WE HIST SOCIETY 1500
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LINCOLN WE 6S503-1651 SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA FOR NEARLY 80 YEARS Vol. LXXK
No. 26
Omaha, NE
26Adar,5760
March 3,2000
Elections 2000 features NCJW Washington Director
Congressman Terry visits Israel
by Carol Katzman
by Carol Katzman
Any difference the National Council of Jewish Women has made on an issue has been the result of the organization's grass-roots efforts, said Sammie Moshenberg, Director of NCJWs Washington office. No doubt, NCJW's State Public
Sammie Moshenberg
Affairs network of volunteers gets that credit, but Moshenberg underestimates her influence. As Director of the Washington office for the past 13 years, her passionate speeches on issues such as child care, reproductive rights, support for Israel and separation of religion and state, has swayed more than a few volunteers and policy makers, hi fact,'she has been recognized by her colleagues with the YWCA Racial Justice Award and by serving as the first co-chair of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights' Women's Caucus. Moshenberg will be in Omaha next •week to brief members of NCJW, prior to going to- Lincoln For NCJW Lobby Day, and to speak at a community forum, Elections 2000, Wednesday, March 8, 7:30 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center auditorium. In a recent interview, she spoke about the power of volunteerism and advocacy. "Those of us in the Beltway only have as much influence as the power of our advocacy from volunteers in David Gilinsky, left, accompanied Lee Terry, Nebraska's Second places like Omaha," she noted. "We District Congressman, to Israel last week on a trip organized by (Continued on page 15) AIPAC's American Israel Education Foundation. Story on page 15.
Beth Elpresents Ofer Ben-Amots by Ozzie Nogg
First there was Jubal, mentioned in the Book of Genesis as "the father of all who handle the flute and strings." Then there was Miriam with her tambourine, King David with his harp, plus all the psalms that encourage us to praise God with the sound of cymbals, timbrels, drums, lutes and lyres. Later, there were plaintive Yiddish shtetl songs arid, more-recently, the revival of klezmer and Ladino-Sephardic musical traditions. With even these few examples, it's clear that Jews have a long history of expressing their feelings through'music. With this in mind, contemporary composer I D n . Ofer BenAmots will have both ancient and modern sources ~to draw-on when he explores the role of music in I Jewish history | and religious observance during the Dr. Leon Fellman Scholarin-Residence weekend, March 11-12, at Beth El Synagogue. Born in Haifa, Dr. .Ofer Ben Amots Ben-Amots gave his first piano concert at age nine, and at 16 was awarded First Prize in the Chet Piano Competition.. After further study in Israel, Switzerland, Germany and the United States, he received his PhD in music composition from the University of Pennsylvania. A popular lecturer and teacher, Dr. Ben-Amots is currently on the faculty of Colorado College where he 'holds the distinguished MacArthur Chair in music 'composition and theory^ . (Continued on page 2)
Jewish religious community to be "liquidated" by Nickolai Butkevich Research and Advocacy Director Union of Councils for Soviet Jews
One day before the start of the presidential campaign in Russia, a district court in Voronezh began to review a petition by the local Department of Justice to ban 13 minority religious communities. It includes the Overo Jewish community, one that the Voronezh authorities have targeted for "liquidation." Members of the Overo Jewish community now face the possibility of losing the right to meet in public, open a bank account, and teach Judaism. Under the terms of the 1997 Russian religion law, all religious communities in Russia had until December, 1999, to register. Both because of bureaucratic delays and a campaign of persecution against minority faiths since the law was passed, several thousand religious communities failed to meet the deadline and faced possible "liquidation." However, on Feb 18, the State Duma (the Russian Parliament) extended the re-registration deadline to January, 2001. " Judaism is defined in the Preamble to the religion law as one of four "traditional" Russian religions, a fact that has led many observers to incorrectly assert that the law does not apply to Jews. However, the Preamble has no legal significance, and thus leaves Jewish religious communities vulnerable to "liquidation" under the law. In a similar incident, authorities in Bryansk refused to register a Reform synagogue from 1997 until late 1999. "The Voronezh authorities' defiance of federal law, as set forth in the Duma's Feb. 18 decision, is yet another example of the corrosive effect that the Russian provinces' near independence from the cents- has had on religious liberty in the country," declared Yosef I. Abramowitz, President of the Union of Councils for Soviet Jews (UCSJ). . "The two-year long witch hunt against mostly Christian minority religibuB. communities has now extended to Jews for the second time since the reli(Continued on page 6)
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Upcoming events... Rabbi David Ellenson serves as Scholar-inResidence at Temple Israel starting with services tonight; see page 2 for complete schedule. The Jewish Cultural Arts Council presents Gershwin: Remembrance and Discovery, a concert with pianist Richard Glazier, Saturday, March 4, 7:30 p.m., in the JCC Theater. Rabbi Aaron Panken will speak on values to teens and their parents in a community event at Temple Israel, Wednesday, March 8,6:30 p.m. Sammie Moshenberg, NCJW's Director of Washington Operations, will discuss Elections 2000, Wednesday, March 8, 7:30 p.m., at the JCC.
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Pulverente
INAL
Israel Experience Prep Class, 1:30 p.m. Visions Matinee of "The EnchantedCottage," 2 p.m., at Omaha Community Playhouse MONDAY, MARCH 0 YES Program, 9:30 a.m. TUESDAY, MARCH 7 Sisterhood Board Meeting, 10 a.m., at Beth Israel BBYO Night, 6 p.m. JCC Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. NCJW Advocacy Training with NCJW Washington Office Director Sammie Moshenberg, 7:30 p.m., atYoYoGrille . WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8 NCJW Lobby Day, in Lincoln Temple Israel JYG Dinner, 6 p.m., at Temple Israel Temple Israel Panken Workshop, Grades 7-12 and parents, 6:30 p.m., at Temple Israel NCJW speaker Sammie Moshenberg, Director of Washington Operations, Elections 2000,7:30 p.m. Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El THURSDAY, MARCH 9 Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel Beth El USY Night, 6:30 p.m., at Beth El All events held at the JCC unless otherwise Indicated. The Jewish Press Is not responsible (or the accuracy o l the events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call UarleneHert at 334-6437.
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Rabbi David Ellenson is Scholar-in-Residence at Temple Israel Rabbi David Ellenson is the I.H. and Anna Grancell Professor of Jewish Religious Thought at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles. His topic for the weekend is "Jewish History: the Crucial Moments That Have Shaped Our People." Friday, March 3, 8 p.m., in the Sanctuary: "Exile and Return in Jewish History: The Recurring Pattern." Dialogue following services. Saturday, March 4, 9:30 am., in the Milder Center, Bagels and Bible Torah,Study; Shabbat Morning .Service, 10:30 a.m., in the Sanctuary: "The Destruction of the Temples and Our People's Responses;" Havdalah fruit and cheese reception, 4:30 p.m., in the Milder Center: "The Shoah and the Rise of the State of Israel." Sunday, March 6, 10 a.m., in Hie Friedman Social Hall, a Bagel Brunch: "Judaism and Freedom—Emancipation, and the American Experience." , This program is made possible through the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning. All events are open to the community at no charge.
BRUCE H.ABRAHAMSON Graveside services for Bruce Abrahamson were held March 1 a t Evergreen Memorial Park. He died at" the age of 49. . He was a soccer coach for 14 years and an NSAA referee for 20 years. He also was the Olympic Development Program Coach. Survivors include his wife, Gaylene; son, Kristopher; daughter, Danielle (Deenie), all of Omaha; mother and father, Harold and Helen Abrahamson; brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Linda Abrahamson; sister and brother-in-law, Ellene and Stan Edelstein; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Chuck and Donna Steffen; brotherin-law and sister-in-law, Scott and Deb Steffen; and nieces and nephews. Memorials to Bruce Abrahamson Memorial Scholarship Soccer Fund, c/o Norwest Bank. TEL-LJE C . PLOTKIN
Tillie Plotkin died Monday, Feb. 28, at the age of 94. Burial was March 1 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Survivors include her children, Alan and Elaine Brown, Rita and Ralph Biniamow, David and Georgia Plotkin, and Willard Plotkin; and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. MARTINWEINER Former Omahan Martin Weiner died Feb. 27 at the age of 78. Services were held March 1 with burial at Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain, MI. He was preceded in death by his wife,.Bette. He is survived by his children, David and Yukiko of Kingsford, MI; Michael and Michelle Fingert of Camarilla, CA; Beth and David Provencher of BreitungTWP; sisters, Esther Levy of,Bend, OR, and Lillian Barron of Las Vegas; grandchildren, Josh and Jesse Provencher, and Megan and Josh Fingert. Memorials to the American Cancer Society.
Beth El presents (continued from page 1) His operas, choral works and instrumental pieces are performed regularly in concert halls and festivals around the world, and his highly personal musical language, which weaves folk elements together with contemporary textures, has long: been recognized. In 1991, Ben-Amots was the recipient of the Kobe International Competition for Flute in Japan. He won the 1994 Vienna International Competition for Composers and, in 1999, he received the. Aaron Copland Award and a Music Composition Artist Fellowship from the Colorado Council on the Arts. Ben-Amots is a member of both the Advisory Board and the Editorial Board of the Milken Foundation American-Jewish Music Archive and is a Jerusalem Fellow of the Center for Jewish Culture and Creativity for which he has served as Artistic Director for North America since 1997. The weekend's musical schedule begins after Shabbat morning services and lunch on Saturday, March 11, when Dr. Ben-Amots will present a Torah study session on "Music in Biblical and Talmudic Times." On Saturday evening,.following havdalah, he will perform "The Key to the Gates of Heayen"-a look inside the meanings to be found in wordless Hassidic nigguns. • • The weekend ends on Sunday, March 12, at a 10 a.m. breakfast, during which Dr. Ben-Amots will discuss his "Yiddish Shteti Songs for Voice and Piano" and perform selections from "Shivat Zion"the music of Israel from the time of the Zionist movement to the establishment of the State. The Dr. Leon Fellman Scholar-in-Residence Weekend, including the Shabbat lunch, is open to the community at no charge.
