz. "We're giving to the community of Omaha," Rabbi Katz said of Project Share. "These are people who sincerely believe in Jewish education. These volunteers are paying their own way to develop a relationship with another community." The JEP couples are Yeshiva educated and religiously involved in addition to having secular careers. Topics as far reaching as anti-Semitism and as close to home as Jewish survival in Omaha will also be discussed. A dinner will be held Friday, Nov. 5, 6 p.m., with the program to follow. On Saturday, Nov. 6, Shabbat services will be followed with a noon luncheon. Chairmen for the weekend are Bette and Jack Kozlen and Sally and Leon Wintroub. Cost for the dinner is $10 for adults, $6.50 for children ages 6-12. Cost for the lunch is $7 for adults, $3.50 for children 6-12. A special offer for both events is $16 for adults; $9 for children 6-12. There is no charge for children under 6. For reservations, call the Beth Israel office at 556-6288.
Beth El teens and their parents will examine the role Judaism plays in helping us make everyday decisions, during three weekly sessions of Making
NEW YORK, NY, "and the bush was not consumed; . ." The institution's logo depicting Moses' burning bush is inscribed in the stone portals of the Jewish Theological Seminary at Broadway and 122nd Street. The familiar and welcoming tower that forms the front facade of the campus in New Yorks Morningside Heights district was left devastated by a fire in 1966. Thanks to the generosity of Omaha's Rabbi Myer S. Kripke and his wife, Dorothy, the historic tower that once housed the school's library stacks will again become viable ,« space, catering to f* the needs of students and faculty well into the next century. The Kripke's multi-million dollar gift came in 1997, some 60 years after the Omaha octogenarians met and married at JTS, beneath the very tower now named in their honor-the Rabbi Myer S. and Dorothy K. Kripke Tower. Soon after the dramatic announcement of this unprecedented gift, an assessment was made of the space. The architect's task was to create new classrooms and faculty space and to unify the structure with other buildings on campus while not intruding on the central courtyard. All work had to be accomplished while keeping JTS in full swing and accessible through .the main entrance, which is at the base of the tower.
Healthy Choices for Life, a unique program designed by Planned Parenthood to help' seventh and eighth grade students and their parents deal with tough issues. Making Healthy Choices for Life will meet at Beth El Synagogue on three successive Tuesdays-. Oct. 26, Nov. 2 and Nov. 9. The program is sponsored by Beth El, its Talmud Torah and Youth Department and will be led by the educational staff of Planned Parenthood of Omaha-Council Bluffs, Rabbi Paul Drazen and Hazzan G. Michael Horwitz. The discussions explore peer pressure, the need to fit in, dating and establishing respectful relationships, plus parenting issues and ways to make choices consistent with Jewish values. Planned Parenthood has successfully conducted this course in other local congregations. While Omaha's public schools offer human growth and development instruction, Making Healthy Choices offers what schools cannot. Namely, parental involvement, Jewish values and moral guidance. The program encourages communication between parent and child and offers teens a message that helps them grow into healthy individuals and strong members of the Jewish community. Each of the three Making Healthy Choices for Life sessions begins with a 6 p.m. dinner in the Beth El Social Hall. The entire program is offered free of charge through a generous grant from the Lazier L. Singer Memorial Fund.
CORRECTION In last week's issue of tfie Jewish Press; under The eight-week series will be held on Tuesdays, 'Lincoln Center,'the dates for the "Introduction to 7:30-9 p.m., from Oct. 26-Dec. 21. Judaism" course at B'nai Jeshurun (South Street To register, or for more information, call 474Temple) were submitted incorrectly. 8004.
by Goldine Elsmann
FAMILY
"One of the most important things that I learned on the mission was that in order for me to understand where our money goes, I had to go to the former Soviet Union. I've been to Israel many times, but I've never seen the immediate result of where our money goes until this trip."
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