March 3,2000
SYNAGOGUES
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702.1 Caw Btrett, Omaha, NL 08 J .'2-2031 55G-653G biUDAY: lot bhaboat, 7 pan. families oi toddlers through children in the primary grades can enjoy a short service of song and prayer with Rabbi Debbie Stiel and Patty Nogg. The service is followed by cookies and juice. Shabbat evening service, 8 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Cantor Jennifer Blum will officiate. Scholar-in-Residence Dr. David EUenson will speak on "Exile and Return in Jewish History: the Recurring Pattern." A dialogue with Dr. EUenson will follow. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by the Women of Reform Judaism-Omaha. SATURDAY: Bagels and Bible, 9:30-10:15 aan.; Shabbat morning service, 10:30 a.m. For a complete schedule of Rabbi Ellenson's visit to Omaha, see page 2. SITTER SERVICE Sitter Service is available each Friday evening, Saturday mornings for Bagels and Bible and the worship service, as well as Sunday mornings when there is Religious School. Cost is $2 per family. Please make a reservation at the Temple office. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, M a r c h 5: Jewish History, 10:1511:45 a.m. Rabbi Ira Flax will teach about the interconnection between Jewish history and our religion and culture; WEDNESDAY, M a r c h 8: Midrasha and Sisterhood Adult Education with Rabbi Aaron Panken, 10 -11:30 aan. Rabbi Panken will speak to t e e n s and their parents, 6:30-8:30 p.m., on "Ancient Traditions-Modern life Experiences: the Teaching of Jewish Values." SERVICE OF HEALING AND RENEWAL Tuesday, March 7, 7 pan. This service provides a special structured time and place for prayer, reflection, meditation and communal connection for • those looking for spiritual renewal and those who are coping with illness, grief or loss. The event is open to the community and is every other month.
)SE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m, led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet. Members of the community are welcome. All services followed by Kiddush. A memorial service is held on the last Shabbat of each month, in memory of residents who have died.
'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 118 % n s t e r St., Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 Phono: 822-4705 E-MAIL: docjeb@aol.com FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. An Oneg Shabbat, prepared by Peggy Deland and Sandra Kurland, follows.
QONGREG.ATION B^AUESHtJRAN
Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. FRIDAY: Sabbath Eve service, 7:45 pan. SATURDAY: Torah study, 10 aan. SUNDAY: Hebrew classes, 9 a.m.; Religious School, 10 aan. , "NEW BEGINNINGS" New Beginnings is a discussion group for those who are exploring whether conversion to Judaism is right for them. Your Jewish or non-Jewish partner is also encouraged to participate. Participants will meet alternate Tuesday n i g h t s (March 7 and 21, at 7:30 p.m. The group is facilitated by Audrie Berman, Outreach Project Director. For more information, call her at 474-8004. •*>
1602 No. B3ad Hlrort, Ojnaha, NE 08104-!>0i:j . .. 8504288 ntsthlsracK*bovia nt 1 Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-noon. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FRIDAY: Services, 6:05 p.m. at Beth Israel; West Minyan a t the home of Rick and Julee Katzman, 12717 Capitol Plz., 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbos services, 8:45 a.m. Rosh Chodesh lunch follows services; "Insights into the Parsha," 5:25 p.m.; Mincha, 5:55 p.m.; Havdallah, 7 p jn. SUNDAY: Services, 9 aan. and 6:05 pjn.; WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. and 6:05 p.m. TUESDAY: Sisterhood board meeting, 10 a.m. Megillat Esther is taught by Rabbi Shlomo I*evin, . 7 pan. WEDNESDAY: Talmud class on Tractate Bava Metzia with Rabbi Kutner, 7:30 p.m. Talmud class encourages group participation, and beginners are welcome. Make reservations for the March 24-25 Cantorin-Residence weekend. Babysitting will be available; call the synagogue office for more information and to make your reservation.
,',/TIFERETHISRAEL/ ' . " •* jMertiber of the United, Synagogue • *i " • - ^of Conservative Judaism' , 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 '<? > 423-8569 " Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday and Thursday, 7 : 1 5 a . m :
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; ' WEB~Www.bethel-omaha.prg Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and Cantors Emil Berkovits and G. Michael Horwitz. FRDDAY: Services, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. Kiddush following services; Members of Kadimah will participate in services; D'var Torah will be given by Joanna Kay; Sitter service, 10 aan.; TSS, 10 aan.; ICtantan, 10:45 a.m.; Shabbat Story time, 11 aaru, Humash with Rashi study session, 5:35 p.m.; Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 6:05 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; Talmud Torah students in third grade will be honored at a consecreation ceremony, 10 a.m., followed by a reception: Perek Yomi "Read a Chapter a Day" group meets at 10:15 aan. USY Talent Show, featuring Beth El's youth from ages 5 to 50, 6 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults; $5 for students; no charge for children under age 3. WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. SATURDAY, March 11, & Sunday, March 12: Dr. Leon Fellman Scholar-in-Residence weekend. : • > .
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3012 S. 119th Sfc, P.O. Box 241130, ,'< . Omaha, NE 68124-5130 phone: 758-9233 http://come.to/beytshalom/; FRIDAY: Shabbat in the home. SUNDAY and TUESDAY: Religious School at theJCC. Rabbi Myer Kripke conducts our adult education class on Sunday, 12:30 p.m., at the JCC. Open to the community at no charge. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch and drink. FRIDAY, March 10: Tot Shabbat SATURDAY, March 11: Morning services at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. MONDAY, March 20: We will celebrate Purim with residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.
FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Special Havdalah service, 7 p.m.-following services, Rabbi Rosenbaum will present the $6,000 "Jewish Response to Hunger" check to the Lincoln Interfaith Council. Entertainment by Benjamin Kushner; refreshments will be served. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS: Jewish Thought and Philosophy /Rabbinics with Rabbi Rosenbaum, 10-10:55 a.m.; Jewish Practices and Observances: TanachlBible and Pirke Yomi (a Daily Chapter) with Rabbi Rosenbaum, 11:05noon; Conducting a Passover Seder by Nancy Coren. Max McCann and Jamie Tully will celebrate WEDNESDAYS: Basic Judaism with Rabbi Rosenbaum, 7:15-9:15 p.m. their B'nai Mitzvah o n i " " 0 ' " Saturday, March 11, at' Temple Israel. Max, son of Julie Tully and John McCann, is a1 sixth grader at Columbian Elementary School. Services conducted by Rabbi Ira Flax. He enjoys tennis, baseOffice hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 ball, soccer and his com- J / ^ p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. puter. He has a s i s t e r , / ~* Madeline, and a brother, Chas. Grandparents are Allen and Betsy Tully and the late George and Margaret McCann. -'- ~" 1 Jamie, the daughter of Cinda and David Tully, is a seventh grader at Kiewit Middle School. She is on the honor roll and enjoys swimming and diving and spending Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. time with her friends. FRIDAY: Mincha, 4:30 pan.; Kabbalat Shabbat, She has a brother, 5:15 pan.; Kiddush, 6 p.m. Trevor. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha, For their Mitzvah pro4:30 p.m., followed by Shalosh Seudah; Ma'ariv/ ject, the cousins helped Havdallah, 5:30 pan. organize the library at SUNDAY: Services, 8^0 a.m. femple Israel. ' ' : MONDAY: Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul, ' Grandparents are Allen and Betsy Tully and Elmer 11:45 aan.-l pan. and Ruby Schulta. ,. TUESDAY: A Tale of Two Souls, 9-.30-11 aan. Great-grandparents are the late T A . and Molly WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 71 Tully.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 3,2000
Ad scams Every so often, an advertiser calls us to let us know someone's soliciting businesses for a newspaper claiming total coverage in the Jewish community in Nebraska. Usually, it's after the advertiser has committed to a small one-timeonly ad for a rather large price. We regretfully have to inform the advertiser that the only, and we do mean only, Jewish media of any kind mailed to every Jewish household in the greater Omaha/Council Bluffs area and to most Jewish households in Lincoln is our Jewish Press. Unfortunately, there still are unscrupulous' people who lie in order to sell ad space. Here are some tell-tale signs that should raise an eyebrow: 1) Claims of universal coverage: Only the Jewish Press can claim universal, coverage of Jewish households in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa; all other Jewish publications are either by subscription or membership only. 2) Lack of bylines or attribution
to news sources: The J e w i s h Press always states where an article or editorial originated by either using the author's name and title or by starting the article with "JTA," "IMRA" or "MEMEI." 3) Inability to return calls or e* mails to the purported salesperson: The Jewish Press has published phone and fax numbers and an email address on page 4 of every issue; leave a message on our voice mail and we'll return your calls promptly. 4) High prices: The J e w i s h Press gives discounts for multiple ads (6 or 13-ad rate's) and bulk rate (over a minimum number of column inches); our prices are low even for one-time-only ads (only $10 a column inch or $40 for a business-card sized ad). The advertiser who alerted us was charged a whopping $350 for an ad for which we would only charge $120! The old caveat, buyers beware, still holds true. If you think you've been approached by an "ad scam artist," call us at 334-6448 today!
Keter Binyamin by Teddy Weinberger
When I happened to step into the Keter Binyamin ("Crown of Benjamin") synagogue a few months ago for a Friday night service, I was thrilled with what I saw. Some congregants were dressed in suits, while others wore sport shirts and slacks, and still others wore Tshirts, jeans, and sneakers. There were a few ultraorthodox-looking men in hats and beards, as well as younger men in pony tails and oversized yarmulkas (the kind that are used solely for ritual purposes). I was surprised to find several Givat Ze'ev "personalities" in attendance, people whom I had thought to be secular: the owner of Sky (the big St. Bernard my kids love), and the husband of Tzippy, the librarian in Givat Ze'ev. With tension between various religious factions and between the religious and the secular a matter of great concern in Israel, it seemed that I had stumbled upon a small oasis of religious tolerance. One of the reasons for the eclectic crowd at Keter Binyamin is due to the fact that most of the people (and the melodies and text of the liturgy) are Sephardic. Sephardim in Israel often identify themselves as masortf (traditional). Though the Conservative Movement in Israel is known as the "Masorti" movement, the popular use of the term usually refers to those Sephardim who practice Judaism but who have a flexible approach to Jewish law. This concept of being "masorti" allows a person to attend Friday night services, eat a Shabbat meal, and then catch a movie downtown with some friends. One is made to feel that one's right to a
place in synagogue is not predicated upon a certain religious code of behavior outside the synagogue. v To be sure, all this is not stated publicly. Indeed, anyone listening to the young, dynamic, Sephardic rabbi during his Friday night sermons would imagine that the congregation being addressed is strictly Orthodox-he gives no indication as to the different kinds of Sabbath experiences that lie ahead for his congregants. It seems that what is demanded of a congregant at Keter Binyamin is not Orthodox practice but rather implied consent, to the notion that Orthodox practice is the ideal. If the differences in dress and appearance among the congregants at Keter Binyamin first caught my attention, the service itself has drawn me back there week after week. One of the complaints I have about my regular (Ashkenazi Orthodox) synagogue is the dearth of congregational singing. If it were up to me I would greatly increase the opportunities for singing even if this meant shortening the liturgy (in order not to extend the length of the service-always a/major concern of congregants). Keter Binyamin's Kabbalat Shabbat ("Sabbath Welcoming") service does precisely this: the first half of the traditional service (Psalms 95-99~usually prayed without any congregational singing) is omitted, but every word of the second half is Bung by the entire congregation (and I should mention here that not only do those pony-tailed young men know their prayers, but they know a good bit of them by heart).
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Because of this singing, and because the same melodies are used week after week, there is no need for a hazzan (cantor) for this part of the service. A hazzan begins to lead the congregation only for the next portion of the liturgy: the evening service. ' Usually, if s a teenager who has a talent for milking the twangy Sephardic melodic lines for all they are worth (interestingly, I was recently reminded of these Sephardic melodies when I attended a concert of Muslim religious music in Jerusalem). A few other features impress me at Keter Binyamin; at the end of the service, a number of men go up to the Ark and quietly say some personal prayers, kissing the Ark's curtain before departing. After you shake someone's hand in a "Shabbat Shalom" greeting, the Sephardic custom is for each of you to kiss your own fingers. Upon exiting the synagogue, you pass a young boy who holds a big bunch of fragrant, fresh spices, and you are supposed to say the blessing over the spices and rub your fingers with the fragrant leaves-physically taking along with you a little bit of your synagogue experience. The only problem I have with Keter Binyamin is that I feel like an outsider there. I believe that I am the only "Anglo" in attendance, and though I have gone every Friday night for the last six months, I have yet to make a new acquaintance there. I don't expect this situation to improve much, but I have decided that it's a price I'm willing to pay for an enjoyable Friday night service. I can always feel at home Saturday morning among the Ashkanzim.
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JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Fred Tichauer, Vice-Chairman; Joanie Jacobson, Secretary, Howard Silber, Treasurer; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Gary KudymjStevo 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.
March 3,2000
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Page 5
Unorthodox doings at the CIA Focus on Issues by Rabbi Avi Shafran Though there are still occasional obnoxious eruptions, most often in the Arab world's press, overt antiSemitism is blessedly rare in our day. Certainly the well-poisoning, hostdesecration and blood-baked matza fantasies have pretty much been banished to the cesspool of mental-waste where they belong. And even the canards about Jews' untrustworfchiness and treasonous nature, once favorites of Nazi propagandists, are for the most part no longer embraced. Except, it seems, at the CIA, where, at least according to an identity-disguised but ostensibly "top-level" Central Intelligence Agency official featured on a recent 60 Minutes segment, religious Jews employed by the agency are automatically suspect of spying for Israel. Several such individuals, he maintained, have been or are currently being investigated, though he characterized the evidence against them as "very, very flimsy." Whether one of them is Adam Ciralsky, an Orthodox Jew from
Milwaukee, who was a highly-rated lawyer for the CIA before his termination in 1999, is not known. But Ciralsky maintains that his firing was indeed motivated by the agency's conclusion that Orthodox Jews are regarded as an inherent security risk by the agency. The tone of a memo written by a senior agency official about Ciralsky certainly seems to raise the possibility that something beyond level-headed analysis has entered the agency's personnel-evaluation process of late. "Prom my experience with rich Jewish friends from college," the senior official wrote, "I would fully expect Adam's wealthy daddy to support Israeli political/social causes." CIA records, moreover, describe Mr. Ciralsky as a "rich Jewish" employee and refers to him and other "hardline" Jews at the CIA who "think in terms of'us'versus 'them'," references that, along with other agency comments, were later acknowledged by Director of Central Intelligence
What the Arabs tell their own people byCarlAlpert
Haifa-Politicians and spokesmen for various Arab states often impress foreign observers and journalists with the moderation which marks their comments. To judge by their views as reported in the 'Western press, all the Islamic world seeks is peace and quiet One gathers that it is the Israelis who are the war mongers and the inciters of hatred. "''.>' A study of the internal Arab language press, as read by their own constituencies, reveals another picture entirely. Fortunately, an agency set up in 1998 has undertaken the task of scrutinizing the Arab press, translating pertinent material, and publicizing it in the West. This is the Middle East Media and Research Institute (MEMRI), with offices in Washington and Jerusalem. Thanks to the keen eye of MEMRI we get an insight into what is being read behind the Curtain of Sand. (The Jewish Press has carried stories from MEMRI, including the recent article on Holocaust denial in the Syrian press.) Some examples: An editorial in the Palestinian weekly Al-Istiqlal describes the nature of the Jews: "They were made of treachery and deceit and were marked by perfidy and treason.... They were in a constant state of conflict and continuous aggression, driven by the evil rooted in the depths of their souls and their pressing desire to accumulate money in order to satisfy their unrestrained passion toward evil and in order to satiate their inclination to destruction." Jbara Al-Barghuti, in the weekly Al-Usbu' M-Adabi, in Syria, speaks of the Jewish Shylock whom the U.S. forced upon the nations and ensures that Israel's matza will continue to steep in blood, the spilling of which is permitted in the Talmud: ". . .The Talmud's instructions, soaked in hatred and hostility toward mankind How is it possible to talk of peace and friendly relations with a people who are fed on such a fare? Under the heading "The Peace of Zion," Zbeir Sultan writes in the
same Syrian paper that "the peace of the Zionists is merely one form of the war they conduct against Arabs and Muslims.... This kind (of war) wears white gloves (hiding) Satan's claws." However moderate Muslim leaders may sound when speaking to outsiders, their tone is quite different when addressing their own people. The Iranian Ambassador to Damascus, Sheik Al-Islam, told the Londonbased Arab Daily, Al Hayat, that "Israel would cease to exist within fifty years" and that the conflict between the Hebrew state and the Arab countries "would not come to an end with the signing of peace agreements because we want all of Palestine and Jerusalem." A "charming" view of future relations is given by Hassan Al-Batal, former editor of the PLO organ Falastin Al-Thawra, and a columnist for AlAyyam, who pays tribute to the peace camp within Israel, and predicts that when war comes Israeli Arabs as well as much of Israeli media will serve as a fifth column, weakening Israeli military might. An Arab translation of Hitler's Mein Kampf, now being distributed in the Palestinian territories, carries an , introduction reading in part: "Hitler was a man of ideology who bequeathed an ideological heritage whose decay is inconceivable. . .The National Socialism that he preached . . .did not die with the death of its herald..." There is much, much more along these lines that MEMRI is bringing to the attention of the democratic world. Its original analysis and research on developments in the Middle East have been enlightening. A.M. Rosenthai of the New York Times cited it for its valuable work. The Institute enjoys no government support. Its translations and publications are widely distributed to policy makers and opinion molders world wide thanks to generous support from private donors. It deserves increased support of that nature. MEMRI's American office is located at 1815 H St., N.W., Suite 404, Washington, D.C. 20006.
George Tenet to have been "insensitive, unprofessional and highly inappropriate." The evidence of animus toward religious Jews at the CIA is particularly ironic, in view of the religious obligation for Jews to be faithful citizens of their countries. And in the case of the United States, the mandate of religious duty is reinforced by the reality of religious freedom, as American Jews-many of them refugees or children of refugees-are free to practice their faith without any of the hindrances and persecutions that have characterized the Jewish diaspora. It is hardly surprising, therefore, that religious Jews in the United States tend to be profoundly appreciative of, and dedicated to, their country. Our patriotism may not always' be ostentatious but it runs very deep. The harm caused by the CIA's apparent attitude toward Orthodox Jews is incalculable. It not only reflects the classic anti-Semitic canard of "dual loyalty" and stereo-
type of Jew as untrustworthy outsider, it fosters that canard and stereotype. And, when those singled out for suspicion are religious Jewsprecisely that segment of the American Jewish community that is most readily identifiable as Jewish because of distinctive dress, diet and observance—the danger of harmful fallout is compounded further still. Group stereotyping is always offensive. But when it goes beyond juvenile assumptions of negative character traits and the like, and descends into suspicions of treacherous disloyalty, it becomes ugly. And when it is embraced, entirely without evidence, by a government agency, it is downright dangerous, and should be condemned as such by Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs. ' Rabbi Avi Shafran serves as Agudath Israel of America's Director of Public Affairs and as American Director of Am Echad.
JTA News Briefs U.S. Middle East envoy Dennis Ross admitted that he has failed to end a month-long deadlock in IsraeliPalestinian negotiations. "I am going back to Washington to consult with the president," Ross said after a week of shuttling between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat.
Israel decided to release the memoirs Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann wrote prior to his execution in Israel in 1962. The decision followed consultations in the Justice Ministry on whether to make the document available to American scholar Deborah Lipstadt in the defamation suit brought against her by Holocaust revisionist David Irving.
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(Continued from page 1) gion law passed," Abramowitz added. "This terrible action clearly demonstrates that Jews in Russia can never feel secure as long as other unpopular religious and ethnic minorities face persecution." "The Voronezh region is a major stronghold of the neo-Nazi organization Russian National Unity (RNU), whose swastika-wearing thugs openly patrolled city streets with Voronezh police throughout 1997," stated Micah H. Naftalin, UCSJ's National Director. "As is stated in our latest report, Voronezh police continue to collaborate with the RNU on an unofficial basis. "It is no surprise that this almost unprecedented action against a Jewish religious community should take place in a region that is such a hotbed of fascism and anti-Semitism. We call upon acting President Putin and the Voronezh court system to put a stop to the local authorities "lawless and discriminatory behavior."
Engagement NODDLE/LEVINE Nancy and Harlan Noddle announce the engagement of their daughter, Susan, to Marvin Levine, son of the late Sylvia and Leo Levine. The bride-to-be is Vice-president of Development at Noddle Development Co. She attended Tulane University. Grandparents are Harold and the late Lillian Farber and Edith and the late Robert Noddle. Her fiance is a lawyer with the firm of Blackwell, Sanders, Peper, Martin. He did his undergraduate work at LeHigh University and graduated from New York University Law School. A May 6 wedding is planned in Omaha.
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11/2 cups dried brown lentils, rinsed and sorted 7-8 cups water 1 large bunch red Swiss chard, shredded 1/8-1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 3-5 large cloves garlic, minced 1 bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped 1/3 cup lemon juice " Salt & pepper to taste In a large pot, combine lentils and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute onion about 8 minutes, until translucent. Stir in garlic and saute another minute. Add chard to pan and saute until softened, about 10 minutes. Add chard mixture to lentils. Stir in cilantro, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, accompanied by lemon wedged, if desired.
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A recent World-Herald article said shalom to a "Giant Among Jews" in reference to 285-pound 33year-old Bill Goldberg, wrestling superstar. This brought to mind, our Feb. 21 talk group memories of other widely-acclaimed Jewish super athletes. In boxing, we recalled Max Baer, Benny Leonard, Barney Ross, Maxey Rosenblum -and Omaha's own Morrie Schlaifer; in baseball, slugger Hank Greenberg and Sandy Koufax; in football, Sid Luchman. The wrestling "brain trust" wanted to name Goldberg "Mossad" (for the Israel Intelligence Agency). But Goldberg insisted on Goldberg. He won't wrestle on the High Holy Days. He asserts he carries the torch with his faith on his back. Our discussion also incorporated the presidential primary campaigns as selections move into the more populated states. Joe Chereck, Master of the Keyboard, spun many tunes for our pleasure. He is beloved by the residents in the BlumMn Home, for whom he has performed on so many occasions. Mark this date in red—March 20~Big Purim Party. Shalom.
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Wendy and Adam Raffel of Chicago announce the Feb. 14 birth of their son, Benjamin Grant, named for his great-grandfather, the late Ben Sheldon, and his great-grandmother, the late Gertrude Robin. Grandparents are Suzy and Norm Sheldon of Omaha and Shelley and Ron Raffel of Highland Park,IL. Great-grandparents are Miriam Sheldon of Banning, CA, and Mickey Raffel of Northbrook, IL. Vv V ,
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Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday in the auditorium of the JCC. Exercise with Michelle Streif at 10:15 a.m. in the auditorium. Try your luck at bingo with Eileen Reiner at 10:30 ajn. Bring articles to share for "YES Talk,"_ led by Art Grossman at 11 ajn. Following lunch at noon, join us for the Millennium Bash with special musical entertainment by Eileen and Miles Reiner, and accompanied by Esther Wax. For transportation, call 330-4272. Reminder: Mah Jongg Club will meet Wednesday, March 8, at the JCC. For information, call Charlotte Kaplan at 551-5658. Deadlines: For Mystery Tour on March 16 is March 9; WinnaVegas Casino on March 30 is March 23; Purim Party on March 20 is March 13. WALK-IN, DROP-IN Members will meet Thursday at the JCC. Exercise starts at 11:15 a.m. ;bingo starts at 10:30 a.m. Bring a dairy sack lunch to eat at 11:30 a.m. in room 10. At noon, enjoy the movie Runaway Bride in the Blumkin Home auditorium. Popcorn will be served. For transportation, call 330-4272. RUSSIANCLUB . Members will meet Friday, March 11, at the JCC. Exercise starts at 10 a.m. in the auditorium. At 11 a.m. , lunch will be served in room 5. At noon, a Russian movie will be shown in room 5. For reservations, call Lydia Linde at 697-9169. I'-;'-:---'/".' V'. •VISIONS • '• • -- '. Reminder: For those attending the show The Enchanted Cottage at the Omaha Community Playhouse on Sunday, March 5, please pick up your tickets at the t h e a t e r by 1:30 p.m. Membership luncheon meeting is Friday, March 17, 12:30 p.m., at Caniglia's Venice Inn. Musical guests are Eileen and Miles Remer, accompanied by Esther Wax. Send reservation form by March 10 to: Marvin Gerber, 9318 Walnut St., Omaha, NE 68124. B'NAIB'RITH BREADBREAKERS Larissa and Arkady Ginsburg, Russian immigrants, will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday. They will reveal their insights into life in the Ukraine, former Soviet Union and America. Question and answer session will follow. Breadbreakers meets at Pastime's Restaurant at noon. Cost is $8.50; open to the public. OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING Monday, March 6, 7:30 p.m. "Prayer for Women," hosted by Carol Katzman, 9151 Harney. Tuesday, March 7, 7 p.m., "Purim 2000: The Story of the Megilla," hosted by Beth Israel. Wednesday, March 8 12-1 p.m., "Purim 2000" Lunch 'n Learn, hosted by Pam Monsky in the JCC ; conference room. The topic will be "Why is Purim celebrated in Jerusalem a day after everywhere else?" Please bring your own lunch; A class in modern, spoken Hebrew, 6:30 p.m., hosted by Al Ross, 676 N. 56th St. Thursday, March 9, 7 p.m., Talmud, tractate Pesachim, hosted by Beth El. • For more information, call Director Rabbi Shlomo Levin, 551-1564.
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___ The Omaha Area Youth Orchestras will present a concert on Sunday, March 5, 3 p.m., at the TAC Building, 32nd and Cuming St. The concert will feature members of t h e Omaha Area Youth Orchestras' Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Aviva Segall, and the Youth Chamber Strings Orchestra, conducted by Jennifer Boomgaarden. They will be joined by the Youth Symphony of Kansas City's Philharmonic Bast, conducted by Jeffrey Jacobsen. For information, call 238-2044. The first chair in Urologic Surgery at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine was created with a $1 million gift from Dr. Edward and Sally Malashock. . Dr. Malashock, a urologist in private practice, served as Professor of Urology at UNMC for many years after graduating from the College of Medicine in 1946. His sons, Mark and James, are both graduates of UNMC. The Malashocks also have a daughter, Janice Egermayer. "It is my hope that this chair will assist UNMC in educating future physicians and in continuing research of prostate cancer and other urologic diseases," said Dr. Malashock in the Winter issue of the University of Nebraska Reporter. "This is truly an important area of study that deserves our concern and support." Adam K i r s h e n b a u m , son of Tom and Kate Kirshenbaum, graduated in December with .high distinction from the University of Nebraska School of Law. He will be employed by the Omaha office of Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin, in the corporate department.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
Beth Israel welcomes Cantor-in-Residence
Mishloach Manot, baskets for Purim, can be sent to family, friends and soldiers in Israel through the by Beth Cohen Israel Council of Young Israel. Orders received by March 10 will be delivered on or before Purim Cantor Aryeh Rendel from the Queens Jewish (March 21). Two sizes are available, deluxe for $50, Center will serve as Cantor-in-Residence during and regular for $36: For an order form and more Shabbos, Friday evening through Saturday information, call 1-800-617-6294, ext. 160. evening, March 24-25, at Beth Israel Synagogue. Well-known throughout the New York area for The Village at Pacific Springs new Clearwater his lyric baritone, cantorial abilities and inspiring Apartments will offer safety and convenience fea- davening, Cantor Rendel will daven Kabbalat tures, according to marketing director Steve Shabbat as well as Shabbos morning services. Rothenberg. These touches include raised outlets Other events of the weekend include Friday and switches for easier access, lower cabinets, night dinner and an after-dinner talk by the cantor extra-wide hallways, bathroom grab bars, a 24- on "The Goal of prayer, as well as Shabbos lunch hour emergency response system and night-time and a discussion of "Music in the Synagogue. security. Saturday evening, there will be a Melava Malka at Phase II of the project will add assisted living the home of Shirley and David Goodman, where residences, dementia care and skilled nursing. For the community can socialize with Cantor Rendel more information, call 691-8434. and his wife, Shirley. Reservations are now being accepted by the synE-Shop Enterprises announced the launch of agogue office for the Cantor-in-Residence meals. online kosher shopping at its website: Friday night dinner is $10 for adults, $6.50 for www.kosherclub.com. Kosher meat (including children ages 4-12; Saturday lunch is $7 for adults Chabad shchita), kosher dairy (including Cholov and $4 for children ages 4-12. There is no charge Yisroel) and general groceries are available. for children under the age of four for either meal. A This service is available not only to consumers at special price for both meals is $16 for adults and home, but to those who are travelling. Order $10 for children. kosher meals at the website and they'll be delivThe weekend is co-chaired by Donald and ered to your vacation destination, usually within 24 Berniece Cohen. Free babysitting service is availhours. For more information, visit the website or call able on Friday evening from 6-10 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. toll-free: 1-877-747-1212. For information or to make reservations, call the Hebrew University received a $30 million gift Beth Israel office a t 556-6288, or e-mail: in memory of the late Edmond J. Safra, who died bethi6rael@novia.net in a tragic house fire in Monte Carlo in December. The university will name its Givat Ram campus in his memory.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 3,2000
Israel belongs to all Jews
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For the fifth time in my life, I made the 10-hour journey over the Atlantic Ocean. For the fifth time, I felt the bump of the airplane as it landed at Ben Gurion Airport. And for the fifth time, I entered the walls of the Old City with anticipation, as I approached the Kotel. But for every time I come to this intensely holy place, the experience in Israel is never the same. The country itself changes dramatically from one trip to the next. But it's not just that new hotel that popped up here or the massive increase in cellular phone usage. Every time I go, I'm surrounded by new and different faces, all of whom have unique perspectives about the meaning of this place. And every time I go, I, myself, am different and, thus, affected differently by the experience. This trip around, I had the privilege and pleasure of going with more than 70 people from Omaha. I swelled with pride as I saw the hotel clerk's face when she found out that it was a Jewish tour from Omaha.
"There are Jews in Omaha?" she exclaimed! Y e s .
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There was the Holocaust survivor who brought her teenage grandson in order to help him develop pride in his Jewish identity. There was the family who came and visited their son who, was learning in yeshiva. There was the couple who got engaged on a kibbutz in the Golan Heights. And, of course, there were my parents, Carole and Wayne Lainof. My parents accompanied me' on my first trip to Israel .13 years ago and helped me develop my Jewish identity and pride in Israel. This time around, we were all seeing Israel through fresh eyes: me as a young professional, an aunt, and a Baalas Teshuva (newly-observant Jew)~they as grandparents and as parents who were coping with my change in observance. , . This trip provided an avenue for us to better understand each other and draw closer to each (Continued on page 9)
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March 3,2000
Israel belongs to all Jews...
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Sir Speedy,
(Continued from page 8) other. Each person on the tour had an opportunity to explore themselves and their relationship to the land. Eretz Yisrael has a way of drawing one's attention forth and fostering one's sense of self. When God told Abraham to leave his home and go to Israel, He said to him, "Lech Lecha," which literally means "Go to yourself." Only in the land of Israel could Abraham reach his full potential and become the first Jew. Of course, the way one is affected by Israel depends greatly on how much one invests in the experience. It is said that every four steps that a Jew takes in Israel is a fulfillment of a mitzvah (commandment). Also, every mitzvah one observes in the land has a different meaning. During Havdallah, many of the Mission participants shared how unique their Shabbat experience was in Jerusalem and how the experience in the land had affected them. Israel gives us strength not only as individuals but as a nation and a people with a purpose. Its beauty lies not just in its golden hills, green, misty valleys, and deep blue waters, but in every relationship we create and every action we take there. One thing was made very clear to me on this trip: physically and politically, the land of Israel belongs to the'Jews, but spiritually, it is the Jews who belong to the land of Israel. May this experience inspire us and others to con- Carole Lainof hoists a chunk of mineral tinue to foster our relationship with the land as deposits from the Dead Sea. well as our identity as committed Jews.
Page 9
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Zach Perelman, left, Becky Perelman, Brian Rosen and Carole Lainof take a jeep ride in the Golan Heights.
From inside the Beltway, NC JW-Omaha Section presents
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Page 10
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE .
March 3,2000
INTRODUCTION^
by Blypa Azriel
Students miked with know) "Intermodule Month" at Temple Israel f Middle School enabled students to choose experienced teachers who helped them j ' their own educational path for three weeks. explore and analyze. Students wh'o chose j ' These sessions fostered creativity through the "newspaper" intermodule worked with; , classes on aspects of Jewish culture - Joanie Jacobson, Carol Katzman andi Larry Axelrod in preparing this special! t music, intergeneratlonal storytelling, newsissue of "Teen Age." '; paper and holidays.
by Beckl Smedlund and Molly Needelman Whether you've "choogs." Choogs are some of the favorite I been to camp or things at- camp because you get to express not, we're sure yourself with your artwork or photography or you've heard anything else you do around the camp. other people tell Some of the different choogs were sports, stories about the photography, horseback riding, art, and camps they went nature. to, either a reliIn this article, you will read about the I gious camp, a choog we chose: photography.' It would take one day (about an hour horseback riding camp, foreign language or each) for us to take one-half roll of film, 12 something else. Some of the reasons we love Olin Sang pictures. The photos included snapshots of trees, horses, Ruby Union Instipeople. and tute in Oconomowoc, Wl, are other various objects around mostly because of t i camp. That the friends we was really fun meet in a real because we Jewish environgot to capture ment. the things that This may be the were special to only time in most us, and it was Jewish kids' lives an easy way to they are not a show our parminority. Plus, it ents what really makes camp was like. them feel better What we when they realize Photograph by Beckl Smedlund have just they are not the only person who Becki and Molly put their best feet forward at talked about is the only Jew in Olan Sang Ruby Camp. are some of the reasons their school. Also, it's just a great experience that no one why we love going to Olin Sang Ruby. It is a great experience for us, and we hope to see should be forced to miss. you next year at camp! At OSRUi, there were a bunch of different Beckl la an eighth grader at Mlllard North things you could choose to do for a few Middle School; Molly le en eighth grader at hours every day. These were called Westelde Middle School.
A r\\ppGr\ tame. by Steph Millward I was conversing with my fellow classmates about what we were doing for the millennium, when it struck me; I would be going to Israel on a family missionl As the trip crept nearer, many conversations occurred between my friends and me [mostly they were trying to scare me], con-
cial; we piled into our buses and headed to Jafa, a rebuilt city where you could walk around, and people still lived there. For us modern Americans, it was "old fashioned" but exquisite. It had shiny, smooth stones that were piled to make tall walls. You could walk all the way down to the bay from there.
Steph (first row, middle), and Omaha kids on Millennium Family Mission.
versations about terrorists, electrical mal- It was a little cold, but compared to functions, not being-able to get back to Omaha's weather, it was beautiful. America, and "the end of the world." For dinner we ate at a loft restaurant, and I wasn't hung up on these rumors, but that was the first time I talked with Avi, our • thoughts did cross my mind. I wasn't sure counselor for Bus One. how to feel about going to Israel, whether to Avi and Nolga (the youth counselors) be thrilled or nervous. I was a little of both. I were there mostly for the younger kids, but had been there once before, but I couldn't like older teens, they enjoyed having fun. remember a thing. We did a lot with Avi, but it was Nolga who The first day I arrived, millions of things took some of the girls around the malls and were running through my mind. I stepped into the good stores. After a long day and off that last step of the plane feeling eager) delicious dinner, we headed back to the Ail the scarry hype quickly vanished, and I hotel to sleep. Everyone seemed so jetlagged that they got to sleep right away. was left with a feeling of enjoyment. Every airport process became more and Everyone had gotten in such a fuss over more monotonous. Finally, in an hour or the "millennium!" I didnt understand it. The by Jake Bleicher two, we stepped on to the bus assigned to night we arrived in Jerusalem, even before us for the whole mission. we went to our hotel, we had a service Our guide, Alex, had a lot to say, however, which included a lecture about the millennialready had. He was desperately seeking too much for teens who talked non-stop. He um. On New Year's Eve, we had a Shabbat more than the forest could give him. gave us information on everything we service. I was so exhausted from that day The man was passed and places we went, but that was his that I went up from dinner to sleep. very disappointed job. Alex was an interesting person who had and set out to live Later that evening, the other kids came to in the town. He strong opinions which people accepted. get me, and we went to a "party" in the thought the town Everyone, at some time or another, got restaurant of the hotel; it was pretty funnyl It would have more something out of him. also seemed the adults were enjoying to offer: He met a We left the airport, and even though I'm themselves. woman whom he I sure we all wanted to shower, we were The kids, however, went upstairs for our married and lived! headed to plant a tree. After saying a own party. As we watched ESPN counting in the town with! prayer, and getting specific instructions, we down the seconds... "5, 4, 3,2,1, HAPPY her until he was I went to plant. NEW YEARI" everyone shouted from outquite old. My cousins, the Friedmans, planted trees side. It was one of the most exciting New As the man got I right next to ours. It was significant; we Year's of my life. older, he couldn't! planted "family trees." Every day after that was a blast) I got to take the exciteJake After tree planting, we rode to our hotel, know a lot of new people and became better ment of city life any longer and longed for the peace and quiet of the forest. The man the "Dan Panorama," but we weren't friends with those I already knew. Each day I realized that the trees and the forest had allowed to rest. I would have given anything /earned something new, not only about histoprovided him with everything he wanted and to set my head down on that pillow! They ry, but about something I could fall back on in gave us about an hour or two to shower and years to come, my religion. needed to survive. Many people take their religion for grantThe trees had loved him since he was a get freshened up. I went to the balcony; the child and he longed for their comfort and sight of the Mediterranean was exhilarating ed. Going to Israel made me open my eyes ' to what being Jewish really is about. I hope security. He took his wife and went back to and beautiful. the forest. When he got there, he dropped Before we left to go to our first sight, we In the near future, I get to go back and down to his knees and started crying. had some frustrations with plugs; we didn't experience it again, being more mature and A fire had started, and the trees In the for- have the right plugsl After that, we made it able to appreciate it even more than I did) est had been destroyed. The man was upset to the lobby without yelling at each other. Stoph la an eighth grader at Klewlt Middle with himself that he had not been there to That night I experienced something spe- •-•School. seek help. All but one tree had died. The man and his wife gathered up all of the saplings from the one remaining tree and planted them in the ground in hopes of recreating the old forest The mother tree was so happy to see that her baby trees : had been planted. One day when the husband and wife went to sleep on their bed of leaves, the man turned to his wife and said with a smile, "My job is complete. I have taken care of the old trees and left a new forest for all of the baby saplings." . The next morning the woman awoke to find that her husband and the old tree had both died.
nOOYrfflDlHErOllEST. There was a little boy who once lived in a rain forest. He knew each tree on a firstname basis. He would get up every morning and talk with all of his tree friends. They were a gigantic family. At night he would lay down on the cold earth, but he felt warm with all of the trees there to comfort him. As the boy grew, he became wiser and stronger. As the boy became wiser, he knew he needed e better place to sleep. He didn't like the cold earth that he had slept on every night since he was a baby, so he asked one of his brothers for some leaves. Then he was satisfied and things went back to normal, except that he had a new comfortable bed. Again as the boy grew, he became wiser and stronger. As the boy became wiser, he was able to imagine a more comfortable place: to sleep. He asked his great grandmother, who had recently broken a couple of limbs, if he could have them to build himself a hut. . The boy was happy in his new bed until he grew wiser and stronger and was able to imagine a better place to sleep. He was given everything he needed to survive in the forest, but nothing better than he
Jake Is a seventh grader at Brownell-Talbot
Photograph by Alex Bloom
Swedish medical bus from Holocaust Memorial at Yad Vashem.
March 3,2000
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
'TEEN AGE' SPECIAL EDITION EDITORIAL by Sara Rips . I don't think the Littleton shooting was the media's fault. I do not think it was the parents' fault I think it was the jocks' fault. They teased those two boys every day. If you hear the same remarks, day after day, it starts to get to you. They heard the same remarks day aftei I day. It doesn't ' matter who you are, what youi name Is or how tough y o u are, you are bound to crack.
The Run of a Lifetime
a form of Japanese animation
by Alex Bloom The noise seemed deafening. I turned around to the huddle. The tight-end barked the play out, "Blue, 23, Middle, Trap!" We broke away from I the huddle and lined up. I gritted my teeth, g a v e l the snap count t h e n , "Hut, Hut, Hike," the play fell j into action.
What about me?
•
-
•
I'm smart. • I have feelings. I have my own beliefs. I have my own life. I have lots of friends and a social life.
I like to talk on the phone. Everything was | going correctly. People think I'm cute and All the receivers | sometimes funny. were in the right I'm short and sweet. places and the running-back was I have fun and I dream. ready. I delivered I have two parents Alex the pitch right on and an older sister. . . time. He had the ball, and he was off. He ran hard for five yards, but problems awaited. He cut back across the field, makI'm Jewish. -) ing two tacklers miss. If he continued left, there would be 10 yards, and he'd be tackI'm a teenager. ' led, or he could spin right and follow his / love to act. blocker, that is, if he could get to the blockI love to dance. er first. I'm sure some people He chose right, making yet another tackier miss, and it was "off to the races.".He was on have the same interests as me. "' their 35-yard line and still going. Twenty-five, But nobody is as much me 20-, 15-, 10-, 5- and then "Bam!" The safety as I am me. came out of no^ whera by Angela Friedman The world spun in Pencil drawing by Amy Bresel a complete circle. Angela Is a seventh grader at Beverldge Amy Is an eighth grader at King Science He opened his Middle School. Center. eyes as he was being lifted up, his legs clipped out from under h i m , • by J . J . Friedman and he did a complete flip. I did this survey to find out how teenagers For the first list, Family was 1st, Friends Everyone celemy age put their priorities in order. I wanted were 2nd, School was 3rd, closely followed brated, for his flip - to see if everyone else had the same ideas . by Religion at 4th. had just won the as I did. I wanted to keep it simple and For the second list, Self-esteem was 1st, game, 20-19. That easy, so I made a survey consisting of two then Grades at was the run of a lists. 2nd, Money at lifetime. Participants had to put their priorities in 3rd, and Looks at Alex Is an eighth order of importance from 1-4. The first list 4th. grader at Lewis and had "Friends. . .Family. . .Religion. . . In the first group, Clark Junior High. School." The second list had "Looks. . . Religion and Computer art by Forrest Rogers-Marcovitz, Money.. .Self-esteem.. .Grades." School were so I typed up the lists and handed them out close that if you an eighth grader at Fremont Middle School at religious school and Kiewit Middle looked at the School. I collected the forms but didn't look graph and averat them. After that, I took the survey myself aged the. 3rd and by Rebecca Moshman and sealed it in an envelope to keep the '4 4th choices, j Religion rated Animal cruelty is a genocide behind will die in its cage and be left there for hours confidentiality. 'higher than I gathered 19 surveys (besides mine) that closed doors. Too many people are unedu- or days until the worker comes to dispose of J.J. School. were returned and here are the results: cated about the excruciating torture to ani- the body. The most interesting thing was Money. mals In this country. Here Is a summary of Animal scientists have developed a speFIRST QUESTION You might think that 3rd is an appropriate some of the heart-breaking stories. cial kind of chicken called a "broiler." This Rating Totals ranking for Money, but the rankings were The cattle industry injects drugs, known type of chicken grows quicker and bigger Rankings 12 3 4 evenly rated, unlike the others which had a . as growth-promoting hormones, into cows. than ever and produces more meat. 2 FRIENDS 7 6 4 2 bigger difference between them. That means These hormones make the cows grow to a Scientists developed another special 1 FAMILY 9 7 3 0 that Money really varies from being the most larger size and produce more meat and chicken called a 4 RELIGION 2 3.4 9 important to the least important, evenly milk, Cattle are fed protein concentrates "layer," which pro3 SCHOOL 1 3 7 8 across the board. also known as meat and bone meal. Protein duces far less Compiling the categories and results concentrates are the internal organs, blood, meat and way allowed me to do research on what I and bad meat from other livestock ground more eggs. Half SECOND QUESTION thought would be fun and interesting. As it up together. The infection and disease from of all layer chickRating Totals Rankings turns out, the final rankings were actually the dead animals is passed on to the cattle ens are male, and 1 2 3 4 not far off from my own personal survey. that eat the feed. This puts the people who male chicks are 4 LOOKS 0 2 8 9 So, most kids my age have close to the eat the meat in danger. worthless. What 3 MONEY 4 5 4 5 same view on priorities as I do. Cows are naturally herbivores, which becomes of these 1 SELF-ESTEEM 10 3 4 1 J.J. Is an eighth grader at Kiewit Middle means they only eat plants. Farmers have 200 million.male 2 GRADES School. 4 8 2 4 not-only turned cows into carnivores but into chicks? Almost cannibals. A typical cow produces less than immediately-after 9,000 pounds of milk per year. Today, a dairy they hatch, -they Rebecca farm cow produces close to 16,000 pounds are thrown away per year. This puts enormous stress on the or ground up, alive. ' cow and makes it more prone to disease. The T o r a h i s written completely about Veal calves undergo the worst-life. They steadfast love and compassion for the envispend their whole lives chained in narrow ronment and for other beings. That means pens. They do not ever walk because the all beings, not just humans, but all who fee/. cage keeps them from developing muscle It teaches us to take care of what we have. That includes dirt, rocks, plants, animals, so that the flesh stays pale. On a veal farm in Pennsylvania, police and humans alike. Jewish dietary laws consider the suffering found a barn full of dead, rotting veal calves. One of the few surviving calves had of animals when they are butchered. We, as his chain so tight around his neck that it had Jews, should take the next step and care about animal cruelty. grown Into his skin as he had gotten bigger. Now that you have an idea of how your Chickens in chicken farms collapse in their cages on a daily basis. The typical meal was treated before you bought it, it response to a sick bird Is to just throw t h e ' may change your perspective on the way animal on the floor. The bird will then die .you enjoy it. Rebecca Is an eighth grader at Wostslde from thirst or its affliction. Sometimes a bird Pencil drawing by David Martin, an eighth grader at Beverldge Middle School. Middle School* Those boys cracked. Why is it that- no one noticed the hard time these boys were having? Is it because teachers Sara and parents and other adults support jocks more than other students? Teachers and fellow students saw these things but they never did anything. These boys endured torture every day. Their self-esteem lowered. They jtist wanted to be happy. The jocks stopped them from being happy. The feeling of being hated or just unwanted is unbearable. You either want to die, or have others die. It is such an anger that engulfs you. You are not yourself. You are someone else. Now your only concern Is to get rid of what bugs you. They decided not to tell teachers or parents and take the matter into their own hands. They were angry and scared and mad. The jocks fed off this and led them off the edge. The boys just snapped, all because some kids didn't have anything nice to say. Sara Is an eighth grader at Brownell-Talbot.
TEEN SURVEY.
Animal Cruelty
X
Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 3,2000
'TEEN AGE* SPECIAL EDITION INTERVIEW-
—:
by Max Rogers-Marcovitz
A grind: your board slides, or "grinds" on experience, and if they're going to be on a rail or tree. A backside 360: you turn time. toward your shoulder that is facing the Q. Do you help choose the products you back of the board for a full turn. sell? These are just a few of the hundreds of A. Yes. tricks you can do on a snowboard or wake- Q. How long has Bahnsen's been open? board. I've been A. For 49 years. interested In Q. Are you worried about your winter snowboarding and equipment sales since there hasn't been wakeboarding for much snow? a long time. In my A. Yes, it's been a dragging year. opinion, Bahn- Q. Do you think Mt.Cresent (a local ski sen's sports store area) plays a major role in your sales of I is the best place to winter equipment? go for snowboard- A. A little bit! ing, wakeboarding Q. If you, could change one thing about the and other equip- store, what would it be? ment. A. Notworkingasmuch. I have been to Q. Is it hard to fire someone if he or she other area sports isn't working hard enough? Max stores and, a l - A. It can be, but it depends. though they have a good selection, Q. What business advice do you have Bahnsen's has the best. So, when I was about running or just working in a store? given the assignment to interview the A. You better know what you're doing to owner of a business, I thought it would be get in the field, and go to work on time. great to interview someone who liked out- Q. Do you think you will be working as the door activities and selling equipment for owner of Bahnsen's for a long time to the outdoors. come? The following is my interview with Kevin A. Yes, till my kids are ready to work. Bahnsen, owner of Bahnsen's Ski & Sport. Q. Have you ever planned on expanding Q. How long have you worked at your store to other locations? Bahnsen's? A. I've thought about it, that's all. Through this interview, I have learned A. For 49 years, since I was 12 years old. what it's like to run and own a business. Q. Do you enjoy your work? I've learned that you have to work hard, A. Yes, very much. know what you're doing, and really know Q. How did you get the position? the product you're going to sell before you A. My father. I worked with my brothers. Q. Where have you worked to get where open up a business. you are now? I thought it would be pretty hard to do the interview. I was really nervous, but it wasn't A. This is the only job I've ever had. so hard, and I hope to write another story Q. Do you enjoy any outdoor activities? A. Yes, skiing, boating, snowboarding and soon. volleyball. Max Is a seventh grader at Fremont Middle Q. How do you choose your employees? A. From their qualifications, background, School.
Photographed and developed by Nick Newman, an eighth grader at Westside Middle School.
Petject What's your idea of a perfect picture? A sunrise over a mountain • The height of a water fountain The swirls in the sky Seeing a graceful bird fly A perfect moment with you and a friend " Or a picture of your Imagination set in pretend
7770 sadness of the world , • ,-' /,. iT The scared moment of a loved one:\ -. The tears of glories 'The awful stories '
-
'.'}j ;.
Black or white Blue or green
_,
-';
leaf's your,idea of a perfect picture?
Well, whatever it is or may be I'm sure it's something great to see. A funny picture when water comes out of your nose Or a serious picture of a petal of a rose Naomi Is a seventh grader at Westside Middle School.
Create Opportunities. ions. "Creighton has always been known as a nationally-recognized institution for higher education. But it's •the-people that have made the difference for me. What you'll find at Creighton are great educators that are passionate about what they do. The small classes and personal relationships I've built with my professors have helped me both personally and academically: We worked together to establish the Creighton Jewish Student Croup which has become a strong personal connection for me. There is a premium on this kind of one-on-one education - it's a
Scott Yahraus, CV 2002 Finance Major
huge opportunity for whatever you want to be."
Office of Undergraduate Admissions. 800.262.5835.402.280.2703. admlsslonsecrelghton.edu
CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY
,
March 3,2000
BILU USY presents a talent show
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 13
Rabbi Aaron Panken to speak to teens and parents by Elyce Azriel, Director Temple Israel Middle/High School
The community is invited to BILU VSTs first Talent Show on Sunday, March 5, 6 p.m., at Beth El Synagogue. The show features Beth El's youth from ages 5 to 50. Cost is $5 for students and $7 for adults. Children age three and under are free. All proceeds go to USY interna-
tional charities. Lefts Practicing for the show are Betsey Goodman and other Kadimah teens; righU Josh Sweet and Douglas BerenbaumMeyers rehearse their trumpet number. For more information or to reserve tickets, call adviser Holly Friedman at 492-8550.
Teen discussion group to address Jewish identity issues by Shani Katzman Chabad House recently announced the formation of be held at Chabad House, 1866 S. 120th St., starta group for young teenage girls to help them clarify ing Sunday, March 12,11 a.m. their Jewish values. Program originator Susan These groups will run for six consecutive weeks. Skulsky said special attention will be given to tie liv- Refreshments will be served. Susan Skulsky, ing of a Jewish lifestyle in all aspects of a teenagers M.Ed., LMHP, and I, Director of Education at life, including friendship, competitive endeavors, aca- Chabad House, will co-facilitate the group. demic achievement and charitable giving. Registration and questions are welcome. For more information, call me at 330-1800, or Skulsky said it is her professional observation that the need to gear discussion groups to meet the Skulsky at 496-9077. needs and challenges of being a Jewish teenager Mitzvah opportunity today is greater than ever. "This group will offer participants an opportunity Chabad House will hold a Melavah Malka, to enter into a meaningful dialogue with other girls Saturday evening, March 11, to meet a family their age in order to gain a better perspective on from Jerusalem awaiting a liver transplant. The being Jewish in the context of their adolescence," patient is here with her husband, son and .daughshe added. ter, none of whom speak English. The Bikur Discussions will be based on Jewish scripture and Cholim Society has organized this evening in hopes on modern day writings, including The Seven that Yiddish- or Hebrew-speaking members of the Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey. community can attend and assist the family during Each of the seven habits will be used as a spring- their stay. board for the topics to be considered each week. For more information, or to provide translation Teenagers, between the ages of 13 and 16, are or financial assistance, call Rabbi Mendel Katzman encouraged to participate, and parental participa- at Chabad, 330-1800; or Nancy Rampey-Binamow tion along side their child is optional. Meetings will at Jewish Family Service, 334-6493.
FREE TUITION at an Outstanding Yeshiva High School! The Margolin Hebrew Academy/Feinstone Yeshiva of the South in Memphis, TN, is offering 18 tuition-only scholarships to qualified students with excellent academic records and character references. < '• For students with little, or no background in Judaic Studies, a Fresh Start program is available. The scholarships are for students entering either the ninth or tenth grades in Fall, 2000. Scholarships do not include registration fees, dormitory charges or books. For more information, call
(901) 682-2409 or e-maiimhafys@aol.com
Middle/High school department will participate once again in a workshop for students and parents on Wednesday, March 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m. The workshop, entitled "Ancient Traditions/ Modern life Experiences: the Teaching of Jewish Values," allows parents and their teenagers to talk about values. These are the foundations for the choices our youth make and the way they think. Clarifying values is critical as young people explore who they are and who they want to become. Values should inspire, not just prohibit. In addition to helping students avoid high-risk situations, values should guide their day-to-day actions and interactions in a positive way. Rabbi Aaron Panken is the Dean of Hebrew Union College-JewiBh Institute of Religion's New York School. He is also a Wexner Graduate Fellow and a PhD Candidate in Talmud and Rabbinic Literature at New York University, Ordained at HUC-JIR in 1991, he served as Assistant and Associate Rabbi of Congregation Rodeph Sholom in New York City and has worked extensively with students as a Youth Director for Reform Movement camps, youth programs and Israel trips. Rabbi Panken is aware of adolescents re-examining their relationships with peers, teachers and parents. The role of the family in all of this is crucial. Research shows that close family relationships and parents' caring and empathy for others help young people develop strong, positive values. All high school students in the community and their parents are invited to attend. Rabbi Panken will also speak to the eighth grade class at Beth £1 Synagogue on Tuesday, March 7, 4:30-5:30 p.m., and to the JOLT (Jewish Omaha Learning Training) class at the JCC from 6-9 p.m., as well as at the Women of Reform Judaism/ Midrasha Talmud study session on Wednesday, March 8,10-11:30 ajn. For more information, call Temple Israel at 5566536. This program is funded by a grant from the Lazier L. Singer Memorial Foundation.
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Case School is dedicated specifically to students with specialized learning needs CASE School admits students ol any nice, color, religion, i n , national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or mads avallabb to students at th» school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national and ethnic origin In admlnUtratlon of its educational policies, admission policies, or scholarship, loan or other school programs.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 14
March 3,2000 Kaddish, by Leon Wieseltier, Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1998
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"In absence of mind, I started to say Kaddish at Jews who, in God's grace, find themselves saying Kaddish for a father or mother (or for other rela- the end of the service today [his Kaddish time was tives or friends) rarely recognize that Kaddish as a over]. There I stood, a mourning machine." (p. 471) mourners' prayer is not, as some casually say, "Custom is lovable in a way that law is not. It "thousands of years old." ' asserts the reality of practices against the idealizAs such, as a matter of historical fact, it is less ing of principles." (p. 506) "The righteous may or not be martyred, but the than a thousand years old, despite legend that it is very old. martyred are righteous." (p. 578) "Every intimation of immortality is an evasion of During the year (11 months) that Leon Wieseltier was saying Kaddish for his father, he jotted down mortality." (p. 549) various animadversions on the Kaddish, morality, "The resurrection of the dead means (also) the illness, human sinfulness, depression, exaltation, return of one's least favorite people." (p. 553) and a thousand other subjects. Since he is brilliant "A man must not mourn excessively for the dead, and articulate, his comments are consistently inter- for this is t h e way of t h e world. A man who esting, even fascinating, emotion-freeing, and pro- anguishes for the way of the world is a fool." (p. voking of soul-searching and mind-searching. 573) Many, many more of Wieseltier's perceptive comIn the course of his free-thinking discussion of his mourning and his Kaddish-saying, and his praying ments, so incisively stated, might be quoted. But and leading prayers in his shul, Wieseltier surveys the reader is invited to savor them for himself. a vast field of remarks about the Kaddish and To sum up: The Mourner's Kaddish was first conmourning in the Talmud and in early and medieval ' fined to being recited only on the Sabbath. In early decisions about saying Kaddish in various coun- centuries, it was recited by one person only, and tries and by various decisors, both Ashkenazic and elaborate rules were adopted to choose that one Sephardic. person, stranger or local resident, mourning within The average reader will be uninterested in the the shivah or shloshim (within seven or 30 days of procession of responsa on problems of the Kaddish, death), and so on. and unimpressed by them. But as he threads his The Mourners' Kaddish (Kaddish Yatom, the way through all these questions and authorities' Orphans' Kaddish) has been with us since around answers,-the reader is gripped by the array of com- the 12th century. At times (even now(?) it became a ments and the insights that led to them. kind of cult. In Jewish life generally it was a small E.g., "Spirituality is surrounded by superstition. thing that loomed large, garnering a disproportionIt is a permanent siege." (p. 132) ate amount of attention. E.g., ""The sins of the fathers,' God told Moses, Wieseltier observed Kaddish for his father faithVill not be visited on the sons.' That is a promise of fully, at three services every day. And-he has fairness. But neither should the saintliness of the fathers be visited on the sons. Fair is fair." (p. 213) researched the history of the Kaddish with intelli. . ."'even though he sinned, he is still a Jew' gence and perseverance. His book is long, and scannable. When scanned became Jewry's great resource against the ravages of forced conversions in Ashkenaz (during the First according to one's own best interests and time demands, it is remarkably engaging. . Crusade and Rashi's lenient decisions)."
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The on-again off-again talks between est reports about the Golan from Reuters Israel and Syria illustrate how difficult and AP at Yahoo: it is to decide the future of the Golan searchaiews.yahoo.com/search/newB7 Heights. As Israel continues its negotia- p=Golan+Heights. tions with Syria over the strategic The largest Jewish community in the plateau, there are many websites that Golan is Qatzrin: www.golan.org.il/ you can visit to check out the history, the qatzrin/. The capital of the Golan was latest news and the points of view in founded in 1977 and now has some 6,000 both Israel and Syria. inhabitants. Their bilingual website One of the best places to start is at traces the history of the area and highIsrael's Ministry of Foreign Affairs web- lights some of the major tourist attracsite:www.israel-mfa.goval/mfn/go.asp? tions and businesses. MFAHOOsoO. One of the most famous is the Ramat From the 1974 Separation of Forces Hagolan Winery: www.golanwines.co. Agreement through the present, you get il/ makers of award-winning wines, mara play-by-play of the major contacts keted under the labels Yarden, Gamla, between Syria and the Rabin, Peres, and Golan. Netanyahu and Barak governments. The most prominent website in the Golan There's also a link to a detailed article itself can be found at: www.golaa.org.il/ from Middle East Insight magazine in Hebrew with its English counterpart at: which traces the border following the www.golan.org.il/eindex.htm. This Anglo-French partition of Ottoman Syria large site combines history, tourism, polithrough to the eve of the Six Day War: tics and lobbying. www.mideastinsight.org/9_99/lineFinally, I highly recommend a series of ofjuneG7_9.99.html. ' articles written by Ellis Shurman for One of the fascinating parts of the arti- About.com: www.israeliculture.about. cle explains how prior to the 1967 war, com/culture/israeliculture/library/w Israel ruled all of Lake Tiberias, yet eekly/aal21399a.htm. He traces the along the northeastern shore, control Israeli hesitation toward a Syrian peace wasTimited to a 10-meter strip of beach. and he focuses on the key issues of borAfter the Yom Kippur war, Israel and ders, water rights, security issues and a Syria signed a Separation of Forces on timetable for Israeli withdrawal May.31, 1974. You can read that docuShurman has even set up an (unscienment at: wwwasrael-mfa.goval/mfa/ tific) poll about the chances of peace with go.asp?MFAH00pw0 and check how Syria: wwwa8raeliculture.about.coin/ the borders were again modified. culture/israeliculturc/library/polls/b lpoUlOJitm. What about the present? Things change so quickly in the Middle When I last looked, 38% of responEast that it's hard to keep track. The dents optimistic about peace, 45% said Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains a the Syrians don't really want peace and page that links to the latest events: 12% felt Israeli citizens won't give up wwwasrael-mifl.gov.il/mfa/go.a8p? the Golan. Any withdrawal from the MFAHOgaiO. When I last looked there Golan will require a genuine nationwere recent articles from Ha'artez'a wide referendum and approval by at English edition, The Jerusalem Post, least 61 members of Knesset: www.usCNN and the U.S. State Department israel.org/jBOurcc/Peace/golantoc.ht Website. You can also search for the lat- ml.
March 3,2000
Elections 2000 (Continued from page 1) rise and fall on whether our grassroots volunteers are active. They are the voters and congress listens!" When asked about the abilities needed to persuade a state legislator or a congressperson on an issue of importance to NCJW members, Moshenberg replied, T h e main ingredient is passion for a cause. Of course, it doesn't hurt to be persuasive, but passion can translate into persuasion in a variety of ways. For example, if you're a talented writer who can compose a thoughtful letter, use that to write often to policy makers and to the newspapers. • "The important thing is to use your power as a constituent to contact your legislator, write a letter or visit your senator," Moshenberg added. "One of the biggest components of advocacy is communication!'' Reacting to the media's interest in the recent NCJW press conference on child care, Moshenberg said, "In all my years at NCJW, I've never seen the kind of response NCJW had to the release ofOpening a New Window on Child Care." Noting that child care is'an important topic among working parents, Moshenberg was pleased with the attention paid by CNN, Tom Brokaw and the NBC Nightly News, and the Associated Press, as well as the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, in featuring this story. The report, updated from NCJWs initial survey on daycare in 1972, still finds parents scrambling for affordable, quality child care. Itfs one of the issues high on the NCJW agenda. Observing the high rate of Internet usage by Jews, she also recommends keeping up to date on issues, such as this, through the many sources available on the internet and using e-mail to correspond with members of congress. Besides visiting NCJW's own website (www.ncjw.org) for updates on federal issues, voters can also access the websites of other organizations, from local synagogues to national agencies, like the Anti-Defamation League and Planned Parenthood, to gather information. In addition to her responsibilities in the nation's capital, Moshenberg is also editor of the quarterly Washington Newsletter, a publication which highlights the current issues in Congress, cases before the Supreme Court, or presidential initiatives. . Moshenberg is a graduate of Shimer College in Illinois and has her master's degree from Loyola College in Baltimore. Prior to her first position with NCJW in New York in the public relations department, she was a magazine editor and public school teacher. NCJW honored Moshenberg with its prestigious Hannah G. Solomon Award in 1995, named for the founder of NCJW. Moshenberg is also a member of . the Advisory Board of the Women's Information Network of Washington, D.C.,"and a past board member of the National Committee for Public Education and Religious Liberty. "Having candidates' questionnaires and forums, as Omaha Section does, allows constituents to educate themselves about important issues and be involved in well-honed advocacy networks," she added. "If the Jewish community does have strength, it's because we vote in high numbers. As a minority in Nebraska and nationwide, we can't afford to be anything less than vigilant!" Wednesday nights event is open to the entire community. It is sponsored by a grant from the Sharee C. and Murray H. Newman Foundation. For more information, call Sara Juster, NCJW State Public Affairs Chairwoman, 697-3804.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 15
Congressman Terry visits Israel by Carol Katzman
(Continued from page 1) A five-day trip to Israel gave first-time visitors David Gilinsky and the Honorable Lee Terry (RNE) a,new understanding of the State's position in a very dangerous part of the world. Terry, the current Second Congressional District Congressman, and Gilinsky, a member of the ADL-CRC board, shared impressions and insights on last week's visit with the Jewish Press. "This was an extremely informative trip," Rep. Terry explained. "It's one thing to know, in an academic sense, it's another thing to be there and talk to everyone, from a shopkeeper to a brigadier general, about security issues. "What I learned was how much more complex and intricate the situation is in the Middle East," he said, adding that he always "knew Israel was an ally, but never realized the depth of the relationship." Rep. Terry and Gilinsky were among a group of congresspeople and lay people who toured Israel from Jerusalem to the Golan, and met with such dignitaries as: Stuart Schoffman, Editor of the Jerusalem Report; Wendy Singer, Director of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in Israel; Selai Meridor, Chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel; Dr. Zvi Shtabuer, Foreign Policy Adviser to Prime Minister Ehud Barak; and Dr. Saeb Erekat, Senior Palestinian Negotiator. The trip, organized by AIPAC's American Israel Education Foundation, was funded by a grant from an anonymous donor and the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Other congresspeople who participated included Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Rep. Gary Miller (R-CA); Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-CA); and Rep. Mark Udall(D-CO). While touring the Golan Heights, the group stepped in Kiryat Shemona, the site of shelling in recent weeks from the Hezbollah, a terrorist group based in southern Lebanon. In a town meeting with residents, olim (immigrants) from the former Soviet Union expressed their concerns about trying to obtain information from the government on services such as employment, housing, education, social services and health. "The same issues arise when I meet with constituents in South Omaha," Rep. Terry noted, adding that these services are being provided to immigrants by both the U.S. and Israel, but that the information needs to be more accessible. The group also heard from military and foreign policy experts about the Golan Heights. "The issue is whether Israel should really give up the Golan," Rep. Terry explained. "We asked the military advisers and their answer was "Yes.1 Of course, there are civilians who think otherwise, but peace is important, and they all want peace. "If Israel can get the security they need, if there is a demilitarized zone, if Syria keeps its armed forces as far back as Damascus...those are big Ifs.*" According to the congressman, Israeli officials are already talking with the U.S. about the type of monitoring and early-warning system needed in that area. Specifics like moving military bases, cost of moving civilians and new military equipment are all part of the discussions. "It opened my eyes to the reality that the world is a much smaller place and Israel's importance in that world is much higher than I previously realized," added Gilinsky. "It's a place where history, religion and politics converge. And as much as I
Rep. Lee T e r r y a n d B r i g . G e n . Herzog reviewed security needs on the Golan Heights. was educated before, this trip gave me insight into how difficult the Peace Process is." The group did have time to visit the Old City. "What a beautiful city Jerusalem is!" Terry said. "You can't help but be overwhelmed. "As a freshman congressman, I'm still on a learning curve," he added. "These AIPAC trips are tremendously important to understand the issues on the ground. The Wye River debate last year in Congress was successful for Israel because of the AIPAC's work."
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Page 16
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 3,2000
Fun and funds for Women of Reform Judaism by Dorothy Spizman
Temple Israel's Women of Reform Judaism began a series of "Fun(d) Raisers" last month at the home of Sandy and Paul Epstein. The evening of wine tasting and hors d'oevres was the first in 12 events to raise funds to further the mission of WRJ. Temple Israel's Sisterhood, began in 1886 as a ladies' sewing circle. Sisterhood was in constant service to the congregation and provided the funds for carpeting and other furnishings. When the Park Avenue building opened in 1908, the Sisterhood donated the organ; in succeeding years, they continued to provide monies for the reduction of the mortgage and physical improvements to the building. In more recent years, WRJ has become more involved in the world. According to President Wendy Goldberg, "In this coming year, we will create a new mission which will guide us in our strategic planning. Some of the things we would like to see promoted are Jewish bedtime rituals in the home and a community discussion on violence and gun control." . WRJ hopes to create a task force for social action to speak in the community about rights for women and their families. Also in the planning stages is a women's retreat, which would include Torah study, programming and recreational opportunities, as well as an e-mail directory for Temple college students and educational events with speakers to interest the entire community. In order to reach these goals, WRJ planned additional fundraisers. According to chairman Stacey Rockman, the events will raise money but also create friendships within the Temple community. The host and hostess of each event will donate the food and other related expenses; all proceeds will benefit WRJ programming. The second event included dinner and Havdalah, hosted by Lori and Michael Miller and Wendy and David Goldberg at the Miller home, and by Stacie and Marc Brodkey and Elizabeth and Marty Cohen at the Brodkey home.
Sharon Sobel, left, EUie Bleicher and Denise Meyers enjoy the hors d'oevres at the Epstein home. Upcoming events include a women's lunch and needlepoint lessons on March 17 at a cost of $20. "This will be open for all those who already know how to needlepoint and those who want to learn. Those in attendance will find that needlepoint is a wonderful outlet for creativity and relaxation." Jewish singles of all ages are invited to a party on May 13, 8 p.m., hosted by Todd Simon and Emily Milder. Cost is $20, and singles will have an opportunity to mingle in an "artscape" atmosphere. Jordana and Jim Glazer, Kimberly and Andrew Robinson and Kay and Dale Weinstein will host a Family Olympics at the Weinstein cabin near Mahoney State Park on June 3. The day will include three-legged races, wheelbarrow races, water balloon toss, tug of war and a picnic. The evening will end with Havdalah; cost is $35 per family. Grandparents and grandchildren only will be allowed at a party hosted by Tom and Darlynn Fellman on June 4 at One Pacific Place. The day will include swimming, face painting, photographs and party bags. Lunch is included and there will be a surprise visitor. Cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children. Silvia and Larry Roffman and Phyllis and Dick
iris Blumkin, left, Anne Cohen and Ron Blumkin sample the wines at the first WRJ Fun(d) Raising events. Glazer will host cocktails and dinner at the Roffman home on Curtis Lake on June 24 at 7 p.m. Cost is $35 per person and is for adults only. On the same weekend, Andi Kavich, Connie Kully, Sharee Newman and Stacey Rockman invite the community to a garden walk. Cost is $15 per person; in case of rain, the tour will be on June 26. On Saturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16, Kathy and Steve Simon will entertain. Cost is $60 per person for an evening of good food and live entertainment. The final event will be a picnic and party on Aug. 6 at the Lake Manawa home of Lois and Joel Finkel. Hosts and hostesses include Ruth and Joe Erman, J a n Perelman and Terri and Dick Zacharia. The day will also include swimming, boating, jet and water skiing. "There are parties for all ages, every taste and budget," Rockman noted. "This is a wonderful way to share time with your friends and give an important financial contribution to future WRJ programming. Some of the events are already close to being 'sold out,' so hurry and make reservations." The events are open to,the entire community.1 For more information, call Temple Israel, at 556-6536.
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